I Become The Richest Man With A monthly Salary of Twenty Thousand Yuan-Chapter 703 - 488: Accept

After listening to Tao Jing’s account, Xia Liang finally understood why Tao Jing had resorted to scamming people here.

Tao Jing’s mother was ill and needed surgery. The cost, however, was a steep Three Cent. His family was not well-off and couldn’t come up with that much money at once, which was why Tao Jing had resorted to this desperate measure.

It might sound clichéd, but reality can be that cruel. Money can drive a person to a dead end.

In any case, he had already run into the situation. Perhaps because he had developed a bit of an addiction to being a Diviner, anything that could be solved with money wasn’t a problem for Xia Liang. He decided to help.

"I can give you the Three Cent."

Upon hearing the offer, Tao Jing was first surprised, but his immediate reaction was to refuse. After all, he was an able-bodied man, perfectly capable of earning his own money. Even though he had been using magic to swindle people, he was still relying on his own abilities. Why would someone just give him Three Cent for nothing? Did they take him for a beggar?

Xia Liang didn’t even need his Mind Reading Technique. He could tell from Tao Jing’s expression that he wanted to refuse. The look on his face shifted from surprise to struggle, then to firm resolve, clearly signaling his intention to decline the kind offer.

Before Tao Jing could speak, Xia Liang cut in. "Don’t be so quick to refuse. I’m not giving you this Three Cent for free."

Hearing this, Tao Jing swallowed the words of refusal that were on the tip of his tongue. Since it wasn’t a handout, it was only fair to hear him out.

"I want you to join my Magic Troupe and become my assistant. I’ll pay you a salary, and you can use your wages to slowly pay back the Three Cent."

"An assistant in a Magic Troupe? You’re a Magician too?"

"Yes. My name is Xia Liang."

After hearing the name Xia Liang, Tao Jing looked up and scrutinized him more closely. He had been so nervous about being caught that he hadn’t dared to look at Xia Liang’s face before. Coupled with the sunglasses Xia Liang was wearing, Tao Jing hadn’t recognized him until now.

"Xia Liang? Holy crap!"

Xia Liang was taken aback by the complete one-eighty in Tao Jing’s attitude.

What’s going on?

"Master Xia, I’m a fan of yours!" Tao Jing said excitedly. "I was so focused on our conversation I didn’t even recognize you..."

A fan? Tao Jing is my fan?

"No, that’s not right. I should say I’m your disciple!"

The two chatted for a long time. Xia Liang then learned that Tao Jing had known of him since his days as a Diviner and had even had his fortune told by him. It was Xia Liang who had foreseen his mother’s illness; otherwise, it might have been discovered too late for effective treatment. After Xia Liang started performing magic, Tao Jing had learned many of his close-up magic tricks by studying his videos and figuring out the principles behind them.

In that sense, Xia Liang truly could be considered Tao Jing’s master. Fate was a miraculous thing.

"Master Xia, could you take me as your disciple? I want to become your true apprentice," Tao Jing said earnestly.

Xia Liang thought for a long moment. Just as Tao Jing began to think he would be refused, Xia Liang agreed.

"I can. But if you follow me, you may never surpass your master. Are you still willing?"

His words were somewhat arrogant, yet they were true. Possessing real magic, Xia Liang could do things no one else in the world could. Therefore, it was impossible for Tao Jing to ever surpass his achievements in magic. If Tao Jing struck out on his own, performing a different style of magic, he might make a name for himself. But as Xia Liang’s disciple, he would spend the rest of his life living in his master’s shadow.

"I... I’m willing!" Tao Jing agreed without hesitation.

"Why? Don’t you think it’s a big sacrifice?"

As Xia Liang asked this, he activated his Mind Reading Technique, wanting to see if Tao Jing’s inner thoughts matched his words.

"Because I love magic. Everyone thinks flashy stage magic with all its contraptions and props is the best, but I don’t. I’ve always believed that close-up magic has a unique charm. To turn the mundane into the magical with your own two hands, isn’t that wonderful? Master Xia, I truly want to be your disciple and help you popularize close-up magic. I don’t care whether or not I become famous..."

Listening to his inner voice, Xia Liang confirmed it matched his spoken words. The man wasn’t lying.

He also perceived the reason Tao Jing had left unspoken.

Because you were willing to help save my mother, I want to repay you by staying by your side.

Perhaps out of embarrassment, Tao Jing had thought it but didn’t say it aloud.

"Alright, then I’ll take you in."

Xia Liang accepted Tao Jing partly because he recognized the young man’s talent, and partly because he was considering another venture. His entertainment company was already up and running, and it wouldn’t hurt to give it another pillar of support.

Hearing Xia Liang’s words, Tao Jing was overjoyed.

"That’s great! Thank you, Master Xia!"

"Still calling me Master Xia?" Xia Liang asked, raising an eyebrow.

"Mas... Master!" Tao Jing called out shyly.

Xia Liang nodded in satisfaction, then took out a bank card and handed it to Tao Jing.

"This card has a limit of Five Cent. The PIN is six zeros. Take it and get your mother’s surgery taken care of first. Everything else can wait."

"Master, I only need Three Cent," Tao Jing replied, shaking his head and refusing to take the bank card.

"Then just don’t use the rest, right?" Xia Liang said helplessly.

This kid seems so naive in both his words and actions, almost a little foolish.