Jason Luo grinned at Tony Huo. "Why worry? Once we've got money, we can just come back and buy from him. Let's pick the car first—having a goal will give us motivation, right?"
"You're right! Makes sense!" Tony Huo's mood instantly lifted.
After checking out all the cars, Tony still preferred the Opel Zafira he had spotted right away—a compact minivan with a sleek royal blue exterior and a spacious, practical interior.
Jason Luo also liked it. Even with his height, he could sit comfortably inside. The salesperson quoted the lowest price: just 3,100 dollars.
Watching Tony beam with excitement in the driver's seat, Jason made up his mind. "Salesman, we've decided to buy this one. Can you give us any more of a discount?"
"Oh, well… what's your method of payment?"
"Cash."
The salesperson let out a breath of relief. "Good. Financing takes a lot of paperwork, and we can't offer discounts for that. But for cash, I can give you a maximum 5% off. That brings it to 2,945 dollars. Then it's yours."
"Alright then, we trust you. Do we need to fill out any paperwork, or can we just hand you the money?" Jason asked, pulling the cash straight from his pocket.
"Wait! Jason, what the hell are you doing? How can I use your money to buy a car?" Tony finally realized—Jason was planning to cover the cost for him!
"Why not? Tony, did you forget what you said when we had dinner last time? My dad's situation was thanks entirely to your help. If you could help me, why can't I help you?"
"That's different! Uncle Luo's situation was urgent. Buying a car isn't life-or-death. I can earn the money myself—how can I let you pay for it? No way, absolutely not…"
"Then just save up and pay me back later. It's the same thing. You promised to take me for a spin today—how the hell are you gonna do that without a car? And besides, I don't even have a license. When my dad's discharged, I'll be counting on you to pick him up."
"Well, that's no problem, but still…"
...
In the end, Jason convinced him. After finishing the paperwork, the salesperson explained that once the ownership documents were updated, they'd be mailed to them. The gas tank was already full, and the service was excellent.
Finally, they had a car!
Tony was ecstatic at the wheel. He cranked the stereo to max volume, blasting Born to Be Wild on repeat, singing at the top of his lungs: "Get your motor runnin', head out on the highway… lookin' for adventure in whatever comes our way…"
Jason couldn't help but laugh and shake his head at Tony, who was grinning like a child. He switched off the stereo. "Alright, enough. The car's bought, but now I'm broke. Your turn to treat me to dinner!"
"This car is amazing! Dinner? Oh yeah, we're going big today! Jason, you pick the spot—it's on me!" Tony was practically giddy with excitement.
"Quit showing off. No need for a feast. I liked that place in Chinatown we went to last time. Cheap and good. Let's go there."
"Ha! Knew you were thinking about Miss Grace…"
"Bullshit. You're the one chasing girls."
"Haha, can't even admit it, huh?"
They joked all the way, but when they got to the restaurant and ordered, they learned that Miss Grace no longer worked there. The owner explained that her mother's illness had worsened, and with no one else to care for her, she had resigned to take on the responsibility herself.
Jason and Tony fell silent. Another family struggling with hardship. Their appetite vanished. They finished quickly, and after a long pause, Tony said hesitantly, "Jason, the owner must have Grace's contact. Maybe we should find a way to help her?"
Jason thought for a moment, then shook his head with a sigh. "Forget it. Even if we found her, what could we do? A few hundred dollars wouldn't even make a dent in the medical bills. Our ability is limited."
"And besides, we've only met her once. She's a young woman—things could easily be misunderstood…"
Tony scratched his head. "Damn it. Shouldn't have come. Now I just feel sick inside. Life's so unfair—why is it always the kind ones who suffer?"
"Yeah. But at least we still have hope. Come on, Tony. We can only help others escape hardship when we're strong enough ourselves."
Once they got back to the car, Jason suddenly remembered Kamman and quickly called to tell him he wouldn't need to pick him up.
They drove around aimlessly for a bit, then headed for the old Morsal Tavern.
By afternoon, the tavern was buzzing with people. Jason scanned the room but didn't see Dr. Miao. Instead, Kamman, who had arrived earlier, spotted him and walked over. "Jason, relax, don't be nervous! Mr. Raul and your coach are waiting in the back. Go on."
"Thanks, Kamman! Oh, this is my friend Tony. You two chat while I go meet the coach."
Jason hurried to the locker room, where Raul and Pedro were indeed waiting. "Coach, am I late? Sorry about that!"
Pedro shook his head. "Not at all. We just got here too. You're right on time. Let's make the most of it and go over your fight strategy."
Jason sat down quickly. "Yes, Coach. Just tell me—I'll follow exactly."
"Follow? No, Jason. Boxing isn't soccer. In the ring, you have to rely on your own judgment. I'll give guidance and advice from the corner, but it's never an order. Understand?"
Jason nodded.
Pedro's tone grew serious. "Now listen. I studied this Steven guy. He's no pushover. He's a roving-style fighter with excellent distance control. Add in his experience, and he won't be easy."
Jason asked quickly, "So what can I do against him?"
Pedro stood up. "Not really 'against,' but avoid chasing straight in. If you do, he'll kite you. Keep your rhythm, cut off his movement, and drive him into the corners against the ropes—that'll work better."
"And break his sense of distance. Close the gap quickly and force him into exchanges. Don't let his jab dominate. I want you throwing constantly. Don't worry about landing every shot. Keep him dodging, and the chance will come."
...
(40 Chapters Ahead)
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