Nathan Hart.
It was a name that Gray hadn't heard in years. It was also a name that he would never forget.
Nathan was the rich young master from one of the most well-known families in the city. Even back in school, everyone knew who he was. He was known for his expensive clothes, flashy cars, servants, and his reputation for being rude.
And he made Gray's life a living hell.
Nathan never missed a chance to mock him. He called him names. Threw his lunch out once just for fun. And now... here he was, standing in front of Gray again with that same arrogant smile on his face.
"Well, I'll be damned. I didn't expect to see you here," Nathan said, his eyes scanning Gray from head to toe. He silently chuckled, noticing that Gray hadn't changed that much over the year.
"I'm surprised, actually. This place's got standards, you know."
Behind him, two guys from their old school snickered. They were Nathans's friends.
"He must've followed someone rich inside," one of them whispered loud enough for them to hear.
"Maybe he's washing dishes in the back and they're kind enough to let him eat here" the other one laughed.
Gray's hands tightened into fists under the table. He wanted to shout. He wanted to fight back and tell them to back off. However, Lily was sitting beside him.
Gray took a deep breath.
That's right.
He couldn't explode.
Not here. And definitely not in front of Lily.
[System Notification]
[Ding!]
[Mission: Do Not Let Others Belittle You.]
[Objective: Host, lease maintain pride and stand your ground. Do not back down to verbal insults. Turn the tide around and have the final laugh.]
[Reward: +1 Influence | Unlock: Giga Confidence (Passive)]
[Giga Confidence (Passive): You are no longer easily shaken by insults, mockery, or pressure. Instead, you find them funny as if it was just a big joke.]
'A new mission?' Gray's eyes narrowed slightly. The screen disappeared from his vision, but the words stayed in his head.
'Fine,' Gray thought. He wasn't planning to fight back at them. However, if the system persists so, then who was he to not follow it?
'That's right. Fear me, you idiot.' Nathan laughed again when he saw Gray just staring in the air.
"Relax, Gray. I'll be nice for one. I know that you're eating already, but that's too little. Order whatever you want in this restaurant. It's on me. Consider it a favor from someone who made it in life and not like you who is still dirt poor." As Nathan finishes his words, he realizes that there is a small girl beside Nathan.
"And who's this?" he asked, his voice was e full of fake surprise. "Is she your sister? Hmm... She's kinda cute, but that dress... wow. Is it vintage from the garbage bin?"
His friends burst into laughter.
"Maybe he borrowed it from a charity box," one of them added, snickering.
Gray's fingers curled tighter under the table. His jaw clenched for a second.
'These motherfuckers...' His breathing became uneven as he saw how Lily shrank a little beside him. She looked nervous and scared.
Lily didn't fully understand what was going on, but even she could tell she was being made fun off.
Gray took a slow breath.
He can't let this go on anymore.
"Nathan..." Gray called the man's name with a smile on his face. It wasn't a happy smile. It was the kind of smile that said, you just made a mistake.
"Sure, Nathan," Gray said calmly. "Thanks for the treat. That's so very generous of you."
Nathan blinked in disbelief. He was expecting Gray to snap or even argue. But it seemed like Gray was still the same young boy in the past who was scared of him.
'Tsk. Tsk. I was expecting more. This is no fun.' Nathan sighed and shook his head in disappointment.
However, since he already said that he would treat them, then he had no choice but to do it.
"Yeah," Nathan scoffed, trying to brush it off. "Enjoy it while it lasts." He uttered in mockery.
He doesn't mind spending a few pennies for the two. They will surely just order a little, since they were already eating so it was no big deal.
"Let's go boys. Let's leave these two dirt poor before our appetite gets affected."
Nathan turned and walked away, together with his friends. They were laughing loudly as they sat at a table in the corner of the room that felt more intimate.
Gray stayed quiet for a moment, watching them from the corner of his eye. His hands slowly relaxed.
He should compliment himself for staying calm.
He didn't yell or argue with them.
Well, he didn't need to.
Instead, Gray leaned back in his seat and smiled playfully.
He looked at the waitress who had returned nearby after the small commotion that Nathan and his friends caused.
"Excuse me," he called for her attention in a calm and polite voice. "You've heard them earlier, right?" '
"Yes, Sir." The woman nodded.
"Good. Then I'd like to order something." A small and playful smile appeared on Gray's face.
They want to flex their wealth right? Then he might as well help them do it.
"Yes, sir?"
"I'll take everything on the menu, please. Two of each. Pack it to go, please."
"Huh? E-everything?" The waitress froze, in disbelief of what she heard.
"Mm-hmm." Gray nodded. "Everything. And don't complain or else those three will also come at you. Anyway, make sure it's packed properly."
"A-aright, Sir." The waitress quickly followed, afraid that she might also get insulted.
Gray glanced at Lily, who was now watching him with wide, curious eyes.
"We're going to feed some people today, Lily."
"Feed some people?"
"Yes, Lily." Gray chuckled. "We're going to do something nice today."
Just by thinking of how much everything costs, Gray can't help but laugh.
He just wondered how Nathan would react if he found out about it.