Ch. 2251..2255: The Secretly Rich Man Chapter 2251-2255
Chapter 2251
Gerald Crawford: The Secretly or invisible Rich Man Chapter 2251 “Not long, actually. I estimated you’d be here around this time, so I simply got out a little earlier,” replied the old man in a cheery tone as he slipped his hands into his sleeves.
“Hmm? Are you proficient with fortune telling as well …?” asked Gerald as he turned to look at Master Ghost.
“Negative. I simply estimated how long it’d take for you to get here if you set off at dawn! Don’t worry, I only waited here for a little while just so we could get things done a little faster,” replied the old man as he shook his head.
Feeling slightly pleased that the old man was being so eager to leave thus showing just how concerned he was over Gerald’s affairs, Gerald was then prompted to ask, “So… are we leaving right away?”
Nodding in response, the old man then turned to look a this family members before saying, “Remember my orders last night. Keep a constant eye on the Futabas and immediately stop anyone who poses a threat to them. If they don’t get the message, then just get rid of them. If anything else takes place, I’ll deal with it once I return. Understand?”
“Got it! After leading everyone there, I’ll make sure that each of the Futabas will remain well guarded till you return!” declared what appeared to be the leader of the group with a nod.
“Well said. Let’s get going then,” said the old man as he turned to look at Gerald again.
Looking at the four seater SUV that was now going to be cramped because of Fujiko’s sudden intrusion, Gerald who didn’t want the old man to be forced to sit behind with Aiden and Master Ghost
was prompted to ask, “Um… By chance, do you have a bigger car…?”
Upon hearing that, the old man then yelled, “Get the car!”
Nodding in response, one of the old man’s subordinates then bolted off and shortly after, a seven seater MPV came to a halt before everyone.
“This should suffice, right? I just had a feeling that space would be an issue the night before, so I got this car prepared. As for how we’re getting to Yanam, my family has a small cargo ship at the dock. With that said, we shouldn’t have a problem getting to our destination,” said the old man with a smile.
Momentarily stunned, Gerald quickly snapped out of it before placing his hands together and saying, “I… appreciate the thoughtfulness.”
“It’s really no big deal. I was practically the unofficial head butler of your family back then, you know? With that in mind, even after all these years, considering such things is second nature to me,” replied the old man with a chuckle.
Nodding in response, Gerald then opened one of the car’s doors before saying, “After you.”
Laughing joyously, the old man then got in as he called out, “Come now, get in as well, you four!”
Going on a trip with Daryl’s descendant was making the old man reminisce about the good old days, which explained why he was feeling so cheery. Regardless, once everyone was inside, they immediately began driving toward the docks.
Once they were gone, the other Yamashitas couldn’t help but whisper among themselves, “I’ve never seen Third Elder this happy before…”
For as long as they knew him, the elder had rarely ever portrayed any other emotions aside from the solemn expression he was known for. Hell, most of the time, he barely even spoke, simply communicating through gestures. However, from the day the Westoner first came to their family, the elder had said more than he ever had. In fact, it probably wasn’t even a stretch to say that the elder had spoken more in these few days compared to the entirety of last year!
“That has nothing to do with us. Let’s just focus on what Third Elder told us to do,” replied the leader of the group who didn’t like them talking behind their elder’s back. Hell, they shouldn’t even be talking about all this in the first place. After all, the Yamashitas had rules that prohibited them from doing so!
“Roger!” declared everyone else upon hearing that.
Nodding in response, the leader then added, “Alright, once you and your subordinates arrive at the manor, remember to keep your eyes peeled at all times. If anyone tries to look for trouble, take them down the second you can. Remember, prioritize keeping the Futaba family members safe. If we fail to do that, then none of us will be able to answer to the Third Elder once he returns!”
With that agreed upon, over ten cars began driving from the Yamashita territory toward the Futaba manor.
Chapter 2252
Gerald Crawford: The Secretly or invisible Rich Man Chapter 2252 Moving back to Gerald and his party, it wasn’t long before the five of them arrived at the dock Under the old man’s lead, they soon saw a small cargo ship that had been anchored near the docks bearing the logo of Yamashita family.
Before they even got to the ship, a man came running it p to them before saying, “Third Elder! Just as you’ve requested, we’ve prepared enough oil in the cargo ship for you to head back and forth from Japan to Yanam up to three times!”
