—
The old man, Xian Yu, sighed and crossed his arms. "Alright, kid, time to go. If anything unacceptable happens, you inform me immediately. Your number one priority—both you and Nima—is to stay safe. If danger comes your way, you run. I’ll take care of everything else."
Kent let out a short laugh. "Grandpa Yu, we’re going on a vacation, not marching into battle. This is the first time Nima and I have ever taken a proper trip. And it’s our first time leaving Metro City. We’ll be careful—I’m not an idiot."
Xian Yu narrowed his eyes. "Kid, I know about your trainee mission. Strange things have been happening, and even if there’s no immediate danger, you never know when something might go wrong. Call this number if you need help. Someone will come right away."
Kent took the slip of paper and nodded. "Got it, Grandpa. Bye, Aunt Zhou!"
With that, he turned and cracked his knuckles, a smirk playing on his lips as he approached the train station ticket counter.
Today, he had one mission: get the lowest price possible.
A new rule had recently been put in place—anyone bringing a pet had to pay full price for an extra ticket. And according to Jade, the government budget only covered two people for this mission. No exceptions.
The problem? There were three of them.
Auri, of course, didn’t count as just a pet, but the railway officials wouldn’t care about that. Which meant Kent had to buy one ticket out of his own pocket.
Nima and Auri stood behind him, watching in silent horror as he mentally prepared for battle.
The ticket seller, an old woman with a kind face, smiled. "Hello, sir. How many tickets?"
Kent leaned on the counter. "Three tickets. But let’s talk about that price, huh?"
The old woman blinked. "The price is fixed, young man."
+99 SP copied from counter lady.
Kent grinned. "No price is truly fixed. Life is a negotiation." I am a government officer. Give me a discount. Look at this, this tiny bird. He will fit in my hands. Why do I have to pay full price for him?
Nima groaned. "Oh no."
Auri chipped. "It’s happening again." Kent is arguing with this old lady for that money thing. He looks so cool. I want to be like him.
Kent rolled up his sleeves. "Let’s break it down, ma’am. The train is not full, which means empty seats. Empty seats mean lost revenue. Now, I am generously offering to fill those seats, ensuring a 100% train efficiency rate. Shouldn’t that come with a discount?" My bird won’t need a seat. He will just sit on my shoulder or lap.
The old woman stared at him. "…It does not."
+999 SP copied from counter lady.
+999 SP copied from counter lady.
Kent wasn’t giving up. He says,"Let’s talk about bulk purchasing! I’m not buying one ticket—I’m buying three. A smart business would reward loyal customers, don’t you think?"
"That’s… not how tickets work." Is this your first time travelling? Trains tickets are fixed priced. You can take a cabin if you want. That way you won’t have to pay Extra. A cabin is for four people.
Kent placed a hand on his chest, looking deeply wounded. "So what you’re saying is, there is no loyalty in this world?"
Nima facepalmed.
Auri’s eyes glowing in awe. He wants to like Kent. Saving money and earning a lot of money.
The old woman sighed. "Fine. I’ll give you a ten percent discount if you stop talking." It’s an employee discount. Please stop talking now.
Kent grinned. "Pleasure doing business!" Give the cabin. "He thinks, Government will pay for it. I can say this was my first time. I made a mistake. I am such a genius at saving money."
Nima grabbed him by the collar and dragged him away. "Stop embarrassing us!" Why are you so stingy about money? You earned enough money inside the Ruin.
"Ticket counter aunty, give us three tickets please." Nima buys the tickets. She pays with Kent’s mobile wallet.
Kent says to Nima, that is for our future. Your wedding and your children’s education and many others important things.
Nima’s face turned red, a mix of anger and embarrassment. "You stupid brother!" she yelled. I’m not going anywhere. I will always live with you. You are my only family. She bites Kent hands like a she is some kind of wild beast.
OWWW! ITS HURTS, NIMA LET GO.
Meanwhile, From a short distance away, Louis Vernsdale watched everything.
She had been waiting for her own train when she witnessed the entire spectacle. She has never ridden a train before. She came for the experience.
Her eyes sparkled with a newfound understanding of her crush.
"So… Kent loves money."
She clenched her fist in determination.
"I’ve finally found his weakness! If I appeal to his love for gold, I will win his heart!" I have a lot of money. I am sure I will win his heart.
She smiled to herself. "Just wait, Kent. I’ll make you mine!" I need to change my train. I will ride with Kent.
Unaware of the upcoming storm he had just created, Kent boarded the train with Nima and Auri.
