Chapter 103 Arthur Johnson
The expressions of Jonathan and Amber grew odd after they heard Polly’s words. Amber blushed furiously and hurriedly asked, “How could this happen?”
Meanwhile, Jonathan let out a cough and remarked, “This joke isn’t funny at all.”
Calmly, Polly replied, “One can get a divorce even after marriage. It isn’t a big deal in this day and age. Why are the both of you reacting like this?”
Instantly, Amber panicked. Nonetheless, there was a trace of joy bubbling from within when she heard the woman’s words.
Then, Jonathan laughed bitterly and declared, “Polly, I don’t need a woman to protect me.”
Polly retorted, “Don’t forget this. If not for Amber, who had rushed here, you and I would be dead.”
Jonathan was rendered speechless by that.
Meanwhile, Amber pondered before looking at Polly and said, “Polly, if Jonathan and I were to get married, would he be out of danger?” Polly turned to her and answered, “If Old Mr. Johnson’s grandson-in-law were to be killed, wouldn’t there be consequences? No matter how influential Strikezone Martial Arts is, they’ll have to consider that.”
Inhaling deeply, Amber made up her mind. Finally, she voiced out, “All right, Jonathan. I’ll follow Polly’s instructions. Let’s notify my grandpa about this matter.”
“No, don’t do that,” Jonathan instantly exclaimed, “It definitely isn’t feasible.” He reacted fiercely to that suggestion.
Following that, Amber became unhappy. She flinched, then shrugged the negative thoughts out of her head. The woman could only say, “This is just a marriage of convenience. Don’t feel too pressured. After all, you’ve saved my life, so I don’t mind doing all these for you.”
The gaze Jonathan had in his eyes was full of determination. He uttered, “I won’t agree to the fake marriage. There’s no need for you to do so.”
“Why?” Amber asked, confused.
Jonathan explained, “There’s no reason. I just don’t want to marry someone else, no matter a real marriage or a fake marriage.” Though he fooled around usually, when it came to matters he was stubborn about, no one could persuade him otherwise.
Amber suddenly felt a wave of bitterness wash over her. Naturally, she would not ask him if he liked her directly. Hence, she simply replied, “All right. I can never understand what you’re thinking. I don’t want to marry you too. Since you’re against it, pretend as if I’d never said anything.”
Following that, Polly gazed at Jonathan and inquired, “What do you plan to do then? Do you really think you’re the Chosen One who has nine lives and never dies? Jonathan, the members of Strikezone Martial Arts are unbelievably powerful. You can never beat them. Now, you’ve angered them. Thus, they won’t let you escape no matter what. In Horington, you have Amber, so they might refrain from attacking you. Nevertheless, once you leave the city and the Golden Sword Tournament, they might try to assassinate you. Do you not treasure your life?”
Jonathan was perplexed. He understood that he’d really messed up. Subsequently, he contemplated the issue momentarily. Then, he responded, “I left Jennifer because I didn’t want to get married. And now, you want me to marry Amber just to keep my life. I couldn’t face myself if that were to happen.”
Listening to his words, Polly remarked, “Since you’re unwilling to do so, I have another plan.”
Instantaneously, Jonathan and Amber asked in unison, “What plan?”
Though Amber was a little annoyed by Jonathan’s words, she still cared for his life.
Polly then stated, “Amber, you should plead for your grandfather’s help. Get him to negotiate with those people from Strikezone Martial Arts so that Jonathan’s life will be spared. As long as your grandfather says the word, the members of Strikezone Martial Arts would surely agree to it.”
Amber’s eyes brightened. She hurriedly nodded and responded, “I’ll contact Grandpa now.” After that, she walked out of the room and went to call her grandfather in a private corner.
Still, Jonathan could not feel happy that he was helped. The events of that day humiliated him and Polly.
This was because both of them had always been proud of their level of cultivation. However, they were defeated by Yasir. “I’m sorry, Polly. I’ve dragged you into this mess.” Jonathan apologized.
It was apparent that Polly seemed rather tired. “Today’s incidents are a valuable experience to me. I’ll remember the humiliation I suffer and take my revenge on them one day.” She hesitated for a while before adding, “You should’ve realized that the man we fought had unusual abilities, right?”
Jonathan answered in a low voice, “I’ve gotten a better picture of what Destino Art is. We are fighters, while he is a true expert in spiritual fighting. His attacks and aura contain Destino Art. Even the air around him was attracted and subdued by it. He made me feel that everything around me was my enemy. Therefore, I panicked at his slightest move!”
Polly responded, “You’re right. We are at a very crucial period now – whether we are able to overcome this is the key.” She paused before continuing to remind him. “As a result, despite knowing that Golden Sword Tournament was rigged by Strikezone Martial Arts, I still want to attend the event. Perhaps, I could find what I want when encountered with a life or death situation.”
