Supermarket

"This is the barcode scanner. When you're at the checkout counter, you scan the barcode on the items to get the price and product information," Chuck said, somewhat exasperated, as he began to teach Simon the basics at the register.

"…Are you kidding me? Isn't this a bit too basic?" Simon responded with a raised eyebrow.

"Yeah, you're right," Chuck said, setting the scanner down. "Let's go check out some other stuff."

"Chuck, you seem like you don't want to see me," Simon couldn't help but ask.

"No!" Chuck quickly denied, shaking his head. "That's not it at all."

"Is it because of Mia?" Simon asked suddenly.

At the mention of Mia's name, Chuck visibly stiffened.

Seeing his reaction, Simon sighed. "Sorry, Chuck. If I've brought up any bad memories for you, I can leave."

Simon had a good guess as to what was going on. It was probably because of him that Chuck was reminded of his difficult memories in college. Simon had heard from Mia that Chuck was expelled from Stanford after being framed by one of his close friends.

Otherwise, how would someone like Chuck, a Stanford graduate, end up working as a repairman in a supermarket?

"No, no, no! I'm fine. You don't need to leave," Chuck said hastily, trying to ease Simon's concern.

"Listen, Chuck, I know you might still be hung up on Mia, but it's been a long time. You should let go of the past," Simon gently advised.

"You're right!" Chuck nodded, seemingly making a decision. "How about we check out the electronics section?"

Seeing Chuck's abrupt change of subject, Simon decided not to push it. "Sure, whatever you say, buddy."

For the rest of the day, Simon refrained from mentioning Mia or Chuck's past in college.

Before long, it was lunchtime.

"Thanks, Chuck. Thanks for teaching me so much," Simon said, grateful for his friend's help.

Chuck waved it off. "It's nothing, really."

"By the way," Simon casually asked, "didn't you use to live somewhere else? How come you're working here now?"

Chuck gave a self-deprecating chuckle. "I'm living with my sister now."

"You mean Ellie? That's nice, though, being able to live with family. Unlike me, I barely see my parents the whole year," Simon said with a bittersweet smile.

Chuck noticed the tone in Simon's voice. "I'm sorry, buddy."

Simon shook his head. "It's fine. I've gotten used to it."

"By the way," Chuck hesitated for a moment, then asked, "Are you free the day after tomorrow?"

Simon thought for a second. "I think I'm free. Why?"

"The day after tomorrow is my birthday. I was hoping you could come," Chuck said, as though making a firm decision.

"Ah, I almost forgot! Your birthday's in two days. No problem, I'll be there," Simon promised.

"Oh, by the way," Simon suddenly remembered something. "Can I bring my girlfriend with me?"

"Of course!"

"Thanks!"

After lunch break, Simon returned to work.

As a salesperson, his job was to answer customers' questions and try to get them to make a purchase.

"This camera is the latest model. Not only is the lens made by Zeiss, but you can also use memory cards for storage," Simon explained to a female customer as he showed her a camera.

"If you want to capture all those beautiful moments, this camera is your best choice," Simon concluded with a smile.

The female customer stared at him for a moment without speaking, and Simon smiled back. "So, are you going to buy it?"

"Yeah, I'll take it," the woman replied, almost mesmerized by Simon's smile.

"Thank you! The checkout is over there."

After sending off the woman with her purchase, Simon turned to the others. "Anyone else have questions?"

"Me!"

"Me!"

"Me!"

Seeing a group of eager women in front of him, Simon froze for a moment but then smiled and began answering their questions.

"Looks like you're really cut out for this job," Chuck said with a grin as he and a bearded man named Morgan approached Simon after he had finally sent the last customer on her way.

"Morgan, I'm not in the mood for talking right now. Do you have any water? My throat feels like it's on fire," Simon said, feeling exhausted.

Morgan Grimes was Chuck's old friend.

Simon also knew him fairly well. Back in the day, Simon, Chuck, Morgan, and another guy named Bryce used to play video games together all the time.

But something happened—Bryce had falsely accused Chuck of cheating on an exam, which led to Chuck being expelled from Stanford.

"Here you go," Chuck said, quickly handing Simon a glass of water.

"Thanks!"

Simon downed the water in one go, letting out a sigh of relief. "Ah, that feels so much better."

"Man, hope tomorrow isn't as tough as today," Simon muttered under his breath.

Chuck chuckled. "Tomorrow's definitely going to be more intense."

Simon couldn't help but laugh bitterly.

"Look at the bright side, at least you'll rack up some solid sales. When payday comes, Big Mike will give you a nice bonus," Chuck said, giving Simon a pat on the shoulder.

Simon shrugged. "Yeah, I guess that's the only silver lining."

Checking the time, Simon said, "It's getting late. I'm heading home now."

As a part-timer, Simon didn't have to follow the schedule like the full-time employees. As long as he put in enough hours, he could leave whenever he wanted.

"Come on, man, why don't you come with us after work? We could play some games like old times," Morgan insisted.

Simon made an apologetic face. "Sorry, I've got plans with my girlfriend."

"Fine! Looks like tonight's 'singles night' is just me and Chuck," Morgan sighed dramatically.

"..." Simon simply couldn't understand Morgan's idea of a "singles night." It basically meant a bunch of single guys getting together to play games, eat junk food, and watch a horror or action movie.

If Simon were still single, he might've joined them, but with a girlfriend now... Was a girl any less enjoyable than a game?

"Sorry, looks like I'll have to miss out."

After bidding Chuck and Morgan goodbye, Simon changed and left for the day.

Originally, Simon had planned to take Meg to the beach to enjoy the view.

However, just as Simon started his car, the phone Doug had given him suddenly rang.

Without hesitation, Simon answered the call.

"Now, no matter where you are, you've got half an hour. Get to 112th Street, 46th Avenue, 7th floor, now."

"Got it, I'll be there right away," Simon replied calmly.

Doug's cold, indifferent tone left no room for argument. Simon obediently agreed.

"Good. I hope you won't disappoint me."