“Good job,” replied the old man as he patted him on the shoulder.
Feeling overwhelmed to be praised by the elder, the man immediately bowed before declaring, “I-I only did as I was ordered to!”
Once that person ran off, the old man turned to look at the others before saying with a smile, “Speaking of which, there are quite a few shops on this dock, so if you need anything, go ahead and get them. If nothing’s needed, then we can just set off now.”
“I mean… From my past experience, Gerald’s probably going to stop us from getting anything unnecessary! He says it’s a waste of money!” grumbled Aiden who would definitely love to get some snacks.
Unfortunately, Gerald didn’t share the same sentiment.
“Hmm? Now who said anything about spending money?” replied the old man as his smile broadened.
Confused, Aiden then scratched the back of his head as he asked, “Um… How else are we going to get things…?”
“My boy, the Yamashita family owns this dock. I’ve already told them of our arrival yesterday, so feel free to get anything you want from those shops as long as the items can be brought up the ship,” replied the old man as he pointed at the shops that were in business.
Upon hearing that, Gerald thought for a moment before saying, “Well, while I assume the ship already has plenty of food and water prepared for us, I believe we’ll be needing extra sets of clothes. Remember, this isn’t going to be a short trip. With that said, I’d rather not stink to high heaven as we traverse through Yanam and eventually to Yearning Island.”
Gerald knew that he had to be clean and neat when he finally reunited with his family. After all, his sister would probably begin lecturing him about the poor way he dressed the second she saw him wearing his current tattered clothes. Thinking back, he remembered playing in a bog a lot as a child, and every time he returned, his sister would grab him by his ear before dragging him to the shower room and leaving him there The thought of it alone made Gerald smile a little.
Whatever the case was, aside from saving his family, Gerald was also secretly hoping to learn more about the Sun League.
Regardless, Gerald snapped out from his train of thought when the old man replied, “As Gerald said, there’s ample food and water on the ship, so you guys should probably focus on getting clothes. When asked to pay, just say that you’re with the Third Elder.”
Before anyone could say anything else, they ended up staring wide eyed as the old man leaped off the ground and right onto the approximately sixteen feet high ship’s deck! Aiden and Fujiko in particular were momentarily shocked speechless. After all, not even high ranking soldiers like them were able to perform such a feat! Yet the old man had made it seem like a piece of cake!
Already used to seeing such things, Gerald himself simply headed into the nearest clothing shop to get some new apparel. Once he was done, he got aboard the ship, only to see the old man sitting on deck while enjoying a cup of tea. Upon seeing Gerald, the old man quickly got a new cup before pouring more hot tea into it.
Sitting beside the old man, Gerald then placed his new clothes aside before saying, “Well, that’s done with. Speaking of which, I still don’t know your name, Sir.”
“Well, names aren’t really important, but if it helps, you can call me Senior Jobson,” replied the old man with a wave of his hand. Thinking back, it had been a few decades since he had used his real name. After all, to Jobson, names were simply a referential code that bore little meaning.
“Got it, senior Jobson,” replied Gerald with a nod as he noted down the old man’s surname.
Nodding in response, the old man then said, “So… what’s the plan?”
Chapter 2253
Gerald Crawford: The Secretly or invisible Rich Man Chapter 2253 “Well… the only plan is to head to the ancient ruins of Yanam now. Aside from that, there’s not really a Plan B. After all, it’s exactly because we know so little about Yearning Island that we’re heading there in the first place. Hopefully we’ll learn more about the island once we get there, otherwise, we’ll just hit another dead end…” muttered Gerald as he shook his head with a sigh.
“Nothing else?” asked Jobson with a slight frown, clearly expecting Gerald to know more about Daryl.
“Sadly. However, I do have this…” replied Gerald as he slipped his hand into his coat before pulling out the sea map.
“Hmm? Is that the legendary sea map? ” asked Jobson as he took the map from Gerald before studying it carefully.
“Oh? You know about it, sir?”
“Of course, I do. Remember, I’m a Weston cultivator as well, so it makes sense that I’ve heard about the map. Regardless, according to legends, this map leads to a secret treasure in the sea, right? The one that if obtained, grants the seeker great wealth?” replied the old man as he pointed at an island in the middle of the map.
“A… secret treasure…?” asked Gerald, his eyes widened in surprise.
