They quickly went to the corners.
Bai Long nodded with satisfaction and continued, "You see Butler Lin, I heard that Matriarch Gu has been suffering from a strange illness."
Butler Lin's expression darkened.
"What do you know about that?" he asked in a low voice and suspicious tone.
"Enough to know that she needs help," Bai Long replied smoothly.
"I have a solution that could cure her, but I need your assistance to implement it."
Butler Lin raised an eyebrow.
"And why would I help you?"
Bai Long smiled.
"Because I'm willing to pay you. And not just with spirit stones, but also with... entertainment. These two women and more money once the j*b is done." Bai Long gestured to the two young and beautiful women behind him.
Butler Lin's eyes widened slightly, licking his lips lustfully.
"I see," he said slowly. "And what exactly is this solution you speak of?"
"It's an alchemical oil," Bai Long explained.
"A rare and potent blend that can help restore her Yin and Yang balance. It's quite expensive, but I'm willing to share the cost with you if you help me get it to her."
Butler Lin stroked his beard thoughtfully.
"I'm listening," he said. "But make it quick. I have duties to attend to otherwise I will he scolded."
Bai Long nodded.
"I will, I will. This oil is made from a rare ingredient called one-hundred-thousand-year-old evolved Yang Cicada. It's a powerful treasure that costs over 5 million mid-grade Stones. And it will also develop the relation between Patriarch and Matriarch."
Butler Lin snorted.
"I don't care about their relationship," he said. "I just want her cured."
"I know, I know," Bai Long said hurriedly. "But trust me, this oil will help with that. And once she's cured, you can take credit for it. You'll be a hero in the eyes of the Gu family... And it's at a discount of mere 2 million mid-grade stones."
Mere 2 million? In what way is it merely 2 million?
That's like 8 years of the Gu Family's savings.
Butler Lin considered this.
"Go on," he said.
"I need you to plant a seed of doubt in Patriarch Gu's mind," Bai Long continued.
"Tell him that you heard rumors of a miracle cure, but you're not sure if it's true. Make him curious enough to investigate further."
"And how do I do that?"
"Simple. Just mention it casually in conversation. Maybe during a meal or when you're serving him tea. Just make sure you don't sound too enthusiastic about it. You want to pique his interest without raising suspicion."
Butler Lin nodded.
"And what's in it for me?"
"Aside from the women?" Bai Long asked with a smirk. "I'll make sure you're well compensated. Say... 20, 000 spirit stones?"
Butler Lin whistled. That's 10 months of his salary.
But it's too little.
"That's a lot of spirit stones, but I know Young Master is profiting a lot, at least fear karma and give me 50,000," he said.
Bai Long: "..." ( This bitch )
"Fine!!!" Young Master responded.
"Are you sure you can afford that?"
"Of course," Bai Long replied confidently. "I'm a Young Master of the Bai family. My wealth is beyond your wildest imagination."
Butler Lin laughed knowing that it was all a bluff. Young Master, what Young Master? He is just a cripple now. That's the reason the family cancelled the marriage contract with the Bai Family.
"I like your style, Young Master. Very well, I accept your offer. But I want half of those spirit stones upfront."
"Of course, of course," Bai Long agreed. He reached into his sleeve and pulled out a small pouch filled with spirit stones.
After a quick work, he tossed it to Butler Lin, who caught it deftly.
"This is just a down payment," Bai Long said. "The rest will come after the job is done."
Butler Lin nodded and tucked the pouch into his robes.
"I look forward to our partnership, Young Master," he said with a bow.
"And I look forward to seeing results," Bai Long replied with a smile.
With that, Bai Long turned and went to meet the Gu patriarch.
As for Butler Lin's loyalty, or his betrayal, it's full proof, as long as he can enjoy women he has no loyalty to the Gu family.
Truth be revealed, he is a servant and not a loyal subject.
* * *
Patriarch's study room.
"Hehe, Oh, It's Young Master Bai... I wonder what business you have here," Patriarch mocked, voice filled with disdain.
Bai Long's fist glowed blue as he came forward.
"Just a friendly greeting Patriarch Gu." Bai Long sat in front of the patriarch.
"I heard Fairy Gu is getting engaged to another man now, and he is a disciple of a powerful elder. Good! Good! Good!" Bai Long spoke.
Hearing this, the Patriarch's face turned black and blue.
The audacity!!!
"Hah! How dare you bring that up here?" he growled, anger in his eyes.
"Hmm? You mean Fairy Gu's engagement? Hehe, I can't help but wonder why you are angry at me. You are the one who canceled our engagement. I merely came here to congratulate you on finding another suitor for your precious daughter." Bai Long's lips curved into a mocking smile.
"Cheap items have tons of buyers..."
Patriarch Gu's face contorted with rage. He was about to say something but stopped himself.
"I suppose I should thank you for coming here," he said coldly. "Now, if you'll excuse me, I have important matters to attend to."
Bai Long's smirk widened.
"Of course, of course. I wouldn't want to take up too much of your time, Patriarch. But before I go, I just wanted to mention something I heard recently."
"Oh? And what might that be?" Patriarch Gu asked, feigning disinterest.
Bai Long leaned forward, his smile turning mischievous.
"I heard that there's a new alchemical oil in town. Something that's supposed to help with Yin and Yang imbalance. Apparently, it's quite expensive, but it's said to be very effective."
Patriarch Gu's eyes narrowed. He tried to act uninterested, but his curiosity got the best of him.
"I see. And where did you hear about this oil?" he asked, trying to sound casual.
"Oh, just some rumors I picked up here and there. I don't know if it's true or not, but I thought it might be worth looking into. After all, I've heard that Matriarch has been having some trouble lately."
Patriarch Gu's expression darkened. How dare he talk about his wife like that? He was about to lash out at Bai Long but decided against it.
"What are you getting at, Young Master?" he asked, his tone dangerously low.
Bai Long held up his hands in a placating gesture.
"Nothing, nothing. I'm just saying that if there's a way to help her, you should consider it. After all, a happy wife is a happy life, right?" he said with a smirk.
Patriarch Gu's jaw clenched.
"Thank you for your concern, Young Master. But I think we can handle our own affairs."
Bai Long shrugged.
"Suit yourself... Since Fairy Gu is getting engaged to another man, yet, I have recovered, so, how about your second daughter?"
Patriarch Gu looked at Young Master from up and down.
"Recovered? I heard Young Master was trying to drug a beauty into sleeping with you but Yang Kai managed to save her and challenged you in a duel, badly beating you and your meat in public."
"Haha, Patriarch talks about an old thing. I am just here to maintain peace and balance. Let the past be gone in the sea of forgetfulness."
"Ooh!? But Young Master is too full of himself. If I really want I would choose someone like Bai Huan for my daughter."
As a father that's a logical thing to do.
"Ah, Patriarch talks harshly, but I understand Father's worry. It seems we aren't thinking as one as such, further talk is meaningless."
"Likewise."
"Then, this Young Master takes his leave."
After leaving the study room, Bai Long met with butler Lin.
Both nodded with a smile.
"Patriarch, your herbal tea..."