Courtyard House: I Have Countless Bodyguards

Liu Jianguo met the Earl's burning, calculating gaze, his expression remaining as calm as a deep pool.

He slowly brought the cigar to his lips, took a puff, and the red glow suddenly brightened in the night, illuminating his deep eyes.

He did not immediately respond to the proposal regarding the Cavendish family's involvement, nor did he heed James's exclamation about the risks.

They simply let the rich smoke slowly drift and disperse between them, as if they were weighing their options, or perhaps admiring each other's resolute determination.

Silence spread through the cold courtyard, broken only by the rustling of the night wind through the hedges and the soft crackling of a cigar burning quietly.

Liu Jianguo's thoughts raced.

The Cavendish family, a hereditary earldom with a history spanning centuries in Britain and the Old World of Europe, is truly valuable for far more than just a title or some properties.

It represents an aura of "legitimacy," a deeply ingrained network of connections within the upper echelons of European society, and a subtle influence within the Commonwealth system.

The symbolic significance and practical effect of such families joining the "Eight-Party Alliance" openly or semi-openly far exceeded the loyalty of ten Southeast Asian warlords.

This is tantamount to embroidering an ancient and noble golden emblem on the emerging banner of the "Eight Directions Alliance," which is tinged with a sense of the wild and mysterious. This greatly neutralizes its underground nature and gives its future activities in a wider range of fields a veneer of accessibility and provenance.

This is indeed a crucial step that can fundamentally change the influence and level of the alliance.

At the same time, Liu Jianguo was perfectly clear-headed.

Earl Arthur's offer of the Cavendish family's inclusion in this seemingly tempting proposal was by no means merely a gamble or a collaboration.

This was more of a clever test.

Isabelle revealed the ownership of the "Eight-Party Alliance," which shocked the Earl, but not enough to make him stake the future of his entire family.

He needed to know whether Liu Jianguo possessed deeper trump cards, more reliable guarantees, and more than just the already formidable "Eight-Party Alliance"—his other assets.

Is it worth it for the Cavendish family to take such a risk and gamble?

The count elevated his family's centuries-old reputation at the gambling table.

Now, he wants to see how much Liu Jianguo will call, or rather, how strong his hand will be.

Under James's almost blank gaze, Liu Jianguo gently pressed the burnt-out cigar end into the crystal ashtray.

He raised his head, his face showing neither surprise nor elation, only a deep, calm demeanor, as if the other party's proposal was not a groundbreaking collaboration that would shake the underworld, but merely an ordinary business offer.

He met Earl Arthur's inquiring and expectant gaze, a faint, almost playful smile even playing at the corners of his lips, and calmly accepted the probing question:

"The Cavendish family's willingness to join the Eight-Way Alliance... is naturally a good thing."

"Then, Your Excellency, please state your terms."

He skipped the "acceptance" step entirely, as if the Cavendish family's involvement was a given, or one of the options he had anticipated.

This matter-of-fact attitude, however, made Count Arthur's sense of superiority, which he considered a rare commodity, falter slightly, and made him even more convinced that the person in front of him had unfathomable confidence.

In negotiations, the initiative seems to shift subtly from the moment the other party sets its conditions.

Count Arthur took a deep breath, knowing that the real confrontation was only just beginning.

He stopped beating around the bush and directly stated the family's core interests.

This is also the bottom line he has tied his family's reputation to that of an Eastern man and the reward he expects.

He leaned forward, his gaze intense, and spoke with absolute clarity and unwavering conviction:

"The conditions do exist, and they are simple yet important."

He paused for a moment to make sure Liu Jianguo heard every word, then continued:

"Isabel's unborn child, regardless of gender, must bear the surname Cavendish."

Furthermore, they possess the legal right to inherit the Cavendish family title.

After me, he will become one of the heirs of the Cavendish family, and may inherit the title of Earl in the future.

He stared intently at Liu Jianguo and added:

"This is not only for the sake of the family's reputation and the continuation of the bloodline, but also to lay the most unbreakable foundation for our cooperation."

This child will be the most natural and solid link connecting Cavendish to... all your endeavors.

Liu Jianguo listened quietly, his fingers tapping lightly on the cool wrought iron tabletop, producing a rhythmic, soft sound.

He did not immediately refute, nor did he show any sign of being offended; he merely pondered for a moment, as if he were carefully weighing the options.

After a moment, he raised his eyes, his gaze calm yet carrying an undeniable firmness, and slowly spoke:

"The surname Cavendish is acceptable."

Inheriting the title is also acceptable.

Count Arthur was overjoyed, thinking that the other party had agreed to all the conditions so easily.

But Liu Jianguo's next words made the joy on his face freeze slightly.

Liu Jianguo's tone remained calm, yet every word carried immense weight, as if stating an immutable law of nature, and he continued:

"But my blood flows in his veins, that's an undeniable fact."

Regardless of what his surname will be, what title he will inherit, or where he will live in the future.

He is first and foremost a member of the Liu family.

I hope His Excellency the Earl understands and accepts this.

He didn't use harsh words, but the meaning couldn't be clearer.

The child may have the Cavendish surname and title, but his soul and ultimate destiny must bear the surname Liu.

This is a principle, a bottom line, and it is not open to negotiation.

To Liu Jianguo's slight surprise, after hearing this "proviso," Count Arthur did not show the displeasure or argument he had expected.

On the contrary, he seemed to have anticipated that the other party would make similar demands.

Or rather, when he made that request regarding "surname and inheritance rights," he had already left room for the other party's reaction.

The count nodded almost without hesitation, even with a sense of "deal" in his voice, and said in a deep voice:

"no problem."

He picked up the brandy glass beside him, gently swirled the amber liquid inside, and continued, his gaze deep:

"The surname and title are bestowed upon this child."

And one of our future collaborations...

External recognition and protection.

As for whose family he truly belongs to…