I need to change, Londe thought as he stared at the ceiling. This life is boring. Reading novels all day won't feed us. I'm hungry and tired of being useless. Time to go hustle.
He got up, walked to the kitchen, and met his mother. She handed him a small bundle of money without a word.
"Buy mangoes and sell them in the market," she said quietly. "Don't come back empty-handed."
Londe nodded and stepped out into the streets of West Lake, Chide Country. The sun beat down hard. He had barely gone far when he felt eyes on his back. Someone was following him.
Road thieves again? he thought. This time I'm dealing with them.
He turned into a quiet valley, ready to fight. A rough voice barked behind him.
"Stop! Bring out your money or you die! Hahaha!"
Londe looked up. A gun was pointed straight at his head. His heart slammed against his ribs, but he kept his face calm.
"I got nothing, bro. I'm just a weak small boy."
The thief snorted. "Idiot! Do you want to die? Bring out the money now!"
Londe raised both hands slowly. "I really have nothing. You can check me." After all, Mom told me—if I lose this money, I'm dead anyway.
The thief laughed. "You think I'm a fool?"
Londe smiled inside. You fool… haha. After this, I'm sending you to see the Yama King.
A loud bang echoed through the valley
edited