2024-05-23 15:47:08Ethan carried his backpack with both hands while holding another large messenger bag. The bag was filled with his clothes. If it weren't for being forced out of his boarding house by the landlady, he wouldn't have realized he had so many clothes.
This time, there was no longer sadness on Ethan's face.
The thought of being able to confidently pay off his rent to the disrespectful landlady brought a unique sense of happiness to Ethan.
"Thank you, God. I believe all of this is also fate's intervention. Somehow this whole system emerged, and I feel like I'm a character in a fantasy novel. One thing's for sure, I'm incredibly grateful."
Ethan closed his eyes for quite a while, letting that positive energy continue to enter and influence him.
"It's true what people say, that gratitude only appears after a blessing arrives. If I hadn't been grateful and calm earlier, maybe a blessing like this wouldn't have been given by God. It might have been given to someone else instead."
Ethan murmured in his heart. Although he clearly wasn't an ordinary person anymore, he preferred to walk to a bus stop not far from his former boarding house.
At least Ethan wanted to enjoy the streets that had been his sanctuary for years.
It wasn't Ethan's intention to forget all the memories and stop renting at his old place due to the landlady who heartlessly took out his belongings.
However, Ethan felt the need for a fresher environment. He didn't want to remain in a place that constantly reminded him of painful past memories.
He vividly remembered how they used to come home together after work, and often Ricard would stay over and return to Ethan's place.
When they got hungry and the food supply at Ethan's place ran out, Ricard would readily suggest they eat out.
These small things they did together always brought smiles to both their faces.
When all trust had been fully given by Ethan to the man named Ricard, it turned out that the man had an unusual desire for him.
The desire to attain a position and be well-regarded by many, eventually replacing Ethan, who was notably active in the office, remained completely unread by the man until now.
Until finally, after everything had occurred, Ethan confronted the man about his closeness with him, with all reasons.
The friend whom he thought was like a brother turned out to be an unforgettable enemy for him, one that would remain in his memory until his last breath.
"It's enough for all the wounds and bitter memories that will never truly fade from this mind. I really don't want to remember it all anymore. It's enough, it stops here. I will leave everything behind. The wounds and memories."
Ethan had a strong determination in his heart. He no longer wanted to be entangled in the complexities of his life.
Metaphorically speaking, the man wanted to feel that he could emerge from the existing problems. Ethan wanted to stop remembering all those painful things.
Ethan wanted to move on, he didn't want to keep being stuck in place as if there was no other space for him.
"Thank you for everything. I leave behind all the memories and the past."
Ethan closed his eyes for quite a while. The man then continued to walk until he realized he had left his residential area.
The man had walked quite a distance from his home, or more precisely, his former boarding house.
If asked whether it was difficult for Ethan to declare his departure like that? Of course, Ethan would answer yes.
However, everyone has the right to leave and seek a new place when the old one no longer provides comfort.
If staying at that boarding house would only continue to make Ethan more hurt due to the memories shared with that despicable man, then it would certainly be much better for Ethan to leave from there first.
At least, it was his decision to leave everything behind before the suffocating feeling became overwhelming again.
"Mom! I'm cold. We don't have anything to cover my body?"
Faintly audible in the ear, Ethan. A voice shivering with pressure towards his mother suddenly entered his sense of hearing.
"Just give me a hug. You have to believe that my hug is more than enough of everything. Because out there, there are children who really want to be hugged by their parents, especially their mothers."
The mother then gave an answer. There was pain because she had to make excuses in order not to be too obvious in her lie to her child.
Ethan watched the mother and her child who seemed to be a scavenger. He could feel how the warm channel of love and affection enveloped the child and mother.
A smile that was so wide also seemed perfectly engraved on Ethan's face at this time. He felt happy when he saw the two mothers and children who understood each other.
"I think I know why I'm carrying an extra bag right now."
Ethan developed a smile that was so sweet on his face. His footsteps then led him towards the two figures that had been the object of his attention since earlier.
"Excuse me, Mother, Sister."
Ethan greeted the two figures with a tone of voice that sounded so friendly.
