My older sister is a villainous rich girl

She took a deep breath and ordered the maids around her to leave.

Soon, only Wayne and Chris remained in the room.

"So how does it compare to Ge Li?" she asked softly.

Wayne: "...Huh?"

“I say, how do I compare to Goth?” she asked, staring intently at Wayne.

From her earnest gaze, Wayne realized that this issue was very important to her.

Looking down at the coffee swaying gently in his cup, Wayne thought for a moment and said softly, "Compared to Geli, you possess a different kind of freer and more romantic beauty."

He admitted that there was an element of flattery in his words, but it was also sincere.

Although Chris usually seems a bit willful and unreliable, acting on a whim, but...

What she carries in her heart is an unbound soul.

Is it fortunate or unfortunate that I understand this so clearly?

Chris seemed satisfied with the answer, a slight smile appearing on her face as she nodded in agreement.

“Indeed, I wouldn’t be like that guy, disciplining myself all day long in the name of the family.” However, she quickly changed the subject, “But do you think that’s an advantage?”

"Naturally, that's an advantage."

Even the very qualities that one admires and envies, yet can never possess.

That's what Wayne thinks.

“No, this is my flaw,” Chris sighed. “It’s a flaw that I can’t make up for no matter what.”

The coffee cup that had been swaying slightly in my hand came to a stop. The sunlight streaming in from the window illuminated the few dust particles floating in the air, outlining their pale golden shapes.

Chris touched the ends of her meticulously styled, softly wavy hair that hung to one side. "I've been so lucky that for the past ten years or so, it feels like I've had neither real pursuits nor real setbacks."

"A seemingly free and carefree life is actually built on the inability of others to be free and carefree. Just like these gorgeous dresses and exquisite hair accessories, perhaps the annual expenses of an ordinary family are not worth as much as the old clothes in my wardrobe that I only wear a few times and then replace. I don't even need to know how much they are worth. In short, my father, mother... and you will silently give and take care of everything for me."

She stated in a very calm tone what anyone who heard her would think was boasting.

"To me, it seems that everything in this world can be done if I want to do it, and I can have whatever I want. The future will always develop in the direction I hope for."

"...But real life shouldn't be like this."

She paused slightly, "Therefore, I feel uneasy about it, worrying in every spare moment when I have time to look back that my good fortune is just a temporary illusion."

"Wayne, can such a weakness be overcome?"

Did Ge Li say anything to you in Chapter 628?

Because he understood the meaning behind these words all too well, Wayne could only remain silent.

Chris didn't urge her and waited patiently.

After thinking for a long time, he finally answered.

"No."

"Why?" Chris asked, already having the answer in her heart.

"Even if you know that your privileged life is built on the efforts of others, even if you know that such a smooth life is too lucky to be reasonable... would you voluntarily give up this privilege?" The unvarnished words were like sharp blades.

However, under his relentless questioning, Chris's smile became genuine.

"I won't."

Wayne was not surprised at all.

"Yes, so for you, this is indeed an irreparable flaw. However, recognizing and acknowledging one's own flaws is also a sign of maturity."

"No one in the world is perfect, is there?"

Although speaking so bluntly might seem somewhat hypocritical, the realization that their psychological states were so similar allowed Wayne to subtly experience a sense of comfort and security as kindred spirits huddled together for warmth.

Always wanting to hold onto everything, never wanting to lose anything. As fellow transmigrators from another world, in a sense, he and Chris faced the same predicament and would make the same choices.

The difference is that I went a little further than her.

No, it's far too much.

Chris did not comment on his reply, but simply nodded before officially setting off for the banquet.

Wayne sat on the sofa, lost in thought for a long time.

……

As the most dazzling pearl city in the Kingdom of Lornes, the capital city is equally prosperous at night, no less so than during the day.

The streets were brightly lit, and carriages and horses came and went in an endless stream. People were keen to dress up in their finest clothes and attend banquets of all sizes to seek pleasure, which was considered the fashion of the capital.

However, this commotion was drawing to a close; the revelry would cease around 11 p.m., and even the most exhilarating parties would have to wait until the following day to continue. After the curfew began, guards would patrol the streets in regular formations to prevent any illegal activities.

While it may not mean much to those with ulterior motives, the protection provided by the guards does significantly improve public order for ordinary citizens. Especially recently, the city guards have spearheaded a special crackdown campaign, vigorously publicizing the deeds of rising stars like Aikos in punishing lawbreakers. Under the deterrent effect of this iron fist, the number of petty criminals has noticeably decreased.

Wearing a trench coat and a top hat, Wayne leaned against the wall not far from the banquet venue chosen by the Edgeworth family.

His face was obscured by the shadows cast by the tall buildings, making it difficult to see clearly.

A short while later, another man turned into the alley.

"grown ups."

He bowed respectfully.

This person was none other than March, whom Wayne had rescued from Chapman Manor using extraordinary means.

March has been free for some time now.

In his eyes, the person he was seeing was a secretive master of potion-making. This man could readily use poisons he had never heard of before, and even miraculous potions that could change one's appearance.

Working for someone whose background was unknown was certainly risky, but he had no other choice. The capital was in turmoil; Chapman had fallen from power, Bulwer had risen again, and all sorts of rumors were circulating. He had inquired about quite a bit of it. But this key figure who had clearly broken into Chapman's estate seemed completely unrelated to those events, utterly invisible.

Even with March's not-so-keen sense of smell, he could detect the unusual information behind it.

As the saying goes, fortune favors the bold. Perhaps, following this important person is my chance to rise above others.

Under the brim of his hat, Wayne glanced at him discreetly.

