Chapter 8: Wasn't That Just Calling Me Poor

Frank Lee opened the door to his house and immediately collapsed into a chair, letting out a long sigh. It was already evening, and he was exhausted from the day's activities. He sat there for a while, thinking, before getting up and placing the file he had brought on the dining table. He headed straight to the fridge, pulling out a large bottle of drink, and then grabbed a full pack of chips from his cupboard.

He returned to the living room, plopped onto the couch, and rested his legs on the glass stool a few meters away. Frank tore open the bag of chips, turned on the TV, and flipped to a channel he found satisfying. He giggled as he munched on the chips, engrossed in the show.

A few moments later, the show went on a commercial break. Frank remained seated, nibbling on his chips as the advertisement played. Tired of coming home to cold meals, he mused, "I'm always too tired to cook after work."

The advertisement continued, "Have you been living on stale food because you're too tired to cook? Well, we have just the thing for you..." It showcased the latest product from Micro, a high-end company in Changi known for its innovative appliances and vast network worth billions.

The ad featured people sharing how Micro's products had made their lives easier, as if saving them from some horrible tragedy. Frank considered the idea—maybe getting a Micro device would save him the hassle of reheating food. It would certainly make his life easier, especially balancing school and his job as a hunter.

He nodded in agreement but thought he'd only buy it if the price was reasonable. Frank wasn't one to spend money frivolously, especially given his tight budget. He was still looking for a hunter expedition that would cover his expenses, so reckless purchases were out of the question.

The show resumed with a presenter introducing Mr. Zeng Gong, an A-rank hunter, who was there to discuss the new Micro Pro product. Zeng Gong, dressed in a well-tailored suit, had a clear, fine-featured face but an expressionless demeanor. He took the mic and, with an indifferent tone, said, "You should buy it. It's okay. If not totally useless, at least it's good for warming food."

Frank watched, amused at the tension in the interviewer's face, who clearly tried to maintain composure despite Zeng Gong's bluntness. The interviewer quickly added, "The prices are really cheap for such a high-quality product. Don't you think, Mr. Zeng Gong?"

Zeng Gong shrugged, replying, "If you can't afford 3,000 yen, you're probably pitiful," and handed back the mic before walking away.

The interviewer was left flustered, the unsaid implication hanging heavily in the air. Frank Lee chuckled, sensing the awkwardness as the presenter tried to salvage the situation, clearly thinking, Wasn't that just calling me poor?