Chapter 54: Seeds of change.
"Thanks for picking me up. I know you must have been really busy, but thank you," Ren said, his voice filled with genuine gratitude as he settled into the car.
"Don't worry, Young Master. It's my job anyway," Luther replied, opening the car door and gesturing for Ren to step inside.
"Well then, shall we go to your destination?" Luther asked as he started the car.
"Yes, to my home," Ren replied.
As they drove out of the gate, Ren began to mentally rehearse the words he had prepared earlier. He was about to start a conversation that, if successful, could set in motion a chain of events that might change the future. He took a deep breath, calming his nerves.
"Say, Luther, do you think it's possible for unseen insects in the crops to destroy the whole crop field on their own?" Ren began, his voice carrying a hint of curiosity and apprehension.
Luther was silent for a moment, contemplating the unexpected question. The hum of the car's engine filled the void, creating a tense atmosphere. Ren's heart raced, second-guessing his decision to bring up the topic.
Had he asked the wrong question? Was it too strange, too out of place? Ren's mind raced with doubts, but he forced himself to stay calm, his eyes fixed on Luther's reflection in the rearview mirror.
"...Yes," Luther finally responded, his eyes never leaving the road. "I believe there are such insects which are very dangerous."
Ren exhaled a breath he hadn't realized he was holding. The conversation was starting to flow, albeit slowly. He watched as a slight smile formed on Luther's face, a sign that he was warming up to the topic.
"Well, I think I heard some people saying that they will do something to the company..." Ren began again, his voice steady but with a hint of concern. "I couldn't see who they were, but I was sure that one of them had blond hair..."
Luther's mind raced as he tried to recall the blond-haired employees in the company. There were more than a hundred, making it difficult to narrow down the suspects. Ren could see the gears turning in Luther's head and knew he had to push further.
"Well, Young Master, what are you thinking of doing?" Luther asked, genuinely curious.
Ren lowered his head, his bangs hiding a sly smirk. His plan was working perfectly. He needed to press on with the next part.
"Well, I mean, if what I heard wasn't just talk, then... I think the company might have to face humiliation. The company might have to eat dirt. After all these years of hard work from my grandfather, he might have to see his company fall. The company which he poured his blood and sweat into building..." Ren looked into Luther's eyes through the rearview mirror. "Is this really okay? For my grandfather to die knowing his company will be thrown out the window? A company that has held its head high all these years, to be tossed around like that? I don't think it's okay."
Luther continued to drive in silence, processing Ren's words. His eyes remained fixed on the road, his mind replaying the conversation. Ren's words struck a chord. The kid seemed genuinely concerned, which was a natural response for someone who cared about their grandfather. However, Luther failed to realize that Ren was far from an ordinary child. The entire conversation was part of Ren's calculated plan.
••••••
As they drove through the sprawling cityscape, Ren's eidetic memory kicked in. He visualized every detail with astonishing clarity. Each building, street sign, and landmark was imprinted in his mind, creating a mental 3D map. This ability was not just a gift but a weapon in his arsenal.
"Luther, do you think it's possible for one small act to have a ripple effect and change everything?" Ren asked, breaking the silence.
Luther glanced at Ren through the rearview mirror, intrigued by the question. "Yes, Young Master. Small acts can lead to significant changes, much like a single pebble causing ripples in a pond."
Ren nodded, satisfied with the response. "I think the same. I believe that sometimes, the smallest actions can have the most significant impact."
The conversation lingered in the air as they continued driving. Ren's mind was a whirlwind of emotions and strategies. He replayed the conversation with Luther, analyzing every word, every reaction. He had successfully planted the seed of doubt, and now he had to nurture it carefully. His plan was risky, but he was determined to see it through.
••••••
As they neared Ren's home, he decided it was time to make his request. "Luther, I appreciate everything you've done today. Could you do me a favor?"
"Of course, Young Master. What is it?" Luther replied, his tone respectful.
"Would it be okay for you to drop me right in front of my home , not at the crossroad?" Ren asked Luther, his voice calm and insistent.
"Certainly, Young Master," Luther nodded, thinking that after what Ren heard he needed someone to stay with him for a while now. He drove with a steady hand, ensuring Ren felt safe and cared for.
As they pulled up to Ren's house, Luther finally spoke again. "We are here. Remember, if you need anything, just call."
Ren nodded, stepping out of the car. "Thank you, Luther. For everything."
The door closed behind him with a soft thud, and Ren stood there, the familiar scent of home enveloping him. The familiar smell of detergent wafted through the air, bringing a nostalgic smile to Ren's face.
"I am home," he whispered, the three words filled with happiness and nostalgia.
••••••
As Ren stepped inside his home, he couldn't shake off the feeling that he had taken a significant step towards altering the future. The events of the day played back in his mind like a vivid movie. He knew that what had happened today would shape his future in ways he couldn't yet comprehend, all thanks to the butterfly effect.
One side of Ren's face was masked in shadow while the other was bathed in light, symbolizing the dual nature of his journey—darkness and light, past and future, uncertainty and hope.
••••••
Ren's closed his eyes , remembering all the information he had taken when he was being taken away. The towering smokestacks, the bustling workers, the intricate machinery—all were pieces of a puzzle he was determined to solve. He had a powerful tool which is known as Eidetic memory, allowing him to store and recall detailed images with top notch accuracy.
In front of his eyes Ren could see him and Luther , making their way back to the car. At that time he took one last look at the factory.
.
.
.
.
.
As Ren stepped inside his home, the weight of the day's events finally settled on his shoulders. He couldn't help but feel a mix of relief and apprehension. The familiar surroundings brought him comfort, but he knew that the path ahead was fraught with challenges.
He walked to his room, each step echoing with the promise of a new beginning. The sun had set, casting long shadows across the floor, mirroring the uncertainty of his journey. Ren knew that he had to stay focused, that every decision he made from this point on would shape the future he was trying to protect.
He sat by the window, looking out at the view. The lights flickered like distant stars, a reminder of the many lives intertwined with his own. Ren took a deep breath, feeling the weight of his responsibilities. He was ready to face whatever lay ahead, determined to carve a path towards a brighter future.
"I will make a difference." he said , his voice determined , "I will not become that man who doesn't values others lives. I will make sure I won't become like him."
As he said that , a image of a man flashed in his mind , the man was someone that Ren couldn't forget. All of a sudden he started rethinking his words.
"..But yet I am doing what I did in my past life. Gaslighting, manipulating and even thinking of using others as tool.... Will I truly be able to make a difference...?" he whispered to himself
As the night deepened, Ren's thoughts continued to race. He reviewed the events of the day, analyzing every detail, every interaction. His mind was a whirlwind of strategies and contingencies, but he knew that he had to stay focused.
He picked up the card Luther had given him and looked at it for a long moment. It was a small gesture, but it meant a lot to Ren. It was a symbol of trust, a reminder that he had someone he could rely on.
Ren placed the card on his desk and began writing in his notebook. He jotted down his observations, his plans, and his thoughts. The pages filled with meticulous notes, each one a step towards securing the future he envisioned.
As the hours passed, Ren felt a sense of calm settle over him. The day's events had been a whirlwind, but he knew that he was on the right path. He was determined to protect his grandfather's legacy and build a future that honored his hard work and dedication.
Ren closed his notebook and leaned back in his chair, feeling a sense of accomplishment. He had taken the first step, and he knew that there were many more to come. But for now, he will let the night embrace him.