The two people who were still hugging each other then raised their faces to look at Ethan who was standing at that time.
"Yes, son? What's wrong? I beg you, it's okay for the two of us. We just live on the side of the road and don't have anything. Please don't rob anything from us."
From the look on her face, it didn't take long before the mother tightened her embrace on her son.
She seemed to be frightened, as she seemed to be traumatized by the fact that bad people might have wanted to do things to a poor woman like her in the past.
"Uh, don't be afraid mom. I have no ill intentions towards you and your son. Hmm.. introduce my name is Ethan. I feel very moved by the warmth that exists between this mother and sister. I missed my parents who are now rumored to have fallen ill. I remember my mom after I saw how much she loves and takes care of this little boy."
Ethan told everything to the elderly woman. Not a single word he said was a lie. Everything was real and nothing was fabricated by him.
"Can you trust me, dear?" The middle-aged woman's voice weakened slowly, a sign of her melting demeanor.
Ethan nodded in agreement to the woman's question.
"Of course. I would never do anything to harm you. In fact, I want to provide a little help with what I have, for you and your sibling. It might not be much, but hopefully it's enough to cover your daily needs."
Ethan handed over an envelope of money whose exact value he himself didn't know. The white envelope looked quite thick, and he placed the bag containing blankets and clothes near the young boy.
"I also have some clothes and a blanket that I hope will be useful for you and your sibling. It's all I can offer. I hope you can make the best use of it."
Ethan spoke before straightening up again, smiling at the two individuals who had touched his heart.
Remembering the genuine expression on the mother's face as she cared for her child, Ethan's thoughts continued to be occupied by the image of her.
Ethan then said his goodbyes, the echoes of gratitude lingering in his ears. He hurriedly made his way to the motorcycle taxi stand that would take him to the train terminal.
"Just the regular terminal, please," Ethan requested. He donned his helmet and carried only one bag on his shoulder. Ping!Without needing to open it, Ethan already knew the incoming message on his phone.
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The System of Power is Money Chapter 9
Part 9During the journey, Ethan kept reciting prayers he could read for his mother's safety.Ethan hoped for another chance to meet his mother. He longed to embrace her, care for her, and make her happy once again.He felt he hadn't fully made his mother happy yet."Here, sir!"Ethan then handed some bills to the motorcycle taxi driver. The driver seemed about to protest the extra money, but Ethan quickly signaled that he meant to give more.Ethan then hurried into the terminal and purchased his ticket.As predicted by Ethan's timetable, the train that would take him back to his hometown arrived shortly.Just like the others, Ethan also entered the train and took a standing position.He refrained from sitting since he noticed many elderly individuals who seemed to need the seats more.Thus, Ethan decided to stand. He didn't want those who needed the space more than him to end up standing."Well, what can I do. I'm fed up with that company. How can they accuse me of ruining their proj
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"There's no way I lost my phone on the train." Ethan kept searching, even turning over the pillows and mattress in his room.Since his arrival in his hometown, and learning of his Mother's passing, Ethan hadn't had a chance to check his phone. He had been busy with the funeral arrangements and mourning his late Mother for several hours. And now, Ethan finally needed his device.There was a sense of anxiety weighing on him, even though he still had cash savings for living in the village. Regardless, the money in his phone account was more substantial."Where is my phone?" Ethan left the room.He immediately headed to the kitchen, living room, and even his late Mother's bedroom. Ethan tirelessly searched every corner of the house. He even emptied the contents of his backpack."I could be in trouble if that phone is lost," Ethan muttered.Tired of searching and wanting to clear his head, Ethan returned to his room. He sat on the edge of the bed with his hands covering his face. Perhaps d
The System of Power is Money Chapter 11
