“Alright, it’s settled then.” In fact, William Carter had long wanted to meet this Sam rascal, but just never had the chance—he hadn’t expected Sam to come looking for him today. Watching that group leave, he said to Sarah Thompson and George Miller, “You two are too impulsive, you need to change that in the future.” George Miller lowered his head and said nothing, while Sarah Thompson said loudly, “Will, they were too arrogant! If they hadn’t cursed at you first, I wouldn’t have started a fight.”

William Carter smiled, “I’m not blaming you. I’m just reminding you that keeping a clear head at all times will help you avoid suffering losses!”

Sarah Thompson and George Miller nodded in unison, “Got it, Will!” They felt the boss made sense—if he hadn’t shown up just now and a real fight broke out, even though they had more people, it wasn’t certain they’d have the upper hand.

George Miller thought for a moment and said, “Will, I don’t think Sam is up to anything good by asking us to go. Do you think we should just…”

William Carter said seriously, “If we really want to establish ourselves here, we have to get through tonight first. It might be dangerous, but if you don’t have guts, what are you doing in this business?” George Miller blushed and nodded, “Will, just tell us what to do tonight, I’ll follow your lead!”

William Carter nodded, deep in thought and silent.

‘Riiing~~’ The dismissal bell at No. 2 High School rang. Instantly, the school gate was packed with people. For some reason, all the students rushed toward the already narrow gate. The first one out shouted ‘YES!’ as if he’d just won the lottery.

Inside the teaching building, on both sides of the stairs between the first and second floors, more than twenty students stood, each with hands in their pockets and a cigarette dangling from their mouths. Whether they could actually smoke or not, at least they thought it looked cool. When a pretty girl walked by, they whistled and cheered, “Score! This one’s really hot! Eye candy~~” “Get lost, what are you looking at? She looks like Pigsy’s… second aunt! Haha!” “Damn…”

Sarah Thompson and George Miller stood in the crowd, but they weren’t as happy as the others. Sarah Thompson asked George Miller, “Dave, what time is it?” George Miller checked his watch and patted him on the shoulder, “School just let out, what do you think? What are you so nervous about? No matter how big the problem, I’ll handle it.”

Sarah Thompson swallowed and said, “Damn, anyone who says they’re not nervous is lying! We’re up against Sam!”

“So what about Sam? He’s just a person. Drink too much and he pukes, eat too much and he shits, right?” George Miller’s words drew a burst of laughter. Sarah Thompson laughed, “You and your big mouth.”

At that moment, William Carter came down the corridor from the second floor. Everyone immediately stopped laughing, stood up straight on both sides of the stairs, and bowed together, “Hello, Will!”

William Carter nodded and asked, “Did you bring everything?” Sarah Thompson said, “Don’t worry, Will, everyone’s got a weapon.”

“Good, let’s go. Now we can finally meet the legendary Sam!” William Carter said half-jokingly. Seeing how relaxed William Carter looked, everyone felt even more at ease, and they chatted and laughed all the way to the ‘Xinxin’ billiard hall.

The ‘Xinxin’ billiard hall was on the left side of No. 2 High School. Students from No. 2 usually came here to play pool—first, because it was close, and second, because it was cheap, just fifty cents a game. (Though the tables were a bit shabby!)

William Carter and his group arrived at ‘Xinxin’, and at this time, there wasn’t a single customer inside—the whole place had been reserved by Sam. Sam was holding a cue, playing pool with one of his underlings. When he saw William Carter leading a group in, he laughed and came over. The billiard hall was dimly lit, and it wasn’t until he got close that William Carter could see what Sam looked like. Just over twenty, about 1.78 meters tall, with a crew cut. The first impression he gave was that he was very bold and always smiling.

Sam was also sizing up William Carter, nodded and said, “Brother, you must be the famous William Carter everyone’s been talking about lately?”

William Carter chuckled, “Even Sammy knows my name now. I wonder if that’s a blessing or a curse?”

Sam was taken aback, then laughed again, “The Carter Brothers, you’re a sharp one! I like that! Haha~” He picked up a cue and handed it to William Carter, “Brother, interested in a game?”

William Carter had never played pool before, but he took the cue without hesitation and said, “Sure. Even if I don’t know how, I have to play—otherwise I’d be disrespecting Sammy.” Sam squinted, “Good, I like the way you talk!”

Holding the cue, Sam broke the racked balls hard. “Brother, I shouldn’t really meddle in what you do at school, but since you’re forming a crew on my turf, it’d be a bit much if you didn’t at least say hello.”

William Carter had watched others play pool before and knew the basics. He picked up the cue and aimed at the six ball, saying, “I haven’t been ‘standing tall’ for long, and there are still things I don’t understand—so I’ll need Sammy to teach me.” The ball didn’t go in.

“Teach you? I wouldn’t dare. We’re all just working together!” Sam sank a ball, “You’ve been collecting quite a bit of money at school lately, haven’t you?”

“Not that much, they’re all broke students. Maybe a few hundred a day at most!” William Carter wiped the tip of his cue.

Sam laughed, playing as he spoke, “You talk big, brother. That’s at least over ten grand a month!” He missed his shot, then continued, “This place used to be all under my control, but now that you’re the boss at No. 2, none of my guys can get in. Don’t you think you should leave me a way out?”