The Despised Son-in-law: From Rags to Riches

Chapter 13: A Lesson

"Master, have you read the book The Art of War."

"Yes, I have. Why?"

"What have you learned from this book?"

"Um…that there are many ways to fight, but the best of them all is to run away." This was what Joe thought because it was his experience after being chased and beaten countless times. If he could not defend himself, then he could hide, and if he could not beat his opponents, then he would run away.

"Anything else?"

"What do you mean, Barret? I'm not in the mood to discuss The Art of War with you right now."

"The book also says that violence is not the best solution to the problem."

"What do you want to do then?"

"Reason with him."

Joe grinned sarcastically. "Reason with a bastard? Barret, you are so naive. If Daniel was reasonable, I would not have been beaten so badly."

"There are many ways to be reasonable, master, just trust me this once, and you will see."

"It's not that I don't believe you, the point is...the point is that we might get beaten up. If Nicole sees my bruised nose and face, she will look down on me even more."

"Master, it seems that you really like Miss Nicole, otherwise you would not care about her opinion so much."

Joe smiled embarrassingly. He really liked Nicole, but he really just wanted to bed her. Nicole was a rich and beautiful woman, and only if she were pleased with him could he gain a foothold in the Andrew Family. In other words, at this moment, Joe just wanted to keep the "prosperity and wealth" he had now.

"But she doesn't like me."

"Don't be discouraged, master, you just got married. Marriage needs time to develop. I believe you and Miss Nicole will have a good future."

"I hope so."

Half an hour later, the car stopped in front of Jerry Billiards.

"Master, wait in the car. I'll go in and talk to him first, and I’ll call you when I am done, then you can come in."

Barret was calm, but Joe felt flustered. Looking at the cars lined up near the door, there were at least seven or eight people with him inside.

Even though Joe was a little scared, he made up his mind to go with Barret. He was not going to leave him alone with Daniel knowing how ruthless he was. "No, I'll come with you."

Barret did not stop him and just smiled in relief. "Good, master, let's go. Don't talk after you get in, leave it to me."

"Alright."

On the first floor, several young women were sitting at the bar drinking even though it was early. "Are you here to play billiard balls?"

"No, we are here for someone," Joe replied arrogantly trying to hide his fear of seeing Daniel.

"Who are you looking for?"

"Daniel."

The women gave them a very wary look. "He's not here, why are you looking for him?"

"Uh…I borrowed some money from him some time ago, and I am here to pay the debt. He told me that he is here. I'll call and ask him," Barret replied and took his phone out, pretending to call someone. Joe was not sure if he was actually calling Daniel or buffing.   

The women were visibly relieved, "Oh, you came to pay a debt. Never mind then, he is in Room 6 on the second floor."

"Okay, thank you."

As they walked upstairs, Joe asked, "Barret, did you really borrow money from him?"

"No, I just lied to them to avoid unnecessary trouble, master."

"Good thinking. We need to look at escape areas when we go up there."

Barret patted Joe on the shoulder as they reached Room 6. "Don't worry, master."

Barret knocked on the door; Joe’s heart was thudding loudly.

"Who is it? Come in,” a gruff voice came from inside the room.

As soon as Barret pushed open the door, Joe almost choked to death. It was smoggy in the room, a billiard table was in the middle of the room, and there were about ten people milling around.

The leader was Daniel.

That jerk looked the same as Joe remembered, with a large head, big ears and small squinty eyes, looking salacious.

"Who are you two? What the hell do you want?” Daniel growled.

Joe was taken back to the time when Daniel was pounding his face in. He wanted to turn around and run out of the room but it was too late; Barret had closed the door by now.

"Are you f*****g deaf? Hey, you seem familiar!” Daniel narrowed his eyes as he eyed Joe suspiciously. “Oh! You little bastard. Kid, you have the guts to come here. Did you forget what I said before?” 

Joe gulped as Daniel recognized him. His friends instantly gathered around Joe, all just as threatening as their leader. Joe turned around instinctively wanting to run but was held back by Barret who simply chuckled. "You are Daniel?"

Seeing an old man who was so calm, Daniel stopped his gang. "Who are you? Do we know each other?"

"I'm Barret, the butler of the Andrew Family. This is our master. I heard that there is a conflict between you and master, so I am here to solve it."

Daniel froze for a second, then smiled disdainfully. "Are you f*****g kidding me? He is your master? Haha, this kid picks up trash for a living!"

Joe felt anxious however Barret remained calm. He thought to himself, "Barret, I told you that this bastard is unreasonable, but you did not believe me. Well, we are both in trouble now. Daniel is not going to let us go this easily.”

"Our master indeed was a rubbish picker, but that was purely to experience the life of individuals who are on the bottom of the totem pole, so to speak, so he can find a way to help these poor people."

Barret's explanation was appropriate, however, Joe felt helpless, because he knew Daniel would not believe it.

"Haha, what a f*****g joke."

Everyone in the room burst into laughter.

Daniel glanced at Barret ill-intentionally. "You look like a rich man. I have told this guy that every time I meet him, I will beat him and I keep my promises. Since you seem rich, give me $20,000 and I will pretend I did not see him."

Barret did not seem to hear what Daniel said, just smiled disdainfully. $20,000? What an asshole, Barret thought.  

"Mr. Daniel, some time ago, you and your men injured my master, causing serious physical and mental damage. You were to be held legally responsible, but our master is very tolerant and thus did not sue you. If you sincerely apologize to him and promise that you will not bully others in the future, we will let this matter go, how about that?"

Hearing this, Joe completely lost hope and as expected, everyone in the room laughed, especially Daniel, who was guffawing loudly.

"Haha, old man, are you kidding me? Apologize to this bastard? Are you f*****g insane? Listen, I'll give you one last chance. I will count to three, either you give me the money, or I knock both of you down, three..."

"Wait a minute."

"Why, did you decide to give the money? Smart guy," Daniel spoke smugly.

"Mr. Daniel, I think it's better to sit down and discuss a solution calmly. Violence is not a solution."

Daniel completely lost his patience. "Screw you! Boys, give them a lesson!"