Reality vs. Movie

"Hey, Chuck! What's up? You look like you're in a real bind."

As Simon entered the supermarket in his work uniform, he immediately saw Chuck with a confused look on his face.

After checking in, Simon casually asked.

Seeing Simon, Chuck's eyes lit up. "Simon, I've got a huge problem."

"Hold on, I'm not interested in your problems," Simon cut him off.

Simon didn't want to get caught up in anything troublesome.

"Dude, please! You're the only one I can talk to," Chuck pleaded.

"Chuck, Chuck! Sorry, I really can't help you. You know I'm just an ordinary guy," Simon apologized.

"Please!" Chuck, having finally found someone to confide in, wasn't about to let this chance slip away. "I promise I won't tell Sarah or anyone else."

Seeing Chuck's desperate expression, Simon softened. "Fine! But if I get into trouble because of this, I'll kill you."

"I swear! I won't tell anyone else," Chuck hastily promised.

After swearing, Chuck continued, "So here's the deal. There was a secret that only four people knew about. But one of them died, so now, Casey and Sarah both told me not to trust each other."

"So, you're torn between who to trust, right?" Simon asked, replying with another question.

Chuck nodded quickly. "Exactly!"

Simon rubbed his chin. "First, I have a question. How did the other person who knew the secret die?"

"Well, I can't say," Chuck answered, apologetically.

Simon stared at Chuck, speechless, then tried another approach. "Okay! Another question, is the body still around?"

"Only the ashes are left," Chuck replied.

Simon thought for a moment. "So, what you're saying is, you haven't actually seen the body, right?"

"Well... based on the scene and the manner of death, we think his body must have vaporized," Chuck explained.

Simon smiled slightly. "Chuck, you can trust your two bodyguards. Have them investigate the guy who supposedly died."

Since Casey and Sarah were the main characters, it was unlikely they would harm Chuck. And based on Simon's experience watching TV shows, there were plenty of plots where a supposedly dead character would come back as the main antagonist.

"Wait, are you saying the guy faked his death..." Chuck seemed to have an epiphany.

Simon nodded. "Yeah, a lot of movies and shows have that kind of plot. The bad guy fakes their death to sow discord among the heroes, making them fight each other. In the end, the fake-death guy shows up as the victor."

"Simon," Chuck said, somewhat skeptical, "this is reality, not a movie."

Simon patted Chuck on the shoulder and said earnestly, "Chuck, reality is often more exciting than TV. Trust me, the person who's supposed to be dead is the one you need to find."

"Alright! I'll tell Casey and them," Chuck replied, still a little doubtful, but accepting Simon's suggestion.

Simon nodded. "Just be careful."

"I will, dude."

After signing in at Chuck's station, Simon began his day's work.

As for Chuck's problem, Simon could only express his helplessness.

After all, this was something involving national secrets and spies, and Simon wasn't about to get involved in that kind of mess.

Before he knew it, the day was over.

After work, Simon drove to Dominic's repair shop.

At the shop, Simon saw Brian and an old, worn-out race car.

"Um, where did you guys find this? Is this thing even drivable?" Simon pointed at the old race car.

Dominic laughed. "Buddy, sometimes you can't judge something just by its looks. Take a look at this and you'll understand."

Simon glanced at the direction Dominic pointed to and exclaimed, "2JZ engine! Looks like you're gonna need to spend quite a bit to upgrade it."

After saying that, Simon looked at Brian, who was nearby. "Why is he over there?"

"He's here to pay off his debt," Dominic explained with a smile.

"Alright! How's my car coming along?" Simon asked.

"Of course it's ready. Hey, Brian! Bring Simon's car over," Dominic instructed.

Brian, who was nearby, nodded and drove Simon's car out of the garage.

"Nice! Looks like there's not a single scratch on it," Simon said with satisfaction.

"Of course, buddy," Letty said, somewhat displeased.

"Okay, I'm taking off now. Mia, thanks for the car," Simon said, returning the keys.

"No problem!"

Seeing Simon about to leave, Dominic asked, "Aren't you joining us for dinner tonight?"

Simon shook his head. "Nah, I'm taking Meg out to see the city at night. Maybe get some fresh air."

"Buddy, watching the city lights? You mean, the empty streets?" Letty mocked.

Simon smiled. "If you look at it from a different angle, you'll see a whole different view."

"A different angle?" Letty asked, confused.

Simon smiled slightly and pointed at the sky. "For example, from up in the sky. Don't forget, I'm a licensed helicopter pilot."

In the States, getting a helicopter license was easy.

With a level 3 medical exam, passing the written test, doing at least 40 hours of flight training, and finally completing a helicopter "road test," anyone could get a license.

The total cost for all this was under $10,000.

With Simon's Master-level Driving Mastery skill, it wasn't just cars he could drive. Planes, boats, and all kinds of vehicles were within his ability.

So, not only helicopters, but even fighter jets were no problem for him.

There are three types of helicopter licenses: private, commercial, and instructor.

Simon had the commercial license.

If things ever went south, this could be a viable way to make a living.

"Come on~" Once Simon said this, Dominic and the others couldn't help but start groaning.

"Damn! You should be a spy, not a student!" Letty said, slightly annoyed.

Although Simon was the youngest among them, he could repair cars, fight, practice Chinese martial arts, speak multiple languages, and had incredible driving skills — plus the ability to fly helicopters.

That's why Dominic and the others took care of Simon, but didn't want him involved in the heists.

They believed that Simon's future would be much brighter than theirs, and they didn't want him stuck in their small world.

"When I graduate from college, I'll definitely consider your suggestion. Alright, I'm gonna be late for my date. See you," Simon waved at them and left the repair shop.

In response, he got several middle fingers.