Bai Ze was also cautious. He had read the file and knew that the boy named Zi Yang handled everything extremely cautiously and might contact him through the hotel. So, he really rented a room for a week and stayed in it.
When he received the contract, Bai Ze finally heaved a sigh of relief. Even though he acted frivolously as per his plan and was sure of getting hired, the outcome had not been decided after all.
Now that he had the draft contract in hand, Bai Ze went straight to the Void Empress to express mission accomplished.
The terms mentioned in the contract were also generous. He could understand the point of not being ill-intentioned but why mention being a godfather to his little brother.
Even to stop the neighbor’s mouths, that’s not necessary.
But considering that its only required to be held for nine months. He doesn’t see any big issues with that.
Bai Ze returned at Void Empress’ home and showed the contract.
Dark Void had just finished explaining how the interview process went when Bai Ze handed a contract for them to see.
Void Empress’ reaction was the same as Bai Ze’s.
Only Dark Void looked like the contract was too good to be true. All holidays and only a few work days while shielding children in name of a godfather for a few months?
If it were a few months ago, that’s be fine.
But now Dark Void has a psychological shadow of Zi Yang’s actions. So, she started mobilizing her channels to see if she could find something.
Another thing she couldn’t fathom was that Bai ze got hired so easily.
Bai Ze seemed to have seen her doubts, and said, “the only thing I saw in the file was a boy trying hard to find someone genuine. He rejected all the people who seem to be coming with a purpose instinctively.
So, I played myself. Just added in a bit of falsehood about a curse and strength recovery which is like adding a pinch of salt to a jug of wine.
And he’s already seen me being good with children. Everything checks out then.”
A simple truth, but both the Void Empress and Dark Void couldn’t put themselves in a young boy’s shoes as well as Bai Ze did.
While Bai Ze was explaining, Dark Void had already learned that Zi Yang bought the highest-level Void contracts.
Considering Zi Yang’s earlier request to cast a confusion spell, she sensed something off and once again mobilized her authority to check the content of the contract.
Checking it twice and discovering a twist, she printed two copies and gave them to Mystic Void and the Void Empress.
Both of them talking, were interrupted. They were confused why Dark Void printed the same contract.
They also imagined with the caution of that kid; he’d most likely get a void contract instead of a normal contract done.
Being urged to read, they read and reacted simultaneously.
Dark Void admired the reactions of the both of them.
Void Empress showed an amused and slightly angered expression. Baize was plain awestruck.
Then, Dark Void told Mystic Void about Zi Yang’s first request for the favor.
The trio was at a loss of how cunning this kid could get.
This was a kid trying to squeeze the Void Empress’ right hand man, her steward – a king level powerhouse for 9 years through a contract fraud.
“Working for 9 years is still alright. I can understand he wants someone reliable and with considerable strength to accompany him until he’s of age, but why ask me to his brother’s godfather?”
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Baize was not offended that he was going to be tricked.
First, the empress’ orders were to stay until he’s 16 years old. He would have stayed after the stipulated 9 months, citing some reason or the other.
He was just concerned about the new bond all of a sudden. It is not even certain if that boy would be his young lord by becoming the empress’ student.
He was already being hooked onto the family. There’s a precedent issue here.
As an attendant, he could not establish relations before the empress makes her mind.
“He’s prudent.”, the empress said again and paused before continuing, “and shrewd.”
Dark Void immediately asked, “So he’s swindling again. Even though he shared half of his income for almost no work and only showing up for one a month, which seems to be compensating….”
Baize also said, “He’s swindling but not for me to work for nine years. To be exact, he doesn’t care if I work for him or not. Even if I violate all conditions from day one and never show up, he may still be happy.”
The Void empress also smiled.
“He’s swindling Baize’s luck. In the last year, we’ve seen how many absurd things he done for his brother.”
Both Void empress and Dark Void remembered and Baize had also read the folder.
He’s made baby lotions with ancient tree leaf, starting from three element Taichi lotion to five elements cyclical lotion, from doctor reports to high grade medicinal supplements.
The boy’s earning to spending ratio was seriously skewed. He spent all the money like water for his brother and wasted lots of good ingredients.
The five elements cyclical lotion that Zi Yang prepared could be used by 8–12-year-olds to lay a good foundation before it could all be absorbed, but it was in fact used for a one-year-old.
The life was typical of a pauper elder and a wealthy younger.
They reacted as well.
“He wants to tie me to Zi Ming as his godfather so that my luck could nourish his younger brother!”
Baize exclaimed.
“Yes, it’s you who said that you survived a curse by using your luck. Zi Yang also knows Baize is an auspicious beast so he believed your statement, however ridiculous, immediately. He wants to use your luck to fill in some deficit of his younger brother.”
Void empress said annoyed.
Both attendants showed wry smiles.
“In short, just go with the flow and proceed as business.”
“Yes, Empress”
Both saluted and retired.
And so, Baize spent two relaxing years at Zi Yang’s home.
“Uncle Bai, help me pack the space fruits according to the order list. The pickup will be here in a while. I’m off to the evening school, will be late in the evening. Mama Mei, Zi Ming, bye”
Zi Ming wobbled out with the help of a walker, and sweetly said, “bye bye broo boo”
Zi Yang kissed him goodbye and left swiftly.
Baize also packed the space fruits in a separate package and handed them to the courier.
He was also quite surprised that Zi Yang could find a hollow poplar branch and revitalize it. It has recently started giving fruits.
These fruits contain a hint of space law. Even though it’s only a hint and fruits are pitifully small, it already ranks as an extraordinary level resource.
If the tree is strengthened someday and bears a proper space law fruit; this alone is enough for this household to live a good life for eternity.
Provided they can protect it. Baize had to deter some provincial overlords from setting their eyes on this courtyard.
Even though things seem to be getting better with the money from daycare and space fruits, Zi Yang has still taken on additional jobs occasionally.
Customer service at Meng’s potion making in exchange for some time observing Master Meng’s potion making…
And, now he’s an assistant to teacher He at the evening school – helping him reorganize curriculum, checking assignments and other menial jobs.
He remembered telling Zi Yang that every cultivation type helps one breakthrough and make one stronger, such as cultivating music which involved playing instruments and singing.
The boy’s been tilling for more money since then.
He stubbornly gives half of the earned money every month to me, Baize thought, otherwise he’d have enough now for teaching classes.
In fact, Baize understood Zi Yang a lot better in the two years. He also saw the gratitude and guilt in his heart. Sharing half of the money is a method of lessening some guilt.
Neither of them ever talked about the nine-month contract expiring. They just kept going.
He even saw his little black notebook which records all favors – paid and unpaid. The entry of an “evil and gullible leafed hat trut” is amusing.
Anyhow, Baize couldn’t have been more satisfied with the child.
He’d be even more satisfied if his godson did not come specially to him every time and pee.
“Lady Mei, Zi Ming has peed again.”
“Oh Lord Bai, wait a minute.”
Out came a young lady in cheongsam – Mama Mei who nursed her injuries in these two years and returned to soldier level strength again.
The life here is simple.