RMM -Chapter 126 A Refined Scoundrel

When Xi Yuechen and Brother Long were led into the villa’s living room, they finally got a clear look at the layout of the first floor.

If Xi Yuechen weren’t naturally so cold-tempered, he probably would have blurted out a complaint right then—damn it, what kind of taste is this living room?

The entire first floor of the villa was almost completely open, extremely spacious, and brightly lit. But that wasn’t the point. The point was…

Xi Yuechen suddenly understood what Brother Long had meant earlier by “luxurious.”

This living room was more than just luxurious—it was downright resplendent in gold.

Anyone who had only seen the exterior of the villa, no matter how wild their imagination, would never have guessed that inside such a sleek, minimalist, thoroughly modern-looking building, it would be like this.

Even someone as calm and detached as Xi Yuechen couldn’t help but freeze for a moment.

The vast living room was filled everywhere with glittering yellow objects—by visual estimation, they were the substance known as gold—embedded in different sizes and at different positions across the ceiling and walls. The floor was made of top-grade rosewood. In the center of the living room sat a set of genuine leather sofas. The windows were framed with exquisitely carved wooden decorations. In one corner stood a long, pitch-black display shelf filled with all kinds of delicate antiques, an overwhelming variety of them. From the ceiling hung a magnificent, dazzling crystal chandelier.

Forcing his gaze away from this bizarre, mismatched décor, even someone as composed as Xi Yuechen couldn’t help the corner of his eye twitch slightly.

The boss of Yan Sect truly had an extraordinary sense of taste—just like a newly rich tycoon.

Still, Xi Yuechen could tell that just decorating this chaotic living room alone must have cost at least as much as building the villa itself.

Yet Brother Long stood there looking utterly envious, as if he couldn’t get enough of it. Xi Yuechen really couldn’t help wondering: Is everyone in Yan Sect blessed with such… unique aesthetic sense? Isn’t there even one normal person who could’ve given the boss some advice?

Though thinking this, Xi Yuechen showed nothing unusual on his face, maintaining a polite smile.

Even though he was currently playing the role of the businessman Cheng Yue and could display normal emotional reactions, basic courtesy alone dictated that he wouldn’t reveal even a hint of amusement at the living room. That would only displease the host.

A well-mannered person was often more likely to win others’ favor.

However, looking at this living room, Xi Yuechen began to analyze the mysterious boss of Yan Sect. One could often glimpse a person’s psychology through their behavior.

When they first entered, the living room was empty. Xi Yuechen followed Brother Long and waited on the sofa for a while before footsteps sounded from upstairs.

From the sound alone, Xi Yuechen immediately judged that the owner of the footsteps was a middle-aged man. The steps carried the steadiness unique to that age—each one heavy and stable. Clearly, this man was in very good physical condition, solid and powerful.

Sure enough, a tall figure appeared at the stairway. Xi Yuechen didn’t scrutinize him closely, instead quickly standing up and looking at the newcomer with almost worshipful delight—yet without any crazed expression, showing restraint and composure, nothing out of place.

As soon as Bai Xiong came downstairs and saw Xi Yuechen like this, he burst into laughter.
“So this is Cheng Yue? Indeed a fine-looking young man.”

Bai Xiong found Xi Yuechen’s behavior amusing. Did he really think Bai Xiong hadn’t noticed the fervor in his eyes, barely concealed beneath that restraint?

Eager but not reckless—very good. Ambitious, yet aware of limits.

Meeting face to face, Bai Xiong immediately developed some goodwill toward the young man. Though he still couldn’t perfectly hide his emotions, he was young after all. He’d improve with time. People like this weren’t hard to use.

Especially that refined, scholarly calm about Xi Yuechen—it pleased Bai Xiong greatly. At first glance, he looked exactly like a social elite. Who would have thought that beneath it all he was a refined scoundrel? But that kind of refined scoundrel—Bai Xiong liked!

Bai Xiong wasn’t well educated. But even without schooling, he’d managed to carve out Yan Sect with his own abilities, making countless people wary and ever stronger in influence.

When he was young, because he hadn’t studied much and lacked education, he had suffered plenty of contempt and injustice—none of which he had forgotten. Now that he’d built such an empire, weren’t those lofty intellectuals all scrambling to curry favor with him?

So whenever highly educated people came to depend on him, he felt a particularly strange sense of satisfaction. Look at you—once you looked down on me, and now you’re lining up to lick my shoes, hoping I’ll take notice. Isn’t it ironic?

Though inwardly excited, Bai Xiong treated the intellectuals under him quite well, offering them very generous treatment. These people were his strategists; long-term development depended on them. Even if he looked down on scholars, he couldn’t deny that they brought him enormous benefits. So why not accept them?

Thus, although Bai Xiong wasn’t educated, he was extremely sharp and very adept at judging the situation.

