"Goodness, birds of a feather indeed!" Barrett Walk looked on as the two women chatted happily. He stepped into the car, closed the door, shifted gears, and firmly pressed on the accelerator. The powerful engine roared to life as he released the clutch, and the sports car left a tire mark on the road before quickly disappearing from sight.
Claudia White watched in awe as the car vanished from view, her naive innocence and pure beauty enough to captivate the attention of many men. Monica, with a mournful expression, patted Claudia's shoulder and said, "Officer! My car!" Her demeanor, even a renowned director wouldn't have discerned anything amiss.
"Yes, I should have been on guard against him. It's not the first time or the second," Claudia said as she hopped onto the motorcycle, with Monica following closely behind. The two stunning women then staged a thrilling police chase.
"Where did he go? Why haven't we seen anyone?" Claudia maintained a speed of over 90 miles per hour, not too fast, but after chasing for a while and even getting off the highway, they still hadn't seen a soul.
"Officer, hurry and chase! I have a feeling he's taken my car to Wujing City. A despicable person like him can't be let off easily! My car is my life and reputation! If it gets even a scratch, I can't afford it. Hurry, officer!" Monica continued to urge from the back seat, her worried expression truly convincing.
"Alright, to Wujing City!" The officer chased out of the Hero City, no longer within her jurisdiction, but the thought of letting such a brazen thief go unpunished weighed on her. She made up her mind and sped towards Wujing.
Claudia didn't realize she was being used, as she dragged Monica on a wild ride. When they arrived at the Union Bank, Monica quickly patted Claudia's shoulder and said, "Officer, let me out! I need to take care of something at the Union Bank!"
Claudia parked by the side of the road and, looking at the towering Union Bank, contemptuously remarked, "The Federation is in such a sorry state, all because of the Union Bank. Just look at how they're squeezing the poor!"
As Claudia grumbled, Monica hesitated in her steps towards the Union Bank, then turned and asked, "How do you know?"
"Look at the people living in the Federation now, toiling their whole lives, but how much do they have left? It's all because of the Union Bank," Claudia said without hesitation.
"Can you explain in more detail? Where did you hear this from?" Monica inquired.
"Where else would I hear it from? Even though I'm no expert, the Federation boasts about its thriving economy, but it's no different from a dog barking. I also wonder, people exchange their hard-earned money for equivalent gold, but after depositing it in the bank, the money keeps depreciating. It's quietly taking away the equivalent labor! Even though the money looks the same, it's been secretly siphoned off by the bank. It's even more cunning than excessive taxes. If you want to live safely in the city, you have to buy the right to reside and a house. In the end, the time passes, and the house and right to reside all belong to the Federation, leaving nothing behind after a lifetime of struggle. This method is truly too cunning, more effective than outright robbery," Claudia spoke confidently. These were all undeniable facts, especially regarding the Union Bank, which was even more secretive than feudal methods.
"The Federation provides residents with living spaces, medical facilities, security, and everything! Don't they need money?" Monica realized her sharp words from previous debates were now struggling to hold up against these common truths.
"This is why the Federation is so wealthy while the people are so poor. You take the people's money, shouldn't you do something with it? You can also choose not to do anything. There are plenty of people willing to do this work. Throughout history, there has never been a lack of talent. So, the people should not feel indebted to the government. This is what they've paid for, and if they don't receive anything in return, they should fight for it!" Claudia spoke, feeling a sense of relief after expressing her thoughts.
"You really don't know what's important until it's gone! Does the Federation not need money to combat alien monsters, to deal with various difficulties?" Monica didn't want to continue the discussion and left with this statement, hurrying towards the Union Bank. Although the Union Bank was the apparent steward of the Federation, it was secretly controlled by the Rothschild family. They were just merchants, and the current profit-making model, although ruthless, was also mutually agreed upon, wasn't it?
"Has there been any progress now?" Claudia started the motorcycle and sped away.
"There will be a day when humanity sees hope rising! Humanity has been cowering in this corner for too long," Monica looked at Claudia's departing figure and thought, humanity had never been disappointed in the Federation, and the Federation would not disappoint humanity. Monica looked at the towering Union Bank and walked in with a somewhat lighter step.
At the grand entrance, two sharp-looking fifth-grade soldiers saluted Monica as they helped her open the door. After entering the lobby, the branch manager quickly approached and, with a slightly obsequious bow, said, "Madam Director, you're finally here!"
