Chapter 7: A Billion Equals Ten Bucks

"I'll be staying in Y City for a while. If Old Master Chu gets poisoned again and needs me to detoxify him, you can always find me. Ten million per session, this is quite an easy way to make money, and I'm more than happy to make the trip." Gabrielle McCarthy maintained a smile at the corners of her mouth, but her words were sharp. Ignoring Melissa Arabella's dark face, she pulled out her phone and handed it to Nelson FitzGerald, "Make the payment. I need to get back to sleep."

Nelson FitzGerald: "...It's daytime!"

"So what if it's daytime? Who says you can't sleep during the day?"

Gabrielle McCarthy had just returned from abroad, still adjusting to the time difference. She was exhausted and badly needed rest, so she really didn't have the patience to linger at the Chu family any longer.

Nelson FitzGerald remembered that she had mentioned flying back from far away, so he didn't say anything more. He quickly transferred ten million to her account and, without hesitation, added her on Whatsapp. To ensure she accepted, he added, "I'll introduce more business to you in the future."

Gabrielle McCarthy: "...Do I look like someone who needs money?"

"Is there anyone in this world who would turn down money?" Nelson FitzGerald looked at her with a deep gaze.

"Yeah, you're right. I don't mind having more money."

Gabrielle McCarthy put her phone back into her handbag and added, "My master and I have different philosophies and values. He's used to being poor and takes on small jobs worth one or two million. I don't bother with such small amounts. My starting price is ten million. If you can't afford that, don't come to me."

With that, she turned around and left with a confident stride.

Nelson FitzGerald was left behind, grinding his teeth, then chuckled silently.

This woman...

Her tone and attitude were the same as the woman from last night, capable of infuriating people with just a few words.

He glanced at her Whatsapp profile picture, which showed a pair of clear and perfect eyes—her own. The beautiful face below was covered by a veil.

For some inexplicable reason, he found these eyes to be enchanting, drawing him closer.

Usually composed, he suddenly felt an uncontrollable urge. He handed the prescription to the butler, Webb Beard, spoke faster than usual, and after explaining the precautions for the medicinal bath, briefly bid farewell to his grandfather and hurriedly followed her.

Watching him leave, Melissa Arabella snorted coldly, "Now I know, that woman is a fox spirit. She didn't come to treat Father; she came to seduce people."

"Shut up!" Horace FitzGerald suddenly reprimanded her.

"Dad, are you scolding me?" Melissa Arabella looked at him in disbelief.

Horace FitzGerald, still weak, felt a bit dizzy after shouting and almost fell onto the sofa. With a grim expression, he said, "As a lady from a distinguished family, watch your words. Don't offend someone skilled in both medicine and poison. If they decide to take revenge, they could easily poison you, and we wouldn't even find any evidence."

Melissa Arabella's face tightened, showing some fear. Her voice lowered, "Yes, I understand."

Gabrielle McCarthy was about to hail a taxi when a Rolls-Royce stopped in front of her. The window rolled down, revealing a handsome, chiseled face. He spoke, "Get in, I’ll give you a ride."

With a free luxury car, Gabrielle McCarthy didn't bother calling a taxi. She got in and, without hesitation, told the driver, "Four Seasons Peninsula."

"Yes, ma'am."

The driver was Peter Sinclair, Nelson FitzGerald's assistant, who had witnessed the temper of this beautiful young lady at the Chu family. He glanced at her through the rearview mirror and started the car.

Gabrielle McCarthy had no interest in initiating conversation and immediately focused on her phone. Nelson FitzGerald was about to speak when her phone rang. He glanced at the screen, which read "Master," and let her take the call.

"I’ve already left the Chu family," Gabrielle McCarthy said, her face still a bit sour.

"Did you handle it?" A booming voice came from the other end.

Gabrielle McCarthy rubbed her ears and held the phone a bit further away, looking annoyed, "Can you keep it down? You’re about to burst my eardrums."

"I just finished practicing the Lion Roar technique. The power is too strong, and I can't control it yet," the voice remained loud and clear.

Gabrielle McCarthy, used to his tone, didn't waste words. Instead, she brought up the large debt notice she received in the morning, her face long and serious, "What's going on with the bill you sent me this morning? You have one chance to explain."

"I bought a batch of good stuff, and adding the previous debts, it totals ten billion. I'm busy lately and can't see patients to pay off the debt, so I'm leaving it to you."

Tian Yang answered nonchalantly, as if ten billion was the same as ten dollars, and his apprentice should have no trouble handling it.

"Be clear, what exactly did you buy?" Gabrielle McCarthy gritted her teeth, her words squeezed out between them.

Tian Yang, familiar with his apprentice's temper, knew she was angry from her tone. But he didn't care. Standing on a mountain top, grinning widely, he said, "I went through great lengths to get these things. I can't tell you exactly what they are, but they will be very helpful for us in the future."

"You better hope they are, or I’ll burn down your straw hut and leave you with nowhere to live," Gabrielle McCarthy threatened.

"Oh, go ahead and burn it. I don't plan to go back. I’ve packed everything and brought your things too. Send me your address once you settle down, and I’ll mail them to you."

They used to live in a dense forest in the central-southern mountains. Tian Yang grew herbs and studied medicine, teaching Gabrielle McCarthy. They lived in isolation until she reached middle school age, and he arranged for her to attend school. He also began seeing patients and earning money, introducing her to society.

Gabrielle McCarthy sensed from his tone that he was serious and had made some decisions. She didn't ask more, but inquired, "Where are you now?"

"Temporarily in southern Y City, heading back soon."

"Are you coming to Y City?" Gabrielle McCarthy asked, and before he could answer, added, "If you come, I’ll buy a house here. If not, I’ll stay in a hotel."

"I won't come. I have a lot to do and no time to visit."

"Fine," Gabrielle McCarthy didn't push it.

"By the way, what was wrong with Old Man Chu?" Tian Yang had called to ask about this, but got sidetracked.

"It wasn't an illness, he was poisoned. By Crimson Flame Powder."

"Oh, that simple? Two million earned easily," Tian Yang gloated.

Gabrielle McCarthy smirked, her smile sly, "Wrong. Two million was the price the Chus negotiated with you. For me, it's ten million."

Tian Yang's smug smile froze, and he roared into the phone, "Why do you get ten million, and I only get two million?"

"Because you’re ugly and have a bad reputation," Gabrielle McCarthy replied bluntly.