Chapter 398: Chapter 296: The Past
"West First Street. Drive!"
Yves’s mouth twitched slightly. He didn’t answer the young cowboy’s question directly, just stated the destination in a cold tone. He clearly didn’t want to get bogged down in the topic.
Hearing this, the young cowboy slammed a hand on the steering wheel—hard enough to startle everyone else in the car.
Then, his expression instantly turned to ecstatic surprise, and he shouted at the top of his lungs.
"My God, you’re Triangle Pants! Man, where’d you run off to? They said you were the one behind that whole thing with Black Eye."
"I said drive. West First Street!"
Yves’s stern face looked as if it were coated in frost. A chill emanated from his eyes as he coldly squeezed the words through his teeth.
His tone was heavy with warning, as if promising to smash the young cowboy’s mouth in if he dared say another word.
"Okay, okay! We’re off!"
Sensing the warning, the young cowboy, though still curious, didn’t dare say more. He quickly started the car and slowly pulled out of the airport.
But as he drove, he couldn’t help but occasionally glance over, sneaking peeks at Yves. His eyes were still filled with curiosity, and he was likely mulling over those old stories about Yves.
Feng Mountain, sitting in the back, watched the exchange. ’Yves must have a past he doesn’t want to talk about,’ he thought.
He was about to be reunited with his family; it wouldn’t be right to go digging up old scars in what should be a happy moment.
That would just be cruel.
So, he didn’t ask any more questions and instead turned his gaze out the window.
He quietly admired the Western small-town scenery unfolding outside.
The town’s main street wasn’t very long.
Low, sturdy buildings were arranged neatly on both sides of the road. Most had wooden facades, their colors mottled and variegated from years of erosion, giving them a deep, rustic hue.
The street-side shops were lined up one after another, offering a surprising variety of goods.
There was an old shop selling denim apparel, filled with all sorts of cowboy gear, from classic denim jackets to durable jeans that just screamed traditional Western.
There was also a general store displaying various handmade goods, filled with a dazzling array of trinkets. They were probably crafted by local residents and were full of a strong, rustic charm.
Handmade leather boots and wide-brimmed cowboy hats were displayed in glass shop windows.
In the center of town was a small plaza where a statue commemorating the town’s forefathers stood. It looked quite old.
The statue was surrounded by several large, leafy trees.
The trees were like giant green umbrellas, casting patches of shade for the people below.
A few elderly men dressed as cowboys were sitting on a bench, leisurely soaking up the sun with contented smiles. Their presence added to the town’s unique sense of peace and leisure.
After slowly circling the plaza, the SUV turned onto a side road and entered an old neighborhood.
The car drove a bit farther along the neighborhood’s potholed roads before finally stopping at the roadside.
The young cowboy pointed to a house at the end of the road. His expression grew complicated as he looked at Yves and said,
"Triangle Pants, your house is still the same as ever. There are some things... I think it’s better you find out for yourself. But you should probably keep a cool head."
His words clearly held a hidden meaning, and his tone seemed to conceal bad news, making one’s stomach churn with unease.
Yves seemed to have guessed something. His expression changed slightly, but he quickly nodded, then pushed open the car door and got out.
"Thanks, Cook."
"Ha! I knew you remembered me, Triangle Pants! Don’t do anything rash. We can help you sort it out!"
A look of pure delight spread across the young cowboy Cook’s face. He seemed completely energized as he stuck his head out the window and yelled after Yves at the top of his lungs.
Yves’s only response was a wave of his hand.
Feng Mountain, Nash, and Director Roland, sitting in the back, exchanged a look. They came to a silent understanding that it was best not to disturb Yves right now.
It seemed what Yves was about to face was a personal matter.
Besides, Feng Mountain was quite curious. This was a perfect opportunity to learn about Yves’s past from the young cowboy, since Yves had never mentioned any of this back in the Crown Territory.
The group sat quietly in the car, their eyes following Yves’s somewhat stiff back as he walked, step by step, toward the end of the road.
Looking at Yves now, Feng Mountain found it a little funny.
In the Crown Territory, Yves was never like this.
He was always so decisive and efficient, as if nothing could stump him. It was truly surprising to see this vulnerable side of him today.
The cowboy, Cook, reached over and opened the mini-fridge in the center armrest.
As the fridge door opened, a blast of cold air washed over them. Inside sat a neat row of Coca-Colas. A thin layer of condensation beaded on the cans, glimmering in the sunlight, looking incredibly cool and refreshing.
"Fellas, want a drink? It’s already included in the rental fee. Even if you don’t drink them, you won’t get the money back."
"Three, thanks."
Feng Mountain took the Coca-Cola Cook handed him. As he popped the tab and took a sip, he watched Yves’s slow walk through the windshield. A curious smile played on his lips as he asked, "You know Yves?"
The young cowboy, Cook, froze for a second, apparently not expecting the sudden question. He then furrowed his brow in thought for a moment before seeming to come to his senses and nodding quickly.
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