After returning to the place where the Stone Sword was parked, Lin Mo and David got into the car. The dim cabin lights flared to life, and t
After returning to the place where the Stone Sword was parked, Lin Mo and David got into the car. The dim cabin lights flared to life, and the entire vehicle seemed to awaken, responding to its master.
The opaque synthetic crystal windows lit up with projected exterior views using Crystal Ball technology, offering a seamless panoramic perspective. The ergonomically designed seats, paired with luxury-grade comfort, made for an indulgent experience.
Such was the confidence Rayfield Corporation had in catering to its elite clientele.
Every time David rode in this car, he couldn't help but compare it to his mother's vehicle.
Each time, the result was a quiet sigh—there was simply no comparison.
The Stone Sword showcased what life was like at the top. If there was anything favorable about his mother's car, it might only be the fact that it had four seats... and a lingering scent of "mom."
As the sports car cruised toward David's home, Lin Mo let the autopilot take over, reclining in the passenger seat, eyes half-shut, appearing to drift into a nap.
David remained silent the entire time, quietly staring out the crystal-projected windows at the scenery.
Soft ambient music played in the background. The sky outside dimmed into twilight as more vehicles filled the roads. Yet within the cabin, not a single sound from the outside world could be heard. It was as though the car existed in another dimension, detached from the chaos outside.
"What's on your mind, my dear classmate?" Lin Mo's voice suddenly cut through the ambient melody.
David turned slightly, catching Lin Mo peeking through half-lidded eyes, a faint smile playing on his lips.
"Nothing," David muttered stubbornly.
Lin Mo chuckled, folding his hands over his abdomen as his seat reclined slightly further. "If there's something weighing on your mind, just say it. Don't bottle it up. After everything we've been through together, what could possibly be unspeakable between us? And don't worry about my background... well, never mind. You'll still get hung up on this persona I wear."
David didn't reply. The question had haunted him for a long time: Why would someone like Lin Mo choose to be his friend?
David knew it was an ugly thought, but he believed there was no such thing as kindness without reason. Rich kids didn't just befriend someone like him without a motive.
Until he could resolve that doubt, true friendship felt out of reach.
"Thinking about that same old question again?" Lin Mo smiled knowingly.
David glanced at him and nodded silently.
"I've answered that before. You just didn't want to believe it. But maybe ask yourself this instead—why does being friends with me feel like something shameful? Something you won't admit to others, not even your own mother?"
David frowned, visibly conflicted. The answer sat clearly in his chest, but it felt heavy on his tongue.
"It's not hard to figure out. You're insecure... or maybe you've just grown too used to solitude."
Lin Mo opened his eyes fully now, and his deep gaze pierced right through David like a blade. His words struck just as sharply.
"You're mature, but that maturity brings numbness. You're detached from life. You chase thrills in Black Dream braindances because they give you what reality never has. You study hard every day for your mother's expectations—but have you ever really lived for yourself?"
"That might be harsh. Maybe you have... but probably only when you're lost in fantasy, indulging in fleeting moments of virtual pleasure."
"I haven't—" David started to protest, but stopped when he saw Lin Mo's unwavering eyes.
"You have," Lin Mo replied calmly. "Think about it. Before I ever spoke to you, even when Zheng Nan bullied you, all you did was mock him and pretend he was just a buzzing fly. I won't say whether that was right or wrong, but the point remains:
All the insults and bullying, they turn into needles—ones you either let heal with time or fashion into armor. Like a hedgehog. Cold. Numb. Unfeeling."
"On one side, you have your mother's expectations. On the other, you have a harsh, indifferent reality. You're caught in between, David. And instead of choosing, you just exist—living someone else's dream. Right now it's your mother's. But what about later? What if someone else becomes that important to you? Will you live for them too?"
Lin Mo's words kept coming like crashing waves. The deeper David listened, the more he wanted to cover his ears.
How did Lin Mo know all of this? David didn't understand. It unnerved him.
If it had been a stranger talking like this, he'd be afraid.
Someone who observes you so closely, analyzes your mind, knows you better than you know yourself... unless that person's a goddess, it's straight-up terrifying.
"Honestly, ever since we started hanging out, I thought you'd change. At least show some spine. Even if you ended up like that chrome-armed rockerboy who only has a sharp tongue and a working crotch, I'd be content."
"You wanted a reason, didn't you? I already gave you one. It's because you'll become a legend, David."
"You want to know why I'm so sure? Because once, a beggar read my fortune. He said I'd meet a peer destined to become a legend. His name would start with D. And now, I believe that D is you. David."
Sorry, old beggar—guess I'm using you as a prop again.
Lin Mo wore a solemn face as he told the boldest lie of the day.
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