Chapter 240: Ginseng

"Mr. Sullivan," Frederick began, "I heard you weren't feeling well. I purposely brought a thousand-year-old ginseng root from Yeringham. Such herbs are extremely rare! I paid a high price for it from a farmer; it supposedly cures all diseases and prolongs life!"

He produced an exquisite box wrapped in red cloth and tied with a red cord. "They say thousand-year-old ginseng is spiritual. If we don't wrap it in red cloth and tie it with a red cord, it might escape!" he explained, handing the box to William.

"Fred, that's very kind," William said, delightedly accepting the box. "How's your father doing? He's been busy, I've been meaning to visit but haven't found the time."

"He's been quite busy," Frederick replied. "Have you heard about the businessman investing in Horington? My father's been working with him. I mentioned your family's land development in the west of the city, and he's already instructed his men to begin processing the approvals!"

Frederick glanced at Jared mid-sentence. (He thought: I bet he knows my identity now and will be intimidated!)

William laughed. "Fred, thank you! If the land development is successful, I won't forget your help!"

"Mr. Sullivan, you're welcome. We're family; no need to be so polite!" Frederick shot a triumphant look at Jared, emphasizing the word "family." Jared, however, remained impassive, showing no surprise.

Frederick was startled by Jared's composure, thinking he hadn't yet realized Frederick's identity.

Just then, Jared spoke, producing a pill. "Mr. Sullivan, this is a pill I made for you. You'll feel much better after taking it."

William's elation at receiving the pill far surpassed his joy at the ginseng. He knew Jared's abilities; the young man's pills were comparable to a philosopher's stone. William swallowed the pill without hesitation.

Rage filled Frederick as he saw William's preference for the black pill over his thousand-year-old ginseng. "Mr. Sullivan, why are you so happy about a black pill? My ginseng is far superior!" he grumbled, his displeasure evident.

Before William could explain, Jared sneered, "Who knows if your thousand-year-old ginseng is even real?"

Scowling, Frederick retorted, "What do you mean? I paid over a million for it! I wouldn't show you now because I'm worried it might run away once the box is open!"

Jared and Josephine burst into laughter. They couldn't believe Frederick's belief in the ginseng's spirituality and its escape, let alone the incredibly low price he'd paid for a thousand-year-old root. Their hundred-year-old ginseng, reishi mushrooms, and other herbs were worth millions, and Jared's single pill was worth over a million itself.

"Why are you laughing? Do you think I'm lying?" Frederick's anxiety grew.

Josephine stifled her laughter. "Frederick, did you even look inside the box when you bought it? Or did you just take it?"