Having lived for more than 80 years, Gale had seen too many of such power struggles ever since he began to do business in the last era.
He did not need to think into it to guess that there was more to the story than Ian claimed.
While he did not know what kind of people the rest of the Hull family were, he knew very well what kind of person Ian Hull was.
“You are my student, Ian. You followed under me for seven to eight years before you made a name for yourself. I would like to think that I know you well.
“Perhaps in this incident, this young man called Jasper and Dawson Schuler have done you wrong, but can you be true to your conscience and claim that you were in the right this entire time?”
In face of Gale’s question, Ian clenched his teeth and replied, “I was doing my business properly, Mr. Hurlbutt. If I were to have offended them, then it would be taking that project in the Southeast Province and taking their benefits.
“But that’s just normal business competition. If I lost, then, of course, I wouldn’t be saying anything about it. I’d accept my failure.
“But they’re not following the rules here and they’re even using dirty tricks. Not only did they use their resources and power in the Southeast Province to pressure me, but they even crossed the line and hurt my family. They’ve ended the Hull family’s bloodline.
“This is more than just disrespect to me! They’re disrespecting all the businesspeople from Haddock!”
At that, Gale only laughed and looked at Ian intently. “So you are forcefully dragging the Haddock Chamber of Commerce into this?
“You mean to say that if I do not help you today, then it will be the fault of everyone in the chamber? That it will be my fault?”
Ian immediately stood. “That’s not what I meant, Mr. Hurlbutt…”
Gale waved a hand dismissively and sighed. “I think I know very well whether that was what you meant or not, but I have decided that I do not wish to care so much about such matters anymore.
“Many of your classmates and seniors have come to me when they found themselves in trouble over the past few years, but when have you seen me helping them?
“You must understand that I’m a retired old man. I no longer involve myself in business, nor do I wish to care so much about matters of the later generations.”
Ian felt his heart sink along with Gale’s words.
Finally, Ian clenched his teeth and turned to Gale. “Mr. Hurlbutt, my father told me before he passed that you owe him a favor.”
Gale’s expression darkened.
The entire atmosphere in the hall froze along with his words.
Ian felt his heart clog his throat.
In front of his old teacher, Ian was well aware of how powerful this old man was.
One mere command from him was enough to turn Ian into a street rat the moment he walked out of those manor doors. Everyone would shun him.
Unless necessary, he did not want to threaten Gale.
After a long while, Gale spoke, “In specific, I owe your father two favors. The first was repaid when your father asked me to take you in as my student. The second favor, I never had the chance to repay him. Are you certain that you wish to use it?
“Think carefully, for I will help you should you decide to use the favor, but you will no longer be a student of mine after this is over.”
Ian’s threat had evidently angered Gale, but an old man like him seemed to consider a promise heavier than his own life. As such, he let Ian make the decision.
Ian did not think too much of it and looked up at Gale with his jaw set. “Please help me, Mr. Hurlbutt!”
Gale did not seem surprised by Ian’s choice. Both his eyes closed partially as he asked indifferently, “Very well. What do you want me to do?”
