Chapter 47 The Precious Friendship After Adversity
Inside the superintendent's office.
Samuel stood by the window with his hands behind his back and asked softly, "Has Eric left?"
"He's already gone." Andrew nodded.
"The main reason I have been stuck in the position of the superintendent is that I don't want to get involved in specific relationships and matters," Samuel said, looking a bit tired, "But this time, I had to take a stand. It's hard to stay out of it."
By the desk, Alexander felt an inexplicable sense of closeness upon hearing Samuel's words. Samuel's attitude was no longer official, and his words were straightforward. This meant Samuel no longer saw Alexander as just an ordinary team leader but as one of his own.
This change had pros and cons.
The advantage was that Alexander finally had some organizational backing, which meant he would get opportunities others couldn't. The disadvantage was obvious. He had thoroughly offended the Patrick family, and they might retaliate and suppress him in the future. Samuel's current attitude wasn't very optimistic, indicating that the Patrick family's background was more complicated than it seemed.
"In the coming period, we might have some clashes with the Patrick family," Samuel turned around and softly instructed Andrew and Alexander. "Tell the Anderson family to stop selling drugs for now, whether they have stock or not. Everyone should lay low; I need to find out Terry's trump card."
"They have no choice but to stop," Andrew responded softly, "With Paul's death, the Anderson family lost their supply. Even if they want to sell, they have nothing to sell."
Samuel frowned, walked to the chair, and sat down, asking softly, "Does Eric have Paul's supply channels?"
"Eric said he looked but couldn't find the contact information Paul left him," Andrew responded quickly, "I've already instructed him to try contacting Paul's associates to see if he can reconnect the supply chain."
Samuel took a sip of water and said firmly, "My connections need to see profits before acting. If the supply chain isn't reconnected and the Anderson family isn't as powerful as the Patrick family, why would my connections help us?"
"Understood." Alexander nodded in agreement.
"You need to be careful, too." Samuel pointed at Alexander. "George is dead, and Scott is dead. And you were involved in the whole thing, so you need to watch out for retaliation."
"Got it, sir," Alexander responded seriously.
Andrew sighed, took a cup of hot water, and shook his head while blowing on it. "What's wrong with people these days? It makes sense. After all, the poor in the slums are driven by profit since it's hard to survive. But those in power are all living a well-off life. Why are they so driven by profit? Can't anyone do their job properly?"
Samuel pondered for a moment and looked at Andrew. "Do you remember my speech when I first became the superintendent?"
Andrew was taken aback.
"I was the first to declare that I would solve the chaos on Maple Street in two years and the basic security issues in the Black Street District in five years. Many people in the police department laughed at me after hearing that, but I didn't mind. But now, time has passed, and have I accomplished those goals?" Samuel sighed. "A joke back then has truly become a joke now."
Andrew and Alexander were speechless upon hearing this.
"Having been in this position for so many years, I've learned one thing," Samuel said with a smile, "No matter how big your ideals are, reality always wins. The environment is harsh. The order is chaotic, and the upper echelons are struggling for power. People are all taking the opportunity of reshuffling to seize absolute control for the sake of individuals, a group, or a clique. In such a situation, personal ambitions are insignificant. So, if you want to have some change and accomplish something, the best way is not to resist but to adapt. Follow the current rules, and maybe after a term, you'll find that you've left some mark on society."
Listening to Samuel, Alexander suddenly felt that this middle-aged man was full of stories, wisdom, and ambitions that he admired. He also realized that Andrew was somewhat similar to Samuel. They both wanted to live true to themselves in this chaotic era, even if they sometimes had to compromise.
"Alright, there's no point in rambling on," Samuel sighed and firmly instructed the two young men, "Just be cautious and avoid trouble."
"Understood."
"Got it." The two nodded.
"By the way." Samuel stood up and looked at Alexander. "Since you've chosen a side, you should be smart for that. You need to turn Team Three into your team, Alexander. I'll find an opportunity to move Team Three out of the current group. I'll handle the promotion. You just need to give me a solid reason to promote you."
"Yes, sir!" Alexander saluted.
"Now get out of here." Samuel waved his hand.
An hour and a half later.
On Maple Street, Andrew squatted by the roadside and looked up at Alexander. "Do you regret siding with me?"
"What's the point of regretting now?" Alexander rolled his eyes.
"You said you wouldn't get involved, so why did you change your mind?" Andrew asked with a grin.
After a moment of thought, Alexander squatted by the roadside and replied, "You were willing to take risks for Eric, who had nothing. I don't want to lose a friend like you."
"Alexander, let's walk this road together." Andrew grinned, patting Alexander on the shoulder. "I know a fortune-teller who told me that people with small genitals are the most loyal. I've seen your size, and you're definitely one of the best. You're a friend worth risking my life for."
"Idiot!" Alexander put Andrew in a headlock. "Do you believe I'll strangle you?"
"Oh, crap. Stop it," said Andrew.
"Are my genitals big or not?"
"Yes, they are."
"Call me Daddy."
"That's too much. I'll fight you." Andrew got angry and reached for Alexander's eyes.
"Tell me, do you get along so well with Eric because his genitals are quite small?" Alexander grinned.
Andrew's face turned red from the chokehold, and he responded with a sly smile, "I can only say his genitals are very small."
"Bastard." Alexander punched Andrew while holding him in a headlock.
Under the dim light, the two young men, brought together by an event, joked and wrestled. From this moment, they became true friends, supporting each other through the years to come.
After a while, Benjamin walked over from across the street and shouted, "What are you guys doing?"
Alexander looked up with a smile. "You're here."
"When can you get Daniel and Robert out?" Benjamin asked directly.
Meanwhile.
The funerals for Scott and George had been successfully held on Elm Street, with many prominent figures in Pine City attending. It was after this event that the real clashes began to unveil themselves in this area.