Chapter 130: Be a Hero

Noticing Jared's unconcern about Rhino's status, Yolanda suspected he wasn't ordinary.

"We work together and have been neighbors since our teens," Hilda replied with a frown. "There's nothing special about him."

"Impossible! He wouldn't be unafraid without powerful backing!" Yolanda remained unconvinced. An ordinary person would be terrified.

"He has no patron," Hilda said. "In fact, he was just released from prison."

Hilda believed his prison stint had toughened him; ordinary people fear ex-convicts.

"No wonder," Yolanda said. "Still, Rhino isn't just a street thug. He's in the Crimson Dragon Gang. You must leave with Hilda now!"

"Crimson Dragon Gang?" Jared was intrigued, surprised by his repeated encounters with them that day.

"Scared?" Yolanda asked. "They're Horington's biggest gang. Your gang is insignificant; they can't protect you. Take Hilda and go. I'll try to appease Rhino. I won't charge for tonight." Yolanda planned to plead for their safety.

Jared laughed. "They should fear me. They'll run when they see me."

Yolanda scrutinized him, sneering. "This isn't a joke. If you want to be a hero, fine, but don't involve Hilda." She grabbed Hilda's hands. "Let's go. He can play hero. What kind of boyfriend have you found, Hilda?"

Yolanda's initial positive impression of Jared (from his encouraging Hilda to attend the reunion) had soured. She saw him as reckless.

"Yolanda, Jared isn't like that," Hilda protested, but Yolanda dragged her away.

"Don't be a fool, Hilda," Yolanda said. "You don't know the Crimson Dragon Gang's power. Everyone in Horington fears them. Jared's deluded by his prison time."

As Hilda struggled, a group of men arrived, led by the bandaged Rhino.

Yolanda panicked, her face paling; she released Hilda's hand. Hilda was terrified. Jared remained calm.

"Kid, I admire your nerve," Rhino said. "But today, I mean business!" He picked up a beer bottle and lunged at Jared.

"Rhino!" Yolanda rushed forward. "He was terrified when I told him who you are. He regrets it. Please show mercy. I'll spend nights with you for free, and he'll pay compensation."

Rhino was initially unforgiving, but the mention of compensation made him lower the bottle. "How much can he pay? This head costs a lot!"

The extraneous website promotion was removed. The text was also re-punctuated and re-worded for improved flow and clarity.