"You're too kind. Everything from before—I've left it all behind. What I've just said, I only hope that you, Mr. Johnson, can keep it strictly confidential for me."
Noah Johnson nodded, immediately realizing the gravity of the situation.
"And what Julian Potter said about being able to cure your son is true. He offered a plan to persuade King Gavin, and he was confident because he knows some medicine. Based on what Fuchai ate, his complexion, and his pulse, he deduced that Fuchai wasn't seriously ill and would recover soon. That's why he dared to act as he did."
Noah Johnson was still a bit uneasy, but he was now convinced—the man before him truly was Julian Potter. He had always wondered about the origins of the mysterious Tao Zhugong. Why would someone carrying such wealth travel all the way from Chu to do business in Cao? After all, Chu was far more prosperous and powerful than Cao.
Although Dingtao was famed as the heart of the world, after the great nations finished their disputes, war would inevitably sweep through here. As a vital commercial hub, countless merchants made fortunes, but with great risk.
Over the years, Noah Johnson had seen many merchants arrive with money and goods, hoping to profit from this route. Most lost everything, some even their lives. The Johnson family survived thanks to the foresight of their ancestors, and it was only under his stewardship that their legacy flourished.
"Mr. Johnson, please rest assured. I will not use any medicines or any methods that could harm your son. The reason your son cannot speak is likely psychological. I have a way to help him—please trust me."
Noah Johnson finally let go of his last bit of wariness and breathed a long sigh of relief.
"Speak, Mr. Potter. What do you want to trade?"
"It is not a thing, but a matter. Forgive me if I am being presumptuous."
Noah Johnson nodded, and Julian Potter began to ask his questions.
"From my observations and deductions, Mr. Johnson, it seems you have close connections with the State of Chu—and with the Henderson family as well."
The words struck Noah Johnson like a blow; his expression changed drastically. He swallowed, fear flickering across his face.
"How did you..."
"Enough, Mr. Johnson. I only ask that you promise me this: we merchants always pursue profit, but to do so, we need powerful allies. If I ever fall on hard times, I hope you will lend me a helping hand."
Julian Potter spoke quickly. Noah Johnson was silent for a long moment, then finally nodded.
Julian Potter then shared his suspicions about the death of Zane Johnson's mother. The more he spoke, the darker Noah Johnson's face became.
"That's enough, Mr. Potter. Let it end here. I only hope you will keep this matter secret. What you've said is nothing but wild speculation."
The two then agreed to meet ten days later, after midnight, at Julian Potter's home to treat Noah Johnson's son.
Julian Potter's method was simple: he would have Zane Johnson's mother speak directly with him. Though there could be problems, Victor Wu had already made preparations.
Noah Johnson nodded, and Julian Potter began to ask his questions.
"From my observations and deductions, Mr. Johnson, it seems you have close connections with the State of Chu—and with the Henderson family as well."
The words struck Noah Johnson like a blow; his expression changed drastically. He swallowed, fear flickering across his face.
"How did you..."
"Enough, Mr. Johnson. I only ask that you promise me this: we merchants always pursue profit, but to do so, we need powerful allies. If I ever fall on hard times, I hope you will lend me a helping hand."
Julian Potter spoke quickly. Noah Johnson was silent for a long moment, then finally nodded.
Julian Potter then shared his suspicions about the death of Zane Johnson's mother. The more he spoke, the darker Noah Johnson's face became.
"That's enough, Mr. Potter. Let it end here. I only hope you will keep this matter secret. What you've said is nothing but wild speculation."
The two then agreed to meet ten days later, after midnight, at Julian Potter's home to treat Noah Johnson's son.
Julian Potter's method was simple: he would have Zane Johnson's mother speak directly with him. Though there could be problems, Victor Wu had already made preparations.