Ethan had a long sleep, and when he woke up, it was already twilight.
After a simple wash, Ethan was about to eat dinner when Anya came to report someone was requesting to see him.
"It's someone from the Evans family; they came this morning and said George wants to invite you for dinner."
"Also, master, while you were resting, George went to visit Sandro."
"And what was the result?"
"Sandro didn't see him."
"Sandro is a good man." Ethan laughed and then said, "Let the Evans family members go back; I won't be going. Also, have them tell George the great ship of the new world has already set sail; those who run slow won't have a spot."
"Yes, master."
Anya obeyed and left; she soon returned.
Tonight's dinner was thick chicken soup and a bowl of seafood rice.
Anya was not only efficient at work, but she also took meticulous care of life's details.
She knew Ethan stayed up late last night and needed a bowl of chicken soup to warm up his body.
After enjoying a sip, Ethan was about to eat when Anya couldn't help but ask.
"Master, should I notify Virel and the major leaders to heighten our defenses again?"
"You're worried George might act rashly?"
Anya nodded.
"Don't worry, Anya, he doesn't dare." Ethan shook his head and put a spoonful of rice into his mouth.
Anya was still somewhat puzzled and uneasy.
"In the distant East." Ethan swallowed the rice and nodded contentedly; Anya's cooking was as good as ever.
"There's a saying, on the battlefield, when the first war drum sounds, soldiers charge with courage, becoming invincible. But if they wait for the second drum, their vigor dwindles, and by the third, there is no morale at all. Now is George's third drum, he is utterly spent. Once he knows Sandro is entirely on my side, the only thing he can do is beg for my mercy."
"But you clearly told him there's no place for him on the ship."
"That's why I told him to hurry up."
Ethan laughed, feeling more joyful as he ate the seafood rice.
George ultimately couldn't meet Ethan in the most luxurious room aboard the North Sea Star; he only received that sentence.
That sentence made his face turn ashen and made his subordinate smash a bottle of good wine.
"Edo Wen…" he called out his subordinate's name.
"Yes, George."
"Get the car ready."
"Yes, boss. Should I notify the major leaders now to prepare for battle…"
He hadn't even finished speaking when he was interrupted by George.
"What battle? You idiot, I'm saying get the car ready to take me to the Bolita family's estate."
"But they've already said…"
"They said I should hurry up, don't you understand?!"
George was almost losing his mind; why were his subordinates always such fools.
Almost like a whirlwind, George urged his subordinates to drive like mad, finally arriving at the entrance of the Bolita Clan's estate in the fastest time possible.
Anya was indeed a bit surprised when she saw George at the door, but only a little. After all, her master had done so many amazing things, this was not particularly different.
After searching his body and confirming George wasn't carrying any weapons, Anya led him alone to the guest hall.
Ethan had already finished dinner by this time and was sipping a cup of tea, browsing the newspapers from the past few days.
"Oh, George, you're here, quicker than I expected, but I've been busy lately, sleeping little, so you only have half an hour."
"Ethan, I've come to apologize to you."
Ethan didn't get up from the calfskin sofa nor invite George to sit, so he had to stand there, flustered, waving his hands.
"Apologize? George, did you do something against me? How come I'm not aware?"
Ethan feigned confusion.
"The matter with Lewis, I instigated it, I apologize, and I'll handle him and ensure you're satisfied."
"That's your business, George, nothing to do with me."
"Of course, it's my responsibility. As for compensating you, I heard you're starting a business recently, and I happen to have acquired a piece of land in the southern suburbs; I'll give it to you, perfect for building a factory." George spoke cautiously, choosing his words carefully, constantly watching Ethan while speaking, an act that could only be described as humble.
"George, oh, we are friends, how can I casually take the land you attained through hard work? But I am indeed starting a business, and…" Ethan rubbed his eyebrows, then tapped the newspaper in his hand, "I saw in the newspaper that you recently not only acquired a piece of land in the southern suburbs but also built a factory processing various shells and fish bones from Beihai, making crafts. I'm very interested. Why don't you rent it to me, I'll also take the workers, and I can pay you altogether."
"Ethan, we're friends; if you want it, I'll give it directly to you. Don't reject me; I was good friends with your father, he just passed away, and I should help his son." George tried hard to pull off a smile, making his words sound natural and sincere.
"Oh, George, George, it seems I've always misunderstood you; you are the real friend." Ethan said as he laid down the newspaper, sat up straight, raised his emblem-decorated left hand, revealing the ring on his ring finger, "Then, I forgive you."
Watching Ethan's action, George was incredibly familiar with it; it was what he did to others in the past.
He was the one who would forgive others.
When he forgave someone, that person had to slowly approach, bow their head, and kiss his ring, like a jackal submitting to a lion.
This time, it was his turn.
George took a deep breath, his entire being trembling slightly.
He looked at the young man sitting on the sofa, who was so young, in the dim light, almost glaringly youthful.
In the past, he utterly despised such young people, only viewing them as rash, impulsive, insignificant; but now, he had only one feeling, which was, have I really grown old?
He slowly urged his body forward, step by step toward Ethan.
As he lowered his head, trembling to kiss the ring bound with black mud and thorns.
Ethan suddenly stood up and hugged him.
"George, George, my friend, what are you doing? I'm just joking with you; how can you really do such a thing? If word spreads, how could I face other elders?"
"It's just a joke, don't mind it too much, alright?"
Ethan patted his shoulder.
George was already completely stiff, cooling down.