Chapter 6: A Gallant Act

Words : 1997 Updated : May 7th, 2025

Terry decided not to rush to get the final payment. Instead, he took a leisurely stroll around Jenos City. By noon, he found a small eatery for lunch. Despite having money now, he still preferred these roadside diners. He had just sat down when a female voice called out, "Terry!" The man looked up to see a strikingly beautiful face. Her skin was fair, flawless, and delicate. Behind her frameless glasses, her large eyes sparkled with life, complemented by a pert nose and cherry-red lips. Her features were simply impeccable. Her tall, graceful figure made her undeniably a stunner. Terry was a bit puzzled. Could he really bump into such a beauty just by picking a random noodle shop? In any school, she'd definitely be the school belle. Suddenly, a sense of familiarity hit him. After a brief moment of thought, an image surfaced in his mind. With some uncertainty, he asked, "Are you Kourtney Shirvinton?" The girl gave a sweet smile. "I didn't expect you to remember me!" Confirming her identity, Terry was momentarily stunned. In his mind, he recalled a petite girl with black-rimmed glasses, her forehead covered by bangs. If he hadn't seen it himself, Terry would find it hard to believe that the once invisible girl had turned into such a beauty. Kourtney Shirvinton was his middle school classmate. Back then, she was barely noticeable in the class. Terry remembered her because he had once helped Kourtney when she was being bullied. Over time, they became good friends. "Wow, you've really transformed! From a wallflower to a goddess. I regret not making a move sooner," Terry joked with a laugh. Kourtney blushed slightly and retorted, "You weren't this smooth-talking before." During middle school, Terry was often sidelined at home, making him quiet and reserved, rarely communicating with classmates. It wasn't until he went to prison that his personality began to change. "Heh, people do change." Terry chuckled and asked curiously, "Are you eating here too?" Kourtney shook her head. "This is my mom's place. It's Sunday, so I'm here helping out." "Kourtney, the noodles are ready!" came a voice from the kitchen. Kourtney quickly ran over and soon returned with a steaming bowl of noodles. "Having a beauty like you serve me is truly an honor," Terry quipped as he took the bowl. "Glad you realize it." Kourtney smiled, sitting across from him, propping her chin on her hands. "Terry, why did you suddenly stop coming to school back then?" "Something happened," Terry replied casually, not wanting to elaborate. Seeing this, Kourtney changed the subject, "Are you still studying now?" Terry shook his head. "No, I'm married already." Kourtney's eyes widened in shock. "You're really married?" She found it hard to believe, as Terry wasn't even twenty yet. "Of course, I just got married a few days ago." Terry nodded with a smile. "What about you, Kourtney? Seeing anyone?" Kourtney quickly shook her head. "I'm still in college. I'm in no rush for dating." Terry nodded. "Focus on your studies. Don't follow my path." Kourtney nodded, though for some reason, she felt a slight pang of disappointment when she heard about Terry's marriage. Just then, a group of thugs barged in. Kourtney's expression changed, glaring at them with anger, "What are you doing here again?" "Hey there, my lady." the red-haired thug sneered, his eyes roving over Kourtney. Her face flushed with anger. "Don't call me that!" Hearing the commotion, a middle-aged woman emerged from the kitchen. Upon seeing the thugs, her face turned pale. "Are you here to eat..." The red-haired thug grinned. "Boss, have you thought it over?" Helena Shirvinton's face turned pale, unsure of what to do. The red-haired thug continued, "Benji said if you agree, not only do you not have to pay the management fee, but he'll also help expand your store." Helena forced a smile. "My daughter Kourtney is still in school. She's not ready for dating. Please thank Benji for his kind offer, but I'll continue to pay the management fee." Bang! The red-haired thug kicked over a chair, menacingly saying, "Don't refuse a toast only to drink a forfeit. It's Kourtney's blessing that Benji fancies her. Stop dawdling. She must accompany him today, or I'll trash this place." Seeing this, the few diners quickly left the shop. Kourtney yelled angrily, "This is illegal! I'm calling the police." The thugs sneered, and a yellow-haired thug quickly snatched her phone. "No need to struggle. Even if the cops come, what can they do? At most, we'll be held for a few days. Once out, we'll be back unless you close shop." The red-haired thug stepped forward. "Just say yes to Benji. You'll live a good life, and no one will dare bully you." Kourtney, though frightened, still refused angrily, "I will never agree!" Helena stood in front of her daughter, pleading, "We're just trying to run a small business. Please spare us." Their refusal only made the thugs angrier. "Damn it, these two don't know what's good for them. Trash the place and take them." The red-haired thug ordered, and his crew began to wreck the shop. Kourtney and her mother retreated to the kitchen, both scared and heartbroken. Kourtney instinctively glanced at Terry, hoping against hope. If only he could step in like a hero, as he once did. But she quickly shook her head, knowing Terry alone couldn't handle the thugs. She wished he'd leave quickly to avoid getting involved. The thugs also noticed Terry. The yellow-haired thug sneered, "Kid, beat it before you get hurt." Terry stood up, smiling calmly. "Enjoying the wrecking spree?" "Damn it, didn't you hear me? Get lost!" The yellow-haired thug swung his hand, cursing, "If you won't leave, then stay." Terry caught his wrist mid-swing and twisted it. The thug screamed in agony as the sound of cracking bones echoed. Terry calmly tossed him aside. The others reacted quickly, and the red-haired thug roared, "You idiot, do you know who we are?" Terry nodded. "Of course, a bunch of lowlife scum." "You bastard, get him!" The red-haired thug, furious, pulled out a knife and lunged at Terry. "Terry, watch out!" Kourtney cried in fear, but the scene that unfolded left her speechless. Terry, with a few swift moves, took down all the thugs effortlessly, as if it were as easy as having a meal. "You... you're finished. Benji... he won't let you off," the red-haired thug threatened through gritted teeth, though he was writhing in pain. Terry stepped forward, placing a foot on his face with enough pressure to make him howl in pain. "What did you say? I didn't catch that." He pressed harder. The red-haired thug felt his head would burst, but still wouldn't yield, "You bastard, Benji is with the White Wolf Society. You're dead. Even Jesus can't save you." Terry increased the pressure, and the thug, his face contorted in agony, finally relented. "I'm sorry. I was wrong. Please, let me go." Terry stepped back, casting a glance at the others. They all hung their heads, silent. The red-haired thug staggered to his feet, casting a fearful look at Terry, ready to leave, but stopped by Terry's voice. "Hold it. Did I say you could go?"

Chapter 6: A Gallant Act

Comments (0)