“What?” Memphis John furrowed his brows instinctively before asking, “Are you certain they came from the region?”
The messenger nodded and replied, “They’re wearing camouflage uniforms. It should be them, no doubt about it.”
Memphis John pondered for a moment, muttering to himself, “Could it be… him?”
“Let’s go take a look!” Without hesitation, he stood up and walked toward the door.
Respect for the region’s authority was a given-it wasn’t something just anyone could command. No matter how capable the organization behind that woman might be, they couldn’t possibly control people from the region, could they? Or… could it be that man?
Indeed, the moment he thought of the region, Memphis John’s mind went to his son’s savior. Even though Philip wasn’t his biological son, in his heart, Philip was more precious than his own flesh and blood.
Soon, a group arrived at the courtyard’s entrance. Standing there were four middle-aged men dressed in camouflage uniforms, their dark skin and robust builds highlighting their presence.
The four men had the air of soldiers-stoic and serious, as if they had undergone rigorous training. They stood as still as towering pine trees, unmoving.
As the members of the John family approached, the men straightened their postures, their expressions growing even more stern.
“Mr. John!” One of the men, slightly leaner than the others, stepped forward and greeted Memphis John.
The others followed suit, their voices ringing out in unison: “Mr. John!”
Their shouts were energetic, almost as if they were back on the training grounds.
Memphis John studied them carefully. Indeed, they carried the aura of battle-hardened warriors. Each of them exuded a presence that commanded respect. With a polite smile, Memphis John clasped his hands together and said, “Gentlemen, I’m honored by your visit. To what do I owe the pleasure?”
“Mr. John, we are here under orders from our superior to deliver a gift to you,” the lean man said.
With that, he retrieved a black wooden box from behind him. Opening it carefully, he presented it to Memphis John. Inside was a wild ginseng root.
“This is a wild ginseng that has grown in the mountains for over a hundred years. It has absorbed the essence of nature and is brimming with vitality. Consuming it will extend your life and preserve your youth. Please, accept it, Mr. John!”
A wild ginseng over a hundred years old? In this day and age?
Millennia-old ginseng was legendary and nearly impossible to find even in ancient times. Let alone now, when such treasures were almost extinct. The sight of this wild ginseng left the John family astonished.
Even a family as wealthy and powerful as the John family had never come across a pure, wild specimen like this.
As everyone stood in awe, another burly man stepped forward. He opened a second box and presented it to Memphis John, saying, “This is snow lotus, grown deep in the snowfields. It has absorbed the essence of ice and frost over countless years. Please, accept it, Mr. John!”
“This is Thousand-Year Grass. Consuming a single stalk can add a century to one’s life and cure all ailments. Please, accept it, Mr. John.”
“This is the Frozen Heart Flower from the Himalayas. It enhances wealth, fortune, and feng shui. Please, accept it, Mr. John.”
The four treasures now stood before Memphis John, leaving him wide-eyed in disbelief.
The rest of the John family was equally stunned, rendered speechless.
These items were priceless-beyond valuable. Even a family as wealthy as the John family couldn’t buy such treasures, no matter the cost.
Take the Thousand-Year Grass, for instance. Last year, a single stalk had been auctioned in Zlando for a staggering ten billion dollars. It was unimaginably precious, driving countless people to risk their lives for it.
Every year, many ventured into the mountains in search of such rare treasures, though few succeeded.
“My God, are these things real?” Finally, one of the women in the John family couldn’t help but exclaim.
The woman was Memphis John’s youngest wife. At forty years old, she was at the peak of maintaining her skin and figure. Memphis John, old enough to be her father, was a testament to the extravagant lives of the wealthy-something ordinary people couldn’t comprehend.
The lean man responded firmly, “Of course they’re real. We would never deceive Mr. John!”
“This… this…” The woman was so shocked she could barely form a sentence.
If she could consume just one of these treasures, wouldn’t she remain youthful forever? The thought made her heart race, her gaze fixated on the items with undisguised desire.
But Memphis John remained unmoved. On the contrary, his expression grew even more serious.
He could now rule out the possibility that these men were from the battlefield. They weren’t subordinates of that miraculous doctor.
This was yet another gift delivery.
Who else could have sent them but that woman?
With a sigh, Memphis John asked, “Why would your superior send me such precious gifts?”
The burly man replied, “Our superior admires you, Mr. John. He specifically instructed us to ensure you accept these gifts.”
Memphis John glanced at the treasures before him and asked, “What if I refuse?”
His question shocked the John family members behind him.
Refuse? These items were priceless, unattainable even with money. How could he refuse?
But as the head of the family, Memphis John’s word was law. While they might grumble internally, none dared to voice their thoughts.
“No, Mr. John, you must accept them. With your current health, these items are exactly what you need. You’re suffering from a terminal illness. Consuming these will extend your life and cure your ailments!” The man’s tone carried a hint of threat.
This made Memphis John angry. Fixing his gaze on the man, he asked, “Are you threatening me?”
“Of course not! We simply believe you should accept them,” the man replied calmly.
“Hah!” Memphis John let out a cold laugh. “Enough with the pretense. Speak plainly. I don’t like this roundabout nonsense.”
The man forced a smile and said, “There’s no hidden agenda. We’re simply here to deliver these gifts.”
Memphis John’s brows furrowed further. Taking a deep breath, he said, “Take them back. Tell your superior to stop sending me gifts. The John family will not accept his charity, nor will we ever follow his orders! You want me to become your lapdog, don’t you? To do your bidding?”
The man’s expression darkened as he closed the boxes. “So, Mr. John, you’re refusing?”