"Well, I don't need your greetings. Go about your own business!" Monica waved her hand and entered the elevator, heading to the top floor. Wujing City was truly immense, and even standing at the top of a 90-story building, one couldn't see the entirety of the city. This was the last sanctuary of humanity.
Monica opened her wardrobe to find a collection of identical professional suits. She furrowed her brow, unsure of which one to choose. Finally, with no other choice, she tossed a broken high heel into the wardrobe. Seeing the position of the high heel, she took down the suit and the shoes underneath, changing into them. In an instant, she transformed from a noble and pure schoolgirl into a sharp and capable queen. She picked up the phone and dialed, and after a few rings, Barrett Walk's voice came through the receiver.
"She's gone, hurry over! Come to the Union Bank, I'm waiting for you at the entrance!" Monica grabbed her things and left.
"Good day, Director!"
"Director, where are you headed?"
"Director, there are some documents that need your approval and signature!"
As Monica walked, it was as if she were a queen inspecting her kingdom, with countless people approaching to greet her. Among the customers conducting various business, there were many wealthy and influential individuals. However, upon seeing Monica, they felt ashamed of their own status. Who on earth was she?
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As they watched Monica disappear, many couldn't help but turn their gazes back, continuing with their unfinished business. However, some also followed, wanting to get a better look at her and remember her noble figure.
Then, a top-of-the-line sports car roared up, its engine's low growl and sleek lines proclaiming the extraordinary status of its owner. The car stopped in front of Monica, and the onlookers felt a chill in their hearts. The car door opened, and instead of a pair of shiny, polished leather shoes, out stepped a person in dusty flip-flops. Some with discerning eyes could even see the person's toes wiggling back and forth, reflecting their restlessness.
"Could this be a parking attendant? Even so, shouldn't they be wearing proper shoes? This is quite uncouth," they murmured amongst themselves.
A man got out of the car, his entire appearance so cheap that it was almost unbelievable. The onlookers felt a wave of relief upon seeing his face, which bore not even a tenth of the handsome and wealthy aura. How dare he show off like this.
"Let's go, you drive!" Monica said as she got into the passenger seat. Barrett Walk looked at the large crowd gathered at the bank entrance and felt a sense of frustration. This woman and this car were not his own, so this wasn't about showing off; it was simply inviting trouble for himself. After all, Barrett Walk took things very seriously, and using something that wasn't his own, no matter how much others envied it, wasn't comfortable for him.
"Goodbye! Where are you going?"
"Goodbye, Director! Where are you going?"
"Director, there are some forms here that need your confirmation and signature!"
As Monica made her way, it was as if she were a queen inspecting her kingdom, with countless people approaching to greet her. Among the customers conducting various business, there were many wealthy and influential individuals. However, upon seeing Monica, they felt ashamed of their own status. Who on earth was she?
As they watched Monica disappear, many couldn't help but turn their gazes back, continuing with their unfinished business. However, some also followed, wanting to get a better look at her and remember her noble figure.
"Where to go!" Barrett Walker asked knowingly.
"Where else can we go? Are you thinking of doing what we do at night now? Of course, we're going to Superstar District!" Monica knew Barrett Walker was pretending to be naive and joked.
"Enough, I can't stand you. Fortunately, I have thick skin now. If it were before, going there in this state, I'd be terrified!" Barrett Walker said inexplicably, then fell silent and focused on driving.
Superstar District can be considered one of the central urban areas of imperial capital. It is known for its top luxury commercial areas and, now, after the integration of the new mythological era, it is equivalent to a large city from previous years. It is easy to see how large imperial capital has been developed.
Countless advertising screens on both sides display various beautiful and magnificent images, making people sigh at the wonderful combination of technology and commerce. Almost all luxury brands from previous years have been preserved here, and Barrett Walker, looking at the congested crowds and vehicles, may truly be able to forget the crisis of this post-apocalyptic world by spending time here.
Walking through the streets of Superstar District with Monica, Barrett Walker became the focus of many admiring glances, attracting widespread discussion.
"See! Look at us now, walking together. It's like we are two extremes! My extreme ugliness perfectly complements your extreme beauty. You've hurt my feelings. What is all this?" Barrett Walker complained as they entered a large shopping center. Looking at the world-famous brands that are still impressive, he felt dizzy. Just one piece of clothing here would cost him several jobs and years of work.