“Indeed. Why? Weren’t you going after that? Or does the map serve another purpose?” replied Jobson in a curious tone.
“I used the map to try locating Yearning Island… You see, I once saw the island appear on the sea map, but it only lasted for a little under ten seconds before disappearing again… As for the secret treasure you mentioned, it’s the first I’ve heard of it,” explained Gerald as he shook his head.
“If that’s the case, then I guess that the sea map leads to multiple things. Either way, if we have the chance, we should try seeking out the secret treasure as well. I have a feeling that it’s the real deal,” replied Jobson.
“Oh, I’ve already been there. I just didn’t know that the treasure was there back then. As for Why I headed there in the first place, I initially thought that it was Yearning Island. Unfortunately, the island only houses a sect of the Crawford family,” replied Gerald as he pointed at the same island that Jobson had identified earlier.
“Oh? How interesting… ” muttered Jobson.
“Indeed… Regardless, while I was on the island, Daryl sent his subordinates over to test my strength. Shortly after that, Will sent some of his own men to assassinate me. All in all, I think I got attacked three times on that island…” said Gerald as he recalled those incidents.
“Will?” asked Jobson.
“Ah, he was adopted by Daryl, and he’s about the same age as I am. From what I know, he’s currently the heir of the Crawford family, and he apparently thinks that I’m trying to find the island to snatch his position away! You can tell how desperate he is since he even dared to disobey Daryl’s orders!” explained Gerald with a laugh.
“How interesting… To think that while Daryl merely wishes to test your strength, his heir is trying to kill you. The current Crawford family doesn’t sound peaceful at all,” replied Jobson as he stroked his beard with a smile.
“Indeed… Either way, I really couldn’t care less about that position. I just want to rescue my family already…” muttered Gerald as he shook his head. In fact, even if Daryl really wanted him to be the next patriarch of the Crawford family, he would’ve declined.
“Speaking of your family, how long have they been locked up?” asked Jobson.
“A very long time,” replied Gerald with a sigh.
“And Daryl hasn’t hurt them?” asked the old man as he poured more tea for Gerald.
“From what an assassin that Will sent over told me, they’re apparently treated well, though they’ve remained locked up in a room at the back of the Crawford manor this entire time…” replied Gerald.
Chapter 2254
Gerald Crawford: The Secretly or invisible Rich Man Chapter 2254 “I was also told that only Daryl is allowed into the area they’re locked up in, so Will can’t mess around with them. At the very least, that’s what the assassin told me,” added Gerald as he shook his head, unsure of whether to believe that or not.
“Things simply get more and more interesting, huh… So after he captured your parents and sister, he’s now forcing you to go save them? At the same time, he doesn’t want you dead either. I wonder if you’re missing something here…” muttered the old man who knew Daryl’s personality well, which was why he still refused to believe that Daryl would harm his family without good reason.
Understanding that Jobson was trying to justify Daryl’s actions, Gerald simply clenched his fists before replying, “Even if I am, no grandfather should ever make their grandson learn about something through such despicable means…”
It was clear that his hatred toward Daryl had peaked, and had anyone else said that, then Gerald would’ve already attacked them without the slightest hesitation.
Sensing Gerald’s hostility, the old man simply muttered in a slightly resigned tone, “… Let’s talk about this again once we reach the manor. Who knows, he may finally tell you why he did all that once you arrive. Again, before parting ways, I remember him always being extremely kind to his family members, especially your parents. In fact, he’s hardly ever scolded them!”
Before Gerald could reply, Fujiko, Master Ghost, and Aiden returned. Seeing them, Gerald chose not to continue the topic. Instead, he slipped the sea map back into his coat before sipping on his tea.
Once they were close enough, Aiden fished around in his bag before taking a beer bottle out. Tossing it toward Gerald, he then said, “Have a drink!”
Easily catching it, Gerald then placed it on the table before getting on his feet and replying, “Appreciated. Either way, I bet you guys are hungry. Let me cook something up for us!”
It was now three in the afternoon, and none of them had eaten anything since last night’s dinner. Since even he was feeling a little hungry, he could only imagine how starved ordinary people like Aiden and Fujiko were.
“We’re on a cargo ship, you know? Not some private yacht! With that said, we already have chefs on board. We have sailors and a captain as well, so all of you can just relax,” replied Jobson as he held onto Gerald’s arm.
