Chapter 619: Buying You Candy

‘In that case, I don’t have to worry about the money for my bike repairs at all!’

“When is he going to pay?”

“It’s someone we know, so he won’t bail. You’ve been practicing constantly, so I’ll put all the wear and tear on a tab for you. When the actual race day comes, I’ll swap in a high-quality set for you!”

“Awesome! Now that we have the money, let’s go for the expensive stuff!”

“You got it!”

Jasper Rockwell ran a hand through his hair, then sat down on the front steps to watch the night sky while he waited for Zane Langdon.

…

Zane Langdon arrived at the food stall Jasper Rockwell had told him about. It was in a slightly out-of-the-way spot, so there weren’t many people around.

He took off his helmet, pulled on his face mask, and walked toward the stall.

“One order of fried rice noodles, and one of each of these skewers.”

“You got it! Our grilled lamb and beef skewers are specialties here. Want to give them a try?”

“He doesn’t eat lamb,” Zane Langdon murmured to himself.

“Huh?” The owner hadn’t heard him clearly and asked again, “Want to try a few skewers?”

“Ten beef skewers,” Zane Langdon said, his gaze shifting to the interior of the small shop where a few tables and two coolers were set up. “And two cans of beer.”

“Help yourself to whatever you want.”

Zane Langdon walked into the small shop, opened a cooler, and grabbed two cans of beer.

“Wow, you’re so handsome!” a small, childish voice suddenly piped up.

Zane Langdon looked over and saw a little girl sitting on the counter. She was sucking on a lollipop and smiling sweetly at him.

“Do you sell lollipops here?”

“The lollipops aren’t for sale! But if you want one, I can give you one.” The little girl pulled a lollipop out of a small, pink cloth pouch.

“What flavor do you like?”

“Do you have any that are extra sweet?”

“Then I won’t give you the orange-flavored one. I think the cantaloupe flavor is the sweetest, and I happen to have one. Here.”

Zane Langdon reached out and took it. “Thank you.”

“You’re welcome.”

Zane Langdon walked back outside with his items and waited for a bit. Once his order was ready, he paid and rode off on his motorcycle.

Jasper Rockwell heard the sound of an engine and smiled as he watched Zane Langdon approach.

He was propped up on his elbows, half-reclining on the steps, one foot swinging contentedly in the air.

Zane Langdon parked his motorcycle, took off his helmet and cradled it in one arm, and walked over to Jasper Rockwell with the food in his other hand.

“That was fast!” Jasper Rockwell took the food and unwrapped the foil. “It’s hot!”

Zane Langdon took the food from him, set down a few empty containers he’d brought, and began transferring the items into them.

“You really think of everything! You even brought containers.” Jasper Rockwell’s eyes were glued to the food.

“Here.” Zane Langdon handed him something else.

He thought it was a pair of chopsticks, but when he took it, he froze.

‘A lollipop?’

He looked up at Zane Langdon, completely baffled.

‘Zane Langdon bought him a lollipop?!’

“The owner’s little daughter gave it to me. If you don’t want it, fine.”

Jasper Rockwell immediately unwrapped the lollipop and popped it into his mouth. The sweet flavor that filled his mouth was satisfying beyond words.

“That little girl is so grumpy! How’d you get her to give you a lollipop? You didn’t wear your mask, did you?”

“I did.”

“That can’t be right. Am I that bad-looking? Why the huge difference in treatment?” Jasper Rockwell looked incredulous.

Zane Langdon ignored him, popping open a beer and sitting down on the steps as well.

“If you’re only doing this race to pay me back, you don’t have to,” Zane Langdon said quietly.

“If it were just about paying you back, I’d just sell my bike. This is for my dream!”