"Old Wood, there's work for you. Come over. Once this job is done, bring your wife and children over."
A middle-aged man who looked honest and simple was doing carpentry work, wiping sweat from his brow. The sudden voice made him set down his tools in uncertainty.
The one speaking was Master Li's trusted aide, specifically responsible for subcontracting assignments. Since Old Wood did not have enough to offer in tribute, he had never managed to get a spot in line. The gains from doing missions alone were pitifully small, nowhere near as worthwhile as being hired.
Hearing those words now filled Old Wood with surprise and delight.
He hurried forward and asked with a slight stammer,
"Y-You mean me? Is there a mission I can take?"
"Just come with me. The rewards for this mission are quite good. You old bastard really are lucky."
The young man who had come to fetch him could not help but show a flash of envy in his eyes.
Even he could not take on such a lucrative job, yet it was going to be handed to this old bastard. And aside from him, the others selected were all people who were usually looked down upon.
Still, it did not matter. The higher the mission rewards, the more he could skim off the top. His own share would not be small, and he would not need to take any risks. No matter how he looked at it, he was the one getting the better deal.
"Let's go. There's also that kid Jian Xiong. You're close with him, so go fetch him. He spends all day acting like a nervous wreck. Who knows who his father is?"
"Alright, I'll go get him now."
After wiping his hands on the hem of his clothes, Old