Kent settled into his seat, stretching out comfortably. Nima sat beside him, munching on a snack. Auri sat on the opposite side, half-asleep. A tiny bird taking an entire seat.
Kent exhaled. "Finally. Peace and quiet."
Then, he felt a presence. His heart skipped a beat. What the… Why is my heart acting so weird? Slowly, he turned his head—’
And there she was. Louis. Kent’s heart skipped a beat—his instincts flaring, sensing a strong presence before even seeing her
Sitting just a few seats away, smiling directly at him.
Kent froze seeing her smile. Nima tells Kent to have some snacks. But Kent didn’t respond. She immediately noticed something was wrong. Why is he acting so weird?
She followed Kent’s gaze, saw Louis, then slowly turned back to Kent.
"…Who is she?" Nima asked, shaking Kent’s entire body with her full power. Why are you acting like this?
Kent gulped. "A… princess." Don’t you remember jade told us about her on the restaurant.
Nima squinted. "And why do you look like you just saw your ex-wife?" What’s going on?
"I don’t!"
Auri narrowed his eyes pointing his wings at Kent. Chirp!! "Kent, why are you acting weird?"
Kent forced a laugh. "No reason! Just surprised, that’s all!"
Louis stood up gracefully and walked toward them.
Nima watched like a hawk.
Louis smiled at Kent. "We meet again."
Kent cleared his throat. "Yeah. Funny coincidence, huh?"
Louis tilted her head. "Almost like fate."
Nima’s eyes twitched. Auri started between Kent and Louis.
Kent quickly looked away. "So, uh, what brings you here?"
Louis smiled. "I’m traveling to experience the train ride. And you?"
Kent hesitated. "Uh… just doing some work. Nothing more."
Nima narrowed her eyes.
Auri whispered, "Suspicious."
Kent felt sweat forming on his forehead.
Nima finally spoke. "Kent. Look me in the eyes. There’s nothing going on, right?" Like in the TV a beautiful girl comes to steal-little sister’s big brother.
Kent snorted. "What?! No! She’s a princess! I’m just a normal guy!"
Louis raised an eyebrow. "And what’s wrong with that?"
Kent gulped.
Nima crossed her arms. "I don’t like this thing called sister in law." They are the most evil creatures in the TV dramas.
Louis smiled sweetly. "Oh? Why?" These are just fantasy stories. It’s not real.
Nima glared. "I know people like you. You’re up to something." "You will steal my big brother. I can feel it. It’s my little sister’s instinct."
Kent mentally screamed. "I just wanted to have a vacation… Why is this happening to me?!"
To Kent’s horror, Louis took Auri’s seat. Sit in front of Kent and Nima. She leaned in slightly, smiling. "It’s nice to travel together, don’t you think?"
Kent felt his soul leave his body.
Nima clenched her jaw.
Auri watched everything like it was his favorite drama. Then he realized, wait.. that’s my seat.
Then, the worst thing happened.
Louis pulled out a glass bottle of mango juice and a bag of premium chocolates.
She held them out to Nima and Auri.
"Here. A gift."
Auri started. "For me?" I like juice.
Louis says to everyone. "Friends should share."
Auri hesitated… then took the snacks.
CHAIP!! "Thanks, lady!"
Nima gasped.
"AURI. NO."
Auri froze mid-air. "…Huh?"
Nima stood up dramatically. "HOW DARE YOU ACCEPT GIFTS FROM HER?!"
Chip! Auri blinked. "But… free snacks."
Nima turned red with rage. "YOU TRAITOR!"
Auri whimpered.
Louis giggled. "Oh dear, did I cause a problem?"
Nima snarled. "YES, YOU DID!"
Kent buried his face in his hands. He says to himself, "This is a nightmare."
Nima snatched Auri’s juice away.
"HEY!" Auri protested.
Nima held it high. "NO. YOU’RE ON MY TEAM. STOP ACCEPTING HER SNACKS!"
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Auri pouted. "But… it looks good and tasty…"
Nima glared at Louis. "You’re trying to win us over with food, aren’t you?!"
Louis smiled innocently. "Who, me?"
Nima growled.
Kent finally snapped. "BOTH OF YOU, STOP."
Silence.
Kent exhaled. "Can we please just have a normal trip?"
Louis smirked. "Of course."
Nima crossed her arms. "Fine. But I’m watching you, Princess." Don’t try any funny moves. She murmurs to herself, "You can’t become my sister in law. Not until I approve it."
Louis just smiled. "I’d expect nothing less."
Kent slumped in his seat. This was going to be the longest train ride of his life.