"Uh, that..." The novelist took a deep breath, fished out a hefty book from his side, and handed it over to Richard, "I thought about it, I really can't stand other people's charity, but I truly need your money. How about this: I give you this book of mine as collateral, and borrow a Gold Coin from you. If I can't pay you back the Gold Coin before we disembark, this book, which contains all the novels I've ever written, will be yours, including the stories within. But if by some chance, I do pay you back the Gold Coin, then you'll return the book to me. What do you say?"
"Are you sure?"
"Sure."
"Alright then." Richard didn't bother with small talk, handed the Gold Coin to the novelist, and casually took the hefty book.
"That settles it then." The novelist said earnestly to Richard, his eyes lighting up as he clutched the Gold Coin in his hand. The next moment he turned and dashed towards the dining hall below deck, his whole body exhibiting a craving for food.