"Sir? All passengers have disembarked, Sir. Please go ahead."Ethan, who had unknowingly fallen into a deep sleep since he boarded the bus that brought him back to the city, didn't even realize that he had arrived at the capital, the place where he would try his luck again.Ethan then got off the bus, being the only remaining passenger, carrying his backpack that was still faithfully on his back.A rather long sigh came out of Ethan's mouth. It wasn't anything, it's just that Ethan felt heavy-hearted at that time.He had lost his parents, and only his younger sister Amel remained as his family. However, due to Amel's ongoing education in the village, she refused Ethan's offer to join him in the city.Whether he liked it or not, Ethan was forced to leave Amel alone in the village. Previously, he had also paid a neighbor he trusted to look after his sister."In the name of Mr. Ethan?" asked a taxi driver, breaking Ethan's reverie.He then opened his phone, sure enough, the Gojek (ride-h
The System of Power is Money Chapter 12
"Are you just going to stay quiet? Don't you have any job to be proud of that you're standing like a mute in front of me?" Martin asked, throwing a disdainful look towards Ethan.The sudden situation left Ethan unsure of what action to take. Besides, he had never spoken intensely with his boss before; their interactions only occurred in group settings.Ethan also didn't understand why Citra suddenly pulled him into that woman's problem. What for? Citra could be alone with that arrogant man.As far as Ethan knew, Citra had always been indifferent towards everyone, including men who approached her. Women like Citra were typically focused solely on their careers, never considering a relationship that may or may not benefit them.Realizing that she hadn't briefed Ethan, Citra clicked her tongue inwardly; her impulsive act had dragged someone she hadn't even interacted with before into this.However, there was no undoing it now. Whether she liked it or not, she had to make use of this man'
The System of Power is Money Chapter 13
"You promised to buy me that expensive bag?" Milena asked sweetly, clinging to her boyfriend's arm. Hearing this, Richard smiled widely, nodding to indicate he would fulfill the woman's request."Of course, honey. I'll give you anything you want. But let me work first, okay? My boss is coming. So I need to go to the office for at least a little while," Richard said, making Milena look delighted. She then waved at the man, walking towards the luxury car Richard had just bought for her.Richard lowered his gaze, glancing at the watch on his left wrist. "Damn! I forgot about the time. Mrs. Citra has probably already arrived at the office. I need to hurry and meet her," he muttered, berating his negligence.Just as Richard was about to head back to the office across the street from the cafe, someone ran toward him in a rush."Sir! Sir!" the man cried, clearly out of breath.Seeing the young man's behavior, Richard immediately furrowed his brow, knitting his eyebrows to show his puzzle
The System of Power is Money Chapter 14
"Thank you, Aldo. Even though we won't be neighbors anymore. I'm glad I could meet a good person like you," said Ethan as he got off the motorcycle of a man named Aldo.Ethan really felt stuck before, he didn't know what to do or where to go. Until Ethan's memory brought him to the man who used to be his neighbor when he was still renting in the same housing complex as Aldo."Take it easy, Ethan. But, by the way. Does this mean you'll start living in this apartment? Wow, that's really something, Ethan. Now, you seem to be very successful," Aldo praised, looking towards the apartment gate which from the outside alone looked how luxurious the place was.One thing was certain, the apartment Ethan was renting now was much better than the housing complex Aldo lived in. So it's no wonder, just looking at the apartment made Aldo feel so amazed."Not really, Aldo. This apartment is the cheapest one and fits my budget. The room isn't big either, just right for living alone like me," said Ethan
The System of Power is Money Chapter 15
"Who are you? Should I tell you my business with Ms. Citra? You don't have the right to know anything," Ethan firmly stated with a challenging smile.Ethan's words succeeded in making Richard's emotions even more agitated. He felt insulted by the man."I don't even care about what you say anymore. Do whatever you want. But one thing is certain. You will receive retribution for every action you take with equal calculation," Ethan clarified his statement.Richard wanted to throw a raw punch straight at the man's face in front of him.However, it was also impossible for him to suddenly do such a thing. In order to maintain his dignity, Richard decided to leave, distancing himself from his emotions towards Ethan.Ethan sighed. No wonder he felt out of place there, it turned out Richard had read it all.Now, Ethan had no other choice. He could only keep walking aimlessly.The approaching darkness made Ethan anxious, if he still hadn't found a unit to live in, he might end up spending the n
