At that instant, in walked another person.
It was Escort Zhang.
He came over with his Rank 3 docked-tail mountain lion. Although his strength had significantly increased, the man remained gentle and there wasn’t an ounce of arrogance even after his pet beast had become Rank 3.
Escort Zhang scanned the area with anticipation and noticed Lin Jin immediately.
With excitement in his eyes, Escort Zhang hurried over and it just so happened that Lin Jin had an empty spot beside him. Escort Zhang didn’t dare to sit down at first. He was about to bow to Lin Jin, who stopped him immediately. Escort Zhang then realized his actions and quickly sat down. Instead of bowing, he leaned forward slightly toward Lin Jin to show his respect.
“Appraiser Lin, I didn’t think you’d actually come!” Escort Zhang was rubbing his hands together, seemingly embarrassed. Lin Jin smiled and patted him on the shoulder. “I said I would return the favors I owe. Since that’s the case, it’s only natural that I show up. But seeing how the Qiao family has invited so many experts, I don’t think my assistance will be needed.”
Lin Jin was just making a casual remark.
Setting the Qiao family’s troubles aside, Lin Jin was sure that those demonic appraisers weren’t just here for a meal. Although he didn’t know what their motive was, judging by the despicable acts these men have committed in the past, they surely weren’t here for good deeds.
If these demonic appraisers were to scheme against the Qiao family, these guests here probably wouldn’t be of much help. After all, those guys would never fight a head-on battle. Skilled in dark and villainous arts, it was much more likely that they would go for sneak attacks instead.
As the saying goes, ‘It’s easy to dodge a spear in the open, but not an arrow shot from the dark’.
However, Lin Jin wouldn’t tell Escort Zhang that much.
Escort Zhang responded with a smile, “I was mentally prepared when I wrote you that letter. I was worried that I might be disturbing you and that the Qiao family’s trouble isn’t actually that huge. I just hope that you didn’t come here for nothing.”
“You didn’t do anything wrong.” Lin Jin didn’t mind it at all. Escort Zhang was a nice person, level-headed, and loyal in character. Although he may not achieve big things, he was a man who carried out his tasks well.
Hearing Lin Jin’s encouragement made Escort Zhang happy.
To him, Lin Jin’s existence was akin to a God’s. For him to show up proved that he was a man of his word. Since he declared he would return the Qiao family’s favor, Lin Jin would surely do it. And that much was worthy of respect.
As they chatted, the Qiao family finally made their appearance.
On the side, Escort Zhang whispered to Lin Jin, “That’s Qiao Feigong, the current patriarch of the Qiao family. The young man behind him is his son, Qiao Xing, and the others are the family’s mainstays. Of Qiao Feigong’s previous generation, only his second uncle is still alive and well. It’s that oldest man over there…”
Escort Zhang knew the Qiao family’s hierarchy well so it didn’t take much on Lin Jin’s part to understand their family dynamic.
“Qiao Feigong is a man of justice and righteousness. He is largely impartial to business gains and losses. Not once did he utter a single word of reprimand when I explained the situation to him. He’s a good man,” Escort Zhang praised.
While it was true that because he benefitted from cooperating with the Qiao family, his compliments came from the bottom of his heart.
Lin Jin nodded.
Despite Lin Jin halting their delivery and forcefully consuming their priceless Ganoderma, the Qiao family opted not to pursue the matter. This much was enough to tell him that Qiao Feigong was a good man. He was very forgiving and not the unreasonable sort of patriarch who was calculative about everything.
Qiao Feigong began his speech.
The man stepped forward and saluted the crowd, saying, “It is my honor to welcome my esteemed guests, who have decided to take time off their schedules to attend our banquet. You are all men of caliber and we solemnly wish to have your assistance in the future should our family ever be in need. I am grateful that you all have acknowledged our continued cooperation far into the future.”
He spoke politely.
The crowd raised their hands to return his salute and it was a harmonious exchange.
“Lord Qiao, you’re too kind. We’re here out of respect for the Qiao family so if any evildoers dare to give your family trouble, we won’t let them off easily.”
“That’s right. Lord Qiao is a man who often helps the citizens of Reed City, a great inspiration to us all. If any fiends dare to show up today, they shouldn’t blame us for showing them no mercy.”
Many others made similar declarations of loyalty.
Qiao Feigong was pleased. This was precisely what he wanted.
Several days ago, that thief had announced he would return with trouble today. This was Qiao Feigong’s reason for hosting this banquet. With so much manpower at his disposal, any thief would simply be frightened away. Even if the thief did show up, why should they be afraid with so many people around?
What’s more, their family was wealthy. This banquet of about ten tables didn’t cost that much and they could afford to treat everyone here.
“Let lunch be served!”
“Lunch is served!” someone yelled.
About thirty servants emerged from both sides of the manor, carrying various dishes as they took turns placing them on the table. Soon, the tables were all filled with delicacies.
Qiao Feigong gave a toast and the crowd started to dig in.
Many of the guests ended up slobbering their way through lunch from a severe lack of table manners. After all, most of them were ruffians who came here just for the food.
Of course, there were also capable individuals with very elegant etiquette.
Seeing how most of the companions at his table had terrible table manners, Lin Jin suddenly lost his appetite. Besides, he was still watching the four demonic appraisers for any sudden movements.
As Lin Jin didn’t pick up his chopsticks, Escort Zhang didn’t either in spite of his hunger.
At that instant, someone came over. It was Qiao Feigong and his son. They were probably here to toast their guests, who quickly wiped their mouths with the back of their hands, which were then rubbed on their pants. They rushed to get their cups filled.
“Huh? Escort Zhang, why haven’t you begun eating? Are the dishes prepared by our chefs, not to your tastes?” Qiao Feigong’s son, Qiao Xing deliberately asked.
He was still angry at Escort Zhang for losing their delivery item. Although Qiao Feigong had warned him not to disrespect Escort Zhang because of this, Qiao Xing wouldn’t let any chances of mocking Escort Zhang escape him.
Escort Zhang got up without being irritated. He was about to formally introduce Lin Jin to the Qiao family when a sudden commotion occurred.
Someone’s pet beast had suddenly gone on a rampage, roaring madly and biting its owner. There was a loud cracking sound. It was the sound of the owner’s arm breaking. Blood began to flow as hysterical cries filled the air. The scene was a mess.
The Qiao family members were instantly startled by this.
Those with quick reflexes scattered away, afraid of getting bitten while others commanded their pet beasts to step forward. Members of the Qiao family who were quick to react also had their pet beasts join in the fray to block off the rampaging beast’s path.
“What’s going on?”
“I don’t know. This mastiff suddenly went mad.”
“Even if it lost its mind, it shouldn’t bite its owner. Quick, rescue that man!”
The wailing man on the floor had now lost quite a bit of blood. If he wasn’t attended to immediately, he wouldn’t make it out alive. Meanwhile, the rampaging mastiff was glaring through bloodshot eyes as it chewed on its master’s arm. It looked like it would continue attacking again anytime soon.
Someone had their pet beast retrieve the injured man, who was now knocked out cold from blood loss. It was impossible for him to bring the beast back under his control. In this situation, the others could only send their pet beasts forward to restrict the mastiff.
This sudden mishap startled everyone. Fortunately, the Qiao family had taken immediate action and brought the situation under control. They had help from many of their guests too so things didn’t get out of hand that quickly.