There are always some people in this world who constantly want to show off how great they are. But in front of truly impressive individuals, these people become as humble as dirt. The arrogance and pride of the blond guy vanished completely as he obediently picked up the stacks of cash and handed over his backpack to the young man.
Even though he was seething with anger and secretly cursing the youngman for the embarrassment, he didn't dare show it.
The young man took the backpack and walked inside.
"Um... sir, you haven't bought your ticket yet..." The plump female conductor's attitude instantly became polite, adopting a customer-is-king tone.
"Oh, right."
The young man handed the 20-euro note back to the conductor and said calmly, "This is real. Can I use it now?"Of course!
The ticket, originally worth 18 local currency units, was being paid for with 20 euros. Only a fool would refuse!
"Sorry for the misunderstanding earlier," the pretty policewoman suddenly said.
"It's okay."
The young man seemed easygoing and didn't make a fuss. He just grabbed his canvas bag and walked towards the rear of the carriage to find an empty seat.
After taking a couple of steps, the policewoman's voice came from behind, "Sit next to me."
It wasn't a question or a negotiation. Although it wasn't a forceful command, it carried an undeniable tone—the seat next to the policewoman was empty.
The young man paused for a moment, then without responding, sat down by the window. The policewoman followed and took the seat next to him.
"You're carrying so much cash around.
Aren't you afraid something might happen?" The female officer sitting next to him whispered, "Did you see the way those people in the car were looking at you? Don't worry. Nothing will happen while you're sitting next to me."
The young man almost laughed out loud. He felt a bit of admiration for the officer. Was she making him sit next to her because she was worried someone might try to steal the money? She had quite a sense of justice!
"What's your name?" the officer asked.
"Qing..." He almost said "Long" but stopped himself as memories from the past flashed through his mind.
A name? He hadn't used a real name in years. In fact, he never really had a full name of his own. His mother used to call him by his nickname, Brother Merritt. It wasn't until she passed away that he learned his last name was Lopez. Later, he was just a number, until he earned his title—Qinglong, the Azure Dragon.
Now that he was back in Ancient Splendor, he might need to use a name again.
"Why aren't you saying anything?" the officer asked.
"Merritt."
"I'm Felicity."
The officer, Felicity, had a naturally outgoing and cheerful personality. "Are you heading to Bien City? By the way, where are you from? You don't even have any local currency and are carrying so much foreign cash. It's so inconvenient. You..."
Merritt leaned against the window with his eyes closed, showing nointention of continuing the conversation.
Seeing him close his eyes, Felicity looked at his pale face and quickly asked, "What's wrong? Are you feeling unwell? Are you sick?"
With Merritt's ghostly pale face, anyone would think he was ill—and they would be right, though it was even worse than they imagined.
He wasn't just sick; he was dying!
A year ago, after completing a certain mission, his body started failing him:his internal energy inexplicably drained, his vitality mysteriously weakened. He sought out the best doctors, but none could diagnose the cause. Until today... he could feel it—he had less than three months left to live.
When life is nearing its end, one's thoughts change. He had always had a lingering wish he never fulfilled. Returning to the long-separated Ancient Splendor this time was to complete that old desire.
To find someone!
To find the childhood friend from many years ago in Ancient Splendor, the girl with the nickname 'Hamilton.'
"If you keep yapping, I'll die from the noise before the illness," Merritt said, still with his eyes closed.
"You... hmph!" Felicity's enthusiasm was doused with cold water. She huffed and muttered, "What's so great about you? It's not like I wanted to talk to you!"
Merritt thought to himself, finally, some peace and quiet.