Chapter 254
Chapter 254 Brenda of Chinatown
Robin noticed a troubling look on Marrisa's face.
Brenda was clearly struggling.
Before he could inquire further, a girl in white pajamas came down the stairs.
"Mom, you have a visitor this early?"
Robin looked up to see a girl with striking red curls and a cigarette dangling from her fingers.
Now he understood Marrisa's sigh when she had mentioned Brenda.
This girl was indeed Brenda, but she appeared to be in a rough state.
In his memories, Brenda had been sweet, obedient, and quiet.
However, the girl before him exhibited a clear rebelliousness.
Brenda plopped down next to Marrisa, yawning widely.
As she reached for her lighter to ignite her cigarette, Robin swiftly snatched it away.
"Who the heck are you? Why did you take my lighter?" Brenda froze, rubbing her sleepy eyes as she focused on Robin.
"Robin?" She jumped up in surprise, pointing at him. "I-it' you, Robin!"
Marrisa sighed. "You still remember Robin? Just look at how you're dressed now!"
Brenda's grogginess vanished in an instant.
She tucked the cigarette behind her ear and settled in beside Robin, resting her chin on her hands while gazing at his handsome face for a long moment. "Robin, where have you been all these seven years?
"You've grown so tall and handsome, even better looking than those movie stars!
"You jerk! You just disappeared back then, leaving Mom and me searching for you for years...
Brenda rambled on, tears glistening in her eyes.
Robin tousled her messy red curls. "What happened to your hair? It looks awful.
"And this!" He took the cigarette from behind her ear.
"You know how much Marrisa and I hate the smell of smoke!
"Today, you're getting your hair done again!
"And you're not smoking anymore! Why would you smoke? It's terrible for your skin and teeth!"
Brenda's smile faded.
In those two years, Brenda had faced bullying on this street.
Robin had always come to her defense, taking on a gang of thugs single-handedly, often ending up bloodied and bruised.
Gradually, no one dared to pick on Brenda again.
She had followed Robin like a loyal shadow, listening to him and doing whatever he asked.
Seeing Robin speak to Brenda like this, Marrisa chimed in, "Brenda, did you hear that? Robin doesn't like your style either-"
"Alright, alright, enough! Hurry up and make me a bowl of soup; I need to leave soon," Brenda interrupted.
Marrisa frowned, glancing at Robin, clearly wanting to say something but hesitating.
Noticing Brenda's impatience, she shook her head and headed toward the kitchen.Content provided by NôvelDrama.Org.
Robin scrutinized Brenda. "Why are you talking to Marrisa like that?
"What are you up to? Don't you realize how rough you look right now?!"
"Let's stop focusing on me, Robin; I want to know about you! What have you been doing all these years? Are you planning to leave again after this visit?" Robin responded, "Tell me what's been going on with you.
"I can see Marrisa isn't happy.
"How did you tell me all those years ago?
"You promised that when you grew up, you'd make a lot of money so that Marrisa could enjoy a better life.
"Just look at the situation now!"
Brenda's bright smile gradually
faded, and a look of panic flickered in her eyes as she turned to Robin. "Robin, I don't want this either, but—"
BUMS
"Brenda!"
At that moment, a group of young men dressed in flashy clothing appeared at the front door.
Robin assessed the situation; these were clearly the local troublemakers from Chinatown.
Brenda's anxiety spiked. "Hugh, we have guests at home today. I can't go!"
A bald man named Hugh stepped into the shop, his cold gaze scanning Robin.
"Brenda, who is this?"
Brenda quickly moved in front of Hugh. "Hugh, this is my brother, Robin; he's been away for seven years."
Only then did Hugh's expression soften into a smile directed at Robin.
"
"Oh, so you're Robin, huh? Haha, Brenda, let's get going..." Marrisa emerged from the back. "Brenda, you can't leave today!" Hugh's demeanor turned serious. "Brenda, are you going or not?"
Brenda glanced from Robin to the group outside before standing up. "Robin, I'll come back to talk to you tonight."
Robin stood as well. "No, I'm coming with you."
Brenda froze. "Robin, please don't. You can't come."
Robin chuckled. "It's fine. It's been years since I've been back here. I want to see what's happening outside."
Hugh exchanged glances with his friends, considering Robin's words. "Alright, then let's all go together."
Brenda hurried to block his path. "Robin, just stay here. You can catch up with my mom in the shop. I'll be back shortly."
Marrisa added, stepping closer. "Robin, you should really stay in the shop..."
Robin looked at Hugh and his
companions. "I haven't been here in forever I want to step out for a bit. I'll just tag along with Brenda
After saying this, he patted Marrisa on the shoulder and pulled Brenda toward the door. Hugh and his friends exchanged knowing looks before following them out of the soup restaurant.
Once outside, Robin leaned in and quietly asked Brenda, "Are these really your friends?"
Brenda glanced back at Hugh and his crew, fear evident on her face
After a brief pause, she replace
"Robin, you shouldn't get involved with them.
"They control the streets here, and Hugh is involved in gambling and loan sharking.
"Robin, we can't afford to get on their bad side.
"Hugh tells everyone that the Rogarios support him; no one here dares to cross them.
"They're nothing but trouble."
Robin studied Brenda's fearful expression.
"Why is Hugh looking for you? Why are you with them?"
Brenda let out a bitter sigh. "Robin, many shops here are under their so-called protection. But... they charge outrageous fees. "Several businesses have been forced to close down because they couldn't keep up with those fees.
"Our soup restaurant barely makes enough to survive ..."
Robin finally understood, feeling a wave of sympathy as he ruffled Brenda's hair. "So, you've been getting involved with them?" Brenda nodded.
"Yes. Hugh said if I be his girlfriend, he can keep mom's soup restaurant safe."
Robin sighed heavily. "You're being naive."
Still, he recognized the predicament they were in.
With Marrisa and Brenda surrounded by such dangerous people, how could they stand up to Hugh and his gang?
"Robin, you should go back. I don't want you getting mixed up with these shady characters. They're not good and will drag you down."
Seeing the worry etched on Brenda's face, Robin smiled reassuringly.
"I'm here now. There's no way I'm letting you and Marrisa get bullied by these losers again!"