Chapter 29: Diana Rigg

"Wow, that much? Doesn't that mean I'll have to pay over 5 million pounds in inheritance tax?" William joked.

"Well, it is a lucky thing," William continued after thinking for a moment. "When the day comes that I really inherit the Earl's title and the Devonshire family fortune, I'll donate the remaining part to the England Women's and Children's Protection Fund after paying the inheritance tax. For example, if the total estate is worth 100 pounds, after paying 40% inheritance tax, I'll donate the remaining 60% in cash. Note that I'm talking about the total wealth as determined by the England tax authorities at that time. And I won't sell any family real estate; I'll only donate cash."

"And of course, there's an important point to consider: I hope that in a few decades, I haven't gone bankrupt, and that the Earl's business acumen isn't so good that I can't even inherit anything. But I am a bit worried because the Earl has increased his wealth nearly thirtyfold in the past decade. God, thirty times! I'm thinking that if, decades from now, the English authorities ask, 'William, do you have 1 billion pounds to inherit the title?' I'll probably be quite desperate," William said with a look of uncertainty.

The crowd shared a knowing smile. Those in the media industry knew William was joking and playing the pity card, trying to divert attention and prevent the English public from resenting his inheritance of the title and fortune. This strategy worked well for a 19-year-old like him.

A young man who could earn ten times his inheritance and still play the pity card easily won people's goodwill, making them less envious of him.

This was crucial. As long as the vast majority didn't oppose it, his inheritance of the title would go smoothly.

Especially the Earl of Oxford, who was watching the live broadcast. He felt a sudden fondness for William, making him less resistant to the idea of William inheriting his title. After all, he had had ten years to try for a child but never succeeded. No woman he'd been with ever got pregnant. As William said, it seemed all arranged by God, the Earl comforted himself.

Meanwhile, the Duke of Devonshire and many other nobles watching the broadcast developed a good impression of William. He didn't show any urgency or disdain for inheriting the title.

The press conference ended promptly at 5 o'clock. William shook hands with Roger Moore to say goodbye, but Moore wasn't willing to let William go now. Knowing about William's mature project, which looked promising and bright, Moore would be a fool not to seize this opportunity to join.

"William, we're friends now, right?" Roger Moore asked, deliberately sounding closer.

"Of course, Roger, we're definitely friends," William, who had noticed Moore's interest in the Listening series, replied. However, William wasn't too keen on partnering with Bass Industries for his MP3 project. Even Bass Industries' parent company couldn't offer much help beyond funding.

Wait, Viacom owns television stations; maybe that could be useful.

"Let's get to the point, Roger. You know I have a wonderful date in a bit," William said, winking and nodding towards the entrance of the conference hall.

Diana Rigg was there, waving at William.

"Alright, William, you lucky guy. I'll be direct. Bass Industries is very interested in your Listening series. I think we should find some time to discuss it seriously."

"Roger, I don't need money right now. So what benefits can Bass Industries bring me? Roger, I think you understand. I need people who can help me and the Listening series. Money is no longer the main issue."

Roger Moore was about to say something when they heard BBC live broadcasting, with several experts brought in for analysis.

The BBC host asked, "Professor Thomas, do you think the technologies William Devonshire mentioned can be realized? And is that crude handmade MP3 he has really as good as he says?"

A white-haired, elderly professor appeared on TV, saying, "From a technical standpoint, what William Devonshire described is achievable and fairly easy to realize. The hardest part is integrating these technologies and bringing the cost down to a level acceptable to the public. I find it hard to believe that William did all the work that a big company might struggle to accomplish, but seeing and hearing his handmade MP3, I have to believe it."

"Okay, viewers, since Professor Thomas believes that what William said is easy to achieve, and it seems William has solved the two major challenges, the question is: If there were an MP3 player cheaper than current ones, with larger capacity, better sound quality, and more attractive design, would you buy it? I don't know about you, but I certainly would. It's too special. My main concern now is how many units the first batch of the Listening series will have. I think the first batch might not even meet London's demand alone.

William Devonshire drew our attention by becoming England's youngest billionaire, but within two days, he showed us how brutal reality can be. He took a month to become a billionaire, and in another six months, he could be worth 10 billion. What about in a year? William Devonshire, please don't tell me or let me find out you've topped England's rich list, or I might have a heart attack and end up in the hospital."

The host turned to the live audience and added, "Don't tell me either. I've decided to block all information about William Devonshire in six months because I think my prediction will come true."

Another expert in the studio laughed and nodded in agreement. "If, and I say if, everything William Devonshire said is true, I don't see any problem with his value reaching 10 billion. Did you notice he mentioned drones? Diana Rigg interrupted him, but I'm now curious about what kind of drones William Devonshire was talking about."

"Yes, yes, I almost forgot. William did mention drones. It's a pity none of the reporters asked about them."

Seeing there was nothing more useful on TV, Roger Moore turned his attention back to William. He found it hard to believe that this young man would become a billionaire.

"Alright, William, let's set a time to talk seriously. I need to report the situation here to the board in the USA. I won't interrupt your date with the beauty. Have a wonderful evening."

"Thanks, Roger. I'll call you if I need anything. That's it for today. Goodbye," William said, shaking hands with Roger Moore.

Walking over to Diana Rigg, William saw that this beautiful woman had changed into a dress, looking even more feminine than in the professional suit earlier. He was stunned for a moment and praised, "Diana, you look so beautiful now. I was momentarily entranced."

"Giggle, thank you, William," Diana Rigg said, pleased with how William looked at her, indicating her strategy had succeeded, making it easier for her to get William's attention.

"Alright, Diana, let's go."

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