Watching Andrew Fletcher run out, Jason Holt chuckled from within the crowd. This time, Andrew Fletcher had truly embarrassed himself.However, when his gaze landed on Ryan Williams among the workers, a shadow of gloom crossed his face."Kid, just you wait. Hmph!"Ryan Williams didn't notice Jason Holt at all. Instead, he found Andrew Fletcher's appearance rather amusing. Who would have thought that Andrew Fletcher would suffer such a setback?And at such a crucial moment during the assessment, no less.Still, it was exactly the kind of thing Jason Holt would do.Ryan Williams made a mental note to remind Andrew Fletcher about it when they returned home. After all, Jason Holt had pulled similar tricks countless times before. Pinning this incident on him wouldn't be difficult.Besides, watching those two lifelong rivals continue their endless love-hate feud was one of the courtyard's few reliable sources of entertainment.Meanwhile, Jason Holt, busy plotting how to cause trouble for Rya

Kevin Parker remained silent, but Andrew Fletcher, listening from his own house, felt miserable.Ever since returning from the factory, news of what had happened there had spread throughout the entire courtyard. The embarrassment left him too ashamed to go outside, so he stayed at home cooking.Now, hearing the curses and faint sobbing coming from the Parker family, he became even more agitated.He couldn't bear to see Elysia Smith suffer, yet he also understood his place. Given their status and relationship, he had no right to interfere.Thinking about the humiliation he had suffered at the factory today, combined with his failure in the assessment, made him feel as though a stone was pressing down on his chest.When he learned that only two people in the entire courtyard had passed the assessment—and that those two happened to be the very people he disliked the most—all kinds of old grudges resurfaced in his mind, fueling his anger."Ryan Williams! It must be that bastard Ryan Willia

As dusk settled over the courtyard, lights flickered on one by one. Yet instead of dispersing, the crowd of onlookers only grew larger.Everyone had gathered in the central courtyard, and even residents from the neighboring compounds came over to watch the excitement unfold.In an era where entertainment was scarce and nightlife was practically nonexistent, watching a public spectacle had become one of the few ways people relieved the monotony of daily life.Leaning against a locust tree in the middle of the courtyard, Ryan Williams rested after finally exhausting himself from the relentless beating.On the ground, Andrew Fletcher clutched his head and let out miserable groans.Standing before him were the three elders of the courtyard.The eldest, Thomas Carter, was seething with rage. The fury on his face alone was enough to keep people from approaching him.The second elder, George Cooper, tried to put on the dignified air of an authority figure, but Ryan Williams's rolling pin had

"Chief Foster, I'm reporting Jason Holt!"Ryan Williams's voice drifted through the falling snow, calm yet powerful enough to make everyone in the courtyard look up in surprise.Only moments ago, Jason Holt had been wearing a smug grin.Now, his face froze as though he had just swallowed something foul.His earlier triumph vanished in an instant. The wrinkles that had relaxed with satisfaction stiffened again as his soaring spirits crashed back to earth.Snowflakes landed on his face, melting into icy droplets that mirrored the panic in his eyes."W-What?""How did this end up involving me?"After a brief moment of shock, Jason Holt pointed at Ryan Williams and shouted, his expression filled with panic and confusion."We're talking about the Parker family and Andrew Fletcher!""You... why are you dragging me into this?""We're on the same side!""You can't repay kindness with betrayal and kick me while I'm down!"Ryan Williams didn't even spare him a glance."What happened today needs

Returning home, Ryan Williams was greeted by the biting chill of an empty house.He closed the door, lit the oil lamp, and sat down in silence, his heart heavy with melancholy.Ever since arriving in this world, he had been completely alone. The loneliness weighed on him more than ever."Since I'm here, I might as well make the best of it."After sitting quietly for a while and watching Maria Williams crawl beneath the table, Ryan Williams stood up and lit the stove.The flames flickered softly, casting a warm glow throughout the room.Unfortunately, compared to the howling northern wind and drifting snow outside, the little warmth it produced was nowhere near enough to keep the room comfortable, let alone make sleeping pleasant.He sighed."I really should settle down and start a family. At least then there'd be someone waiting in a warm bed."He chuckled at the thought before shaking his head.Bringing a girl into this den of wolves? Wouldn't that just be ruining her life?Pushing th