Like the previous chapter, we are discussing an issue that occurred in the year 2036. With the existence of Maverick versus Anti Maverick, there will be many events that naturally make you wonder about what truly happened. But before that, we need to trace the origin of the cause and effect that shaped this era, which lies in Blank's past. Our understanding of Blank is still very basic without knowing this, and without it, it will be difficult to fully grasp the flow of the story. So let us begin.
Blank was a boy born on September 20, 2007. When he was still very young, he no longer had parents. At the age of five, Blank lived with his grandfather, a man whose face was already deeply wrinkled. Blank learned many things from an early age because he lived in a village far removed from the city. When Blank was eleven years old, he was already accustomed to climbing trees with his small hands. Even so, his palms were full of scars, cuts from kite strings. The boy was used to life in the village, along with the simple things that made him happy.
"Grandpa!"
The child's shout sounded almost like an ambulance siren rushing an emergency patient.
"Good grief ***, Grandpa is already old. Are you starting to get bored seeing Grandpa in this world?"
Why is it censored? Ah, right, that is Blank's real name. I will not reveal his real name before the right time.
"Hehehe, no way, Grandpa. I just wanted to tell you, I picked twenty coconuts earlier, and now I have money to buy a book!"
Yes, Blank truly loved stories. His days were spent helping people to earn money, because his grandfather taught him that money was merely a tool for transactions, not a burden in life.
"My goodness, you really love reading, ***. What book are you going to buy this time?"
"I found it yesterday. I hope it's still there. I forgot the title, but the cover seems to have a famous person on it."
Hohoho, look at my grandson, already growing up. If that's the case, Grandpa will get the bicycle first so I can take you there.
Of course, those words made Blank's face light up with joy. After his grandfather got the bicycle, they went together to the bookstore, chatting along the rural dirt road that guided them toward the shop near the main road.
"Grandpa, if Mom and Dad were still here, would they be proud of me? I can already earn money."
Hoho, they would be very proud. You've grown up, ***. Where did you learn how to make money? Grandpa hasn't taught you that yet.
"Ah, I read a book about cooperating to gain profit. I understand the basic concept, but there are so many technical terms in it. I think I need to read more books to really understand it, since I don't go to school, right, Grandpa?"
Yes, that is correct. Young Blank did not come from a wealthy family. His grandfather worked as a shoe repairman and construction laborer. His body had grown fragile now that he was over sixty years old, and there were many younger men who could replace him at any time. Yet his grandfather only had one small child to care for, Blank, who was still eleven.
"Haha, ***, you really grow up fast."
"Thank you, Grandpa!"
"My goodness, your voice is really loud. So what is your dream, ***?"
"My dream? I want to be rich and famous. I want to help children who are struggling so they can rise and fight again. I believe they can get through it."
Hoho, that's a good dream, ***, but it seems the first one who needs to rise and fight is you yourself.
"That's okay, Grandpa. I always believe in my dreams, and I will never underestimate others, especially those who also have dreams."
Such calming words from an eleven year old. People are born into different conditions and paths. No one truly knows what kind of future awaits them, but confidence and dreams are what will lead you to find the way forward.
At this point, Grandpa and Blank arrived at Blank's favorite shop. In truth, it was a secondhand bookstore, but Blank cherished it as dearly as jewelry worn by a woman.
"HUAH!"
"GRANDPA, THE BOOK IS GONE!"
"Oh dear, it seems today is not your lucky day, ***."
"This is an unlucky day. Oh well, I'll look for another book here."
"Alright then, Grandpa will wait for you outside."
"Yes, Grandpa!"
"My goodness, this child is so enthusiastic. Maybe you could become a soldier in the future."
Grandpa stepped outside and accidentally bumped into a young man at the door. He looked very young, perhaps just graduated from school. He seemed to be about eighteen years old.
"Oh, sorry Grandpa. My fault. I wasn't paying attention because I was thinking about books."
"Oh, it's alright, son. Please go in."
"Sorry, thank you."
The young man was quite tall, neatly groomed, wearing glasses. He clearly liked books, but if one were to call him a bookworm, his physique told a different story. His body looked trained, his posture upright.
