Even though it was a bit of a reverse psychology move, Master Spencer could easily tell what was going on. He had come here today in response to Jack’s invitation, and he couldn’t just back out now.
“Leo, I’ve made up my mind. I challenge you now!” For Master Spencer, saving face was of utmost importance. Even though he wasn’t entirely sure of the result, he believed he could win against Leo with his expertise in the game of Go.
Leo glanced at the time and changed his mind. “I’m sorry, I don’t have time for that challenge now.”
“What…?” Master Spencer couldn’t believe Leo’s sudden change of heart, and his face darkened. In the world of Go, many dreamt of challenging a grandmaster like Master Spencer, even if they knew they’d lose. It was seen as a way to improve their skills.
Now, this freeloading son-in-law refused the challenge, and people couldn’t understand what was going on. Leo didn’t care much about their confusion; he considered playing against Master Spencer a waste of time. He needed to pick up Sophia from work, and he didn’t want to be late.
Leo turned to August, saying, “Mr. Browne, I’ve finished what you asked. Now, I need to pick up my wife from work.”
Hearing that Leo was going to pick up his wife, the people who had come with Jack couldn’t help but make fun of him.
“A freeloader’s life is taking care of women!”
“It’s normal for a freeloading son-in-law. If you don’t treat your wife well, you might get kicked out with nowhere to freeload.”
“This kind of freeloading son-in-law is inherently insecure, not brave enough to accept Master Spencer’s challenge. He knows he’s no match for Master Spencer, so he’s just using excuses to get away.”
Leo ignored the mockery, turned, and walked away.
Leaving like this, he was concealing his true skills and reputation.
Jack was quite unhappy with the situation and looked at August. “August, you know Master Spencer’s status in the world of Go. Who does this son-in-law think he is, daring to refuse a challenge from Master Spencer? I suggest you call him back; otherwise, it’ll be embarrassing.”
“Jack, it’s not that simple. Leo isn’t my subordinate; I don’t have the authority to order him. Besides, the match is over for now. Provoking Leo won’t do us any good.”
August’s response made Master Spencer laugh. “Mr. Browne, from your tone, it seems like you’re afraid of this freeloading son-in-law.”
August’s expression darkened, and he responded firmly, “Lambert Spencer, let me remind you, Leo isn’t as simple as you think. I have great respect for this young man. Anyone who has a problem with him has a problem with me, August!”
Hearing August directly address him by his name, Master Spencer angrily declared, “August, if you’re afraid of this freeloading son-in-law, I’m not! Starting today, I’m at odds with this freeloading son-in-law!”
Golden Leaf Shopping Plaza, underground parking lot.
After Sophia got in the car, she told Leo that she had a business trip to Colepon City. Colepon wasn’t too far from Langstel, and with a high-speed train, it would only take a little over two hours to get there. Leo didn’t have much going on at the moment and had a hunch that Sophia’s business trip might not be as simple as it seemed. So, he decided to accompany her to Colepon.
“Mr. William, the people you asked me to watch for are here.”
In a towering skyscraper, Frank William sat in his spacious office, sipping coffee. Next to him, a man in a black jacket handed him several covertly taken photos.
In the photos, Leo and Sophia were captured coming in and out of a hotel.
“Even this freeloader showed up?” Frank was surprised to see Leo in the photos.
Thinking about the issues he had been facing lately, Frank had developed a deep grudge against Leo. He clenched the photos tightly and said coldly, “He came at the perfect time. Since he’s here, he won’t be leaving.”
“Call the hotel manager and have them follow the plan,” Frank instructed.
As the General Manager of Floral Bank, Frank had business dealings with upscale hotels in Colepon. So, no matter which hotel Sophia checked into, he could give them orders.
“Mr. William, what about this guy? Do we need to…” The man in the jacket began to ask.
But Frank raised his hand and furrowed his brows. “This guy Leo Bloomer is a fighter. He’s not someone ordinary can deal with. Find a few former special forces members to accompany him, I want him to be helpless, begging for mercy.”
The thought of the issues with his lower half made Frank furious.
After arriving in Colepon, while Sophia attended a meeting, Leo took the time to explore some of the famous local attractions.
The most renowned sight in Colepon was Snow Lake, known for the phenomenon where snow would fall on the lake and not melt even during winter. Unfortunately, it was early autumn, and Leo wasn’t lucky enough to witness this spectacle.
“Get lost! You stink!”
Suddenly, a loud voice echoed from nearby.
Curious, Leo turned to see a woman in white, standing in front of a traditional Chinese medicine shop. She was wielding a broom and had just chased an elderly man out.
The old man looked disheveled, with tangled white hair. There was an unpleasant odor about him.
“I’m not begging for food; I’m selling medicinal herbs.” The old man hastily took a bamboo basket from his back, which contained cicada sloughs, dried centipedes, and various herbs. “These are all naturally sourced herbs I collected myself.”
The Colepon city was mountainous and historically known for the presence of valuable medicinal herbs. Many local farmers made their living collecting herbs and selling them to city medicine shops.
“We already have enough of these. We don’t need more,” said the store clerk with a touch of disdain.
“What about this ginseng? You buy ginseng, don’t we?” The old man pulled out a piece of tattered cloth from his basket.
Carefully, he unwrapped the cloth to reveal a ginseng root, as thick as a baby’s arm, with long whisker-like roots. The ginseng was covered in mud, grass, and other debris, making it look more like a turnip.
“We buy ginseng but not turnips. Hurry up and get out of here!” The clerk, pinching his nose, had reached his limit.
“Ridiculous! This is genuine wild ginseng I dug up in the mountains through hard work,” the old man protested.
“Then go sell it somewhere else. We don’t buy it here!” The clerk waved his broom, as if to say that if the old man didn’t leave now, he’d use it.
“Sir, may I have a look?”
Leo’s eyes lit up, and he found that wild ginseng covered with soil was shining with a rich turquoise light, and he hurried over.
The old man was stunned for a moment, handed the ginseng to Leo and said, “Young man, I really dug this from the mountain, if you want, I will give you a cheaper price.”