"This world's a madhouse," Edward scoffed. "Ever consider those locked up might be the sane ones? Right now, I'm telling you, you're all chained up.""Chained up? There are no chains on us," someone retorted."Where are the chains? I say this fool's not just crazy, he's blind too," another voice mocked."Yeah, he's a madman who thinks he's a genius," someone else chimed in."Who's really lost their marbles?" Yvonne defended her brother. "Can't you tell it’s a metaphor?”"Still, my sister's the one with her head on straight. Yes, I'm talking about the invisible chains binding you all," Edward elaborated,"Almost everyone here is wearing them. I tell you they're there. Deep down, you all know their existence, but your brains simply want to deny it because you are afraid of losing them psychologically. In a way, you crave more invisible chains to bind you."The crowd burst into wilder laughter."Who do you think you are, a philosophy king?" someone mocked."Forget it," Edward sighed. "I

"What's the surprise?"At that moment, Yvonne walked in, carrying a wooden tray with three steaming bowls of shredded meat noodles on it."Sally, come join us for some noodles with meatballs. I made these myself," Yvonne offered."No, thank you. My dad is waiting for me at home," Sally declined with a smile. "Yvonne, I didn't expect you to be able to manage household chores and cook now. You're so much more capable than me.""You're just being kind, Sally. It's just necessity that's the mother of invention. You know, I’ve had to do these chores since I was a child. Anyway, since you're here, do try my cooking," Yvonne insisted."Well, when in Rome..." Sally quickly picked up her chopsticks and took a few bites."Wow, this is so delicious," Sally praised, giving a thumbs-up. "This is the best noodles I've ever had.""You're so sweet, Sally! I was afraid you, being used to delicacies, would find my noodles too plain," Yvonne replied. "By the way, what surprise did you prepare for my bro

On the brink of despair, Sally felt a sliver of desperate relief.Her spirit was being consumed by darkness, and she contemplated ending it all.She would rather choose death than endure the impending humiliation.However, just as she closed her eyes, ready to accept her fate, a thunderous shout pierced the silence."Stop!"With a loud crash, Joseph felt a powerful force strike his waist, knocking him away from Sally and sending him crashing to the ground like a defeated beast."You piece of trash, Joseph!"Edward's voice was as cold and biting as a winter wind.Edward tried to rush forward to kick Joseph again, but George immediately stopped him."Who dares to ruin our fun!"Sally's eyes snapped open, flickering with a glimmer of hope. To her astonishment, it was Edward standing there."It's you, Edward. I thought I'd never see you again," her voice was filled with excitement and gratitude."Fear not, Shorty, with me here, no one can harm you," Edward's words were firm and warm, like

Edward spun around, eyes widening when he saw none other than Hugh Wood, Sarah’s younger brother, flanked by his family’s bodyguards.Hugh was smirking with open contempt, his gaze dripping with disdain."This is the Treasure Market, open to anyone. What’s it to you if I’m here?" Edward shot back, not a hint of hesitation in his voice.Yvonne, equally livid, snapped,“My brother’s right. This place doesn’t belong to your family.”Sally scoffed, her lips curling into a sneer.“Ah, so this is the infamous troublemaker from the Wood family. I’ve heard the rumors, but seeing you in person is something else entirely.If all the top families in New Hook City are like this, they’re bound to implode and end up a bunch of uncivilized, barbaric fools.No manners, no respect.”Her words were like a slap to Hugh’s ego.His face reddened with anger, and he glared at her, his voice a low growl.“Who do you think you are, you little harpy? Daring to lecture me, and defending Edward, this worthless t

Hugh's other men also got to their feet one by one.“My young master Hugh is going to win the fight with his powerful mirror. I'll bet 1,000."In a minute, almost all of them joined the game organized by Yvonne. "We'll back you up, young master. I have to beat that space of waste into a pulp and help us win our bets." "Okay, I'll do my best, but the money you win will finally go into my pocket," sneered Hugh. That was the way he treated his bodyguards, who instantly regretted their joining the game. But it was too late. "You're getting above yourself, " Edward said, "I'm not going to let you win. Now I'd like to ask you a question before we fight." "Shoot!" “Is it you that planned the attack against me a few days ago?" seethed Edward.Several trucks ambushed Edward several days ago while riding his bike back home. As a result, he had been cornered to the side of the cliff. Without being able to avoid those speedy trucks, Edward had had to jump off the cliff. "You're right, i