After a short moment of thought, Jasper decided that he would not start a rift with Gale, whose stand was still uncertain. He would be slightly kind to the old man unless absolutely necessary.
“Old Master Hurlbutt, I’d like to ask for some time to think about this,” Jasper requested.
Gale gave a smile and replied, “Of course. I must ask that you do not take too long to think, but I shall await your reply.”
“Three days, then,” Jasper promised, “I’ll give you a clear response in three days.”
Gale nodded as if he was certain that Jasper would agree.
Now that they had finished negotiating, Jasper stood up. “I’ve bothered you for too long, Old Master Hurlbutt. I shall take my leave now.”
Gale reached out gently to gesture Jasper to stop and handed the ‘History of the North and South’ to him. “I am gifting this book to you.
“Do take a read should you find yourself some free time. The history of the north and south was an important time for our country. It would do you good to understand more.”
Jasper took over the priceless and long out of print ‘History of the North and South’ and replied, “Thank you for your gift, Old Master Hurlbutt. I’ll make sure to treasure it.”
Gale smiled and waved him off. “You are free to leave then. I will not hold you here anymore.”
Jasper bade Gale farewell and turned to leave.
Gale was calm as he watched Jasper’s figure vanish into the corridor. One could not tell if he was angry or happy.
Suddenly, an old servant appeared by his side.
“Master, many of your students are greatly displeased with his cruel methods this time. Yet instead of teaching him a lesson, you gave him the branch’s vice president’s seat. I fear that many of them will be in an uproar,” the old servant replied softly.
Gale replied slowly, “The ones complaining the most are the ones who saw an easy gain and decided to support Ian, only to lose the most. Correct?”
The old servant smiled. “Businessmen. They’re known to seek quick benefits.”
“There is nothing wrong with businessmen seeking quick benefits, but one must be aware of who their opponent is as well. If you have not the slightest understanding of risks, then there is no one to blame but yourself.”
Gale replied calmly, “Ignore those who groan and howl in complaint. I am too old to listen to their cries anymore.”
The old servant nodded and asked curiously, “What do you have in mind, Master? According to our information, Jasper is not a saint.”
Gale smiled. “It is precisely because he is not a saint. How will an innocent lamb find their footing in Waterhoof City? I need an ambitious and ruthless predator for the job.
“Something tells me that this young man will surprise us all.”
The old servant fell deep in thought for a moment before he asked quietly, “What about the chamber’s opinions?”
“Press them down,” Gale replied, “I still have use for this young man. Without my permission, no one is allowed to act rashly.”
Gale sighed. “The chamber would not be so lacking in elites now if they were more hardworking. And an old man like me would not have to worry so much.
“If they are unwilling to fight for themselves, then they should just be content with what they have instead of pining for a spot they are incapable of filling. The vice president of the Waterhoof City branch is indeed a great position, but if the one sitting there is lacking, then they would only be signing a death wish for themselves. Ian’s situation is testament to that.”
