Everything in the past is an illusion. Memories are a road with no return. No spring can ever be restored, not even the most passionate, devoted love. In the end, it’s all just fleeting reality. Only loneliness is eternal.
It was late at night. Ethan Shaw walked through the light drizzle, his steps solitary, with no companion in sight. The dim streetlights stretched and shrank his shadow over and over. His goal was to catch the last subway. Many people take the last train out of necessity, but Ethan did it simply because he wanted to. He didn’t know why, except that it was for the money. As for why the person paying him wanted this done? He didn’t care. The patron’s request was straightforward: throw a cigarette box into any trash can at the subway station, and above all, don’t get curious about what’s inside. Otherwise, the $10,000 reward would be forfeited.
The $10,000 had already been delivered to him through a supermarket locker. Ethan had no idea how the patron would retrieve the money if he failed, but from his sense of contractual duty, he had no intention of taking the money without doing the job.
If any virtue still remained in him, it was his sense of contract. Sometimes, he summed up his entire life with that thought. Yes, he was no longer young, inclined to reflect on his life experiences.
This task, of course, was ridiculously simple, leaving him with no sense of accomplishment. Ethan casually tossed the heavy cigarette box into the trash can and was about to leave when he spotted a beautiful woman. She sat quietly, her long, jet-black hair softly draped over her pale shoulders. Her face was flawless, her features exquisitely delicate, like a painting. Her bright, clear eyes blinked softly, and her rosy lips seemed to be waiting for something. She had a slender, graceful figure, her curves perfectly proportioned, her skin as white as snow. She wore a pink dress, which emphasized her fragility and petite frame. The whole scene was dreamlike, breathtakingly beautiful.
Sensing someone watching her, the beautiful woman lifted her head and made eye contact. Normally, in such a situation, Ethan would have immediately looked away, avoiding the pressure that came with such beauty. He didn’t feel worthy of such desire. But maybe the ease with which he had earned that $10,000 gave him a false sense of courage, and he dared to hold her gaze.
She let out a soft laugh, a seductive sound, entirely unreserved, mature to the core, completely open. Ethan continued to stare at her, captivated by the sight of her off-shoulder dress revealing a vast expanse of gleaming skin that could stir the heart of any man.
Her bright, neat smile made Ethan forget everything. He just stood there, dumbstruck, knowing almost instinctively who this stunning woman was.
The two shared a knowing glance for two minutes before Ethan finally spoke, “How much?”
The woman extended five slender fingers. Her delicate hand had the most conservative manicure, her nails gleaming like crystal, looking as if made of transparent glass—ethereal.
Ethan said, “I’m Ethan. What’s your name?”
“Nicole,” she replied. Her voice was melodic, sweet enough that even her casual words sounded like a song.
Ethan Shaw: "Want to come back to my place?"
Nicole: "No one at your place?"
Ethan Shaw: "I live alone, it’s pretty modest, but if you don’t mind…"
Nicole: "For $5,000, I don’t mind." She locked eyes with him, awaiting his response, hoping he wouldn’t mistake the difference between $500 and $5,000.
Ethan marveled, “So expensive, but you’ve charmed me tonight.”
Nicole: “So?”
Ethan Shaw: “So, please come with me.” He reached out his hand, and Nicole responded with a radiant, flirtatious smile, slipping her soft hand into his.
As they walked together, the scent of her hair and body filled Ethan’s senses. He couldn’t help but think how even the most beautiful woman in college couldn’t compare to this. It was perfect.
They sat in silence for the cab ride. The woman’s stunning appearance caused the driver to steal several glances, clearly envious of Ethan’s fortune.
A man who could afford $5,000 for a night, yet lived in such a humble place, with only a small, narrow bed. Nicole laughed, “Wow, this is simpler than I expected!”
Ethan: "Yeah, didn’t think so, right? But things will get better in the future. I’ll definitely see you again; you look too much like the girl of my dreams. I still can’t believe this isn’t a dream.”
"Want some water? I only have tap water, sorry." Ethan glanced at the kettle on his desk and a cheap mug. There had never been guests in this rental unit, so he didn’t have any paper cups. In honor of today’s special guest, he had even taken the time to clean his mug.
Nicole: “Are you sure you want to spend $5,000?” She looked at him with a hint of pity. As a girl with standards, she wasn’t interested in men who were too old or unattractive, no matter how much they paid.
Ethan smiled, “What? Is there a discount?”
Nicole: “Don’t think about it. A deal’s a deal. I just didn’t expect…”
Ethan: “Do you need the money first?”
Nicole: “Thanks.”
Ethan took half of the $10,000 from the cabinet and placed it in Nicole’s hand. Nicole was delighted. “Wow, cash! My favorite!”
Nicole, who loved money like a little girl loves candy, was truly endearing. But what made her most charming was how she got the job done, making sure Ethan enjoyed a night only the most successful people could ever experience—the illusion of controlling one’s own destiny. That $5,000 was the best money Ethan had ever spent. It was better than any romantic relationship; relationships were too sentimental and didn’t allow for such indulgence.
From their limited conversation, Ethan concluded that Nicole must have been educated, even though he hadn’t asked boring questions about academic qualifications. Some people spend their whole lives reading only to become nerds; a degree really doesn’t mean anything.
Some people never escape the confines of textbooks, unaware that without independent thinking, no amount of reading can elevate their understanding. When you realize that the essence of black is white, and the essence of white is black—that paradoxes are the air we breathe—only then have you reached enlightenment.
After satisfying Ethan, Nicole left, giving him her contact information on her way out. Her name was clearly written: Nicole.
Later, as Ethan sat at his computer playing a game, a breaking news alert popped up:
Explosion in Wu City! Yu Long Subway Station closed!
Ethan jumped, immediately exiting the game to check the breaking news. Unfortunately, the content was barely longer than the headline, indicating the reporter hadn’t gotten any real updates. Yu Long Station—that was where he had thrown the cigarette box the day before.
Comments (0)
See all