"Help me, handsome!" A woman's cry for help suddenly punctured the calm of Julius Reed's reminiscing. Underneath the bright street lamps, she rushed over to him in obvious distress. His dark eyes narrowed slightly, a frown creasing his brows as he saw several men bolting towards them from a distance.
These imposing figures coming their way looked far from friendly. "Step aside, kid, you clearly don't want to get trampled over!" One of the men scoffed as they got closer, their body language reeking of arrogance. Their brawny bodies were decorated with tattoos of mystical creatures - azure dragons and white tigers, making them appear even more menacing.
In a cold and composed voice, Julius Reed issued a warning, "I would advise you to move along now unless you want trouble."
"Ha, what do we have here? Think you got some strength behind those words? We work for the local gang leader, dare you mess with us?" One of them mocked, an expectant smirk on his face.
Unfazed by the unbridled bravado, Julius Reed retorted coolly, "Is that right? Then if I may offer a suggestion, you and your friends should scram." His eyes were icy sharp, a dangerous glint reflecting in them.
Sensing danger, the terrified woman darted behind Julius Reed seeking a temporary refuge. "Watch out!" she shrieked, her voice trembling with fear.
At her warning, the boldest of the men charged at Julius Reed, brandishing a steel rod threateningly. "You're courting death!" he growled.
Julius Reed dismissed him with a derisive snort, sidestepped his reckless swing deftly and landed a counter punch in his stomach in one swift move. The man crashed onto the ground with an audible 'crack', staying down for the count. The other pursuers watch this unexpected development with surprise and fear, their faces bleached of color. This seemingly ordinary man had unexpectedly formidable skills.
Asserting his dominance over the situation, Julius Reed spat out a single word, "Scram," and a palpable aura of deadly intent reverberated around him.
"Damn it! Let's teach this busybody a lesson!" The gang responded, rolling up their sleeves in defiance, ready to retaliate.
Before they could rush him, Julius Reed knocked out the first attacker with another firm punch - 'Bang!'.
With a sickening 'crack', the man dropped to the ground, a pained cry escaping his lips as his bone broke under the sheer impact.
Unmoved, Julius Reed stepped towards the downed man, and stomped hard on him. 'Crack!' His leg bone snapped instantly.
"Run!" The remaining gang members needed no further encouragement, they took to their heels in blind panic, leaving their comrade behind.
After the men had scampered off, the woman who had sought Julius Reed's help, Lance Casey, turned to him with an infatuated look in her eyes. She was clearly awe-struck by his impressive move just now. "Thank you, handsome!" she gushed.
Casually disregarding her energy, Julius Reed replied, "You're welcome," an edge of coldness to his voice. He isn't someone who enjoys receiving compliments, especially not from someone so over-energetic and infatuated.
Blissfully oblivious to Julius Reed's coolness, Lance Casey continued in her high spirits, "Handsome, my name is Lance Casey. What's yours?"
In a curt reply, he said, "Julius Reed." Then, he turned to leave, clearly keen to end the interaction.
Unperturbed by his aloofness, Lance Casey trotted to keep up with Julius Reed, praising him excitedly, "Julius Reed, you're really amazing! You knocked down that gangster with your fists!"
Julius Reed didn't acknowledge her remarks; he continued to stride ahead. However, the woman kept up with him like an enthusiastic puppy, showering him with gratitude along the way.
Suddenly, Julius Reed halted, spinning around to confront Lance Casey. His eyes narrowed and brows furrowed, a tinge of irritation lacing his voice, "What exactly do you want by following me around?" He questioned her straightforwardly, his patience clearly fraying.
Stunned by his sudden interrogation, Lance Casey quickly smoothed over her surprise and produced a bright smile, "I just want to thank you properly for helping me, I would like to treat you to a meal." She offered.
With a quick dismissal, Julius Reed replied, "I do not need a meal. If you encounter people like those again in the future, try to keep your distance." With that, he hurriedly walked off, outpacing Lance Casey extensively. She barely had time to react before he'd disappeared at the end of the street.
"Hey, why are you like this! Wait for me! I will find you!!!!"
Lance Casey's voice echoed through the deserted street as she yelled after him, her phone already in her hands as she desperately snapped pictures of his retreating figure.
When Julius Reed entered into one of the most bustling shopping centers in Gonzalez City, Roosevelt Plaza, it was already past nine in the evening.
He took out his phone and found several missed calls.
All from Quella Radcliffe.
Julius Reed felt a warmth in his heart; it seemed that his wife really cared about him.
During the time the memories were awakening, he was too busy accepting them, and simply couldn't answer the phone.
"Why haven't you come home?"
As soon as he called back, he heard Quella Radcliffe's anxious voice.
"I've got something to take care of, I'll be back in an hour," Julius Reed said calmly.
"This afternoon... never mind, don't push yourself, come back soon."
Quella Radcliffe swallowed the words she had almost said.
She hoped more than anything that her husband would stand out, but she was worried that pushing him too hard might drive him to extremes.
"Okay!"
Julius Reed said simply and hung up the phone, then walked into the shopping center.