"These don't seem interesting. Let's go! If I buy this outfit, when will I be able to pay you back!" Feeling embarrassed by the attention, Barrett Walker quickly grabbed Monica and headed out.
"Hmph! What are you looking at? Haven't seen a couple like us before?" Monica angrily pointed at the onlookers and proudly took Barrett Walker's hand, standing still and defiantly confronting the crowd.
Barrett Walker became even more embarrassed. Although he was still relatively neat, he couldn't help but feel uncomfortable in a place like this. It has nothing to do with being materialistic or confident. Anyone would feel this way in a place like this.
Looking at the people around him, Barrett Walker felt like a husky being mistaken for a wolf. He felt wronged. He had no harmful intentions. All these unnecessary accusations came later!
Finally escaping the crowd of spectators, Barrett Walker looked at the world's most famous fashion brand, where the service staff were different. Despite his shabby appearance, they didn't show any surprise. After Monica went inside, she said, "Bring out your best items for my boyfriend to see!"
Barrett Walker was sweating profusely. "You're too bold! When did I become your boyfriend again?"
Approaching them was a middle-aged woman. Looking at Monica's noble and beautiful demeanor, she immediately recognized that Monica was extraordinary. Then, looking at Barrett Walker's plain appearance, she was a little surprised. "Strange things happen every year, but this year seems to have more than usual!"
"Our brand firmly grasps international trends, creating aesthetically pleasing menswear and womenswear. We are also known for using new fabrics and excellent craftsmanship. Unlike most long-standing fashion designers, there have been very few ridiculous or outdated designs in our nearly fifty years of business. We can create a near-perfect, amazing balance between market demand and elegant fashion."
"In terms of design, our clothing is neither trendy nor traditional, but a good combination of both. Our clothes rarely seem to be associated with fashion. In fact, each season, they undergo some appropriate and understandable modifications, regardless of fashion changes that could affect a designer's style. Our designer believes in the quality of clothing over style updates. His brand's collections are positioned in soft, non-structured styles, playing with layers and colors, often adjusting proportions. So, choosing our brand means choosing appropriateness!" The middle-aged woman spoke eloquently, not with flattery, but by describing the brand's products with a fitting and moderate tone.
Looking at the suit that was brought out, Monica nodded slightly, compared it on Barrett Walker, and was impressed by how well it fit his body. "Stop frowning and go change. Let me see!" she said.
"Oh, and bring the others too! Leather shoes, belt, and preferably a matching watch..." Monica looked at the store manager, implying that they should leave.
"Alright! Please wait!" The middle-aged woman said, then left.
"Is it ready yet?" Monica asked after the dressing room remained silent for a long time.
Sitting in the dressing room, Barrett Walker looked at the suit in his hands, as well as the prepared underwear and shirt. There were no price tags, but he knew they would be expensive. If he put on this outfit today, it might be like returning to the storm. Four years ago, he was driven out and lived in confusion, wanting to struggle back in, only to end up in that situation. In this new life, he had learned some of life's truths. Did he really want to repeat the same mistakes?
Put it on! Can all difficulties be avoided by avoiding them?
Can you live the rest of your life without putting it on, or should you escape even more? Escape from what you already know? What are you doing? This is such a good chance for a new life. Shouldn't you go and get what's rightfully yours?
Barrett Walker struggled for a long time, perhaps it was called avoidance! Avoiding the terrifying things he already knew. In the end, he overcame himself. You can give up everything, but can you give up your deep feelings for Julia? Barrett Walker couldn't answer that. He took off his T-shirt and shorts, put on the clothes, and suddenly heard Monica urgently knocking on the door.
"It's not ready yet!" Barrett Walker buttoned up his clothes and, hearing Monica's urgent tone, opened the door.
Monica rushed in, looking at Barrett Walker in a neat suit, and he suddenly looked handsome and energetic. Truly, clothes make the man. Monica looked at Barrett Walker's open chest and was momentarily stunned. Suddenly, she said, "Why is it taking you so long! We have to hurry to the dance!"
"I think..." In the narrow dressing room, with the deliberately dim lighting, Monica's delicate and beautiful face seemed to have a deadly charm. Barrett Walker was dumbfounded, not knowing what to say. Suddenly, he felt a sweet sensation in his mouth. Monica had boldly embraced him and passionately kissed him.
"Rogue!" Barrett Walker's mind was blank, and those three words kept repeating.