Alex exerted considerable effort to finally elicit a smile from Kate's previously tense face. After dinner, Kate nestled in Alex's arms and softly said, "Alex, would you take a walk with me around the campus?"
Embracing Kate's slender waist, Alex smiled and said, "It's been a while since we last strolled together. I've been so preoccupied with Imperial Holdings that I've neglected my Kate. I'm sorry, my love."
Kate tilted her face up and kissed Alex on the cheek, saying, "Darling, there's nothing to apologize for. You're the best husband in the world."
Looking down at Kate, Alex felt a surge of emotion and guilt. "I'm not a good husband at all. With you here, I..."
Kate placed a gentle hand over Alex's mouth and said earnestly, "Alex, don't think like that. I'm not that petty. Rose needs your love too. Even if there are others besides Rose and me in the future, my love for you will never change. I'll always support you."
A single tear rolled down Alex's cheek. Despite the cold northern winter, his heart was warm. He gazed at the irreplaceable woman in his arms and tenderly kissed her lips.
Their passionate kiss lasted until they were both breathless. Blushing, Kate softly said, "Alex, I wish I could stay in your arms forever."
"My dear Kate, I want to hold you forever too. Don't attend tonight's study session; let me take you for a walk." Alex said lovingly.
Kate leaned her head on Alex's shoulder, softly saying "Yes," as they walked onto the playground. The first and second-year students had already gone home, and the third-year students were in their evening study sessions. The vast playground was occupied by just the two of them, walking closely together.
As Alex and Kate enjoyed the romantic atmosphere, sounds of shouting and fighting emerged from the rear gate of the playground. Alex frowned and led Kate towards the source of the noise.
Outside the back gate was a narrow alley, dimly lit by streetlights. A group of young thugs armed with machetes had cornered a young man under a streetlamp. A thug with multicolored hair pointed a knife at the youth and said, "Edward, step aside. You already belong to our boss."
"Over my dead body," Edward replied defiantly.
"Paying debts is only right. Your father has already given you to our boss. If you don't step aside, don't blame us for what happens next," the thug sneered.
Edward stood his ground, glaring at the group. "Come at me all at once. You'll have to kill me first."
"Get him! Don't hurt the other one," ordered the colorful-haired thug. The gang rushed at Edward.
With a graceful move, Edward knocked down the first three thugs with a spinning kick. Grabbing a thug's wrist, he forced him to drop his knife, which Edward quickly seized. This flurry of movements took mere seconds.
Edward brandished the knife and charged into the gang, disarming each thug with swift precision. The thugs, now weaponless, stood in stunned silence.
"Edward, drop the knife! You're in my hands now!" the colorful-haired thug shouted, holding a knife to Edward's throat.
Alex, watching the scene unfold, thought: This youth has impressive skills but lacks restraint. With Mark's training, he could become a top fighter. Smiling, Alex led Kate towards the group.
Hearing footsteps, the thugs and Edward turned to see Alex and Kate approaching. Alex stopped in front of Edward and said reproachfully, "You should have stayed where you were and shouldn't have rushed into the crowd. Don't make this mistake again."
Edward glanced at Alex and, lowering his head, admitted, "You're right. I'm such a fool. I can't even protect myself."
"If I save you, will you follow me?" Alex asked, a small smile on his lips.
With a thud, Edward knelt before Alex, his voice trembling. "If you save me and help my father pay off his debt, I will serve you for life."
Alex bent down and helped Edward to his feet. "A man's knees are precious. You may kneel to heaven, earth, and your parents, but not to me. I only ask for loyalty."
Edward stood, nodding vigorously, unable to find words. He knew that actions spoke louder than words.
Alex smiled and patted Edward on the shoulder. "You won't regret following me."
The colorful-haired thug, feeling ignored, yelled angrily, "Who do you think you are? Get lost, or I'll take your girl too!"
Alex's eyes flashed with coldness. "Release the boy, and I'll let you live."
"Who do you think you are, Alex of the Reaper Gang?" the thug scoffed.
Alex looked at the thug with pity, kicked a machete off the ground, and sent it flying into the thug's chest. The thug collapsed, eyes wide open, unable to comprehend his death.
Alex surveyed the trembling thugs and said, "Tell your boss to disband his gang and leave G Province, or he'll meet a gruesome end."
Turning to Edward, Alex said, "Edward, take your friend and come with me."
Alex, holding Kate, walked through the back gate onto the playground. Edward stared at their retreating figures.
"Brother, let's go," Edward's friend urged, tugging his sleeve.
Snapping out of his daze, Edward took his friend's hand and followed Alex. "He's Alex, a senior at our school. To us students, he's a god. He's also the leader of the Reaper Gang. If you follow him, you'll be famous," Edward's friend whispered.
"The leader of the Reaper Gang..." The words struck Edward deeply. Watching the modestly dressed pair, tears filled his eyes.
"Brother, did I say something wrong?" his friend asked gently, wiping Edward's tears.
"No, you didn't say anything wrong. I'm just happy. From now on, we won't have to suffer anymore."
"All of that will come, but first, you must become a true strongman," Alex said, turning to look at them.