Chapter 337: Sincerity for Sincerity?
Chapter 337: Sincerity for Sincerity?
October 30, 2024
they heard Gu Changjun's words, the middle-aged man's lips twitched.
This kid, when will he ever think before speaking or acting?
Just like what happened in the Alchemy Chamber before.
Gu Changjun seemed to not notice the middle-aged man's expression and continued, "Uncle Huang, with your Grandmaster's strength, killing an alchemist is as easy as pie, right? Even if Gu Changkong wanted to stop you, he wouldn't be able to."
"Fifth Young Master, what you said is true, but have you considered the consequences of such an action?"
"Consequences?"
Gu Changjun pouted, "What consequences could there be? Even without you, could Gu Changkong still kill me?"
It was common knowledge that he possessed a Fourth Rank Artifact, and even a Grandmaster would think twice before harming him.
"As for later, even if my father finds out about this, the worst that could happen is a scolding. It's not a big deal."
The middle-aged man was left speechless.
Indeed, the worst that could happen to him was a scolding.
But what about the other party?
To kill someone right under the Third Young Master's nose, and that person was someone he valued highly, was like a direct slap to the face! Afterward, would the Third Young Master let him off easily?
Even if the death penalty was waived, he would still suffer greatly.
Of course, such words could not be spoken aloud, as they would surely displease the man before him, and his situation would only worsen.
Fortunately, after years of interaction, he had a deep understanding of this man's temperament. So, he spoke up, "Fifth Young Master, the consequences I mentioned are not that."
"Not that?"
Gu Changjun frowned, "Then what is it?"
Then, a hint of suspicion flashed in his eyes, "Uncle Huang, you wouldn't dare offend Gu Changkong and make excuses, would you?"
"Fifth Young Master, you misunderstand me. With just one word from you, not to mention killing that alchemist, even if I killed the Third Young Master, I wouldn't bat an eyelid."
"Then why don't you follow my orders?"
"It's for the sake of your reputation, Fifth Young Master."
The middle-aged man calmly said, "Fifth Young Master, many people know that you came here to recruit talents. Whether you succeed or not is a fifty-fifty chance. Success brings joy to all, and failure is also understandable.
But you, just because the other party did not accept your recruitment, you killed him. If this news spreads, how will the people in the family view you? How will the other young masters view you? Even the people below you, how will they view you?"
"How will they view me?"
Gu Changjun asked anxiously.
"They will think you are petty and narrow-minded, incapable of accommodating others, and unlikely to achieve great things. Moreover, once this matter spreads, it is feared that no one will be willing to serve you, Fifth Young Master, in the future."
"Sss..."
Gu Changjun sucked in a breath of cold air.
Indeed, there seemed to be some truth to this!
"Thank you, Uncle Huang, for your timely advice. Otherwise, I might have made a huge mistake!"
"Fifth Young Master, you are too kind. This is just my duty."
The man before him had no flaws except for his impulsiveness.
Raised with pampering since childhood, it would be strange if he didn't have some of the typical young master's arrogance.
"Uncle Huang, according to what you said, what should I do next? Do I have to go back and apologize to him?"
Gu Changjun's face showed distress.
For the dignified Fifth Young Master of the Gu family to apologize to a servant was too difficult. However, the book said that if he did so, it would show his sincerity and willingness to correct his mistakes, and it would become a commendable story.
The middle-aged man noticed his hesitation and chuckled.
"Fifth Young Master, even if you return now and lower yourself, I'm afraid it won't change that person's mind..."
"Yes, yes," the middle-aged man agreed.
Gu Changjun looked at him, touched by his words.
"Moreover, it's hard to say if that person is truly an alchemy prodigy or not."
"According to Uncle Huang's suggestion, should we just leave him be?"
"Of course not," the middle-aged man replied.
He laughed heartily, "Fifth Young Master, after you return, mention this matter to the Patriarch. Tell him that you discovered a promising alchemist here and secretly sponsored him. Let the Patriarch have an impression of this.
If that person grows into a talent, you can bring him over and have him serve us. With the Patriarch's approval, it won't matter if that person disagrees. If his potential is average, some time will have passed, and we can send someone to capture him and bring him to you for disposal. By then, no one will associate this matter with you, not even the Third Young Master. Without evidence, he won't be able to do anything. What do you think?"
"Brilliant! Absolutely brilliant!" Gu Changjun exclaimed, clapping his hands in excitement.
"I'll follow Uncle Huang's suggestion. Once I return, I'll meet my father and inform him about this. If that kid is truly a genius, I'll bring him over."
The middle-aged man's face also lit up with pride.
...
At the same time, inside the alchemy chamber.
Gu Changkong had not left. Instead, he took this opportunity to introduce Gu Changjun in detail.
He also explained to Jiang Cheng that the so-called black market was essentially a large auction house, controlled by the Gu family, which Gu Changkong belonged to.
Gu Changkong's father was the current Patriarch of the Gu family.
A hundred years ago, during the Yan Kingdom's heyday, it was common for powerful men to practice polygamy, having three wives and four concubines. There were even powerful women who patronized numerous men.
And that was in the past.
Consequently, Gu Changkong had several siblings, but the female members were typically used for political marriages with other families and rarely involved themselves in the internal power struggles of the Gu family.
"Among my brothers, the one we met earlier is the most foolish."
Gu Changkong mocked, "If the Gu family falls into his hands, it might very well lead to its disintegration."
Jiang Cheng nodded in agreement, "He does seem rather unintelligent."
He wasn't deaf; he had heard the words exchanged before the other party left, and it only further diminished his opinion of them.
"Hahaha, indeed."
Gu Changkong laughed and patted Jiang Cheng's shoulder, "You know, on my way here, I was worried that you might change your mind, be swayed by the offer, and join them. To be frank, what I have to offer may not be as attractive as theirs, but you didn't give in. Others treat me with sincerity, and I, Gu Changkong, will reciprocate with sincerity."
Jiang Cheng's eyes lit up.
"What does the Director mean?"
"Forget about the money," Gu Changkong said, feeling helpless.
"The herbs I provided were paid for out of my own pocket. If I'm not mistaken, these herbs worth one billion won't be enough for you to reach perfection in your alchemy skills, right?"
"Yes," Jiang Cheng nodded, "I'll need another billion or so."
He didn't commit to a specific amount.
(End of Chapter)
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