Chapter 467
Daniel had no clue that his shot at internet fame would be totally wrecked by just one comment from Benjamin.
Everyone knew Daniel as a nasty domestic abuser, but there was this weird fascination with the gang's attempt to turn him around.
The idea of a gang making a bad guy good was pretty intriguing to a lot of folks.
Some people even came to this community just to see if the rumors were true, and they got a big thumbs-up from the locals.
"Yeah, Daniel was a real piece of work before, but he's changed. He even helped me fix my roof," one resident said.
"Trust me, these gang members know what they're doing. They can really turn someone's life around," another added.
"What, you think the gang's methods are too rough? Come on, don't anti-heroes in movies use tough tactics against the bad guys too?" a third resident argued.
The community didn't see anything wrong with how the gang handled Daniel. Knowing his past, they had zero sympathy for him.
The news spread like wildfire, sparking heated debates about whether gangs could really reform people, even catching the eye of reporters.
Eventually, a reporter showed up to interview Daniel.
"Mr. Martinez, do you think the community's efforts to reform you are working? There are claims that you were treated harshly to force a change. Is that true?" the reporter asked.
The "community" the reporter mentioned was actually the gang. He wanted to hear straight from Daniel if he'd been through some rough stuff.
But Daniel shook his head and looked right into the camera, "I hope you won't doubt my friends like that! They're all about helping me become a better person. I've messed up in the past, and I'm trying to make things right. Please believe me, I can definitely change!"
After his heartfelt statement, Daniel turned and walked away.
'What a bunch of idiots! That reporter has no clue. How could I spill the truth on camera? Can your story protect me afterward? You just want your headlines, but I can't escape the gang's wrath! I don't want those lashes again, you fools,' Daniel cursed the reporter in his mind over and over.
The gang in this community had strong ties with the residents. If Daniel showed even a hint of unhappiness, the gang would hear about it right away and punish him brutally.
Just thinking about those saltwater-soaked whips hitting his body made Daniel shiver. In the first week, he got whipped a lot for not changing his ways, often showing disgust or doing gross stuff like spitting.
By the second week, Daniel started to get the hang of things, being more careful, and the lashings became less frequent.
"When is this gonna end? I could really use a drink," Daniel muttered, eyeing the distant mailbox like it was a cold beer bottle.
As he absentmindedly walked towards it, the sound of a whip cutting through the air made him shiver.
Turning towards the noise, Daniel saw a woman in a yard shaking out clothes, making that whip-like sound.
'Damn, these people are gonna drive me crazy,' Daniel wiped the sweat off his forehead and got on with his day's work, helping an elderly person fix a water pipe, all for free to make amends.
Meanwhile, Jake was getting annoyed by weird phone calls.
"How many times do I have to say it? Your kid's homework problems aren't my issue. Talk to the teacher, not me. I'm a gang member, not a tutor!" Jake slammed the phone down, wondering who leaked his number to these strange callers.
"What do these people think of me? If they want to reform someone, they should hit up the prison's community service, not bother me," Jake grumbled in frustration.
Just then, Jake's phone rang again.
Answering angrily, Jake barked, "We ain't in the business of changing people here! Beat it! Wait, how much did you say?"
Upon hearing the amount, Jake's hands trembled.
"$500,000? To reform your son? Booze, drugs, reckless driving, speeding, brawling, harassment? Sounds just like me! Alright, sir, I got this. Hand over your kid!" Jake asserted.
Shortly after, $200,000 was deposited into Jake's account.
Taking a deep breath, Jake saw a business opportunity. Maybe he could turn this into a profitable venture.
"I owe this to Ms. Taylor. She showed me the ropes," Jake thought, feeling the need to call Isabella and express his gratitude.
Isabella, just wrapping up work and looking forward to a break, furrowed her brow in confusion when she got Jake's call.
"What's up? Jake, did something happen with Daniel?" Isabella asked, puzzled.
"No, Ms. Taylor, I'm calling to thank you," Jake explained his new business idea and offered her a share.
Listening to Jake's plan, Isabella's lips curved into a slight smile.
"I don't need a share. This is your gig, you run with it...," Isabella paused, realizing Jake had potential and could use some guidance.
After a moment's thought, Isabella advised, "Steer clear of minors; they might cry child abuse. Focus on helping folks like Daniel, but don't treat them like laborers; pay them fairly. And make them sing and chant slogans daily."