Lin Jin didn’t try to hide his circumstances.
“For one, the mansion is too big for me to fully occupy it. Also, I happen to know the market rate of real estate in that part of town, and a mansion this huge would cost at least tens of thousands. I don’t have that much money.”
This was the truth.
Shi Wenjun shook her head. “It’s not that expensive. This is Maple City, not the royal capital where every inch of land costs a fortune. Also, this mansion isn’t newly built so it’s not pricey either. It’s worth about three thousand silvers at most.”
Lin Jin was extremely skeptical of her answer.
Three thousand silvers was still a huge sum to him but that he could afford.
“Chief Lin, I would never lie to you. This mansion is actually one of our Shi family’s properties. Chief Lin is our benefactor and we should be giving this to you as a gift but we were afraid you wouldn’t take it so we’re offering it at this price. You don’t have to settle the payment in one go either. Installments are accepted.”
With this, Lin Jin understood.
So this property belonged to the Shi family. It was no wonder she had the mansion’s deed. To think that they were considerate enough to think about the possible scandal that might follow had they gifted it to him.
To be honest, Lin Jin was very satisfied with the mansion.
Shi Wenjun added, “Chief Lin, if you’re not too busy with work right now, you can come with me to take a look at the mansion. I’ve sent someone to tidy up the place earlier so it should be ready for viewing now.”
Upon hearing this, Lin Jin’s ears perked up. He nodded. “Alright, let’s go and have a look at it!”
After notifying Zhao Ying and Han Dong of his departure, Lin Jin followed Shi Wenjun out of the association. They didn’t take a carriage but traveled by foot instead. Following behind Shi Wenjun was her large deer. It was how most people on the streets recognized that she was Lady Shi of the Shi family.
The Shi family was fairly renowned in Maple City and a noteworthy woman like Shi Wenjun was a topic of great enthusiasm. Not only was she exceptionally competent, but her looks were also top of her class.
“The Shi family’s matriarch sure lives up to her reputation. Who’s that person beside her?”
“You must be new here. That’s Chief Lin of the Beast Appraisal Association.”
“I see. It’s no wonder Lord Shi is so respectful toward him.”
Lin Jin had become somewhat of a celebrity in Maple City as well. A lot of people respected him while some were skeptical of his abrupt success.
Most just wanted to watch him make a fool of himself.
Coincidentally, several people were walking over from the intersection ahead. Among them was the Friar Association’s number one mentor, Ye Yuzhou. Besides him, there was also Huangfu Ming and several other mentors. Luo Beihe and Mr. Yi were among them too.
This lineup was unprecedentedly stunning with practically all of the Friar Association’s top-class mentors present.
While not everyone recognized them, those who did immediately made way. Some even bowed in respect. Ye Yuzhou, in particular, was recognized by almost everyone. Not only was he the number one mentor of Maple City’s Friar Association, but he was also one of the nation’s guardians and owned a Rank 4 pet beast.
Indeed, he was a prominent man.
“It’s Mr. Ye.”
“My son is studying under Mr. Ye in the Friar Association. Now that’s truly a person who deserves respect. Although Appraiser Lin isn’t half bad, he’d still have to pay these individuals respect.”
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“Of course.”
Passersby were whispering among themselves as they watched Lin Jin, who was about to bump into Ye Yuzhou and co.
In fact, Lin Jin had already noticed Ye Yuzhou and his group so he smiled and went over.
“Greetings, everyone.”
Even after becoming chief of the Beast Appraisal Association, Lin Jin was as humble as he was back then. Though, out in public where there were many prying eyes, he couldn’t be as friendly with Ye Yuzhou as he was in private. Hence, he maintained a befitting demeanor.
Upon noticing Lin Jin’s greeting, Ye Yuzhou quickly returned a bow.
Ye Yuzhou obviously knew of Lin Jin’s ‘background’ while Huangfu Ming, Luo Beihe, and the others just know that Lin Jin wasn’t who he was before, so they had to show him some degree of respect.
After all, he was chief of the Beast Appraisal Association. Apart from that, he was also a Rank 3 beast appraiser and one of the nation’s guardians. Neither of these identities paled in comparison to theirs, in some aspects, he was even more prominent them they were.
The group immediately bowed just as Lin Jin had done, greeting in unison, “Greetings, Chief Lin!”
Lin Jin smiled. “We’re all good friends so there’s no need to be this formal. I’m just on my way to view a mansion. Please don’t let me take up your time. I will visit everyone again at the Friar Association one of these days.”
Lin Jin was just being courteous.
However, Luo Beihe smiled and went over to block Lin Jin’s path, saying, “Chief Lin, we’ve come to see you.”
“See me?” Lin Jin was stunned.
The mentors clearly didn’t seem to be joking around, and Ye Yuzhou nodded in affirmation.
“Then let’s head back to the association.” Lin Jin planned to deal with serious business first. For these mentors to come for him, they must have urgent matters to discuss. The mansion-viewing could wait anyway.
“That’s alright, that’s alright.” Ye Yuzhou laughed. “Since Chief Lin is on his way to view a mansion, let’s tag along and have a look at it too. What’s more, we just want Chief Lin to take a look at our pet beasts so it’s nothing urgent.”
Lin Jin scanned the group but saw no pet beasts. But that was normal too. Given their cultivation level, these individuals had surely cultivated the Beastmaster Scroll before, allowing their pet beasts to merge with themselves. Otherwise, if the creatures were anything like Ye Yuzhou’s soaring cloud flood dragon, bringing them out would surely cause an uproar.
In addition, their pet beasts had also reached their respective bottleneck situations. After all, they were individuals of great caliber so no doubt, they had used all available resources to raise their pet beasts’ ranks. In other words, being on the level they were at, it was now extremely difficult for them to advance further.
It was especially so when it came to pet beasts. Regular beast appraisers could no longer help them so the mentors had to rely on themselves.
Simply put, they now needed Lin Jin’s help.
Lin Jin glanced at Ye Yuzhou and the latter returned an embarrassed expression. He was probably the one who gave them this idea.
Lin Jin didn’t have to specifically appraise their pet beasts in the association. He could do it during the journey. At his level, the location didn’t matter when it came to beast appraising.
And so, the group chatted as they pressed forward. Being a man of experience, Lin Jin was able to mingle well with these prominent figures of the Friar Association without shying away. Shi Wenjun spoke less as she followed behind Lin Jin, only flashing him a smile from time to time.
Lin Jin considered these mentors to be good friends of his. Of course, Ye Yuzhou was one of them. Lin Jin also had great respect for Huangfu Ming. Although the man had never taught him before, Lin Jin was impressed by his noble character.
Despite being a woman, Luo Beihe had a strong character and was extra nice to Lin Jin. Mr. Yi was an elegant and soft-spoken man so Lin Jin found him amiable as well.
Soon, Lin Jin learned of all their pet beasts’ details.