Chapter 98 Martial Arts Competition

 

Jonathan politely yet firmly refused the invitation. Although Morgan wished fervently for Jonathan’s participation, he was reluctant to force his wish onto Jonathan. Jessica opened her mouth, but Yasmin tugged her arm before she could say something, so she swallowed back her words.

 

Unwilling to give up, Morgan added, “Jonathan, I do hope you would give it another thought. Your cultivation in martial arts is considered top-tier now. If you join the competition, you may be able to break new ground in the martial arts world. That’s the only thing we old folks who hold this competition want to see.”

Jonathan smiled bitterly in response. He hated to reject Morgan’s ardent invitation, but at the same time, he had no interest in the tournament.

“I’m sorry, Old Mr. Hayes.” Jonathan remained unyielding.

 

Yasmin promptly added, “Old Mr. Hayes, let’s not push him if he really doesn’t feel up to it, is that okay?”

 

Warmth filled Jonathan’s heart. He knew she truly cared for him.

Morgan, however, continued his persuasion as something popped into his mind. “Tell me the truth, Jonathan. Is it because of Strikezone Martial Arts? Are you worried they will come after you during the tournament for revenge?” He stopped for a bit and went on, “Don’t worry about it. Edgar Dunn is the person in charge of the competition, and masters from all over the world are joining. Even Strikezone Martial Arts will be bound by the rules and fight fairly on the stage. Besides, with the level of your cultivation, I believe they will pose no harm to you.”

 

Contrary to his belief, Strikezone Martial Arts hadn’t crossed Jonathan’s mind even once. He replied, “Old Mr. Hayes, every person who joins the competition is motivated by their own goals and desires. It can be fame, cultivation, or anything. The thing is, there is nothing I want from this competition. Hence, I’m hesitant to participate.”

“There is nothing you want out of the competition?” Morgan was speechless. He knew that Jonathan did not fear for his life. The fact that Jonathan was capable of killing Randy was proof of his strength and power. He would not have feared a martial arts tournament.

“All right, then. Since you’ve made up your mind, let’s forget about it.” Morgan finally gave in.

 

Despite Jonathan’s refusal and Morgan’s subsequent acquiescence, the atmosphere of the lunch date did not turn cold. After all, Morgan was not a stubborn old man. He simply had a deep love for martial arts.

After they finished their drinks, Morgan left and rushed back to Fairlake right away. He had had many tasks waiting to be taken care of since the martial arts tournament was to take place in Fairlake.

Elliot was the only person who did not have a drop of alcohol during lunch. Therefore, he had no issues driving Morgan back to Fairlake, which wasn’t too far away from Horrington. The journey was only a two-hour drive on the highway.

The rest of them sent Morgan and Elliot off outside the hotel. Jessica, unable to contain her disappointment, thumped Jonathan’s arm and grumbled, “Why don’t you join the competition?”

Jonathan chuckled. “It’s easy for you to say. Do you know participants have to sign the liability waiver form? What if I get killed on stage? Do you want to be widowed for the rest of your life?”

The first half of his explanation sounded reasonable, but the second half nearly had Jessica blushing. She stuck out her tongue at him. “Nonsense! Don’t be too full of yourself! You coward!” Despite her words, Jessica realized the cruelty of the competition as well. Suddenly, she was glad that Jonathan opted out of it.

“Polly, why have you decided to participate?” Yasmin turned toward Polly.

She regarded Polly as a true friend and cared for her. Though she was not as close to Polly compared to Jonathan, she genuinely wished nothing bad would happen to Polly.

Polly’s lips lifted. Her eyes drifted across the street and wandered off between the passing cars. Later on, she muttered, “I’m

 

it sound as though I don’t deserve to

aware of it.” Jessica rolled her eyes. Though she no longer wanted Jonathan to take part in the

 

being his thick-skinned self, merely

to their bantering, Polly heaved a long sigh out of the blue. “Why don’t you guys go back first? I’d like to take a walk alone.” She then

the matter with her?” Jessica nudged Jonathan as she stared at Polly’s dwindling silhouette. She couldn’t help but felt something was

time of the month for her,” answered

cheeky reply had Yasmin and Jessica flushed red with embarrassment. “Idiot! Can’t you be more serious?”

they say? If you hit or scold someone, that means you love them and care deeply for them. I guess

aimed a

dodged the kick

She enjoyed it though. It filled her with the warmth of having friends and family,

the same as her brother, Connor, and protect her with all his might. She let out a cough to interrupt their raillery and said, “Jonathan, I’ve made some smoothie at home. You’ve had quite some alcohol just now. Why don’t

had nothing else to do,

would die just for a chance to enter our house? You’re a

want to set foot in your house because of Yasmin. But if it’s you… I don’t think so.” Jonathan

Jessica flared up instantly. “Idiot!

“Haha!”

afternoon. The sun was shining brightly in the sky, albeit much more forgiving than in

definitely be wonderful. Had it been

resided in Maple Villa District, where Jonathan had visited several

them had consumed alcohol during lunch. After all, it

seat while Yasmin and Jessica sat together at the back

excitedly, “Before I forget, Jennifer and you seem rather odd lately, Jonathan. You haven’t been to the horror-themed bar for quite a while

answer, Yasmin gazed

been

Jessica was elated at his

she won’t be

as she was, inquired softly, “Did something

half-hearted laugh and shook

Jonathan’s privacy,

and I make you dinner for tonight? Don’t get cocky though.

so, sure.” Jonathan was more

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