Courtyard House: I Have Countless Bodyguards

Earl Arthur, cutting his steak, continued asking, seemingly casually:

"What are the main areas of business that Mr. Liu does in China?"

The international situation is changing rapidly these days, so doing business must be quite difficult, right?

This question, seemingly a casual conversation, is actually an attempt to probe the truth.

Liu Jianguo gracefully sliced ​​the fish with a knife and replied:

"I do some mining and shipping outside of China, as well as some other small investments."

The situation is turbulent, so caution is indeed necessary.

However, even in chaos, there are opportunities.

His answer was concise and watertight, demonstrating both his strength and courage, but without providing any specific information.

The Earl nodded, not pressing for details, and instead began to talk about the weather and economy of England.

Liu Jianguo also responded appropriately, discussing some general observations about the European market, neither appearing ignorant nor going into too much depth.

The conversation at the dinner table gradually became more fluent. Although it still revolved around the topic of safety, the initial coldness and stiffness had gradually melted away.

The servants quietly removed the main course plates and replaced them with dessert—a traditional English syrup pudding and fresh berries.

Throughout the meal, etiquette was impeccable, and the atmosphere was maintained on the surface under the Marquis's deliberate guidance.

Liu Jianguo behaved impeccably and was clearly very familiar with Western dining etiquette, without making any rude mistakes, which silently earned him another point from Margaret, who was secretly observing him.

James, however, lost his appetite, his mind preoccupied with his uncle's complete 180-degree change in attitude. Occasionally, he would steal a glance at Liu Jianguo, who remained calm, and then at his cousin Isabel, who wore a smile. He felt that the adult world was truly incomprehensible.

Dinner finally ended in an atmosphere that seemed harmonious but was actually filled with hidden thoughts.

The servants quietly removed the last dessert plates and coffee cups.

Marguerite, the Marchioness, gracefully wiped her mouth with a napkin, rose first, and said softly to Isabelle and Emily:

"Let the men talk."

Isabel, you are pregnant and need to rest.

Emily, come with me to the small living room and have some herbal tea.

This is a common post-meal custom in aristocratic families: the ladies leave the table, leaving the men to enjoy cigars and spirits while discussing "serious business."

Isabel glanced at Liu Jianguo, receiving a barely perceptible but reassuring look from him, and obediently got up and left the restaurant with Emily and her mother.

Count Arthur also stood up and gestured for Liu Jianguo to proceed, saying:

"Mr. Liu, if you don't mind, shall we take a walk in the yard? Have a cigar, and... chat a bit."

His gaze swept over James as he continued:

"James, you're here too. It's time to hear some things."

James immediately straightened his back, realizing that this might be his first real encounter with the core affairs of the family, and he felt both nervous and excited.

The three left the restaurant, passed through a side door, and arrived at a relatively private terrace courtyard behind the main house, surrounded by tall hedges.

Night had fallen, and the British night was quite chilly, but there were outdoor heaters on the terrace, a small round table and several wrought iron chairs, and a crystal ashtray, cigar cutter, blowtorch, a bottle of aged cognac and several glasses were already prepared on the table.

The old butler had quietly arranged everything and then silently left.

Count Arthur gestured for Liu Jianguo and James to sit down, then skillfully cut open a fine Cuban cigar, slowly heated it with a blowtorch, took a deep drag, letting the rich smoke swirl in his mouth, and then slowly exhaled.

He pushed the cigar box toward Liu Jianguo.

"Try it? Good stuff from Kohiba."

Liu Jianguo did not refuse, and took one as well, skillfully handling and lighting it.

James also got one, but his movements were noticeably more clumsy and more like imitation.

In the darkness, the flickering light of the cigars illuminated the three faces, each with a different expression.

In the crisp air, the rich aroma of cigars and cognac filled the air.

A formal, men's conversation is about to begin.

Earl Arthur leaned back in his chair, gazing at the sparse stars in the night sky, and exhaled a long smoke ring, finally breaking the brief silence.

He turned his head to look at Liu Jianguo, whose silhouette stood calmly in the night, and said in a deliberately casual tone to create a sense of closeness:

"Mr. Liu, we don't need to be so polite all the time."

Since...you and Isabel have this kind of relationship,

He paused, then chose a neutral word and said:

"According to your Chinese customs, perhaps I could... call you 'Jianguo' (meaning 'nation-building')?"

This is a clear signal that the attempt to change the way he addresses people from the formal "Mr. Liu" to the more intimate and senior-to-junior "Jianguo" is both a test and a gesture of goodwill.

The red glow of the cigar between Liu Jianguo's fingers flickered faintly in the night. He met the Marquis's gaze and calmly replied:

"Of course, please feel free. It's only right."

He accepted the change in address with equanimity, neither flattered nor reluctant, as if it were perfectly reasonable.

This calm and composed attitude earned Earl Arthur's secret approval once again.

The change in address is just the appetizer.

Marquis Arthur flicked his cigarette ash and steered the conversation to the real issue, his gaze deep and unfathomable behind the cigar smoke as he spoke:

"Jianguo, now that we're family, let's talk about some things in more depth."

Based on your perspective and experience, what are your thoughts on the current complex and chaotic world situation?

He paused briefly, the glow of his cigar illuminating the sharp light in his eyes, and continued:

"In particular, what do you think of that 'Eight Directions Alliance,' which has been stirring up trouble lately and keeping many old guys up at night...?"

Upon hearing this question, especially when the phrase "Eight Directions Alliance" was uttered in such a exploratory tone by the other party, Liu Jianguo felt a strange sense of absurdity and almost burst out laughing.

What do you think? That's a very good question...

He silently took a puff of his cigar, letting the rich smoke swirl in his chest before slowly exhaling.

On the surface, however, he remained expressionless, even slightly frowning, revealing a measured and cautious attitude towards international affairs as he spoke:

"You flatter me, Your Excellency."

The global situation is such that a single hair can have far-reaching consequences.

It's too complicated for me to make any definitive statements.

but,"

He changed the subject, his tone becoming calm and matter-of-fact, as if stating an objective fact, and continued:

"I have some observations about this 'Eight-Party Alliance'."

Its momentum is strong, and its ability to integrate resources and its efficiency in action are extraordinary.

Currently, it does appear to be rapidly absorbing and integrating many small and medium-sized local forces and resources from the international arena.

Its expansion model and cohesion are quite remarkable.

He distanced himself from the position of "creator" and offered his commentary purely as a keen observer.

It is neither distorted nor does it contradict his current position as someone in the know rather than someone in control.