Chapter 74: Jackson
The words spoken by the man in the tailored suit made Yuehai smile. Wasn’t it supposed to be a tense confrontation? Why did the atmosphere seem off? This man didn’t seem like he wanted to fight Zhang Ling. However, Zhang Ling, standing opposite, had a dark expression and coldly said, “I’ve said it before, it’s impossible. I will only serve Miss Damiyala in my lifetime. If you utter any more insults towards her, don’t blame me for showing no mercy.”
“Um… it seems like Yuehai understands the situation now, but the man in the suit didn’t lose heart. He continued, ‘You know, Ling, why did we come to Avalon? Those of us without innate talent can’t just steal a move or two from others. Besides, the master we used to follow is too busy with his studies to pay attention to us. So, Ling, now you’re free. You can do whatever you want, and they won’t know or care. That’s why you should join the Jackson Underground Auction House. Both I and the boss really believe in you and are willing to pay a high price to redeem you from the Inquisitors in Tifimia Kingdom.'”
“I am not bound by any contract. All my actions are my own will. So, Salma, you can give up on that idea.”
Zhang Ling’s response was concise yet extremely gloomy. Yuehai understood why Zhang Ling had acted out of character; it was because this sharply dressed man had touched upon his sore spot, insulting his master, Damiyala.
“But what is the Jackson Underground Auction House?”
Upon hearing Yuehai’s confusion, Zamasia immediately responded.
“Jackson Underground Auction House is one of the contractors of Avalon Academy. Not only does it operate auction venues underground for students and teachers, but it also has a renowned reputation throughout the southern island of Gabriel and the Grey End Alliance. When it comes to reputation and quality, this long standing auction house is undoubtedly the first choice.”
So, since he’s been noticed by such a formidable auction house, it means Zhang Ling must possess abilities beyond the ordinary. Otherwise, someone like Salma wouldn’t say even the boss is very optimistic about him.
From the situation, Salma isn’t really trying to provoke Zhang Ling, so although the situation seems tense, it probably won’t come to blows. Zhang Ling is also a clever person, and the expression he’s showing now is just for Salma’s benefit, to make him back down. Unfortunately, Zhang Ling underestimated Salma’s knack for sticking like chewing gum. Even when threatened, this guy keeps spewing out one sugar-coated bomb after another, not intimidating Salma at all, but instead getting himself entangled in all sorts of troubles.
And at this moment, a calm voice came from outside the crowd.
“Since Mr. Zhang Ling has repeatedly refused, there’s no need to insist.”
Salma seemed to recognize the voice from outside the crowd and quickly responded loudly, “But Brother Lin, this is an order from the boss!”
“Hehe, one command cannot dictate everyone’s will. I will discuss this matter with Gana Jeva. You can step aside,” the voice said as the figure from outside the crowd gradually approached. Due to his undeniable presence, all the onlookers parted to make way for him, as if he were the center of attention. This man, also bearing the distinctive features of a Vermillion, entered the sight of Yuehai and others.
“I am called Lin Xiu, a third-year student at Avalon Academy,” he introduced himself.
“Student?” Zhang Ling was puzzled, wondering what a student’s involvement meant at this moment. However, Lin Xiu smiled faintly.
“I am also a shareholder and president of Yorkson Underground Auction House.”
“President?!” Zhang Ling thought he misheard. Jackson was no small entity, how could a mere student be the president of Jackson? However, the young man, who looked remarkably refined, showed no signs of jest.
“Since Mr. Zhang Ling doesn’t accept our invitation, naturally no one can force you. However, Jackson Underground Auction House is always open to you. If you’re interested, even part-time, we would gladly hire you with a high salary. What do you say?”
Lin Xiu didn’t ramble on like Salma, but instead offered a tactful suggestion. Zhang Ling was already impatient, so when he saw the other party compromise, he quickly agreed, saying, “I will consider it.”
Lin Xiu smiled even more, nodding slightly. “Then we’ll await your good news. Let’s end it here for today.”
With a smile, Lin Xiu nodded slightly. “We’ll wait for your good news. Let’s end it here for today.” Then, he turned to Salma and said, “Salma, go and handle the matter we discussed last time.”
Salma, who had been silent behind Lin Xiu all this time, nodded slightly and responded affirmatively.
Lin Xiu smiled at Zhang Ling once again before boarding the nearby carriage and slowly departing.
Slowly departing. Seeing Lin Xiu had made up his mind, Salma naturally couldn’t say anything more. Just looking at Zhang Ling regretfully shaking her head, she turned and walked in the opposite direction.
Seeing that the excitement had died down, everyone dispersed to attend to their own affairs. The once frozen crowd now resumed its usual movement.
Zhang Ling let out a sigh of relief and instinctively looked towards his companions, only to realize that there was an additional person.
He couldn’t help but feel puzzled.
“Who is this young lady…”
“This is Lord Yuehai.” Zamasia hurriedly introduced Yuehai to Zhang Ling before Yuehai could speak. Zhang Ling suddenly realized, “So you are Lord Yuehai. Do you have any business coming here, my lord?”
“Don’t address me so formally. Calling me ‘classmate’ or ‘miss’ is fine. Using ‘lord’ sounds too formal,” Yuehai remarked, causing Zamasia and Zhang Ling to exchange puzzled glances. Given their master-servant relationship, addressing each other with formal titles was expected.
“Don’t exchange glances like that. Anyway, I really don’t like it. People aren’t born to be servants. Just treat me equally, like everyone else.”
“Yuehai, Miss?” Zhang Ling tentatively said, which left Yuehai somewhat amused and puzzled. What’s going on? Did he hit a nerve?
“Let’s not dwell on that. I’ve got a rough idea of what happened earlier. I’m just curious why they singled you out. Did you do something before?”
Zhang Ling couldn’t help but feel puzzled by Yuehai’s unusual questioning, but he still spoke, “I did some part-time work at the auction house before. I didn’t expect them to take an interest in my auction skills and try to recruit me. But as you know, I am Miss Damiyala’s servant. It’s impossible for me to do anything else, let alone establish a different relationship. Breaking ties with you over such a small auction house is simply absurd.”
“A small auction house?” If Zamasia hadn’t given her some background information, she might have actually thought this place called Jackson was just a small auction house.
