The Young Man

Alex wasn't sure what to make of the young man next to him.

He wore a tight gray robe with deep blue lining and a bright white sash around his waist. His face was slightly pointed at the chin, with a small nose. His bright red hair was short as if cut just today, and made him look rather handsome.

But at the moment, all Alex could wonder was what the man was trying to say.

"This ingredient is bad?" Alex asked.

"Yeah, it's not very good," the young man said. "If you want to buy a good ingredient, buy this one."

He pointed to a small pulp of some sort of citrus fruit.

Alex looked at the pulp for a full second before turning back toward the young man. "Why would I want to buy that pulp when I'm trying to buy the flower?" he asked.

"Oh… because it is better?" the young man asked.

Alex was confused for a second. Was this man joking? Was he playing a prank on him by saying the most absurd thing he can think of?