After tidying up his room, Zeki decided to explore the city. The desire to go out and discover new places excited him.
**Zeki:** Mom, can I take a walk around the city?
**Mom:** Sure, just don't go too far and don't take too long.
**Zeki:** Alright... Where's my dad?
**Mom:** He went to meet the new partner. He might be back later.
**Zeki:** Got it, I'm heading out then.
**Mom:** Alright, be careful.
**Zeki:** Okay.
With a smile on his face, Zeki walked to the door, opened it, and left the apartment. Descending the stairs with quick steps, he felt excited about the possibility of discovering something new.
As he stepped out onto the street, Zeki spotted a snack shop across the way. The irresistible smell of fresh food awakened his hunger, and he decided to cross the street to buy a snack. Upon entering the shop, he was greeted by the attendant with a wide smile.
**Attendant:** Hey, young man! How's it going? What can I get you?
**Zeki:** Good morning! I'd like a snack, please.
**Attendant:** We have coxinha, empada, and pastel. Which one will it be? The coxinha is really good today.
**Zeki:** Hmmm... I think I'll go with coxinha.
**Attendant:** Good choice, kid! One hot coxinha coming right up. Would you like something to drink too?
**Zeki:** No, just the coxinha. How much is it?
**Attendant:** It's R$ 5.00. But let me tell you, it's worth every penny!
Zeki handed over the money and received the hot and aromatic coxinha.
**Zeki:** Thanks!
**Attendant:** No problem! Enjoy, and come back anytime, okay?
Zeki walked to the door, opened it, and was about to leave the shop when he heard a voice shouting behind him.
**Gustavo:** Hey buddy, five bucks for that tiny coxinha? There's something fishy here!
Zeki turned to face Gustavo, who had an impulsive and confident demeanor, typical of someone not afraid to speak their mind.
**Zeki:** What do you mean?
**Gustavo:** Haha, relax, no need to get tense. I'm just saying you could've bought a big pastel with that money, you know?
**Flávio (employee):** Gustavo, leave the kid alone. Mind your own business.
Gustavo got up from his chair and approached the exit.
**Gustavo:** Just giving you a heads-up, kid. Keep your eyes open.
Flávio tried to smooth over the situation, visibly uncomfortable with Gustavo's interference.
**Flávio:** Sorry about that. Don't mind him. I hope you enjoy the coxinha.
**Flávio:** But please, don't stop buying here.
**Zeki:** As long as you don't try to cheat me again, I don't see a problem.
Gustavo heard this and looked at Zeki with a suspicious expression.
**Gustavo:** Hey buddy, he just charged 5 bucks for a snack that's worth 2 bucks and is the size of a bottle cap. Congrats, kid!
Zeki looked at Gustavo, already uncomfortable with talking to strangers.
**Zeki:** Thanks for the warning, but you don't need to worry. That money won't make a difference.
Then Zeki left, ready to explore new places.
Gustavo soon realized that Zeki seemed to be in a good financial situation.
**Gustavo:** Look at that, he seems like a rich kid, with that cool jacket and all that attitude.
**Flávio:** I knew he was a rich kid, hit the jackpot now.
**Gustavo:** I don't think he'll fall for your trick again, Flávio.
**Flávio:** Mind your own business and get out of here. But if you get hungry, you can come eat here.
Flávio said with a smile on his face, confident in the possibility of attracting more customers like Zeki to his shop.
Gustavo watched Zeki walk away, observing his relaxed and confident style.
**Gustavo:** This guy doesn't seem to care much about money, huh? Let's see how long he keeps up this rich-kid act.
**Flávio:** Ah, let him be. If he wants to burn money, that's his problem. But if he comes back here, I'll be keeping an eye on him!
Gustavo smirked to himself, already thinking about other places to explore in the city.
**Gustavo:** I think I'll check out that little stand on the corner. Maybe I'll find more easy targets like him.
**Zeki:** Now I understand why my mom said to be careful.