Chapter 31: Chapter 31 - Exposed Deception
I watched as Xavier Hill’s face turned crimson, his arm jerking desperately as he tried to free his hand from my grip. His efforts proved futile—my palm locked around his like a steel vise, completely immobilizing him.
Noticing his expression growing increasingly distorted, I asked with mock concern, "Mr. Hill, is something wrong? Why does your face look so terrible? Are you feeling unwell?"
My words pushed Xavier closer to the edge. He looked ready to cough blood from sheer rage.
"No response? Mr. Hill, as it happens, I know a bit about medicine. Would you like me to examine you?" I offered with a slight smirk.
"You... let go!" Xavier snarled through clenched teeth.
"Oh, you should have just said so." I feigned sudden understanding and immediately released his hand.
Xavier’s body lurched backward, landing him unceremoniously on the ground with a heavy thud.
"Mr. Hill, what happened? Are you alright?" I rushed forward with pretended concern, extending my hand to help him up.
Xavier swatted my hand away, his voice ice-cold. "You dare to play games with me."
"Mr. Hill, where is this coming from? I honestly don’t understand what you’re talking about," I replied, maintaining my half-smile.
"You!" Xavier’s teeth ground together audibly. He inhaled deeply, visibly struggling to maintain his composure.
"I refuse to sink to your level." His expression softened, clearly putting on a show for Mabel Sean as his gentle smile returned.
I had no interest in continuing this verbal sparring match. I reached into my pocket, retrieved the Hydrating Pill, and presented it to Mabel.
"Miss Sean, we’ve been acquainted for some time now, and I’ve never given you a gift. This is just a small token of my appreciation. I hope you’ll accept it," I said, holding out the Hydrating Pill toward Mabel.
Before she could reach for it, Xavier scoffed loudly. "Did you buy that box from some street vendor? That shabby container is worth a hundred dollars at most."
"Nonsense!" I shot Xavier a glare. "I clearly bought it from the grocery store!"
Xavier sneered, "Mr. Raymond is truly generous, offering such an item as a gift. Aren’t you insulting Miss Sean?"
"Not at all, I actually like it," Mabel responded, reaching out to take the box.
"Mason, thank you. I appreciate it very much," Mabel added with a warm smile.
Xavier’s expression immediately darkened.
"Miss Sean, I’ve brought something for you as well," he announced confidently. "I heard you’ve been searching for medicinal herbs lately. Since learning this, I’ve been making inquiries throughout Chuzzle and finally located a Hundred-year Ginseng for you." He produced an elaborate gift box and extended it toward Mabel.
Mabel accepted it with barely a flicker of emotion crossing her face.
Xavier appeared disappointed by her reaction and pressed, "Miss Sean, won’t you open it and take a look?"
"Is that really necessary?" Mabel replied diplomatically.
"Miss Sean, please do look!" I urged, my eyes blazing with excitement.
A Hundred-year Ginseng was practically a sacred treasure to me! If I could acquire one, I could reach the Third-Layer Qi Refining Stage, possibly even the Fourth Layer!
"Very well," Mabel nodded.
She carefully opened the wooden box.
Inside lay what appeared to be ginseng, resting quietly.
"Kid, this is what a proper gift looks like! The box alone costs more than you could afford, not to mention the ginseng inside," Xavier proclaimed smugly.
I glanced at the supposed ginseng and couldn’t help but sneer, "My gift might not be as valuable, but at least it’s sincere."
"Unlike you, passing off a radish as ginseng and acting so proud about it!"
"Mr. Hill, should I conclude that you’re blind, or that you’re deliberately trying to deceive Miss Sean?"
Xavier’s expression shifted abruptly, and he hastily demanded, "What are you implying?"
"What am I implying?" I reached out and picked up the ginseng.
"This is merely ordinary cultivated ginseng. Its medicinal properties are roughly equivalent to those of a common radish."
"If someone tricked you, that means you’re blind."
"If you did this intentionally, then you’re actively deceiving Miss Sean!"
My accusations left Xavier with beads of cold sweat forming on his forehead!
