Chapter 36: A Gift from the Past
Jin woke up with a sense of purpose. The events of the last few days had been intense, but today was different. He had decided to visit Edward Lee, the old man who had become more than just a mentor—he was like a grandfather to Jin. As Jin prepared to leave, his thoughts lingered on the lessons Edward had taught him and the strength the old man had demonstrated despite his age. There was something timeless about Edward, as if he carried the wisdom of centuries within him.
Arriving at Edward's modest yet serene residence, Jin was greeted by the familiar sight of Mei Lee, Edward's granddaughter. Mei had always been a calming presence, her gentle demeanor a perfect complement to her grandfather's quiet strength. She smiled warmly at Jin as she opened the door, her eyes reflecting the deep respect she held for him.
"Good morning, Jin," she said, her voice soft. "Grandfather is in the garden."
Jin nodded and followed her to the back of the house, where Edward was tending to his plants. The old man was kneeling beside a flowerbed, his hands carefully nurturing the soil around a delicate plant. Despite his age, Edward moved with a grace and precision that belied his years. There was a peacefulness in his actions, a connection to the earth that Jin found both humbling and inspiring.
"Jin, my boy," Edward greeted without looking up, sensing his presence. "You're just in time. I was about to finish here."
Jin smiled, watching the old man work. "It's always good to see you, Edward. I thought I'd take you and Mei somewhere special today. How about a meal at the Star Palace?"
Edward finally stood up, wiping his hands on a cloth. His eyes twinkled with a mixture of surprise and delight. "The Star Palace, you say? It's been years since I've dined in such luxury. Lead the way, my boy."
The drive to the Star Palace was filled with light conversation, but Jin couldn't help but notice a subtle change in Edward's demeanor. The old man seemed more reflective than usual, his eyes occasionally drifting to the passing scenery as if lost in thought. Jin didn't press him, though the quiet tension in the air was palpable.
Upon arriving at the Star Palace, they were led to a private dining room, where the ambiance was as exquisite as the food. The walls were adorned with elegant artwork, and the soft glow of the chandeliers created an atmosphere of refined luxury. The dinner itself was a feast for the senses, each dish a masterpiece of culinary art. They talked and laughed, the conversation flowing easily, but Jin couldn't shake the feeling that something was weighing on Edward's mind.
After the meal, as they were enjoying dessert, Edward reached into the bag he had brought with him and pulled out a small, intricately wrapped package. He handed it to Jin, his expression serious.
"This is for you, Jin," Edward said, his voice soft but steady. "It's just a small token, but it's something I want you to have."
Jin took the package, unwrapping it carefully. Inside was a small flower pot, the plant within it already beginning to bloom. It was a simple gift, yet there was something about it that felt deeply meaningful. Jin looked up at Edward, puzzled but touched.
"Thank you, Edward," Jin said sincerely. "I'll take good care of it."
Edward nodded, his gaze lingering on the plant. "This flower is special. It's delicate, but with the right care, it can thrive even in the harshest conditions. It's a reminder, Jin, that sometimes the most fragile things are the most resilient."
Jin nodded, though he sensed there was more to Edward's words than met the eye. Before he could ask, the moment passed, and Edward changed the subject, steering the conversation back to lighter topics.
Soon, it was time to part ways. As Jin said his goodbyes to Edward and Mei, he couldn't shake the feeling that something was left unsaid. The old man's eyes held a sadness that Jin couldn't quite decipher, a shadow that seemed to hint at something more.
That evening, Jin returned to his usual routine. He donned his mask and took to the stage, his instrument of choice the drums this time. The performance was intense, each beat resonating with the emotions swirling within him. The crowd was captivated, their energy feeding into Jin's own as he played with a fervor that seemed almost desperate.
When the performance ended, the system rewarded him as usual—£2 billion and a shop point. But as Jin collected his reward, his thoughts kept drifting back to Edward's gift and the look in the old man's eyes. There was something haunting about it, something that gnawed at Jin's consciousness.
As he prepared for bed that night, Jin placed the flower pot on the windowsill, where the soft moonlight bathed it in a gentle glow. The plant seemed to radiate a quiet strength, its fragile petals swaying slightly in the night breeze. Jin stared at it for a long time, lost in thought, before finally turning in for the night, his dreams filled with images of flowers and shadows.