Chapter 36: Grateful for the Rednecks' Robust Morals

Grateful for the rednecks' robust morals, Jack breathed a sigh of relief.

"What happened next?"

"I shot and killed both the father and son. The woman I called 'aunt' went mad. When the police arrived, she ranted and revealed everything."

"It was my devilish uncle who started the fire. He was hired by a company called Clarion Chemical to intimidate my parents."

"Why?" Jack asked, puzzled. He thought it was a simple case of greed for inheritance, but now a chemical company was involved.

"It was because of river pollution nearby. My father contacted an EPA investigator to look into it, which alarmed the chemical company, leading to such dirty tactics."

"Afterwards, Zoe's parents came to Texas and became my guardians since our mothers were sisters."

Jack realized that this explained the relationship between Zoe and Hannah.

"Zoe's father used his connections to sue the chemical company, but it ended in a settlement."

"He said the parent company of Clarion Chemical was very powerful, with congressmen involved. I knew he did his best."

"Dragging it out further could have even endangered Zoe's family. Not long after, the EPA investigator died in an accident, so I asked Uncle Anderson to sell my parents' farm and moved to LA with them."

"From that day, I set my sights on joining the FBI, vowing to uncover the mastermind and hold them accountable for my parents' deaths."

Jack blinked, feeling a sense of déjà vu. Wasn't this plot similar to a TV series where a chemical company was the villain? In that series, although it had a detective veneer, it was action-packed, a style he had always loved.

The heroine's sacrificial scenes were also a big draw, though they paled in comparison to the current Hannah, who was pressing him down and taking his breath away.

"So, I guess you don't just want to find the culprit but also want to avenge your parents personally. Does Zoe know your plan?" That would be the true redneck style, wouldn't it?

"She wanted me to tell you everything and hear your thoughts. She thinks in some matters, your perspective is more mature than hers."

How did he end up being relied upon by these sisters?

"No one should dictate your thoughts on this matter. If avenging your parents will make you feel better, then go for it. I'll be with you."

Anyway, he now had the system skills to rely on. With Jack Reacher to lead the charge, even if he did nothing, the real culprit would eventually be taken down. He could let Hannah deliver the final blow if necessary.

With a happy "mwah," Hannah kissed Jack again, then straightened up, playfully pressing down, almost causing him to lose control.

"Stop, no, don't move, Hannah, if you keep doing this, you'll regret it!"

Hannah's small, round face showed a defiant look. "Am I not as pretty as Zoe? Or is my figure not as good as hers? Why can you accept her but always reject me?"

What the heck? When did I ever reject you? Isn't respecting you the right thing to do? Of course, Jack knew this wasn't the time for reasoning; he needed to soothe her now, or things might really get out of hand.

"You already know about my relationship with Zoe, so you should... ow..."

Hannah leaned down again, her expression a mix of amusement and seriousness. "I know you go to Zoe after every shooting session and that you've been with Maureen too. But we are the ones living together."

What kind of weird love triangle is this? Even soap operas wouldn't dare write such a plot.

"Since you know, why..."

"Daddy had many lovers too, like Aunt Daisy and Aunt Chris. Mommy said as long as Daddy's favorite was her and me, it was fine."

What kind of twisted upbringing is this? Are you Mormon? Jack had a lot of thoughts but couldn't voice them.

"Zoe is about to marry Maureen. I know their plans, but no matter how many lovers you have, I want to be your only wife."

"Isn't it a bit early to talk about this?" Jack forced a dry smile.

"But I can't live without you anymore. In this country, I won't find another man who treats me better than you. I want you to cook for me for life, to care for me."

"I want to be like Lois Lane, and you're my Superman. That day in the Bronson Building, I thought I was really going to die, but you appeared like Superman and saved me. From that moment..."

Hannah didn't continue but pressed her cheek against his.

Jack's restless heart inexplicably calmed down. Without speaking, he gently hugged Hannah, patting her back like comforting a frightened child.

After a long while, he flipped her over, gently whispering, "I promise, I'll always be by your side until you're tired of me, my girl."

Hannah finally smiled satisfactorily, whispering back, "Me too."

Back in his attic bed, Jack chuckled wryly. Now he was juggling three relationships without sinking. He had to curb his tendency to be overly accommodating. Meeting wonderful girls like Zoe and Hannah was pure luck. If he ever encountered a yandere, he'd be in real trouble.

He vaguely remembered that John, also a kind-hearted guy, seemed to encounter a yandere—highly intelligent and emotional—almost driving him crazy.

Flipping open "The Friend of Military and Civilian Talents" at his bedside, Jack soon immersed himself in the sea of knowledge. This divine book was indeed divine, covering everything from military knowledge to agriculture, civil engineering, home appliances, and even engraving and photography basics.

The saying "one should have many skills" proved true. Gaining these skills would be beneficial when he became a detective or even an FBI agent. In this TV show-like world, he wouldn't lack complex cases, making skill growth and system gold coin income mutually reinforcing.

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