John felt what Frank said made a lot of sense and immediately gave the order to bring George over.
In the laboratory, Qiao Jing was teaching George an important technique.
Hearing someone push the door open, both of them looked up at the same time.
The person directly stated his purpose, "George, come with me, Mr. John is looking for you."
Upon hearing this, George’s brows furrowed instantly, "What for?"
He thought that Mr. John looking for him couldn’t be good news!
"I’m not too sure myself, you’ll know once you get there."
The person shook his head and then urged, "Let’s go, don’t waste time."
George had no choice but to turn his head and say to Qiao Jing, "Master, I’ll step out for a bit."
Qiao Jing pursed her crimson lips lightly and said indifferently, "Go ahead, be careful."
After George left with the man, Qiao Jing frowned slightly.
She could probably guess the purpose behind Mr. John’s calling for George...
Soon, George was brought before Mr. John, with Frank naturally at his side.
The last time George faced these two men, he was beaten miserably.
So, standing before them again, George couldn’t help but feel apprehensive.
Mr. John stared at him for a while before saying, "Don’t be nervous, I called you here just to assign you a task, and it’s a major responsibility concerning our country’s agricultural economy."
George felt uneasy, harboring a bad premonition.
"It’s simple, you just need to master Professor Qiao’s agricultural techniques and then wholly devote yourself to developing new types of food for the nation."
Pausing, Mr. John continued, "I know Professor Qiao is teaching you agricultural techniques, so this shouldn’t be difficult for you."
Without a second thought, George immediately refused.
Frank suddenly stepped forward, grasping George’s collar with a menacing tone, "Do you dare disobey Mr. John? I think you’re tired of living!"
Facing the menacing Frank, George couldn’t help but tremble.
Yet he still stiffly said, "What you’re asking, I can’t do it. I will not betray Professor Qiao."
Let alone that he hadn’t yet mastered the technology, even if he had, he wouldn’t use the techniques taught by his master to conduct the experiments his master was unwilling to perform!
"It seems the lesson you got last time was too light!"
After saying those words, Frank scoffed and punched George in the abdomen.
George cried out in pain, his face turning pale instantly.
Frank was about to hit him again when Mr. John raised his hand, indicating him to stop.
"George, I advise you not to reject the toast only to drink the punishment. You know, killing you would be as easy for me as killing an ant," Mr. John said, his gaze menacing and his words laden with threats.
George knew this was the truth. With Mr. John’s status, killing him would indeed be effortless.
Faced with the threat of death, it was impossible not to be scared, but betraying his idol and master was something he couldn’t do.
He gritted his teeth and mustered up his courage to say, "I still say the same thing, I will not betray Professor Qiao."
"Also, Professor Qiao has already taken me as her apprentice. If you dare do anything to me, she will surely terminate the experiment immediately!"
As soon as these words were spoken, both John and Frank felt somewhat surprised.
The two had thought that Qiao Jing was merely acting on a whim, giving George some pointers, but it turned out that Qiao Jing had actually taken George as her apprentice.
However, this was good news for them.
This way, it would be even easier for George to master Qiao Jing’s techniques!
Thinking this, John’s face revealed a meaningful smile as he stared at George and taunted, "You don’t really think that just because Professor Qiao has taken you as her apprentice, you hold a high position in her heart, do you?"
"One should be aware of one’s own insignificance and not overestimate one’s importance."
George felt panicked inside, but still mustered his courage to retort, "Well, you’re welcome to try, since my death would be nothing more than the loss of a single life, but what you would lose is the entire agricultural economic development of M country."
Seeing George’s fearless demeanor, John also felt somewhat uncertain.
Moreover, the very reason Qiao Jing had agreed to conduct the experiment was indeed to protect George.
If they harmed George, Qiao Jing might actually go on strike...
As John was thinking this, Frank suddenly flung George to the ground with force and coldly snorted, "You’re not afraid of death, but I wonder if your delicate little sister fears death."
Hearing this, George’s face instantly turned ashen.
His hands clenched tightly, he gritted his teeth and said, "Whatever you have against me, bring it on, but don’t harm my sister!"
An accident years ago had claimed the lives of his parents; in this world, his sister was his only remaining family member.
Thus, he valued his sister’s life even more than his own.
Yet these men dared to threaten him with his sister’s safety, which was utterly despicable and shameful!
John gave Frank an approving look, then turned his gaze back to George and said, "Your sister’s fate is in your hands; think carefully about what you should do next."
George closed his eyes for a moment and, ultimately, reluctantly nodded his head in compromise.
Now, he had no other choice but to tentatively agree.
But he wasn’t really planning to betray his master; instead, he was feigning compliance, perhaps gaining an opportunity for his master to escape...
John and Frank exchanged a triumphant smile, as if they could already see victory beckoning to them.
When George returned to the laboratory, it was just lunchtime.
Qiao Jing had just picked up her chopsticks and, seeing him return, invited him to join her for lunch.
George nodded his head and sat down opposite Qiao Jing, waiting for her to speak.
However, Qiao Jing showed no intention of asking him anything.
Eventually, unable to restrain himself, George initiated, "Master, don’t you want to know what Mr. John wanted from me?"
Without pausing her meal, Qiao Jing glanced at him briefly and said indifferently, "What else could it be? He just wants you to defect."
"Ultimately, it all comes back to the experiment."
"Master, you’re too incredible! I haven’t said anything yet, but you’ve guessed it all, and with such precision!"
George’s face was full of surprise, and his admiration for Qiao Jing deepened.
Then, he recounted everything that had happened.
"...Mr. John and Frank threatened me with my sister. I had no choice but to feign agreement, but I never considered betraying you, Master. You must believe me."
Seeing George anxious and demonstrating his loyalty, Qiao Jing found it somewhat amusing, "Don’t be nervous. If I didn’t trust you, I wouldn’t be having lunch with you."
"They are using your sister to threaten you; indeed, you can only counterplot for now. The most important thing at the moment is to find an opportunity to move your sister to a place they can’t find."
George’s expression grew more serious, and he nodded, "I understand."