I was taken aback, touched by his effort. I could only imagine his search history filled with entries like “What to do when your girlfriend is on her period,” “What do girls want in a boyfriend,” “Strategies for Love,” and “100 Ways to Make Your Girlfriend Happy.”
Just as I was getting all sentimental, Nick’s stomach let out a loud growl.
He instinctively covered his belly, looking a bit sheepish. “Well, you know, my parents cut off my allowance. I spent all my
money on this stuff, so I won’t have breakfast for you tomorrow.”
I couldn’t help but burst out laughing.
Nick, sensing my amusement, raised his voice defensively. “Hey! Don’t laugh! Once my parents cool down, I’ll treat you to a
feast!”
I patted him on the shoulder, trying to sound serious. “Alright, let’s go eat a feast! After that, we’ll figure out how to make some cash!”
The first idea that popped into my head was to set up a stall and sell my artwork.
After all, I was no genius; my only skill was drawing. Nick decided to bring his guitar along.
So, I set up my little art stall while Nick strummed his guitar nearby, playing sad tunes that tugged at the heartstrings. Business was slow for both of us.
I felt awkward standing there, blending into the vibrant atmosphere of the night market, hardly making a splash. Nick wasn’t faring much better; with his designer clothes, people would hardly think he was busking for tips.
After hours of effort, we hadn’t made a single dime.
Finally, Nick had a lightbulb moment. “How about we team up?”
And just like that, he started playing guitar to draw in the crowd while I sold my paintings. With his thick skin, he’d lean into the passerby, saying things like, “Come on, buy a piece!” and “Seriously, just one little painting…”
There were plenty of fools in this world, and there were plenty of handsome guys, not to mention guitar players. But a handsome fool who could play guitar? Now, that was a rare combination.
Before long, a video of Nick playing guitar while I sold my art went viral online, and our business started to pick up. One evening at the market, I spotted Eddie and Selena strolling around with some classmates. Selena had her arm linked with Eddie’s, laughing and chatting away.
Ever since Eddie and I broke up, she’d unfriended me, and I couldn’t help but remember how she’d posted a celebratory message about Eddie being single again the day we split.
When Eddie saw me, he froze for a second.
Selena tightened her grip on his arm, but a moment later, he awkwardly pulled away.
His gaze fell on Nick, who was lost in his guitar playing, and I noticed a disdainful smirk creep onto his lips.
I pretended not to see him and happily sipped my milkshake, sitting comfortably on the little stool Nick had bought for me.
He said selling art was tiring, so I could sit and handle the money. He’d bounce around buying me milkshakes, cakes, and other snacks, calling me cute when I ate, saying I looked like a little hamster.
Eddie, on the other hand, didn’t like it.
He thought I looked like an idiot when I ate.
But honestly? I didn’t care what he thought anymore. I was enjoying myself, and that was all that mattered.
After a month of working together, Nick and I had made a decent amount of money.
The first chunk of cash went to paying him for pretending to be my boyfriend and helping him settle some debts.
But instead of keeping it, Nick handed it all to me.
“I heard you owe your family a few million dollars. Since your parents cut off your allowance, take this money back to them and tell them you can make your own living now. Who knows, maybe they’ll be so happy they’ll lift the ban!”
I glanced at Nick and asked, “What about you? What are you going to do with all those debts?”
With a cocky smile, he replied, “I’ve already paid them all off!”
He wrapped an arm around my shoulder and said cheerfully, “Come on, let’s go for a ride. Remember that feast I promised you? Now that I’m flush, let’s make it happen!”
Nick loved riding his motorcycle; he always thought it was the coolest thing. But now, leaning against the dorm building was just a bike–a regular bike.
“Where’s your motorcycle?” I asked, puzzled.
He shrugged. “Honestly, I think it’s too dangerous. I follow a bunch of motorcycle vloggers, and half of them are gone now.”
I locked eyes with him. “Come on, tell me the truth.”
Nick scratched his head sheepishly. “Alright, I sold it. Graduation’s right around the corner.
“Once everyone goes their separate ways, I can’t be chasing them down for paying the debts, can I?
“Plus, that thing really isn’t safe. I used to be reckless, but now I have you to think about.”
Nick mentioned how his grandfather taught him the importance of face and integrity.
“My grandpa was a guitar genius. Whenever he played, he looked so full of life. He was the one who taught me how to play. When I called him as a kid, if he knew I was still playing, I could just hear the joy in his laughter.”
Nick went on to tell me about the old yellow dog he’d grown up with.
“Every time I practiced, the dog would just sit by my feet, listening. But after grandpa passed away, my family went back to the countryside for the funeral, and that dog was all alone.”
He sighed, a cloud of nostalgia passing over him.
“My parents promised they’d bring the dog back with us, but when the car door slammed shut, I looked back and saw my dog chasing after us, barking like mad. It felt like I was leaving home, but also like I’d turned into a stray along with my dog.
“Man, that dog was sharp. It would wait for me after school, knew the way back, and could even survive in the wild if it had to. I bet it’s still looking for us.”
