"Uncle Xavier!" The young man stood up, approaching with an extended hand, as if the two of them had been acquainted for a long time. But Noah knew—Xavier had never once looked at Rain with anything other than condescension, nor had Rain ever spoken to him as if he were significant.
Xavier Mandis extended his hand as well, pulling Rain into a hug and patting him on the back. Somehow, every gesture reminded Noah of a worm crawling on the ground.
"So," after a good five seconds, the two gang leaders broke free of their clutch and took a seat, "Rain, my boy, you've grown up into such a fine man. Who would have thought the little boy running errands at parties would one day sit on this dignified chair." Xavier's lips were parted in a seemingly friendly smile, never closing. But only a deaf or blind man would miss the hidden pinch of insult in his voice.
"All thanks to the guidance the old people." The beautiful man standing beside Mandis couldn't help but be surprised at how humble Rhaengon seemed. Xavier was anything but a fool. But his intuition was often dulled by his arrogance, Noah thought.
"I won't take much of your time, Uncle. Let's star—"
"You know, Rain, I am growing very old. But as far as I remember, I wanted your mother to be present here. I'm afraid you still have much to see and learn about the world." He pinched his chin in a show of concern he rarely granted anyone—utterly fake.
Rain corrected his posture in an uneasy manner, trying to smile, "My mother has taken a break from directly involving herself in our business for a while, as you can see. I promise you won't be unsatisfied by my lack of experience."
Noah's eyes returned to his master's face, clearly satisfied with how the conversation was going.
"I don't think I can be worry-free with Serena not involving herself in this matter. You've caused a huge loss in your pharmaceutical branch after taking over. My boy, even if I wanted to, I can't mix my personal empathy for you with my business."
Immediately, the other side broke into a sly smirk. For the first time since the meeting began, this man looked more like a predator than a humble mouse. Just a glint of it, though.
"If you're talking about Serena Rhaengon, as you asked, I did bring her. We can't proceed with our mutual agreement without at least meeting your expectations, nor do my mom wants to get involved, right?"
A confused expression flickered across Mandis's face.
"Miss Serena." A woman who had been standing beside Rhaengon stepped forward, masked with a cap and clad in black attire like the other members scattered nearby, "as my employee."
"Boss." Her head was lowered, eyes fixed on the marble floor.
"Just like you wanted, Miss Serena is presented to you." What a childish move.
"Hah…" disbelief melted into amusement before his smile turned bitter. "Haha…" Xavier clicked his tongue, shaking his head a few times.
"To be expected… or not. Who knows." His hands folded before his mouth.
"So… an employee under your wing?"
"Did you expect anything else?" Those brown eyes looked back at him—humble, full of immature confidence. What the hell is wrong with him? Is he dumb, or smart enough to pretend? Noah decided to choose the second, for now.
But wasn't this the most predictable thing for anyone to do? Children treated parents just as they had been treated themselves. But still…
Noah poured beer into Xavier's already empty cup. He can feel it too, right?
"Now then," Rain slapped his thigh lightly, his tone carrying a hint of arrogance despite the lack of leadership, "let's begin, shall we?"
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"So, in conclusion—"
"You want me to lend you ten million, so you can invest in reviving your cracked business, and you'll pay me back with twenty-five percent interest?"
"Yes." Rain scratched the back of his head nervously. "I couldn't ask anyone but you. You are our oldest friend, after all."
"Boy, you are far more amusing than I thought." Xavier finally broke into laughter. In other words, dumber and more incapable than I imagined. "Did you even consider discussing this with your mother?"
Impatience flickered in Rain's eyes. "I think I wasn't able to properly explain that this has nothing to do with my mother, Uncle Xavier." His voice carried a cold edge sharp enough to send shivers through anyone with experience. No brain behind the brawn?
At first, Noah thought this man must have a hidden card, ready to slit the old fox's throat. But the more he heard of Rain's demands and business plans, the more certain he became. The great Rhaengons wouldn't last even two years in his hands. How could a child this low born from someone like Serena Rhaengon?
This foolish Rhaengon still clung to the pharmaceutical branch, which was beyond saving after its collapse. The concept wasn't even remotely profitable. The Rhaegons had plenty of legal companies—both hidden and public. Who would invest in something as silly as antidotes? For nobility's sake? No wonder it failed under poor management. But how stupid could a man be, to try reviving a dead business? Even daring to offer interest on it?
So it was true—Rain hadn't fully taken over. He had stolen the lady's position. But how? Since he took power, Serena Rhaegon hadn't been seen until this day. Was she being held captive? Or had her maternal instinct kept her from resisting her own son?
Or… Noah glanced at both of them. Only one thing seemed unbelievable, yet made the most sense given the circumstances.
The interest itself might look delicious to Xavier. He had started as a loan shark before expanding. Could he really resist falling back into old habits to chase his dream again?
Xavier wasn't that careless. Noah nodded to himself.
A phone suddenly rang loudly—an old English tune. Better as a song than a ringtone. After ten seconds, Xavier hung up without answering.
"I'll let you know later, my boy. I have an important matter to attend to. So, keep chasing your dream!" He had grown bored of young Rhaengon quickly. Clearly, he was saying: get out.
Rain stood. "I hope you'll extend your hand as our—"
"Sure, sure." Xavier waved him off with disinterest, before looking at Noah as if to say, I told you—he's all brawn and no brain.
"Noah, see your new ally off. I'm sure you two will get along fine." In other words, go throw oil on the fire.
At last, he nodded at Serena, who had been standing like a mannequin the entire time. She didn't look up, leaving first.
Rain hummed as he approached the door, Noah following. Suddenly, he turned his head ninety degrees.
"I hope you didn't mind my men wandering your casino, Uncle Xavier. They've never set foot in a place this expensive before." He held Xavier's gaze with steady, mocking eye contact.
"Come on, boys, time to go home!"
Almost half of Xavier's top-tier guards—men who had been drinking, playing poker, blending in as patrons—stood up at once. They stretched, yawned, and casually followed Rain out, forming a neat line.
Noah and Xavier watched with wide eyes as they departed.
Rain was the last to leave. Bowing with a jester's grin, he said, "I hope you'll extend your hand as our oldest friend in business, and sign the contract. So, I'll take my leave. Oh, Noah, would you be so kind as to see me off?"
For the first time that evening, Noah's lips curled into a smirk—too small to notice, but unmistakable.