Chapter 77 Codename 3088
Alexander looked at the two of them with a strange expression and asked, "How did you two become friends?"
Emily chuckled. "When I got off work and came back, I saw him trying to pry open my door. I asked him what he was doing, and he said he wanted to borrow some food."
Hearing this, Alexander turned his head and saw the kid sitting on the bed eating pasta. "Why did you steal from the neighbors?"
The little boy, who had tanned skin with long hair and a dirty face, looked at Alexander and said, "I didn't steal, but I borrowed. I was hungry and couldn't find anyone, so I had to look around for something to eat."
"Prying open someone's door without asking. Is that borrowing?" Alexander smacked the kid on the head. "If you keep this up, don't blame me for throwing you out."
"I really am borrowing. I plan to return it tomorrow," the little boy said, wolfing down the food and pretending to be mature. "I appreciate her kindness; I'll definitely repay her tomorrow."
Alexander was taken aback. "Surviving is already a problem for you."
"This little guy is so funny; we've been chatting for a while." Emily squinted her big eyes and asked with a smile. "Kid, what are you going to give me in return for the pasta tomorrow?"
"Everyone has their own way of surviving. If I say I'll return it, I will. Why are you asking so many questions?" The little boy rolled his eyes.
Hearing this, Alexander also rolled his eyes and turned to Emily. "I found him in the snow in the unplanned area. Probably no one is looking after him, so it's normal for him to act like a wild donkey."
"You have a kind heart," Emily said, looking at Alexander with some surprise.
"Well, I happened to come across him." Alexander changed the subject lightly. "Have you eaten?"
"I ate at work." Emily stood up and stretched. "By the way, I washed the gloves you lent me last time. Wait a moment, and I'll get them for you."
"Did you buy new gloves?" Alexander asked.
"I've been so busy lately, I haven't had time to buy any." Emily pouted. "I haven't gone shopping in a long time, and I have to go back to Stardust City next month."
"Then keep the gloves; they're a gift." Alexander grinned. "I actually have a favor to ask you."
"Go ahead. What is it?"
"When you go back to Stardust City. Could you bring me some cosmetics?" Alexander took out a list from his pocket. "A friend asked me to help. Just follow the list. I'll give you the money in a day or two."
Hearing this, Emily looked at Alexander mischievously. "Buying for your girlfriend? Miss Andrew?"
"Get lost."
"Are you dating someone?" Emily asked again.
"No, just a regular friend." Alexander stood by the cabinet and, for some reason, suddenly asked, "Why are you asking, are you jealous?"
Emily's face instantly turned red. "You're crazy. I wouldn't be jealous over you."
With that, Emily turned and left.
Alexander watched Emily's graceful figure and suddenly called out, "He's eating. How about I come to your room to chat?"
"Get lost!" Emily shouted back crisply and quickly walked back to her room, shivering from the cold.
"You're really annoying," the little boy said, blinking his big eyes and looking at Alexander.
Alexander turned around, took out a cigarette from his pocket, and asked, "What's your name?"
"My name is Luke Johnson, but my friends call me Luke," the little boy said, drinking the pasta soup and sweating profusely.
Alexander sighed, looked around his shabby home, and said, "You can see. My life isn't great either, but it's fate that we met. You can stay here for a while, and I'll try to find you a job later. That's the best I can do."
Luke put down the bowl, looked up at Alexander with a very serious expression, and said in a deliberately mature tone, "You saved my life, so from now on, we're like brothers. I'll do whatever you ask."
"Then start by washing the bowl. I'll get you some hot water," Alexander instructed, "After washing, return the bowl to Emily and be polite."
Hearing this, Luke was immediately unhappy. "I won't do women's chores."
Alexander was taken aback. "I'm not going to serve you. Go wash the bowl now!"
"I..."
Alexander slapped him. "Hurry up."
An hour later.
With the lights out, Alexander gave Luke a bath in a wooden tub and then used his razor to shave Luke's head.
Luke, full and satisfied, was getting sleepy and sat quietly in the chair.
"How old are you?" Alexander asked.
"18."
"Don't lie, tell the truth."
"I'm 15."
Alexander rinsed the razor. "Why were you sleeping in the snow that day?"
"I ran away from Ridge Hill, and I ran out of food. It was cold, and I was too tired, so I fell asleep in the snow." Luke's body and face were covered in frostbite. The warmth of the room made him itch, and he unconsciously scratched his skin raw. He was so weak that he limped when he walked, looking very pitiful.
"Why did you go to Ridge Hill?"
"My brother took me there." Luke paused for a moment but remained calm as he continued, "We were looking for rare ingredients and catching some animals."
"Are there still animals in the mountains?"
"Yes, but you have to go deep," Luke said flatly, "Last month, we went deep into the mountains. The snow pits were several feet deep. The trafficker boss was behind us with a gun, making us go in to dig for ginseng. Everyone was scared and didn't dare to go, so he shot three people, including my big brother."
Alexander was stunned.
"I'm still young and can't take revenge yet, but one day, I'll bury that boss's head in the snow pit where my brother died." Luke said softly, still without any emotional fluctuation.
Alexander frowned and continued shaving his head under the dim light.
"My brother died, and whenever I sleep in the shed, I think of him." Luke lowered his head slightly. "I was afraid I'd keep thinking of him, so I ran away at night and then met you."
"What about your parents?" Alexander asked, his voice trembling.
"They got separated during the riots before District Nine was established. They're probably dead by now."
"Just like me." Alexander paused for a moment and responded in a teasing tone.
Luke was taken aback. "Then we really are fated."
"Do you want revenge?" Alexander asked nonchalantly.
"He killed my only family. Of course, I want to kill him," Luke said without hesitation.
"Then live well." Alexander nodded.
Under the dim light, Luke's dirty hair fell to the ground. In no time, he was bald, and Alexander noticed four tattooed numbers on his neck. "3088. What does that mean?"
"In the mountains, during an avalanche, everyone gets buried. There are too many of us, and we're managed in teams. The boss can't remember everyone, so he uses numbers. If something happens, he checks the numbers at night to see who's missing," Luke cursed, "We're hoes, baskets, tools for digging ginseng, but not people."
When Alexander heard this, his eyes reddened, and he was reminded of his past. He patted Luke's head and said, "Your words are really heartbreaking."
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