It was the same Sunday.
Solomon and Chad were still out fishing.
Solomon propped up.
"You know, you were always so full of life, so cheerful back then. Not that I'm trying to insult you or anything but you've been seeming a bit... different lately. Are you okay? What's up with that?"
Chad raised his eyebrow.
"I don't know what you mean?"
"For example in your old videos, you used to run around and yell and have this glowing aura. Now you seem a lot more reserved. You sure you're good?"
Chad chuckled
"Tch ah... yeah.
Idunno.
....
I guess I grew up..." he ended with a smile.
...
...
Chad continued.
"Y'know, its funny you bring it up.
Back then, all I really cared for in the world was money and video games. Yeah I was a stupid kid having fun but it really does feel like there was just one day where I snapped out of it.
...
It's...it is funny.
To this day, I would spend a fraction of my paycheck on a new videogame that I was only slightly interested in. And then once I got it, I play it for what- one... two hours maximum? And then I never touch it ever again.
...
...
...
Eating out is fun once in a while... but I only ever do that once a week..."
A brief pause occur.
Solomon propped up.
"So what do you do with your money nowadays?"
"Save it. Maybe put it in the stock market. Buy groceries... yeah."
Solomon scratched his head then proceeded to ask.
This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it.
"By the sounds of it, it seems like you have a lot of it. Is that really all you spend on? What about paying for your house or car repairs or medical bills? Granted I don't know much about them but that's because I actively avoid them. But you on the other hand, you live in a relatively normal world."
"PFFTTWWWHAHAHAHA!" laughed Chad.
"First of all, paying for house rent is the opposite of what I'm doing. I believe that buying land should only be a one time deal, and even then its only a necessary evil since its just the way this country has been molded. Then again, I don't really follow those rules."
Solomon looked over towards his friend
"So doesn't the landlord come knocking on your door?"
"Nah. I take care of that."
"Really? Do you bribe him? Some under the table deal?"
"No. If it was that simple I would've paid them in the first place."
"So what do you do?"
"I wouldn't worry about it."
"... I see...
Wait, then wouldn't they just send another landlord?"
"I've got it all figured out, don't worry.
My town is quiet enough to the point that there's not a big police force. And even when I do my business, I hide my tracks real good so, no need to worry about it."
Solomon smiled.
...
And then he continued to ask.
"Wait- so is that all you really do with your money? Just save it?"
"Yeah."
"Then... then what would be the point if you're not spending it? Being thrifty is a virtue, but if you're making so much and you're not going to do anything with it... Then why work so hard?"
"In all honesty... I don't know either. I save and save and save all this money. But spending it just goes against my creed. I have a jeep but I only use it when I need to go far away or I buy a lot of groceries. Otherwise, I bike to work. I buy some technology here and there and yet, the last thing I bought was my pc, and that was four years ago. You remember that motorcycle I used to ride?"
"Yeah?"
"Sold it."
"WHAT?"
"Yeah. I had fun with that thing, but now she's in good hands, and now I'm $4,000 richer."
Solomon kept on scratching his head.
"I know I'm the one with a bajillion bucks in my hands but by the sounds of it, you sound way richer with your attitude."
"...In what regard."
"Oh I mean like, you sound like you know what you're doing is all."
Chad loosened up.
"Oh haha, I suppose... but hey, it's the most important thing in life... After all, it buys happiness, right?" Chad replied with a forced smile.