Before long, I had arrived at the pavilion by the mountain entrance. Jimo Guangru was looking up at the stars in the sky with a solemn expression, though that was more in keeping with his personality—he was never one for smiles or idle chatter.
After I landed, Jimo Guangru seemed to be brewing something. He waited until I found a place to sit before saying, "Several families jointly impeached me, and this position as arbiter will be given to someone else... Well, you'll have to be more careful from now on."
I nodded. "It was only to be expected. Someone had to take the blame. It wasn't because you did a poor job."
"You don't need to pity this old man. I've always acted this way." Jimo Guangru spoke indifferently, still standing with his hands behind his back and his head slightly raised. Even with me sitting behind him, he didn't seem to feel there was anything worth suspecting or any danger to fear.
After all, giving one's back to an opponent was being far too careless.
"Senior Jimo, you probably feel a chill whenever you see me, don't you? Why did you suddenly think of meeting me tonight?" I asked with a smile.
"You finally have a little self-awareness. But having the ability to make others shudder often proves that one has ability. I want to ask you for a favor." Jimo Guangru's clenched fist tightened behind his back as he spoke.
"You're asking someone like me for help. Are you sure you can trust me, Senior? Besides, I haven't agreed yet." I replied.
"If you agree, you'll receive great benefits." Jimo Guangru answered very decisively. He seemed certain that I would always put profit first.
"Benefits? The Jimo family isn't a merchant clan, nor are you hereditary ministers.