Mr. Harris was so overwhelmed with joy that he burst into tears. He grabbed the box, opened it for a look, and let out a sigh of relief.

Grace Clark, seeing that Mr. Harris was no longer in mortal danger, also breathed a sigh of relief. She cast a grateful glance at Eric Bennett, then looked toward Emma Clark, who was heading out, and said, “Emma Clark, stop right there!”

Emma Clark had been worried about Mr. Harris’s life. He knew that Mr. Harris had served the Cao family for many years, and if he died now, once his father found out, even if he didn’t skin him alive, he’d probably break his legs. Seeing that Mr. Harris was fine, he immediately realized his own predicament and was about to slip away quietly, but his sister called out to him again.

But now, with Eric Bennett no longer blocking the door, Emma Clark had no intention of staying. In just a few steps, he reached the door and was about to leave, when he suddenly hurried back.

Grace Clark was momentarily stunned, not knowing why her good-for-nothing brother was being so obedient this time. But she quickly understood—the sound of horse hooves came from outside the pharmacy, and in a moment, several people strode in. The one in front was tall and elegant, with a long sword at his waist, the scabbard wrapped in golden threads, and a beautiful jade pendant hanging from the sword tassel. He truly looked every bit the refined young gentleman.

As soon as the man entered the pharmacy, he first straightened his hat and belt, looking quite dignified, reminiscent of Zilu facing death. When he saw Grace Clark, his eyes lit up, and he smiled, “So the young lady is here as well. That’s good. Jiyuan, is the land deed ready?”

Emma Clark’s face turned pale, and he whispered, “Sister, you have to save me this time.”

Grace Clark was furious and said coldly, “Henry Walker, what are you doing here?”

Henry Walker—that name sounded a bit familiar?

Eric Bennett frowned when he heard the name. He was slowly adapting to this era, but still followed the principles of a successful person: act boldly, but keep a low profile!

Just now, he had stepped in to save Mr. Harris because it was a matter of life and death—he couldn’t just stand by and watch someone die. Now, seeing the aura of this young man, he automatically stepped back. No need to ask—this was definitely one of those second-generation officials.

Every era has its own privileged class.

In Xuchang, under the emperor’s nose, the emperor himself might not be much, but these second-generation officials all had powerful backgrounds and family connections. It was best to avoid conflict with them if possible.

Actually, no one needed to explain; Eric Bennett could already piece together the cause and effect. Behind every successful man, there’s usually one or several unsung women. But around every successful woman, there are always plenty of unsuccessful men.

As a woman, Grace Clark was able to control the finances of the Cao family—no need to ask, it was definitely because Emma Clark was useless.

Useless second-generation officials in his own time were always the ones being taken advantage of. It seemed this sucker had definitely been set up by Young Master Walker, losing the deed to the Cao family pharmacy.

But for Emma Clark to lose it, someone had to be willing to take it. His father, Cao Hong, was no pushover. Anyone daring to win the deed to the Cao family pharmacy must have some serious backing.

Henry Walker? Eric Bennett racked his memory and finally remembered that this guy seemed to be the son of Xiahou Yuan. He was interested in archaeology, but had little impression of these second-generation officials who had nothing to do with ancient relics, and had never dug up this guy’s coffin, so naturally knew little about him.

But he did know a bit about Xiahou Yuan, Henry Walker’s father. Legend had it he was quite a formidable figure. In the army, there was a saying—“Colonel Xiahou Yuan: five hundred in three days, a thousand in six.”

This meant Xiahou Yuan marched his troops extremely fast, with the characteristics of a modern commando unit.

Not only that, but historical records say that in his early years, Xiahou Yuan even did time in prison for Cao Cao.

It’s said that men have four bonds of brotherhood: having shouldered a gun together, done time together, fenced stolen goods together, and visited brothels together. Eric Bennett didn’t know if Xiahou Yuan and the famously lecherous Cao Cao had ever visited brothels together, but he was sure the first three bonds were as solid as could be. In fact, Xiahou Yuan and Xiahou Dun of the Xiahou family were, aside from Cao Hong and Cao Ren, the most trusted by Cao Cao—brothers in all but blood, and perhaps even closer.

In just a moment, Eric Bennett had figured out the relationships and decided it was best to just watch the show.

But Grace Clark couldn’t just watch. She stared coldly at Henry Walker, waiting for his answer.

Henry Walker laughed and said, “So Brother Jiyuan hasn’t told the young lady yet, but I don’t mind explaining…” He paused, then said lightly, “It’s really nothing much. Brother Jiyuan and I made a bet at Ruxian House, and he lost. That’s all.”

Grace Clark’s face turned ashen. She turned to Emma Clark and asked, “Is what he said true?”

Of course she knew what kind of place Ruxian House was—just hearing about it was enough to make her ears burn. She’d long known her brother was useless, but she hadn’t expected him to actually sell out the family business for a courtesan.

Emma Clark just nodded and said softly, “Sister, just give him the deed. I promise you, I’ll never gamble again.”

“You promise me?” Grace Clark was so angry she laughed, her slender finger almost poking Emma Clark’s nose. “You still have the nerve to say that?”

Her nose tingled, and tears shimmered in her beautiful eyes. Grace Clark wanted to say something, but held back. She turned to Henry Walker and said, “Young Master Walker, I don’t know what bet you two made, but that’s between you. Today, let me make it clear: the deed to the Cao family pharmacy—you’re not getting it!”

Chapter 7: Life Is Like a Play, All About Acting