Rejection

"Look, it's Vika and Wallace. Since when did their relationship get so close?"

While looking for a table, Meg noticed Vika and Wallace together.

Following Meg's indication, Simon saw the two of them.

"Let's go over and find out!" Simon said, leading Meg toward them.

"So, when did you two get so close?"

Once Simon sat down, he casually asked.

Wallace shrugged and then asked back, "As a newcomer, do you think I should be friends with those who laughed at me while I was tied to a flagpole, taking selfies? Or, should I be friends with the beautiful and cool girl who saved me from that flagpole?"

"Buddy, don't forget, I also saved you," Simon reminded him.

Wallace laughed. "Of course I didn't forget, bro! So, I consider you my buddy. If you ever need anything, just say the word."

"And also, I'm not the type to be an obvious third wheel," Wallace added with a joke.

Simon smiled. "Bro, I really like that about you."

"So, have you guys come up with a plan to deal with the biker gang?" Simon asked.

"Veronica and Navarro made a deal. We guaranteed their people would be safe. They won't bother me anymore," Wallace answered.

Hearing this, Simon turned to Veronica. "Do you need my help?"

"We can handle it," Veronica replied indifferently.

Seeing Veronica's cool demeanor, Simon shrugged. "OK! If you need anything, just call me."

"Will do, bro," Wallace added.

After lunch, Simon continued with his studies.

According to Simon's plan, he intended to attend the University of California, Los Angeles after high school.

The reason for choosing this school was twofold: it was close to home, so he could save on living expenses; and the University of California was quite good among public universities.

Although Simon couldn't get a scholarship, he believed admission to the university wouldn't be an issue.

Beyond the university, Simon also had to think about his major.

In the States, lawyers and doctors are the fastest way to reach the middle class.

However, both professions require a lot of money and time.

Simon didn't like either of them, so he immediately passed on those options.

In Simon's opinion, with his current skills and abilities, becoming a police officer seemed like a very suitable career for him.

Also, the salary of a police officer is high, with various benefits, making it possible to reach the middle class.

If he could join the FBI or similar departments, the salary would be even higher.

But Simon knew that with his past involvement with the biker gang, these options were off the table.

So, Simon could only consider higher-paying jobs like mechanical engineer or software engineer.

Thus, the Henry Samueli School of Engineering and Applied Science at UCLA became Simon's top choice.

With his expert-level Mechanic skill, Simon believed he could make a mark in the industry.

The school day passed quickly, and before he knew it, it was time to leave.

Since Meg had a rehearsal for the musical, Simon said goodbye to her and drove off.

This time, after school, Simon didn't go to the grocery store but went directly to the repair shop.

At the repair shop, Simon found Dominic.

"Dom, have you got an answer for me?" As soon as he found Dominic, Simon eagerly asked.

Hearing this, Dominic responded calmly, "Sorry, Simon, we've discussed it, and we decided we can't let you join us."

"Why not?!"

"Simon, you have a bright future ahead of you. What we're doing right now isn't right for you," Letty tried to persuade him.

"That's right, Simon, listen to Dom. This life isn't for you," Vince added.

"Buddy, if you need money, I have some I can lend you," Jesse said.

Seeing that everyone was against it, Simon sighed. He didn't say another word, got into the truck, and drove away.

As Simon drove off, Dominic stayed silent for a long while.

Letty walked up to Dominic and comforted him. "Dom, you did the right thing. Simon is just confused right now; he'll come around."

"Hope so," Dominic said, before going back to adjusting the car.

Meanwhile, after leaving the repair shop, Simon headed to the grocery store.

"Mia, give me a beer," Simon said.

Noticing that Simon looked upset, Mia didn't refuse and grabbed a bottle from the fridge.

"What's going on?" Mia asked as she opened the beer.

Taking a sip, Simon said, "Dom turned me down."

"Listen, Simon, I fully support Dom's decision! I also think you shouldn't join," Mia tried to convince him.

Simon looked up at Mia. "But I need money, a lot of money."

Mia understood the pressure Simon would face when going to college.

"I understand! But crime isn't the only way. With your abilities, you can think of other ways," Mia reminded him.

Simon fell silent. Indeed, there were other ways Simon could make money.

But robbery was the fastest and most straightforward way. In other words, Simon wanted to take a shortcut.

"Think about it, Simon. I believe you'll find another way," Mia patted Simon on the shoulder before heading to the kitchen.

Not long after, Mia returned with a sandwich and placed it in front of Simon. "My treat today! After you eat, go home and rest."

Simon nodded silently, put down his beer, and began eating the sandwich.

"A tuna sandwich, please."

As Simon was eating the not-so-tasty sandwich, a voice suddenly sounded from beside him.

At the same time, a voice appeared in Simon's mind.

[Ding! Do you want to sign in next to Brian O'Conner?]

"Sign in!"

[Fighting experience +100!]

After signing in, Simon glanced at Brian, who was reading an auto magazine.

"This sandwich isn't really that good," Simon suddenly said.

"If it's not good, why are you here?" Brian asked back.

Simon shrugged. "Well, after eating it for a while, you get used to it."

"My name's Brian. Do you know the people here?" Brian introduced himself.

"Long-time neighbors," Simon casually said.

Brian nodded. Just as he was about to say something else, Mia returned with a sandwich for Brian.

"Your sandwich!" After placing the sandwich in front of Brian, Mia turned to Simon. "Simon, you should head back soon! Dom and the others will be back soon."

At this point, Simon didn't want to see Dominic and the others; it would be awkward.

So after finishing the sandwich, Simon gathered his things and said goodbye to Mia.