“Hmph, I never intended to run either. You say we owe a debt—there should at least be an IOU, right? Take it out and let’s have a look!”

　　Sam Thompson let out a cold laugh, pulled out three sheets of paper from his chest, pinched them between two fingers, and handed them to Kevin Bolton.

　　“Take a look. But I’m warning you—if you dare destroy them or refuse to acknowledge the debt, Master Hu won’t let you off!”

　　Kevin Bolton ignored him and instead handed the papers to Mrs. Sullivan.

　　“Mother, take a look—is this real?”

　　Mrs. Sullivan wiped the tears from the corners of her eyes and nodded painfully. “Ke’er, it’s all true. I won’t hide it from you anymore. When you went to take the scholar’s exam, I borrowed money twice half a year ago, a total of ten taels, at five percent interest. Then you fell ill, and I tried everything but still couldn’t scrape together the silver, so I had to borrow another ten taels. It’s all my fault—I’ve dragged you all down!”

　　As Mrs. Sullivan spoke, her eyes reddened and tears streamed down uncontrollably.

　　Kevin Bolton reached out and hugged his mother’s shoulders, smiling as he said, “Mother, you did all this for me. How could I ever blame you?”

　　Sam Thompson sneered, “Now everything’s clear, right? So stop your crying, making it look like we’re bullying a widow and her orphans. Like I said, with principal and interest, it’s forty-five taels of silver. Pay up and everything’s fine. If you don’t, don’t blame us for being rough!”

　　Hearing this, Kevin Bolton grew even angrier. His mother had only borrowed money a few months ago, and twenty taels had turned into forty-five! Even loan sharks aren’t this ruthless. These two are nothing but beasts who devour people without spitting out the bones!

　　“Hmph, we don’t have the money. Whatever you want to do, bring it on!”

　　“Brat, you dare act tough in front of Master Hu? I’ll strangle you!”

　　二虎 lunged at Kevin Bolton with a vicious look, arms outstretched. Mrs. Sullivan was so frightened she closed her eyes, not daring to look.

　　But Kevin Bolton stood his ground, unmoved, a cold smile on his lips. He didn’t take these muscle-bound thugs seriously at all. He suddenly stepped forward, his fist shooting between 二虎’s arms and landing squarely on his nose. Two streams of blood spurted from his nostrils. Not satisfied, Kevin Bolton followed up with an elbow to the chest as he withdrew his fist.

　　Bang! Like a wall collapsing, the burly man crashed heavily to the ground, writhing in pain like a shrimp.

Chapter Two: The Battle to Defend the Bride

　　With a single move, 二虎 was taken down. Sam Thompson plopped down on the ground, his scrawny frame no match for someone who could crush him with one hand. How did he end up provoking such a menace?

　　Suddenly, Sam Thompson’s legs gave out and he knelt before Kevin Bolton, wailing, “Young Master Zhang, please spare me! I’m just working for someone else. The higher-ups are pressing me—I have no choice!”

　　This guy changed his tune faster than a Sichuan opera performer. From high and mighty to groveling in the gutter, all his arrogance vanished.

　　Kevin Bolton asked coldly, “The higher-ups? Who exactly?”

　　Sam Thompson wailed, “The Wan family who put up the money. I, Sam Thompson, am just a lackey.”

　　Kevin Bolton could tell this guy was just a loan shark’s errand boy. He sneered, “Since you’re a dog, then get lost and send your master here. I’ll be waiting. I want to see just how black-hearted he is to charge so much interest!”

　　“Yes, yes, I’ll get lost right away!”

　　Sam Thompson turned and ran, tripping over the threshold and literally rolling out the door. Mrs. Sullivan and Emily Bolton, who was peeking in from the doorway, couldn’t help but burst out laughing.

　　“Come back and carry this guy out!” Kevin Bolton pointed at the groaning 二虎 on the floor.

　　Sam Thompson frowned. He was a hunchback, and 二虎 was nearly twice his height. Grunting and groaning, he struggled to drag him out like a dung beetle rolling a ball of dung. After much effort, he finally got out the door, turned back to carefully close it, and forced a smile at Kevin Bolton that was uglier than crying.

　　Emily Bolton ran out from the inner room and snuggled up next to Mrs. Sullivan, her big black eyes watching until Sam Thompson was gone.

　　“Second Brother, you’re amazing!”

　　The little girl shouted excitedly, throwing herself into Kevin Bolton’s arms like a fledgling returning to the nest. She wrapped her arms around his neck and giggled, “Second Brother, when did you learn martial arts? Why didn’t you tell me? I was so scared I almost cried!”

　　The little girl was twelve or thirteen, her newly developing body full of youthful bounce. Her soft, bun-like chest pressed tightly against Kevin Bolton’s chest, making his face flush and his heart race.

　　Kevin Bolton cursed himself inwardly, then looked up. His little sister’s delicate face was still streaked with tears, which pained him. He quickly reached out his big hand, wiped away her tears, and smiled, “Hui’er, don’t worry. As long as I’m here, no one will ever bully you or make you cry again!”

　　The little girl’s eyes sparkled with adoration as she asked excitedly, “Really?”

　　“Of course!” Kevin Bolton affectionately patted his sister’s head.

　　Mrs. Sullivan watched all this, her heart full of relief. After recovering from her illness, her son truly seemed different. Seeing the siblings so close, Mrs. Sullivan broke into a broad smile.

　　Suddenly, there was a rush of footsteps outside. The door was flung open and a girl of fifteen or sixteen burst in, her face flushed with health from running, her ample chest heaving, eyes full of concern.

　　“Mother, Brother Ke, are you both alright?”