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Ethan put down the file that Citra had previously given him. He handed it back without giving the response the woman in front of him wanted."I don't want to."Citra widened her eyes, not believing that those words came out of Ethan's mouth. What did the man mean by saying no? Wasn't it very clear what agreement they had made?"What do you mean? Don't want to? Didn't we agree to it?" Citra asked for an explanation.Ethan then nodded his head, confirming that this was their desire and the brief agreement they had made."I know. But, I don't need that large amount of money. You should keep it, use it to expand your company instead," Ethan said, rejecting one of the agreements in the contract.Hearing that, Citra immediately smiled wryly. As if stating that Ethan's words deserved to be belittled."Just stop. I also don't mind giving that. Consider it all as compensation. You don't need to feel like your dignity as a man is at stake. Don't worry," Citra replied, raising one leg to rest on
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Chapter 304
As promised to the woman, Ethan decided to go to Citra's house and talk to her parents.His hand, which was already holding several plastic bags filled with fruits, was immediately taken over by a household assistant when the man arrived at Citra's house. Citra, who was at the top of the stairs, immediately descended it, smiling when she saw that he was already at her house. This was something she had been waiting for, she was really happy that the person she loved would express his desire to marry her to her parents. "Your parents are there, right Citra?" Asked Etha after the two of them decided to sit on a fairly soft sofa in the living room.Citra wanted to answer, but suddenly from the other direction came the voice of Citra's father. "We're here, Ethan." Ethan turned his head towards our parents who were currently walking towards the two of them and decided to sit on the opposite sofa. Suddenly, the man's heart was unsafe in the presence of Citra's parents, as if he really fel
Chapter 303
After their romantic dinner, Ethan drove slowly towards Citra's house. But before he actually left he turned to Amel who was still on the terrace of the restaurant. "Come on Amel, let's go home together," said Ethan who couldn't possibly leave his sister alone at the restaurant.Amel smiled, of course she couldn't possibly interfere with the two of them being together. She then shook her head and said, "Don't worry, Ethan, I'll go with lecturer Malik. In a few minutes he will come to pick me up."Hearing the words from Amel made Ethan nod his head, he then decided to get into Citra's car, considering that Citra brought a car and there was no way if he let her drive alone. He then got into the car after making sure Citra was in the car. He then began to drive the car through the crowded city. While driving, Ethan occasionally turned his head towards Citra, feeling happy that she had accepted his feelings. Even though he had felt that she would not accept his feelings, especially sin
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For a long time Ethan waited for Citra's arrival who had yet to show her nose. He really felt worried if she didn't come to see him in the end. Even though he had tried to give his best to her. If she didn't come, what about her? Will he continue to wait like this and not express his feelings? Of course that can't happen. He had to keep expressing his feelings to her and hope that she would come soon and accept his feelings.Amel, who had been beside the man all along, of course knew what the man was worried about. It had been more than 10 minutes since the woman he was waiting for had shown her nose, and he was also afraid that she wouldn't come in the end. But Amel thought that the woman would definitely come, considering that she seemed so worried about her brother's condition and always tried to get close to him. But why she hadn't shown up yet made her feel worried."Why hasn't Citra come yet?" Amel muttered to herself. Her gaze continued to settle on the door of the restaurant,
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Tonight as planned, Ethan and Amel went to a restaurant that the man had booked in advance. Of course, this is because he wants to express his feelings to someone so special. That someone, of course, was none other than Citra. Tonight, he was going to express those feelings to her. He had been harboring his feelings for a long time, and it was time for him to express them. He didn't want her to leave him and choose to be with another man who was more serious. He must choose to be serious before someone else is serious to that woman."How is it, Brother Ethan? Are you ready now?"Of course, Amel as the younger sister of the man agreed with her brother's idea. She certainly wanted to see her brother happy together with the woman he loved. Moreover, she was a good woman who never left her brother under any circumstances, and she liked her very much. Besides being kind, she was also beautiful and very smart. There were so many women who envied that woman, and so many men who wanted to mak
Chapter 300
