The butler weighed the pros and cons for merely a second before making his choice. He hurried out, not even daring to meet Mr. Lin's incredulous gaze. He had no choice—his indentured servitude contract was currently in Mrs. Lin's hands. If he didn't cooperate, he figured he'd be sold off to a grueling, backbreaking illegal coal kiln. At his advanced age, his old bones wouldn't survive it.
"Madam, let's talk this over reasonably," Lin Dali pleaded, his voice tinged with desperation. "I'll agree to whatever you want. Just leave me a little dignity, at least."
"Respect is earned, not given. Do you really have no idea how you treated me just days ago?
"Back then, my mind was clouded, which is why I swallowed so much humiliation.
