Old Eighth's heart burst into bloom when he heard Lu Hou'er say this; his grin nearly split his face. Yet he did not dare show too much emotion, lest it provoke his old employer's displeasure. He forcibly suppressed his excitement and said with feigned composure,
"Help Leader, this kindness of yours is nothing less than giving me a second life, no less than what I owe my birth parents. But if I, Old Eighth, leave, who will help ease your burdens? Shouldn't you reconsider?"
Though it carried a hint of wanting it both ways, a man could not become arrogant the moment he found success and forget his old employer. Otherwise, Lu Hou'er could change his mind at any time, keep him under his thumb, and make it impossible for him even to approach Meng Zhao.
And indeed, Old Eighth's performance greatly pleased Lu Hou'er. He said,
"It is enough that you have such intentions. I am not afraid to tell you plainly: Dragon King Meng is an extraordinary man, and his future prospects are boundless. Serving under him is a tremendous stroke of fortune. But Dragon King Meng has so many men under him; not every one of them will be valued and trusted.
"That is why I value your abilities and am transferring you to serve under Dragon King Meng. I do not expect you, Old Eighth, to treat me as you did before. I only hope that once you truly put down roots and gain a foothold under Dragon King Meng's name, you will not forget the grace of my recommendation today."
It was rather ironic. Once, Old Eighth had played the role of introducer, sending women of the sort Lu Hou'er liked to his residence. Now, Lu Hou'er was playing the introducer, planning to bring Old