Trust

After finishing a day of school, Simon headed back to his part-time job at the supermarket.

As soon as he arrived, he started searching for Chuck.

Soon enough, Simon spotted Chuck working at the repair station.

Just as he was about to approach Chuck, a sudden voice came from behind him: "Both of you, no more whispers from now on."

Simon turned around and was surprised to see Casey, the agent he had met the day before.

At the same time, a system prompt sounded in Simon's mind.

Ding! Found character John Casey from Chuck. Would you like to sign in?

"Sign in!" Simon thought without hesitation.

Ding! You can choose from the following skills:

1. Weapon Mastery (Expert)

2. Combat Mastery (Advanced)

3. Disguise (Intermediate)

4. Driving Mastery (Intermediate)

5. Computer Mastery (Beginner)

6. Calm

7. Iron Will (Advanced)

8. Interrogation Techniques (Advanced)

9. Strong Physique (Advanced)

10. Hypnosis (Intermediate)

"Cancel!"

"How…," Simon was surprised by Casey's presence but quickly realized, given Chuck's proximity, this was somehow inevitable.

What really caught him off guard was that this seemingly robotic figure was also one of the main characters.

"Understood! Don't worry, I won't ask any more questions or gossip. We're colleagues now, Mr. John Casey." Simon glanced at Casey's name tag and extended his right hand.

Casey crossed his arms and didn't take Simon's hand. "I hope you keep your word. If not, you and Chuck will be spending a long time in a windowless basement."

"Heh, heh! No worries, buddy, Simon won't say a word, I promise." Chuck hurriedly interjected.

"I hope so. I'll be watching you both." Casey pointed to his eyes, then walked off.

Once Casey left, Chuck let out a sigh of relief. "Buddy, whatever you do, don't mess with that guy."

"Don't worry! As long as he doesn't mess with me, I won't touch your bodyguard, Mr. Chuck," Simon joked.

Chuck's expression remained blank. "That's not funny at all."

Simon gave Chuck a pat on the shoulder and started his shift.

As the night approached, Simon, who was chatting with Morgan, saw Chuck come in, looking unusually happy.

"Got some good news, Chuck?" Simon asked.

"I'm going on a second date with Sarah!" Chuck said joyfully.

"Heh," Simon shook his head, "Chuck, you never learn."

"What's the problem?" Chuck asked, noticing the doubtful look on Simon's face.

Simon glanced at Morgan and said, "Think about the first date!"

Chuck, in his excited mood, didn't take the hint. "Last time was just an accident. I'm sure this time will be fun."

Simon shrugged. "Well, have fun then."

"Thanks, bro." Chuck slapped Simon on the shoulder and headed out for his date.

Watching Chuck leave for his date, Simon shook his head and, along with Morgan, went to change and finish his shift.

"Hey, buddy, it's just the two of us tonight. Want to play some games?" Morgan invited.

"Sorry, I've got other plans tonight. Can't hang out with you," Simon apologized.

"Okay, guess next time then." Morgan sounded a bit disappointed but didn't push further.

After bidding Morgan goodbye, Simon drove to Meg's house.

There was a race tonight, and even though Simon wasn't racing, he planned to take Meg out to get her mind off things.

He sent her a message and waited.

A short while later, he saw Meg storming out the front door and getting into the car.

"What's going on?" Simon asked, seeing her so upset.

Before, Meg would sneak out when they went to races, but this time she came straight out of the door.

"My dad came into my room asking where the letter from that Spanish coach was! My dad doesn't even trust me!" Meg said, her voice trembling, and then she couldn't hold it in anymore and started crying.

Seeing Meg like this, Simon pulled her into an embrace, patting her back comfortingly. "Don't cry, your dad is just worried about you."

"He's my father! He doesn't even trust me! Simon, thank you for always trusting me." Meg said, her eyes red.

"Because I understand you, I know what kind of person you are. Only I know that I'm your first love," Simon smiled.

"If only my parents trusted me like you do," Meg said, feeling down.

Simon consoled her, "Don't blame your dad. Gossip works like that. Once enough people start talking, even those closest to you can start doubting. Go back and talk to your dad. Apologize."

Meg nodded. "I can't go to the race with you tonight."

"It's okay! There's a drag race coming up soon. You can come then," Simon said.

"Alright, I'll be there," Meg replied.

When Meg entered her house, Simon got into his car and headed to the racetrack.

"Flying solo tonight? What, already broke up so soon?" Letty joked as Simon got out of the car.

Simon rolled his eyes. "Not funny, Letty! Meg is just going through some stuff, that's all."

"Okay, okay! I'm sorry!" Letty raised her hands in mock surrender.

"So, what's going on today?" Simon asked as he saw Brian nearby, and turned to Mia.

Mia sighed. "This afternoon, Brian and Vince had a race. Now Brian wants to earn everyone's respect through the race."

"Ha! There's something fun happening here, looks like I missed a lot," Simon chuckled.

"Hey, not funny," Mia grumbled.

Simon smiled. "Looks like someone's gotten a little emotional."

Before Mia could retort, Simon walked over to Dominic and the crew.

"Hey, Dom! What's everyone looking at?" Simon approached them.

Dominic smiled. "Nothing much, just admiring my new car."

"You haven't won yet! Wait until you beat me, then the car's yours," Brian retorted.

Hearing Brian's words, many people laughed. "Buddy, that's a foregone conclusion."

"How would you know unless you try?" Brian shot a challenging look at Dominic.

"Buddy, I'll let you taste defeat," Dominic said with a slight grin.

"I'm waiting!"

"Alright, everyone get ready! Let's race!" Dominic called out.

With that, everyone piled into their cars.

With the help of the street racers, they managed to block off a wide enough stretch of road.

After marking the starting and finish lines, Hector, the designated judge, raised his hands high when he got the signal.

"Ready, GO!"