Jonathan glanced at Polly as mixed emotions clouded his eyes. “Polly, you’ve offended those in Strikezone Martial Arts. Once you participate in the competition, they will not let you off. Assuming that you win one person, would you really be able to beat all other fighters? You said I didn’t cherish my life. What about you?”
Hearing that, Polly responded, “I’m different from you. Jonathan, you’re a carefree person. You don’t yearn for achievements in Destino Art as I do. You are easygoing, unlike me. I want to achieve the highest cultivation stage in Destino Art, just like that person. So what if I died in the process? If I find what I want, I won’t regret my death.”
At that moment, Polly exuded a bold aura around her. It was almost as if she was ready to face death.
She had the spirit of one who would relentlessly advance and strive for their goals!
Jonathan felt as if he was seeing a shining brilliance emanating from Polly.
Just then, he realized that Polly’s accomplishments were, without a doubt, attained by her own efforts. She was an unwavering and courageous woman. Many masters and fighters did not even have the temperament she had.
Seeing that, Jonathan stopped trying to dissuade Polly.
He treated her as his bosom friend. Naturally, he respected her choice.
Meanwhile, Amber had already managed to call her grandfather, Arthur Johnson, outside the coffee house.
On the other end of the line, Arthur chuckled. “Little girl, you’ve finally thought of me!”
As Amber was feeling a little down, she was not in the mood to joke around with her grandfather. Her voice was close to crying as she begged, “Grandpa, you have to help me.”
Swiftly, Arthur was dumbstruck. He had always viewed his granddaughter as a strong and independent lady. She rarely cried in front of him. Hence, hearing that she was on the verge of tears, Arthur was alarmed. Hurriedly, he comforted, “Don’t be scared. Who bullied you? I’ll definitely help you.”
Amber wiped away her tears and stated, “I want you to ensure someone’s safety.”
Taken aback, Arthur responded, “What? Whose safety?” He pondered about it, then warned her seriously, “Amber, if your friend broke the law, I wouldn’t assist them. You should know that I hate those who bend the law for their own benefits.”
Subsequently, Amber quickly replied, “No, my friend did not do something illegal. What happened was…”
Following that, Amber told him about Jonathan and the members of Strikezone Martial Arts. Yet, she did not mention anything about Felicia.
In the end, Amber added in indignation, “Grandpa, the members of Strikezone Martial Arts are lawless. Today, they tried to kill Jonathan at the coffee house.”
Hearing that, Arthur remained silent for a long time.
Amber’s heart sank at that. She questioned, “Grandpa, why aren’t you saying anything? Are you afraid of Strikezone Martial Arts?”
Arthur laughed bitterly and explained, “Silly girl. Why would I be afraid of Strikezone Martial Arts? It’s just that the head of the martial arts center is an influential person called Edward Weiss. He has been controlling countries like Norham and Intundeos. He is of great help to our country, and I’m well-acquainted with him. I’m sure you understand that we have diplomatic ties, right?”
Enraged, Amber countered, “I don’t understand that. I only know that his members are too arrogant now. They behave like the relatives of officials in the feudal society back then. They don’t care about the law and the human lives that they have taken. It’s already the twenty-first century now. How could they continue their feudalistic ways?”
Arthur responded by saying, “Silly girl, the world isn’t as simple as you think. There isn’t a clear distinction between good and bad people.”
“Grandpa, I know what you mean. Nonetheless, I don’t agree with you. Though I can’t change anything, I disapprove of your words. Now, I’m requesting help. Would you assist me? Jonathan cannot be harmed,” Amber stated.
Grimly, Arthur uttered, “Amber, tell me honestly. What’s up with you and Jonathan? Why do you care about him so much? Are the both of you really just friends?”
Inhaling deeply, Amber replied, “To tell you honestly, without Jonathan, I would have already died. I’m sure Dad knows about the incident. You can find out the details from him. Moreover, I know what you’re thinking. Yes, I like him, but he doesn’t feel the same way.”
Arthur uncontrollably fumed with anger upon hearing what Amber had said. He demanded, “How could this mere fellow not like you? Aren’t you, my granddaughter, more than worthy of him?”
Although Arthur had never met Jonathan before, he had never thought of allowing Amber to be with the latter. Yet, when he heard that Jonathan did not like his granddaughter, he was enraged.
Just then, Amber mustered up her courage as she spoke. “Grandpa, don’t talk about such matters now. Just tell me, are you going to help me? If something happens to Jonathan, I’ll ignore you for the rest of my life.”
Arthur laughed wryly. “It appears that it’s true – women would always follow their hearts. You’ve just become an adult, but you’re already siding with an outsider.” After thinking briefly, he continued, “Okay, I’ll contact Edward and discuss with him. Hopefully, he’ll let Jonathan off.”
