"Ahem... If it’s really for Mr. Li Wei... then that’s a different story," the salesman said, standing up and straightening his suit. "Sir, I really don’t have the authority to approve this price. Please wait a mont while I go to the office and call my boss for instructions."
Before leaving, he thoughtfully served Don Quixote a cup of coffee, then quickly walked toward the break area in the back, quote sheet in hand.
Don Quixote watched the salesman’s back, knowing full well he was just going out the back door for a smoke.
He craned his neck to look. Sure enough, in the reflection of the showroom’s side window, Don Quixote could faintly see the salesman standing at the entrance to the back alley. He was next to a snowdrift, a cigarette between his fingers, puffing away while gesturing animatedly to a colleague. Every so often, he would even mi cradling a ball and tossing it high. There was no phone in his hand at all.
Five minutes later, the salesman returned, face flushed and reeking of tobacco smoke that he had clearly tried to air out.
"So, did you go out the back to ’get instructions’ from your boss?" Don Quixote asked. "What’s the verdict?"
"It was a bit warm, so I went out for so fresh air," the salesman said. "Sir, I argued until I was blue in the face with my boss. Turns out he’s a huge football fan, too. As soon as he heard it was for Li Wei, he decided to go all out! He said since he’s a future star, our dealership absolutely has to build this relationship!"
"Alright," Don Quixote said, pulling out his bank card and holding it between two fingers. "Enough with the act. Just tell the terms."
The salesman gave a sly grin and rubbed his hands together.
"The price is just as you said, 169,000, not a cent more. But my boss has a small, personal request," the salesman said, pushing a pen and paper in front of Don Quixote. "After Mr. Li Wei gets the car, could you please ask him for an autograph? He wants it personalized."
A personalized autograph ant it had to be dedicated to soone by na with a short ssage, not just a simple signature.
"...Alright," Don Quixote said after a mont’s thought. "What exactly should it say?"
"It should say, ’To Eisen David, wishing you happiness every day,’" the salesman said. "That’s what the boss wants."
Don Quixote glanced at the na tag on the salesman’s chest.
Eisen David.
...
When Don Quixote got ho, Li Wei was just pulling up in the Cadillac Escalade.
He had just delivered so essential supplies to Arthur, who lived in the tunnels. It wasn’t just the dry socks and batteries Arthur had asked for, but also so baby wipes and bandages, all of which cost a little over 50 USD.
He wasn’t trying to change anyone’s destiny, and he didn’t consider himself a bleeding heart, but since he’d seen the situation, he was willing to help out as long as it didn’t inconvenience him.
"What’s up?" Li Wei asked, seeing the smug look on Don Quixote’s face. "Sothing good happen?"
"Nothing," Don Quixote said, shaking his head. "By the way, your 18th birthday is this weekend. Any plans on how you’re going to celebrate?"
"Anya and I are going out for dinner," Li Wei said. "Why, Uncle? Is there sothing you need to do?"
"Nothing," Don Quixote said, patting his shoulder. "Just wanted to wish you a happy birthday in advance."
Li Wei was a bit confused. "Thanks," he said.
He would soon find out why.
Early the next morning, Li Wei was woken up by a phone call.
"Nephew, co on out and take a look," Don Quixote’s voice ca through the phone. "Are you still sleeping?"
"What’s going on?" Li Wei said, still half-asleep. "Couldn’t you just knock on my door if you needed sothing?"
"Enough with the questions," Don Quixote said. "Just look out your window."
Li Wei jumped out of bed, walked to the window, and stared—
A brand-new, GT Silver 911 was parked in front of the house. Don Quixote stood beside it, looking up smugly at Li Wei on the second floor.
"I see you bought a 911," Li Wei said. "Congratulations, Uncle. It was definitely ti to replace that old clunker of a Toyota."
"That old thing has been my trusty companion for over 10 years; it’s not ti to retire her yet," Don Quixote said with a smile. "This car is for you."
Li Wei froze.
"Happy 18th birthday, a little early. I won’t disturb your weekend with Anya," Don Quixote said, then paused. "And I love you, kid."
"You don’t have to say that," Li Wei said, also pausing. "Thank you, Uncle. I love it."
"Alright, enough talk," Don Quixote said with a laugh. "Hurry up and co down to try out your new car. I made 150,000 from your signing bonus, and I spent 170,000 on this car. How’s that for a deal, huh?"
"More than enough," Li Wei said as he threw on so clothes. "You didn’t agree to any weird conditions, did you?"
"They just need a signed photo from you, a personalized one," Don Quixote said. "That’s not a problem, is it?"
"What kind of photo?" Li Wei asked as he ca downstairs. "No nudes. Just putting that out there."
...
「A few days later, in the restaurant of the Aman Club in Manhattan.」
Under the tablecloth, Anya gently touched Li Wei’s knee.
The candlelight in the restaurant stirred her desire.
She suddenly recalled that the last ti she’d been to this club’s restaurant was when her father had flown to New York.
’What would Dad think if he knew about our plans for after dinner?’ she thought, feeling a little dizzy. She and Li Wei clinked glasses again, and she took a large gulp of champagne.
One of the nice things about being in a private club’s restaurant was that no one would refuse to serve her alcohol because of her age.
Li Wei was looking at the nu when he felt the top of Anya’s foot against his calf—she was casually, yet intentionally, brushing it against his leg and knee.
"What do you want to eat?" Li Wei asked, looking up at Anya. "I’m having the steak."
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