"So, did you see your sweetheart?"

March's expression froze, a slight embarrassment creeping over him. "She... and I are just friends."

Do you even believe what you're saying?

Wayne chuckled dismissively, offering neither comment nor affirmation.

The maid who was rescued with March claimed to be an inside agent for the Edgeworth family, whom he had previously handed over to Geli for disposal. Wayne had thought that Geli would give her a sum of money on behalf of the Edgeworth family so that she could leave and never return to the capital, but unexpectedly, she was given a new identity to secretly handle some affairs for the Edgeworth family—mainly herself.

Taking advantage of this opportunity, he arranged for March to meet the maid.

It wasn't that I intended to help them get together, but since I was going to use this person, I had to make him feel a little attached to him.

"You have already completed the several investigations I assigned you very well. Now I have an even more important task for you."

A document was handed to him, followed by a slightly hoarse, deep voice. "This is your new identification and some information. Memorize these details, and then join the city guard as this."

Upon hearing this, March was startled: "Sir, I..."

"Don't worry, just focus on your work once you're in there."

As for what he would need to do next, Wayne didn't say.

March was filled with trepidation, yet dared not refuse, so he had no choice but to accept the document.

"The interview is in three days. You need to know every single record in the book by heart and answer questions based on it. There won't be any problems." After giving these instructions, the figure in the black trench coat gradually faded away and disappeared from March's sight.

March was the only one left in the empty alley. He looked around, wrapped the documents in his coat, and hurried away.

Before long, the space in an open area rippled like a mirror, and the figures reappeared.

It was Wayne, who hadn't gone far away just moments before.

In this vast capital city, he seemed to have connections with various forces, but mobilizing personnel from any of them was somewhat inconvenient. He used to think it didn't matter; if pushed too far, Aikos would take action. But now he could no longer afford to slack off.

If you don't lay a few foundations early on and rely on yourself to fight alone, there will always be times when you're stretched thin and unable to cope.

Even if these lowly soldiers can't play a significant role, it's enough for them to lie in wait and gather information for themselves.

He glanced at the bustling banquet venue in the distance; the Wencher family's carriages were already parked at the entrance.

A moment later, Chris emerged from the main gate, lifting her skirt, and boarded the carriage with the help of the maids.

Wayne breathed a sigh of relief.

It seems that the confrontation between Gothic and Chris didn't cause any major trouble, otherwise Chris wouldn't have left so easily.

He quickly set off and returned ahead of his own convoy.

at home.

Although Wayne was mentally prepared for Chris to complain and criticize Goli, Chris didn't mention it at all after she returned, and there was no indication that she had argued with Goli.

"Ahem... Did Ge Li say anything to you?" Wayne finally couldn't help but ask.

Chapter 629 Just Like Myself

Chris gave him a strange look.

What do you think Ge Lihui will say to me?

She untied her shawl and tossed it aside, then slipped on a loose, more homey nightgown.

Although the capital city's winters are bitterly cold, the Duke's mansion enjoys a pleasantly warm temperature, thanks to Professor Conley's ingeniously designed temperature regulation system. By periodically replenishing the power supply with magic, a series of magically connected devices continuously generate warmth, much like a modern air conditioner.

Wasting magic on such trivial matters is a luxury, but the nobles don't care. The ability to create a romantic and idyllic environment makes this service a very lucrative business.

Wayne cleared his throat to steady his voice. "I mean, the Edgeworth family always seems to be competing with us, and I imagine they said something rather unpleasant this time as well..."

“No, not at all.” Chris crossed one leg and sat on the soft sofa, propping her chin up with one hand as she looked at his face.

This was an answer Wien hadn't expected.

"You're really concerned about this?" she suddenly asked.

“No,” Wayne immediately denied. “I’m just more concerned about you.”

A strong will to survive was reminding him to stop dwelling on the issue.

“By the way, Modric came to see me last time specifically to discuss my suggestion of holding a year-end gathering for industry professionals,” Wayne briefly recounted his thoughts. “Modric believes that this approach can effectively enhance the publishing house’s influence.”

“Hmm,” Chris said meaningfully, “It just so happens that Miss Ge Li also suggested to me tonight that our two publishing houses jointly organize a cocktail party at the end of the year to set some rules for the industry.”

"Hahaha, what a coincidence... Wait, why are you looking at me like that? You don't think I'm in cahoots with Ge Li, do you?"

Who knows?

Chris didn't say it aloud, but her eyes clearly conveyed the meaning.

Wayne felt wronged.

"Comrade Chris, don't be so suspicious and fall for their divisive tactics," Wayne said, somewhat speechless.

"From an objective standpoint, I think this proposal is actually quite good. Although we are competitors, we are also the two most influential publishing houses in Wangdu. If we join forces, we can completely monopolize the discourse power of an entire emerging industry."

"However, from a subjective perspective, I support your decision to reject her proposal."

He bluntly stated: "For two sides with almost irreconcilable contradictions, the more they come into contact with each other, the more inevitable the conflict becomes."

"I don't believe that the other party is willing to open up and cooperate with us. It's only a matter of time before they turn their backs on us."

The conflict between the two families alone was already intense enough, let alone when emotions took over.

Faced with surging emotions, reason is the most fragile thing in the world. In this situation, he dared not gamble, nor could he afford to lose.

Chris lowered her gaze and fell silent.

After a long pause, she finally said, "Perhaps. To be honest, I don't believe Ge Li isn't secretly plotting something, but that's precisely why I don't want to refuse—"

"Since even she has the courage to directly challenge me, backing down in the face of battle is not my style."

"So, I said yes."

"..." Wayne didn't know what to say.