Upon hearing that, Gerald nodded in response. How convenient.
It was sometime later when Gerald decided to take a walk around the deck. Since Master Ghost and Fujiko were busy distributing the things they had bought, Aiden who didn’t have anything else to do and just so happened to see Gerald walking out tossed whatever he was doing aside before running after Gerald.
Once he was on the deck, Gerald stared at the slowly shrinking country ofJapan behind them. Holding onto the ship’s rails, Gerald sighed as he felt a light and salty sea breeze brush against his face.
Walking to Gerald’s side, Aiden remained silent for a while before asking, “Who exactly is that old man…?”
“He’s the Yamashita family’s elder… He’s also a cultivator who, together with my grandfather, studied under the same master…” replied Gerald.
“And… he simply wants to help us…?” asked Aiden.
“It would appear so,” said Gerald after taking a deep breath, not even able to see Japan anymore.
“I see… well, not to be rude but… he’s quite old, isn’t he…? Rather than helping us, don’t you think we’ll have to spend more time taking care of him instead…?” whispered Aiden after taking a peek at the cabins.
Bursting out in laughter, Gerald simply replied, “You know, even I can’t say for sure that I’ll be able to beat him!”
Though he had never witnessed the old man in combat, the fact that Jobson was able to summon a flame out of thin air showed just how strong his cultivation was. However, the fact that Jobson was able to do that meant that Daryl could probably do the same. If that was the case, then Gerald was worried that he’d fail to rescue his family once he got there.
Even so, Gerald had already made up his mind. Even if he got heavily injured or even killed, he was still going to try to save his family.
Chapter 2255
Gerald Crawford: The Secretly or invisible Rich Man Chapter 2255 “… Come to think of it, he did leap onto the ship’s deck earlier! How could I have forgotten?!” exclaimed Aiden as he quickly covered his mouth. Was Jobson even human?!
“Indeed. Either way, that just shows how strong he is. The truth is, I’m feeling much more confident with him here,” replied Gerald as he leaned against the railing while lighting a cigarette.
Shortly after, they entered the ship’s restaurant, only to realize that the chef was already done with their meals. From the looks of it, the chef was a pro. After all, even though only five of them were eating, the chef had prepared up to eight Weston dishes with even some soup on the side. Seeing that, everyone quickly gathered around the table to begin digging in.
Since everyone was already gathered there, Gerald took the chance to remind them that danger could pop up at any time during their mission to uncover the secrets of the Seadom tribe.
After all, even during the special forces competition, a Yanam soldier had come looking for trouble with them. With that in mind, Gerald had no doubt that the second they docked at Yanam, news about his arrival would get to the Yanam Military in no time. Still, the fact that the military leader was just Carter made Gerald a little more relieved.
Either way, once Gerald was done, Jobson looked at everyone before asking, “Speaking of which, are any of you interested in participating in an auction once we arrive in Yanam?”
“Hmm? What sort of auction?” asked Gerald.
“From the rumors I’ve heard, it’s focusing on traditional medicine, though I could be wrong,” replied the old man as he shook his head.
“Then I’m afraid I’m not interested,” replied Gerald with a wave of his hand, clearly prioritizing saving his family.
“I see… Well, I just thought to say it out… Just in case anyone would be interested, you know?” said the old man before going quiet.
Meanwhile, a very flustered Will could be seen in his room. Though he had initially assumed that Amare would successfully assassinate Gerald, in the end, Amare never came to him to report how the mission went. With that in mind, Will wasn’t even sure whether Gerald was already dead or not! He couldn’t just look for Amare to clarify things either. After all, Daryl had already caught him trying to assassinate Gerald once. If he messed up now and Daryl managed to put two and two together, he would surely end up in boiling water…!
As Will continued wondering how to settle this dilemma, the corner of his eye caught a glimpse of Amare walking past his door. Eye widening, Will immediately called out in a hushed tone, “Amare…! Come over here…!”
Ever since Daryl learned that Will had attempted to assassinate Gerald, Will had noticed that more cultivators from his family had been transferred to his living space. With that in mind, Will knew that Daryl had sent them over to keep an eye on him, which explained why Will was trying so hard to lie low.
Instead of deterring Will from doing the same thing, however, Will was now keener than ever to kill Gerald! He was utterly convinced that this person would snatch his position as the heir!