During breakfast, it was only Yohan and his uncle at the table. A wide smile tore across his face, and each breath he took came with a satisfying exhale but his
"What's wrong with you?" his uncle asked.
"Oh, nothing," Yohan replied. "Uncle, can I return the $15k I borrowed from your friends?"
"Hmm? Why?" his uncle wondered.
"I just don't need it anymore," he answered.
"Okay, that's your business. But you'll still have to pay the interest, you know that, right?"
"Of course. It's only fifty percent," Yohan said.
His uncle nodded. He still hadn't noticed anything unusual about Yohan's joyful presence.
"So, when should we start looking for buyers for the massage shop?" he asked casually, his head still buried in the newspaper he was reading.
"I never said anything like that," Yohan replied, almost surprised by how quickly his uncle had arrived at that conclusion.
His uncle lowered the newspaper. "What do you mean? Didn't you plan to sell the shop? Isn't that why you're returning the money?"
"I already told you, I have no plans to sell my parents' shop."
"Then how do you plan on getting the interest to pay the loan?" he asked. "I'm not lending you any money, if that's what you're thinking."
"Don't worry, I don't need your money. You've already helped enough," Yohan grinned.
'It's because of you I had to watch all those soccer matches that time.'
"Hmm?" His uncle looked confused. "Do you mean you have the money… already?"
"Yeah," Yohan replied.
"H-How?"
"I'm sorry, but I can't tell you," Yohan chuckled.
"You can't tell me? You better not be stealing from me," he groaned.
"Or is it something illegal? I'll kick you out if I find out you've been involved in anything like that."
"Don't worry, Uncle. I just made a quick investment," Yohan said.
He looked at the seat where his aunt normally sat.
'She must have left for work early today.'
After eating, he left for work. Last night, he'd spent a lot of time thinking about what he could use all this money for, and decided that after setting aside a small portion, the rest would be best spent reinvested into making more money.
There were a bunch of options—betting included—where he could use his knowledge of the future to profit. The next few years were when many of the future's biggest companies were just getting started, meaning they were in need of investors.
'If I raise a lot now, I can invest and make billions.'
The grin didn't leave his face, until he got to the shop. Seeing the men with bikes waiting outside wiped his smile right off.
He spotted Dave among them, so he immediately knew who they were.
'No need to run. If they mess with me, I'll just show them who's boss.'
He continued toward the shop.
Dave approached Yohan as soon as he saw him. "Finally, the fucker is here."
The others followed closely behind. From their hardened faces, you could almost tell they were criminals.
"It was smart of you to bring more guys this time," Yohan said casually. He hardly even felt threatened… maybe just a little.
"You're scared now, right?" Dave grinned. "You shouldn't have messed with me."
He began marching toward Yohan with a clenched fist.
"Wait, are you really going to attack me in broad daylight?" Yohan asked, stepping back.
"You think I give a fuck?" Dave replied, annoyed.
"If that's the case, I'll just call the cops," Yohan said, pulling out his phone and raising it to his ear, pretending to make a call.
"The cops?" one of Dave's friends asked. "Dude, I don't want to get involved with the cops."
"Yeah man, let's get the hell out of here," another muttered.
Frustrated, Dave gritted his teeth. "Just enjoy your days now, because when I finally get my hands on you, I'll fuck your face up beyond recognition."
"Let's go," he spat.
"Don't you think you should just go find a new job instead of terrorizing me?" Yohan called after him, making Dave even angrier. But he only glanced back before getting on his bike.
'Maybe I shouldn't have said that… well, who gives a shit.'
As he got to the shop, another guy stepped out, almost bumping into him.
"Hey guys, wait for me!" the man called.
He was taller and looked more formidable than the rest. Up close, he was also kind of good-looking. Yohan recognized him—he'd seen this guy before. He was Mia's boyfriend.
She followed closely behind him, then spotted Yohan.
"Good morning, Yohan."
Hearing his name, Mia's boyfriend paused.
"So you're the infamous Yohan," he chuckled. "You don't look like much."
Yohan sighed, shifting his gaze to see him holding Mia's hand. He still couldn't believe Mia was dating someone like him.
"Hello. Are you a customer?" he asked, forcing a smile.
"Of course not. My boys told me you had a bit of trouble, so I came to see who you were. But no need to worry—my girl already told me what kind of guy you are, so I'll get them to leave you alone," the guy said with a smile. Somehow, it felt like his eyes were smiling too, the way they squinted.
He was slightly taller, with tattoos on different parts of his body.
"Sure… thanks," Yohan replied. Seeing that Dave didn't protest, even though he clearly heard what this guy said, meant this guy was probably their leader of some sort.
But Yohan was almost certain this wasn't the end of it. They'd probably go ahead with whatever they had planned, this was probably just for show because Mia was present.
After the gangsters got on their bikes and drove away, Yohan was left standing outside with Mia.
"Mia, is that your boyfriend?" he asked.
"Y-Yes," she replied shyly. "We've only been dating for a few months."
"Why?" Yohan didn't even know when the question slipped out.
"I don't know… because he's sweet and caring."
Yohan's expression shifted.
'Sweet and caring? Are you blind? That man has probably even murdered people.'
"I know he may look scary, but he's actually very kind."
"Hmm… is that so?"
"Of course! Didn't you see how he settled everything with Dave? Now they won't disturb you anymore."
"Somehow, I still doubt this is the end of it. But if you say so… I called in some people to work on the doors are they here yet?"
"Yes they were waiting when I arrived," she replied following him back inside the shop.