After a few days of hospitalization, Ethan decided to go home because he was now in a better condition than before. His gaze then turned towards a woman who was currently standing not far from him. The woman was none other than Citra who was staring at him while wearing a smile. Of course, Citra knew that this time they decided to go home because last night the man said he no longer felt at home in the hospital. Actually, Ethan still had to be treated in order to be really in good condition, but since he felt uncomfortable in the hospital, inevitably, Citra agreed to the man's request and chose to take care of him when at home. At least the man wouldn't feel bored if he was at home."We're going home now, right, Citra?"The man asked again because he was afraid that suddenly a doctor or nurse would try to get in the way. Ethan already felt tired and shouldn't be in a hospital like this which would only make him more tired. Actually, he wasn't doing anything and wasn't really doing muc
Chapter 299
Leona left the hospital with blurred eyes. She really felt sad because she got a rejection from the man who was supposed to be hers. How could that man reject her, after so many men wanted to have her and wanted to make her their lover? But what about that man? Yes, not affected by him at all. He should have had the same feelings as other men when he was close to her. But, unfortunately, that man seemed to have no heart.Leona, who continued to walk and saw nothing, suddenly bumped into a man who was just about to enter the hospital. The man was quite surprised when someone suddenly bumped into him. Luckily, he immediately tried to catch Leona who was about to fall or else she would have fallen on the floor."I'm sorry that I didn't see," Leona said, feeling a little guilty for suddenly realizing that she was trying to make a man fall because of her negligence.Without caring about the man, Leona decided to quickly walk away. In fact, she did not heed the man's calls at all. Meanwhile
Chapter 298
"Ethan, I have something to say to you, Ethan."After a long period of silence where it was just the two of them, Leona felt that this was her chance to express her feelings for him. After all, how long was she going to keep her feelings bottled up? The man in front of her had to know that she actually had feelings and wanted to be in a relationship. Even though he knew that the man liked Citra, but still, he should at least let him know that he had more feelings for the man and hope that those feelings would be reciprocated by the man.Ethan frowned in confusion, looking suspiciously at the woman in front of him. What was the woman going to ask? That is, what did she want to say? There seemed to be something quite important that the woman wanted to say, but somehow she was not ready to listen to it. However, refusing to listen didn't seem like a good idea, so inevitably she chose to nod her head, letting the woman say everything she wanted to say, even though she didn't like what the
Chapter 297
"How are you, Ethan? Are you okay?"Leona asked immediately when she was right inside the man's room. It appeared that the man was currently hospitalized, and he was on a bed with a smile on his face, as if nothing had happened to him. Though it was clear that the man had been kidnapped by someone unknown to Leona. She didn't know who had tried to kidnap the man. It seemed like she would ask later after having a short conversation with the man.Ethan smiled as he nodded his head. He knew that Leona had also helped search for him by mobilizing several men, as well as Leo who did not remain silent when he was in danger. The two of them were really instrumental in finding him, making him feel happy to have people close to him who were so kind and willing to look for him when in danger."I'm fine, Leona. Thank you for worrying about me."Leona just nodded her head. The woman decided to put down the fruits she had bought at a shop on the side of the road. She placed it right on the table,
Chapter 296
"Where am I?"Ethan's gaze turned right and left, trying to ascertain where he was. Last he remembered, he was in a stuffy warehouse where people were trying to torture him, let alone a fat man who was so creepy. But why was she in a place that was all white, as if it was a hospital? It was because she had come to the hospital before, and had even been a patient. But, how could he be in a hospital like this now? Shouldn't he still be in the warehouse?Those questions kept swirling in his brain until he finally caught the face of someone smiling at him. It was Citra, a woman who was always by his side when he was not well. She smiled as if she was happy to see him awake."Citra, how did I get here? Wasn't I in a warehouse before?" he asked, staring at the beautiful woman whose gaze was currently drawn to him.Citra gave him a smile. She then helped the man to sit up and rested his head right on the back of the bed. "It's a long story, Ethan. But everything is fine now. You're safe now.
