The chubby great elder didn't beat around the bush at all as he said, "Is your master a part of any organization? If not, we would be more than happy to have your master stay in our Gao Family."
This chubby elder was indeed from the Gao Family, even if he did have a plotting mind, his personality was still quite straightforward as he didn't beat around the bush at all.
Lin Fan however just smiled and said, "My master isn't considering joining any organization for now, but many thanks for your kind intention."
But the chubby elder didn't just leave it there, "Little friend Lin, since you take our little Fu Shuai as a brother, you can be considered a part of our Gao Family. Since we are family, it's better if we work together instead of apart. I can tell you now that our Gao Family can offer many resources and it will be much easier for you in the future if you work with us."
Lin Fan's smile turned cold, "Elder Gao, was that a threat?"
The chubby elder just smiled, "How could it be a threat? It's nothing more than some well meaning advice."
Lin Fan turned to Boss Gao's dad, "Uncle Gao, does Elder Gao represent the entire Gao Family?"
Boss Gao's dad came over with slightly knitted brows, but he quickly revealed a smile, "Xiao Lin, you're thinking too much into Elder Gao's words. He's just saying that since you're Fu Shuai's brother, you can be treated as a part of our family. As for whether he represents the entire Gao Family or not, you can make your own judgement."
Lin Fan understood that there seemed to be a power struggle in the Gao Family.
Based on the fluctuations that he felt, he could tell that Boss Gao's dad was the strongest expert of the Gao Family, but with how closely the elders stood with the chubby elder, it didn't seem like the Gao Family was united.
Lin Fan turned back to the chubby elder and said, "Elder Gao, I have to discuss this with my master first before making a decision."
The chubby elder just smiled and patted Lin Fan on the back, "Little friend Lin, of course, of course. This is a big decision, it's best if you discuss it with your master first."
Then the chubby elder didn't wait for Lin Fan to respond before leading the other elders away.
But what they missed was the cold glow in Lin Fan's eyes or the few spores that came out of Lin Fan's hand that stuck to a few elders.
Lin Fan could tell which elders were in the Gold Realm and which ones weren't. Since Brainy was currently in the peak of the Silver Realm, it still couldn't parasitize Gold Realm Experts, so Lin Fan made sure that the spores only landed on the elders that weren't in the Gold Realm.
But based on the fluctuations he could feel, Lin Fan could tell that the Gao Family wasn't that weak of a family.
Including Boss Gao's dad, there were at least three Gold Realm Experts that he could sense in the Gao Family. There might be other Gold Realm Experts hiding deeper in the Gao Manor that he couldn't sense.
Once the elders were gone, Boss Gao's dad said, "Xiao Lin, you must be hungry. When Fu Shuai told me that he was bringing you over, I had the chef prepare a banquet in my courtyard."
Lin Fan could tell that Boss Gao's dad wanted to talk and he was fine with it since he also had things to ask Boss Gao's dad.
Boss Gao's dad led them to a little courtyard that was on the side of the Gao Manor.
Seeing how small this courtyard was, Lin Fan felt it was a bit strange since Boss Gao's dad was the head of the family, but he was living in this small courtyard.
This was clearly also very surprising to Boss Gao as well as he asked his dad, "Dad, why did you bring us here? Why didn't you bring us to our usual courtyard?"
Boss Gao's dad gave a sigh before saying, "Let's go in before we talk."
After they came in and were seated, Boss Gao looked around before saying, "Dad, where's mom?"
Boss Gao's dad had a sad look when Boss Gao asked this, "Your mother isn't doing well right now. You don't know since you were locked up, but your mother was attacked just a few days ago and she was heavily injured, so I had to call in many favours just to find a way to heal her. With all the favours I called in, I lost quite a bit of my power in the family, that's why we were moved here."
Boss Gao was shocked before he asked in a worried voice, "What about mom? Where is she now?"
Boss Gao's dad pointed upstairs, "Your mother is sleeping right now, don't bother her and just let her rest for now. She was up quite late last night worrying about you, but she finally fell asleep after hearing the good news about you being released and that you were bringing your girlfriend home. When she wakes up, let her see your girlfriend, that'll make her much happier."
Boss Gao was still worried, but he said, "Alright dad, I'll listen to you. But just how did mom get attacked when she was in our manor?"
Boss Gao's dad's face turned cold, "I don't know how they managed to sneak in, but I'll definitely find them and make them pay for hurting your mother."
Boss Gao hesitated a bit before slowly asking, "Dad, could it be that it's related to Great Elder Gao?"
Boss Gao's dad shook his head, "I don't know, but let's not talk about this now."
Boss Gao's dad turned to Mei Rou and Lin Fan, "Alright, let's not talk about these serious matters now, we have guests here."
While Mei Rou was looking at Boss Gao who was deep in thought with a worried look, Lin Fan said, "Head Gao, there's actually something I wish to discuss with you."
Boss Gao's dad had a confused look as he said, "Oh, what does little friend Lin have to discuss with me?"
Lin Fan slowly asked, "How bad is the situation in the Gao Family right now?"
Boss Gao's dad was caught off guard, but he preferred this kind of frank discussion since he also wanted to discuss this topic with Lin Fan, "It's not as bad as you think it is yet, but it's getting worse with each day. That sly old fox Great Elder Gao has been gaining more and more support, that's why he dared to make a bold move like letting Fu Shuai out to contact you. His ambitions aren't just contained by the Gao Family, so he wants to climb the ranks using you."
Lin Fan said in a calm voice, "I figured as much, but Boss Gao is my brother, so this matter is still related to me."
Boss Gao's dad was touched as he turned to Boss Gao to say, "Fu Shuai, you really have a good brother."
Then he turned back to Lin Fan and said, "Xiao Lin, if your master is willing to help, I'm certain that we can turn the tides."
Lin Fan shook his head, "It's not convenient for my master to move since there are many things restricting him."
Boss Gao's dad was disappointed, but he understood since there were plenty of people in this world and he couldn't expect someone to give up everything to help someone unrelated to them.
Lin Fan then continued, "But I feel like there is a different way that I can help you."
Boss Gao's dad saw hope once again as he asked, "Oh, what kind of way do you mean?"
Lin Fan slowly said, "You should know that I have a pet shop, right?"
Boss Gao's dad nodded, "That's right, the elders have been gathering information on your shop since the banquet and the information they've received really is shocking."
Lin Fan said, "Well, there are still things they don't know yet. If you're willing to trust me, you can bring three Silver Realm pets to my store for training."
Boss Gao's dad was confused, "How would that help our situation?"
Lin Fan explained, "If you give me a month, I can have all three of them reach the Gold Realm. That should give you enough power to match Great Elder Gao's side with my help and bring them down."
Boss Gao's dad was sceptical since he had never been to Lin Fan's shop before.
Seeing his dad hesitate, Boss Gao said, "Dad, we can trust Brother Lin. He's someone who can create miracles."
Hearing this, Boss Gao's dad decided to bite the bullet, "Alright, let's go with Xiao Lin's plan. But how will we carry it out."
Lin Fan revealed a smile and said, "Well, the plan will be…"