Chapter 17: I Am a Robber
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"Don't get me wrong, I'm here to return some books."
Bundchen pointed to the back seat, where a stack of fashion magazines lay.
"I told you to keep them."
"Borrowing and returning, I still want to borrow some more from you."
"Welcome!"
Richard smiled.
"Have you been busy these past few days?"
Bundchen asked casually as she held the steering wheel, eyes on the road.
"Yes, there's a boxing match this weekend. The opponent is strong, so I've been training at the gym."
"The injuries on your face are from training too?"
Bundchen glanced at him.
"Yes."
Richard pulled down the rearview mirror to look at himself, "Does it make me less handsome?"
"Pfft~ You were never handsome to begin with!"
Bundchen covered her mouth with her wrist to stifle a laugh.
"You really don't know how to lie!"
"Vain!"
Bundchen rolled her eyes but then restrained her smile.
Richard chuckled softly, turning his gaze to her. The eighteen-year-old girl had her hair in a ponytail, wore light makeup, and had a sprinkling of freckles, looking like the girl next door.
"What are you looking at?"
Bundchen brushed her hair from her face.
"You are beautiful. In this world, probably only I can compare to you."
"Ugh, you are so shameless!"
Bundchen pouted, her cheeks secretly flushing.
Richard smiled gently, "After you left last time, I thought about many things."
"Like what?"
"Like you. I thought you wouldn't come here again."
"Why?"
"This place is too poor. I thought you wouldn't like it here."
Richard looked out the window at the street.
"You're not me, how would you know what I like or don't like?"
Bundchen said discontentedly.
"So, do you like it?"
Richard quietly watched her.
"My home is in Horizonte, southern Brazil, not far from a slum. It's worse than here."
Bundchen said as she looked at the street.
"Really?"
Richard smiled lightly and looked at Bundchen, "Then I will keep calling you. You won't mind, will you?"
"Very much. Without your calls these days, my ears have been quite peaceful."
Bundchen said, curling her lips.
"Refusal is invalid. I like to be pushy."
Richard smiled.
"Jerk, you are a robber and a self-righteous big dummy."
Bundchen cursed.
"Haha, you're right. I am a robber!"
Richard took her hand.
"Refusal is invalid!"
---
"Hey! Hey! We're eating here, don't keep pouting, okay?"
At the dinner table, Anthony knocked on his plate.
"Am I?"
Richard looked up.
"You tell me."
Anthony curled his lip, "What's with you these days? Always grinning like an idiot by yourself. How are you supposed to fight in this state?"
"This state is the best state."
Richard said as he ate his steak.
"Can you tell me what good thing happened to you?"
Anthony asked curiously.
"Do you know Bundchen came by yesterday?"
"I know, did you sleep with her?"
Anthony asked curiously.
"No, but we had a great chat today."
"Really, just a chat? Worth this much happiness?"
Anthony curled his lip.
Richard shook his head. Everyone's joy and sorrow are different, and he was too lazy to explain.
"Why are you here? To mooch food?"
"The match is about to start, are you ready?"
Anthony squinted his little eyes at him.
"Of course. I am confident about this match."
"Really?"
Anthony frowned, "Everyone thinks you are no match for Montell. You better work hard. Don't let a woman distract you."
"Do you think I'm you? Look at yourself. Did you go to the nightclub again last night?"
Richard glanced at him while sipping tea.
"Hehe, nightclubs are lively, with many beauties. I'm not like you, always training alone, burying yourself in books. Let's go, no more talking. The match venue is ready. Let's check it out."
"OK!"
After eating, Richard and Anthony drove to Star Park.
Star Park is in the lower reaches of the Bronx River, near the southwestern estuary. The park covers over three hectares, featuring a botanical garden, a baseball field, an exhibition hall, and an indoor basketball court.
This weekend's boxing match will be held in the indoor basketball court, one of the designated boxing venues by the New York State Sports Committee.
With the match happening tomorrow, Richard wanted to check out the venue.
This match is organized by Andy's Starlight Sports Entertainment Promotion Company.
They started setting up the venue last week, and today it's almost ready. The gymnasium has two levels with over five thousand seats. In the center, there's a standard boxing ring with a referee's seat.
On the overhead beams, four or five staff members were adjusting the lights, cameras, sound system, and air conditioning.
Swish!
As Richard stood in the boxing ring, a bright spotlight shone on him. He raised his arms, closed his eyes, and seemed to hear the tsunami-like applause and cheers.
"Richard, go! Richard, go!"