August 10, 2024.

Midnight

Bay Area, California.

 In a luxurious villa overlooking the San Francisco Bay, a handsome young man sat beside a private pool. Martin, with his attractive features and athletic build, held a limited edition iPhone 15, browsing the latest news and market conditions.

 Martin opened the "Google News" app and started reading the headlines:

 "Ding... 3 people killed and 10 others injured in a terrorist attack in Manhattan."

 "Ding... Abduction of a minor girl by a criminal gang in New York City."

 "Ding... Arrest of the BNP bank's treasurer for embezzling $35 million over three years."

 "Ding... Armed robbery in front of the People's Tower kills one person and injures four others."

 Martin looked at his phone coldly, a look of disgust on his face. "Hmph... How long will the government keep turning a blind eye to these scum? Just random penalties after catching them won't change anything..."

 Beside him sat a young girl with blonde hair and hazel eyes, her cheeks dotted with golden freckles. She wasn't particularly stunning, but she radiated an innocence and charm that made anyone want to protect her. With a light smile, she said, "Honey, when will you stop this crazy mumbling? You need to stop following the news; it does nothing but spoil your mood."

 Martin smiled slyly and said, "Emily, I'm fine. It's just that this country keeps deteriorating. There's no difference between it and the garbage where the scum spread like bugs, ruining everything beautiful."

 Emily giggled softly, "Let's leave it at that. These things aren't our concern. Let's leave it to the professionals and enjoy our night."

 Martin nodded in agreement, "Maybe you're right... I'll go get some drinks and be back."

 Martin opened the large garage door and started the engine of his Volkswagen Golf R. This car meant a lot to him; it was the first car he bought with his own money, without asking for a penny from his father. Besides, it had a powerful engine and didn't attract much attention.

 He drove his car through upscale neighborhoods, then descended the mountain slope and entered the main road. After 45 minutes, he reached a crowded, popular neighborhood.

 He began wandering through the narrow streets, watching addicts and homeless people on the sidewalks. Here lived Mrs. Ming, a Chinese immigrant who prepared a special type of wine for Martin, which he had favored since reaching adulthood.

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 Martin parked his car near a shabby wooden house and entered. He found an old woman sitting in a rocking chair, with a small girl beside her sewing a doll made of straw and torn rags.

 Martin smiled and said, "Hello, old lady. How long will you continue this miserable life? My offer to you is still open if you change your mind."

 The little girl ran towards Martin and jumped into his arms: "Big brother!" Little Ming had always loved Martin; he would buy her many things whenever he visited Grandma Ming to get the wine.

 Martin laughed, "Haha, Little Ming, you've grown taller again! I'm afraid you'll surpass me soon." He playfully ruffled her hair.

 Grandma Ming sighed, "Hmph, you dirty rich man, do you think I sell myself for money? This house was left to me by old Ming, and I will enjoy my old age here until I die. Pay $1.500 and take your wine."

 Martin laughed, "You never change. Anyway, my number is with you, just call if you need anything."

 Martin left the house and closed the door behind him, while a warm smile appeared on Grandma Ming's face: "Rich people like you are truly rare..."

 Grandma Ming said to the little girl, "Remember, Little Ming, if anything happens to me and you can't find someone to rely on, go to the big brother."

 Little Ming replied in a childish voice, "No, no, I don't want to, I'll stay with Grandma forever!"

 Martin carried the bottle of wine and continued wandering through the poor neighborhoods, surrounded by suspicious looks. Most of the residents here suffered from racism and bullying, as most of them were failed immigrants and ethnic minorities.

 As Martin gazed at the sky, his attention was drawn to an old man with a blind eye and a missing leg being beaten by a gang of young men.

 The old man spat at the burly man who was beating him, saying, "Heh, you won't get the bag even if I die..."

 The big man punched the old cripple again, "Shut up, you senile beggar. Do you think I haven't noticed? You're hiding here; it's obvious from your face that you're a damn rich white man... You must have stolen a fortune from somewhere, and your goal is to hide here for a while..."

 The big man shouted, "Give us what you have, and we'll give you protection, or prepare to lose your other leg!"

 The old man spat again at the muscular man and said, "Ptoo! I told you, that's all I have. Scum like you should disappear from this world..."

 "I've told you time and time again that I don't have any money. All I have are some data stored there."

 Martin watched the scene, his eyes gleaming with an idea.

 Many thoughts raced through Martin's mind before he decided to intervene. Maybe a feeling in his heart told him the old man shared the same thoughts.

 "Steve, you're here. Your mission is already over; you can come with me."

 Martin appeared behind the group of young men, showing a badge with "FBI" written on it.

 "Guys, this is a colleague here. Take this as a gift and disperse before we change our minds; the place is under surveillance," he said, throwing $1,000 in cash and calmly pushing the big man away.

 The badge belonged to his older brother, Elon, before he got promoted. Using it and intervening here was a bit risky, but he had done this several times to avoid trouble.

 The old man looked at Martin strangely, then the big man picked up the $1,000. "Let's go, guys..."

Hello, friends! I need your help to make this novel better. I'm not very good at English, so please help me correct whatever needs fixing in the comments.