Mabel Sean had simple goals in mind. She wanted to thrust me into River City's spotlight—and make it clear to Lyla Lucas that I wasn't just some worthless failure! Of course, if I couldn't handle the pressure, she'd naturally abandon her efforts.
By evening, I was carrying a bundle of herbs, heading home. As I reached the neighborhood entrance, I was startled to find Mabel Sean waiting there. She wore a white dress, her long hair dancing in the evening breeze. Anyone passing by couldn't help but take a second glance.
Spotting her, I quickly jogged over. "Miss Mabel, what are you doing here?" I asked.
Mabel rolled her eyes. "Obviously, I came to see you."
Her response left me feeling flattered yet uncertain how to respond, and I scratched my head awkwardly.
"What's that in your hands?" Mabel's gaze shifted to the herbs I was holding.
"Oh, just some Chinese medicinal herbs I bought," I replied.
Mabel reached out and took the herbs from my hands, teasing, "Oh, so Doctor Mason is out treating diseases now, huh?"
I scratched my head and laughed uncomfortably. "Not exactly. I don't know how to explain it to you..."
Mabel sniffed the herbs and remarked, "These herbs seem useless now, don't they? Why did you even buy them?"
I opened my mouth but couldn't find the right words.
"No money to buy better ones?" Mabel blinked as though seeing through my embarrassment.
I nodded, visibly uncomfortable.
Mabel burst into laughter, then casually tossed my herbs into the nearby trash can.
"I'll get you some good ones next time," she said with a smile.
I quickly shook my head. "No, no, Miss Mabel, I already owe you too much..."
Mabel rolled her eyes. "You can just pay me back when you strike it rich someday."
I smiled bitterly. "What if I never make it big?"
"Don't say stuff like that." Mabel lightly tapped me on the head.
"I think you're definitely going to be extraordinary someday." Her bright, sincere eyes locked onto mine, radiating genuine warmth.
My eyes instantly welled up, and I almost shed tears. Growing up, nearly everyone around me firmly believed I was a useless nobody. Never had anyone spoken to me with such conviction. Hearing Mabel's words now filled me with heartfelt gratitude.
"Miss Mabel, thank you," I said, eyes moist with emotion, as I rubbed them attempting to hide my feelings.
Mabel joked, "Hey, men shouldn't cry so easily!"
"Got it!" I nodded firmly.
At that moment, a van suddenly sped by in the near distance!
The vehicle screeched to a halt directly in front of me. Soon after, more than ten burly men armed with clubs jumped out!
Their leader was a bald, middle-aged man with a distinctive scar running across his face.
This man was none other than the infamous Woods Walters of River City—better known as "Woods"!
"Miss Mabel, you should go back," I quickly turned to Mabel, urging her.
Mabel gazed at the group but showed no trace of fear.
"Are these people here for you?" she asked with curiosity sparkling in her eyes.
Panicked, I replied, "Miss Mabel, I'll explain later. Please just leave!"
Mabel chuckled. "Come on, I'm just a woman. They wouldn't dare do anything to me."
Deeply anxious, I instinctively moved to shield Mabel behind me.
Mabel felt a spark of warmth at my protective gesture, her opinion of me elevating yet again.
She hid behind me, observing the group discreetly.
Woods Walters soon approached me, flanked by his men.
Holding a bat, Woods eyed me from head to toe. "So, you're the one who hit Harvey Brown?"
I took a deep breath, striving to maintain my composure. "He provoked me first."
Woods scoffed impatiently. "Cut the crap! If he hit you, you deserved it. You ought to just suck it up!"
I replied coldly, "That's not how things work!"
"Hahahahaha!" Woods and his cronies burst into loud laughter at my words.
"Boss, is this guy nuts? 'Fairness'? What kind of bullshit is that?"
"Exactly. Our Woods Walters here is the rules!"
Woods patted me on the shoulder mockingly and sneered, "Listen, kid, the one with the bigger fist makes the rules!"
My expression darkened with anger, but facing more than a dozen men, I was utterly outmatched.
Woods studied me with amusement and sneered, "Here's the deal: get on your knees and bow to me, and I might consider letting you off the hook. How's that sound?"
I glared at Woods with fiery determination and snapped, "In your dreams!"
"Dreams, huh?" Woods's demeanor instantly turned icy.
He gestured with his hand, prompting his crew to step forward.
"I'll break your legs and make sure you're on your knees for the rest of your life!" Woods barked ferociously!
"You think he's worthy of kneeling to you?"
At that moment, a girl's voice rang out from behind me.
Mabel Sean stepped forward, her gaze fixed on Woods Walters with playful disdain.
My face paled with alarm as I exclaimed hurriedly, "Woods Walters, this is all on me—she has nothing to do with it!"
"Miss Mabel, you have to leave now!" I pleaded frantically.
Mabel shook her head, standing firm as she glared coldly at Woods Walters.
Woods Walters stared at Mabel, blinking hard. When he got a clear view of her face, his expression immediately shifted. His complexion turned pale, and his body trembled violently!