Chapter 275
Ethan chuckled. “You come to me for help, but you aren’t telling me the truth. Is this how you ask for help? You may leave now.”
George grew anxious. He had just arrived, but Ethan was already asking him to leave. Okay. I admit that it was us who made him do it. He rammed himself into the wall to prove his innocence. He’s a hero and he can’t die. You wouldn’t want a veteran to die in vain, would you?”
Ethan nodded. “That’s what I don’t want to see, but too bad. I am now locked up here as a prisoner. If you people can’t save him, what can I do?”
George explained, “No, there is something you can do. Dr. Rodman can save him, and you are the doctor’s savior. If only you’d talk to the doctor, he could be on his way to Celestial City.”
Ethan said, “It’s Dr. Rodman’s freedom whether he wants to save the man or not. I respect
his decision.”
George clenched his fists and teeth nervously. “Hmph. You are just giving excuses. You don’t want the veteran to be saved!”
“I see you are getting smarter,” Ethan scoffed. “This whole thing has nothing to do with me. What incentive is there to help you? What do I get in return?”
Incentive?
George never thought about it, but why must he give Ethan an incentive just to help? Was it necessary?
“How can you be so ruthless and wicked? Saving lives is bigger than anything, and you are being calculative!”
Ethan was amused by George’s righteous words.
“You guys made a mess,
but you
don’t want to solve the problem. You didn’t even do anything. We did all the heavy lifting, but you guys simply sit back and enjoy the outcome. That’s being calculative.”
George knew he was at a moral disadvantage. He suppressed his anger and said, “We showed you enough respect simply by being here in person! If you help us this time, we will mention your name during the announcement, and people might view you as less hostile.”
Ethan looked at him. “If you said so, I guess I can help, but you have to pay a certain price.”
George’s eyes lit up.
1/2
+25 BONUS
In the end, being fierce was the only way to get through with the deal.
They revered Ethan too much previously and got nothing done. Now that George decided to be stern and throw in a reward, Ethan finally loosened up.
“What price? Money?”
Ethan smiled. “Nope. You know how people say a life for a life, right? If you climb up the mountain now and jump off the cliff, I’ll help.”
A life for a life.
George had to exchange his life for Lucas’s. His eyes widened in disbelief.
“Are you kidding me?”
Ethan remained calm. “What’s the matter? Don’t have the nerve to do it? You’re saving lives here, and I simply made a request. Why are you being so calculative?”
George instantly felt embarrassed. It sounded familiar because it was what he just said. Ethan was using his words against him.
He had a sip of tea and then said, “I’ve already given you a choice. Jump off the cliff and the village head might survive. If he dies, it’s not on me either because you didn’t jump.
“I think if you really take the plunge, the announcement will also mention your name and you’ll get the respect you deserve.”
George almost passed out on the spot when he heard Ethan. Whatever he said to Ethan earlier was all reflected back on him. He tried to guilt–trip Ethan, but the latter made it difficult for him.
Ethan had agreed to help, but it was up to him to decide whether he wanted that assistance and if he was willing to pay the hefty price.
As for being respected after the announcement to the public, it was all nonsense.
He would be dead, and not even respect could bring him back.
With that, he realized what Ethan’s words meant.
Respect would be useless if the person died. Reducing people’s hostility against him while being locked up in Drakthorn Ridge was also useless.
George looked at Ethan in shock and disbelief.