Now seeing Xi Yuechen—clearly a cultivated, elite intellectual—coming eagerly to attach himself to him and engage in shady dealings, what else could he be but a refined scoundrel? And that only filled Bai Xiong with even greater satisfaction, especially when he saw the suppressed fervor in Xi Yuechen’s eyes—that was ambition, ready to erupt.

Under this twisted mindset, Bai Xiong found himself rather fond of the young man. After all, doing business was about making money and pleasing oneself. As long as it was safe, who did it matter working with?

“Big Brother, this is Cheng Yue,” Brother Long said quickly.

Brother Long also stood up, slightly hunched, smiling obsequiously.

“Greetings, Big Brother!” Xi Yuechen called out loudly almost the instant Brother Long finished speaking, his voice trembling slightly with excitement.

“Mm.” Bai Xiong wasn’t put off by Xi Yuechen’s excitement. If anything, he found it even more amusing. No matter how ambitious, he was still young—losing control of emotions was normal.

People like this were the easiest to control and mold.

“Ah Long, since you’ve brought him here, you can go now. Some other day I’ll call you back up and let you have some fun,” Bai Xiong said with a genial smile.

Brother Long was both flattered and overwhelmed, his face blooming with joy.
“Yes, yes. Then I’ll take my leave, Big Brother. You go ahead and get busy.”

He understood that Big Brother wanted a private talk with Cheng Yue and didn’t dare linger, quickly retreating.

Big Brother had clearly taken a liking to Cheng Yue at first sight. This kid’s luck was truly something—once Big Brother approved of him, he’d definitely become an official partner of Yan Sect. Heh, then Brother Long could benefit a bit too.

After Brother Long left happily, Bai Xiong chuckled.
“You see, my subordinates are all like that—foolish all day long, but not confused at all when it comes to benefits.”

Xi Yuechen smiled slightly, appearing a bit restrained, but immediately responded,
“Not at all. Brother Long and the others are extremely loyal to you, Big Brother. They’re always talking about how capable you are and how well you treat them. They must have been excited today to finally meet you.”

Xi Yuechen’s flattery was smooth and natural, radiating sincerity. Bai Xiong knew it was flattery, but he enjoyed hearing it. After all, who didn’t like being praised? This kid was quite slick.

“Haha, you really know how to talk,” Bai Xiong laughed, sitting down on the sofa. Seeing Xi Yuechen still standing, he added, “Sit. Why are you standing? Don’t be so nervous—I don’t eat people.”

Only then did Xi Yuechen sit down, barely concealing his excitement.
“I really didn’t expect to meet you. I’m a bit excited. If I say or do anything inappropriate, please forgive me.”

“No wonder you’re educated—talk like you’re singing opera, pleasant to hear,” Bai Xiong said as he poured tea. “Call me Brother Bai. Want some tea?”

Xi Yuechen immediately leaned forward to take the teapot.
“Yes, Brother Bai. I’ll pour it. How could I trouble you?”

Bai Xiong didn’t refuse, leaning back against the sofa as he watched. A trace of doubt crept into his mind.

Judging by Cheng Yue’s outward appearance alone, he clearly looked like a successful businessman. He spoke smartly, acted with tact, and was very perceptive, not irritating at all. Even his movements while pouring tea were elegant—obviously someone raised with good manners. How could someone like this get involved in drugs?

“You seem to be doing well in your career. Why would you get into my line of work?” Bai Xiong asked.

Hearing this, Xi Yuechen’s heart tightened. He set down the teapot, placed a filled teacup carefully on the table in front of Bai Xiong, and only then looked up at him. The excitement on his face faded, and after a brief silence, he spoke.

“Brother Bai, I know you still don’t fully trust me—that’s understandable. But I truly want to do this. I know it’s dangerous, but the money comes fast. To be honest, I’m not very satisfied with my current situation. Business may look glamorous, but it’s also dangerous—one wrong step and you go bankrupt, drowning in debt.”

“I think living a man’s whole life timidly like that is far too stifling. So I wanted to find a way to make more money. With money, it benefits the company too, and there’s less to worry about. After thinking it over, this line of work seemed the best. It’s dangerous, yes—but fortune favors the bold. I’m willing to take the risk. If I don’t try, how would I know how far I can go?”

After listening, Bai Xiong remained silent, his expression thoughtful.

The bold, ambitious glow on Xi Yuechen’s face gradually faded, replaced by growing unease as he carefully watched Bai Xiong.

“Mm.” After a long while, Bai Xiong finally broke the silence. “So you’re an ambitious man who won’t settle for the status quo. Hmph. Come—tell me, then. What capital do you have to be this confident?”

Knowing there was hope, Xi Yuechen showed a flash of joy, sat up straighter, thought for a moment, and then began to speak carefully.