Nervously, I followed Dirk into the gambling den, my heart pounding with unease. There was something about his presence that was truly intimidating, like the aura of someone who used to slaughter pigs, something malevolent. Even cats and dogs would steer clear of him.
Dirk took off his t-shirt, revealing his well-built physique covered in tattoos. His back was a canvas of ink, and a red dragon tattoo left me utterly astonished.
Honestly, I had only seen such tattoos in movies. A robust red dragon sprawled across his entire back, its fierce teeth and menacing expression exuding a brutal air. There was an undeniable ferocity about it.
He smoked while looking at me, tilting his head to the side and asking if I smoked. I hesitated for a moment before shaking my head. It wasn't that I didn't know how to smoke; I just didn't dare to do it in front of him.
"So, you're Danny's nephew. Why aren't you studying properly and instead coming to my place? Got nothing better to do?"
"Not exactly, Dirk..." I started, but halfway through my sentence, I didn't know how to continue. I couldn't say that my uncle sent me, could I? If I embarrassed my uncle in front of others, he would definitely punish me.
I stumbled over my words, unable to come up with a suitable reason. Dirk's gaze was puzzling, and I couldn't meet his eyes. This was the first time I had felt such a strong sense of suppression.
"Hey, I just don't get what you young kids are always thinking. But you're still young, and your head's got room to grow. How would you understand the world if you don't go out and experience it?" Dirk leaned on the wall, cigarette dangling from his lips, a mischievous grin on his face.
My uncle had once told me that a person's aura wasn't in their appearance, but in their eyes. A person's gaze could convey a lot, and everything else could be disguised, except for the eyes aura, which couldn't be faked.
In that moment, I truly grasped the meaning of that saying. Just one look from Dirk had me breaking out in a cold sweat. It was a terrible feeling.
"Alright, let's go. Next time you come here, don't wear that damn school uniform. You're intentionally trying to provoke me, huh?"
I shook my head quickly, indicating it wasn't intentional. But if he wanted me to leave now, I'd gladly oblige! I swore I'd never step foot in this damn gambling den again. Even if my uncle caused trouble, I'd accept it.
"I got it, Dirk."
"What did you just call me? Say it again?"
Without any mental preparation, his sudden shout startled me. Seeing his aggressive demeanor, my heart turned cold.
The atmosphere tensed up instantly. I didn't know where I had gone wrong, which words were inappropriate. I hadn't said much, just...
"Kid, when you see me, call me Uncle Dirk. Your uncle is the real brother to me. Don't mess up the hierarchy when you're out there. Got it?"
"I got it, I got it." I wiped the cold sweat off my forehead, feeling an indescribable mix of emotions.
I had heard that hooligan had many customs and manners, and sometimes, saying the wrong thing could lead to trouble. Moreover, in this world, maintaining face was more important than anything else, even life itself.
Just because of one wrong sentence, Dirk's expression had changed. I'd have to be careful from now on. My uncle often said that diseases enter through the mouth, and trouble often starts with the mouth. Most trouble arises from speaking too much...
Leaving the gambling den, I was drenched in sweat, my legs feeling light. The wind made my spine tingle with coldness. But when I checked the time, I practically jumped—8:40!
Thinking about Shirley waiting for me at the little park behind the school, I hailed a taxi as quickly as I could. I paid extra to urge the driver to hurry towards the school. Regardless, I had to make it there by 9:00!
Sweating profusely on the way, I was desperate. I had heard about the three urgencies a person could experience, and right now, I was definitely experiencing one. Every moment was precious! If my visit to the gambling den caused me to be late for my date, I'd regret it deeply!
Back at the school, I dashed to the dormitory as quickly as possible. I didn't know where the little park was, so I had to find someone to guide me. Otherwise, by the time I found it myself, it would be morning!
Entering the dormitory, I was surprised to find it empty. Where had everyone gone? Looking at the time—9:05—I was growing frantic.
Wanting to call Shirley, I realized I didn't even have her phone number. Feeling desperate, I steeled myself and decided to find the park on my own. Hopefully, the heavens would take pity on an innocent person. May God be with me, amen!
Behind the school was a street lined with hotels and inns. There was also an internet cafe and a couple of massage parlors. The rest were all eateries and barbecue joints, filling the street with a strong aroma of cumin.
In the past, I would have definitely taken my time to explore this street, but now, I couldn't even spot a hint of the little park... Just when my heart was about to leap out of my chest, I saw a familiar figure, along with those long, straight legs!
"Monica!" I rushed over as quickly as possible. If she weren't wearing overalls, I might not have recognized her on this street.
She looked at me with confusion, asking if I needed something. I managed to calm my breath and asked, "Excuse me, Monica, do you know where the little park is? Could you show me? I'm in a hurry!"
With just one sentence, her expression instantly changed. Her fair complexion turned crimson, and her face was etched with annoyance. "I don't know! How perverted are your thoughts? Get lost!"
After saying that, she walked away without looking back. I stood there dumbfounded. Did I forget to check the almanac today? Why was she being so harsh for just asking directions?