Meanwhile, Blank was searching for a book he wanted to choose, and eventually found one that caught his interest.
"Wow, this looks cool. Ah, but my money isn't enough. Maybe I'll come back tomorrow after I earn more."
At the same time, there was a young girl who looked younger but was taller than little Blank. Yes, that can happen, since girls often reach puberty earlier than boys.
"Dad, can I buy this book?"
"You know, we could just go to the mall and get a new book. Why do you want such a worn out one?"
"Dad, you shouldn't judge a book by how it looks now. This is a book by a famous author. His name is Richie Lauren. He was famous in the 17th century."
"Oh my, my smart daughter. Viera has become so intelligent from reading books. Even Dad doesn't know that."
"So I'm going to take this book. It's no longer in production."
But when the little girl reached for the book, Blank grabbed her hand. Not because he liked her, but because it was the same book he wanted, the one he could not afford.
"Sorry, but I already saved this book to buy tomorrow. Could you let me have it?"
However, the one who answered was not the girl, but her father, who looked irritated. He blocked his daughter's view and slapped little Blank.
"You! Watch your hands. Do you think your filthy hands can just touch my daughter's clean hands? You poor brat."
Blank could only remain silent. Not out of fear, but because the words were true. Blank had learned a lot about himself, and he knew that his position as someone from the lower class made it very likely for him to be looked down upon by those of higher status.
Without hesitation, the father took the book and said, "Viera, let's go home. Dad has taken the book. Take this to the car while Dad pays first, okay?"
"Yes, okay Dad."
The little girl looked shocked and fell silent. Her expression showed fear from the shouting. She left, but not before glancing back at Blank, who had lowered his head, his right cheek red from the slap. Tears welled in her eyes, but she had no choice. She walked toward the car, a car that could easily buy the entire bookstore if they wanted to.
Blank stood still, thinking that this was something he deserved because of his status. Just as he was about to turn away, his movement stopped.
"It's okay, kid. You seem to like books. Why did you say you would buy it tomorrow?"
Blank looked at the man. He was young, the same person who had bumped into Grandpa earlier.
"I don't have enough money, sir. Sorry, I think I should go."
At that answer, the eighteen year old man with glasses raised one eyebrow, clearly surprised.
"Really? Where are you going?"
"I've read the book 'How to Negotiate.' I'm going to earn money this afternoon by picking bananas from a garden for someone."
The young man felt a sense of pride. I thought he would simply let Blank go, but instead…
"I thought you were just an ordinary kid. You look like an elementary school student, yet you're already working."
"I have to become rich and famous so I can help children who struggle in the future."
The young man was even more surprised. What Blank had just said was exactly the same thing he had told his grandfather earlier. And those eyes, eyes filled with seriousness and conviction. He believed in his dream at such a young age. Those were not the eyes of an ordinary child.
"Kid, do you want to be rich?"
Blank stopped and turned back to him.
"Of course."
Yes, those eyes were unmistakable. The eyes of someone who believed he could change the world were the eyes of someone who truly would.
"I have a book. The title is 'Shattering the Status Quo.' You can read it. It's a very good book. I brought it myself."
Blank, who had been sad moments ago, now showed a much brighter expression. His lips curved into a smile, his cheeks rounded, his eyes narrowing with joy.
"Really, sir?"
"Yes. This is for you."
"Really? What should I do? When I receive something, I should do something in return, right?"
"Hm, it seems there is a slight misunderstanding. Not everything has to be an exchange. Even when you give something to someone, you don't need to expect anything in return."
Little Blank felt deeply helped by those words. It felt like a teacher teaching a student at school, or like his grandfather, always guiding him carefully.
"But is that really okay?"
The young man smiled warmly. He felt he had given the right book. He bent down slightly since Blank was still short, ruffled his hair gently, like someone stroking a fluffy Angora cat.
"Maybe someday, you can do the same for the children you want to save."
That sincere smile touched Blank deeply, making him feel that this was one of the best days of his life.
"Oh, by the way, what is your name?"
"My name is ***."