Capítulo 4: Chapter 4
Randy had finished buying everything he needed.
He pushed the shopping cart to the checkout counter.
Just then, through the glass door of the supermarket, he could see Carl, Robert, and a boy with a buzz cut wearing a baseball jersey waiting outside.
The three of them were making a fuss, especially Robert. When he saw that Randy hadn't bought any snacks, his already dark face grew even darker. He made a gun gesture towards his own head, which was a clear threat.
Randy was puzzled. Did this guy already realize that his time was running out?
After finishing the checkout with a blank expression, Randy packed his items into his backpack and calmly walked out of the supermarket.
As soon as he exited, the three of them surrounded him.
The boy with the buzz cut smiled and egged them on.
"Robert, it looks like Randy didn't take your words seriously. I don't think that small bag of his can hold many snacks."
"Shut up, Billy. Don't think you're helping."
Robert, gritting his teeth, moved closer to Randy: "You jerk, did I tell you to bring something?"
As he spoke, he rolled up his sleeves and made a gesture as if preparing to fight.
Carl, however, stopped Robert's action: "Robert, don't make a scene here. The supermarket is crowded."
Robert flared his nostrils: "Damn it, I'm going to knock his eyeballs out later!"
"Not so fast."
Billy grinned and put his arm around Randy's neck.
"Come on, Randy, Carl's here to help you out. Otherwise, you'd make a big fool of yourself at the supermarket. Robert needs an explanation from you; otherwise, you're still going to get beaten."
He then forcefully dragged Randy towards a small alley beside the supermarket, where a modified car was parked.
Randy made no resistance.
He took note of their names.
Carl, Robert, Billy.
Upon reflection, he realized these three were just part of the bullies in his former school.
The bullies were truly enemies to everyone in school. Even after being bullied like this, why hadn't they bought an AK and played CS in school?
In the alley, it was dark and filled with a damp stench. No one would pass through here.
Carl and his gang became more arrogant.
"Randy, have you come up with an explanation?"
Carl sneered, waving his hand.
Billy and Robert went to the car, one grabbing a stun baton, the other putting on brass knuckles.
They surrounded Randy in the middle.
Randy took a step back.
He didn't choose to fight back immediately.
It was still early evening in the town, and even if a conflict arose, it would only be a small scuffle, not life-threatening.
Young people often have strong revenge tendencies. Randy didn't believe a few punches would make them back off. They would likely continue to cause trouble for him later.
Moreover, with his frail body, he couldn't handle three people, even without using lethal force.
The store manager had seen the conflict earlier. If things got bloody and the police got involved, it would be a pity if he couldn't focus on the lotus flower's development.
Randy had a better solution.
So he showed weakness.
"Calm down. It's not that I don't want to buy it; I just don't have extra money on me."
Carl's expression turned serious: "Do you think I believe your excuses?"
The other two also showed fierce expressions.
"You can come home with me. I have money at home, and I can give you some."
"Hm?"
Carl and the others exchanged glances.
They initially sought trouble just for fun, but now they found an opportunity to make some money?
Billy immediately said, "Are you trying to involve your father? Oh, wait, I forgot Randy is an orphan now."
He laughed loudly at this.
Robert's eyes lit up.
"Cool, so Randy is all alone at home?"
That's like a natural entertainment spot—play however they wanted in the future?
These guys had no qualms. Even Robert, who had never seen his father, had no sympathy.
But Carl was worried there might be a trick: "Are you planning some kind of scheme? Are you thinking of calling the police on us?"
He pulled out a switchblade from his waistband and pressed the blade against Randy's neck.
The light touch caused a sting, and Randy could feel a cut forming on his neck.
Wasn't he worried about accidentally slicing himself with that blade?
"Of course, I'm not scheming. I can give you 950 now. Even if it's considered robbery, it won't result in a prison sentence. My goal is just to make sure you stop bullying me. And if someone else bullies me, I hope you'll help out."
"This…"
Billy and Robert were confused by this sudden proposal. They looked at their leader Carl.
"Of course, Randy, you need to understand. We're all adults here; prison threats don't scare us."
Carl thought this was typical of Chinese people's approach.
Other races protest to express their demands or to showcase their unity and strength, making it known they're not to be trifled with.
But Chinese protests often involve holding signs saying, "I'm weak, don't attack me."
Everyone loves a soft target.
And having 950 means Randy's family must have quite a bit of money. They could rob him entirely, as he had no one else at home. Even if they killed him, no one would notice!
No, that wouldn't do. They should consider a more sustainable approach.
With Randy's family situation, he likely received government subsidies, providing a steady monthly income—a continuous source of wealth.
"Of course, we can provide protection, but the condition is you pay us 950 each month as compensation!"
Randy pretended to be troubled but nodded.
"Also, this deal cannot be disclosed to anyone or reported to the police, or we'll kill you, then dismember and eat you!"
"I absolutely won't do that!"
Randy quickly agreed, thinking these guys were even more twisted than he expected. He had heard of cannibalistic traditions among some groups, but he didn't expect such thoughts to arise in these young bullies.
Carl and his gang were pleasantly surprised by the unexpected windfall.
Carl quickly became friendly and reprimanded his two buddies: "From now on, we can't bully Randy anymore. Billy, Robert, put away the stuff!"
"OK."
"No problem."
"Randy, get in the car. Tell us where you live, and we'll come over tonight for a party."
"There's even stolen beer in the car."
"Great, that's perfect."
Randy acted delighted, glanced around to ensure no one was watching, and noted that the supermarket's surveillance cameras wouldn't capture the car's location.
He decided to leave his bicycle and return to retrieve it the next day.
"Randy, you're the star of the night. You'll sit in the middle."
Billy moved to grab Randy and push him towards the car.
But Randy wasn't willing. There was a camera when leaving the town, and being in the middle would make him easily identifiable.
"Sorry, I get car sick. I can't sit in the front seat. I need to sit by the window in the back, or I'll vomit."
Billy's face darkened immediately.
"You don't have a choice. Even if I have to make you lie under the car, you can't refuse!"
He suddenly realized that Randy had not shown any fear throughout and spoke with an unyielding tone, which was completely different from before. It made him feel like he was losing control.
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