“It’s fine, we were just chatting. No need to apologize,” Leon quickly reassured Claire.
Emily stepped in to change the subject. “By the way, weren’t you going to settle your bill? Let me total it for you.”
“Thanks.” Claire finally relaxed a little, thanking Leon before turning to Emily and listing what she had ordered.
“Alright, miss, your total comes to 22G.” After finding Claire’s bill and confirming the prices, Emily quoted the amount.
Claire nodded and began searching the pockets of her coat for her wallet.
But after fumbling for a bit, her expression froze. The wallet she normally kept in her right pocket was missing!
She suddenly remembered—when she changed clothes after work, she had left her wallet in her locker and forgotten to take it. Panic began to set in.
This was her first time eating at the Starfruit Saloon. Everything here was unfamiliar to her. She wanted to explain to Emily, but worried it would sound like she was making excuses.
Just as cold sweat began forming on her forehead and she struggled to speak, Claire noticed Leon pulling out 22G and handing it to Emily.
“I’ll cover her bill. Let’s just call it thanks for her support earlier. After all, it’s rare to find someone who understands my point of view—it’s something worth being happy about.”
Claire’s face turned bright red—not from shyness, but from embarrassment.
She knew Leon must have noticed her awkward situation and was deliberately stepping in to help. His words were clearly meant to give her a way out without losing face.
She felt deeply grateful. After all, they had only met a few times, exchanged a few words—not even friends, perhaps not even acquaintances. Yet here was a near-stranger helping her. And to make matters worse, he happened to be a very good-looking man, which only made her feel even more mortified.
She didn’t blame Leon for her embarrassment; she blamed herself, over and over, feeling as if she wanted to sink into the floor.
Staying here any longer would only make it worse. She decided it was best to leave quickly. But before going, she walked over to Leon and said softly, “Thank you. I’ll pay you back.”
Without waiting for his reply, she covered her face and practically fled.
Watching her hurried escape, Leon chuckled and shook his head, not taking her words too seriously.
To him, it was just a small matter. 22G wasn’t much, and if it could help someone out of a tight spot, then it was a good deed done.
Emily couldn’t resist teasing. “Leon, I didn’t know you were such a gentleman.”
“I’d like to think that if I ever forgot my money and you were there, you wouldn’t just stand by, right?” Leon replied with a smile.
“Haha, true enough. But we’re friends. That lady—are you friends with her too?” Emily asked with a grin.
“Not really. We’ve only met a few times. But that doesn’t stop me from helping her. What can I say? I’m a good guy.” Leon shrugged.
“That’s exactly why I called you a gentleman,” Emily added.
“Gentleman it is, then.” Leon accepted the term easily.
After all, in this world, “gentleman” still carried its original meaning, unlike in his own world where ACG circles had twisted it into something else. In Emily’s mouth, it was a compliment.
They chatted a little longer, then soon forgot about the incident. When Gus brought Leon’s order, he quickly polished it off, paid his bill, said goodbye to Emily, and left the Starfruit Saloon.
But just as he mounted his bike to head home, someone stepped in his way.
It was Claire—the same Claire who had fled earlier.
“Mr. Leon, may I have a moment?” she asked softly, seeing his puzzled look.
She pulled out her wallet, then produced two banknotes and two coins, holding them out to him with both hands. “This is for the meal you covered earlier. I’m here to pay you back.”
“Mm.” Leon didn’t refuse. He accepted the money without fuss.
It wasn’t about the amount—he didn’t care about that—but clearly Claire did. If taking the money back could ease her mind, then so be it.
“Thank you, Mr. Leon. Without your help, I don’t know what I would have done,” Claire said with relief, her face visibly relaxing.
“It’s no problem. I didn’t lose anything, and it’s good you found your wallet. I was half worried you’d have to sleep on the street tonight,” Leon said with a smile.
He wasn’t joking. He remembered that Claire didn’t live in Pelican Town—she commuted every day by bus from somewhere else. He had learned this one morning when he saw her get off at the bus stop on his way from the farm to town.
“Sorry to worry you. You really are a good person,” Claire said, smiling in return.
“Alright, no need for thanks. Just get some rest early.” Noticing the heavy dark circles under her eyes, Leon couldn’t help but advise her. If she didn’t start getting enough sleep, he worried he might someday hear news of her collapsing from overwork.
Even if they were only acquaintances, watching a familiar face work themselves to death would still be a heavy blow.
Joja Corporation really was awful—squeezing their employees to this point. Leaving Joja had been the right decision.
“Mm. Goodbye, Mr. Leon. Sweet dreams,” Claire said, glad for an easy way to end the conversation.
“Goodbye—and sweet dreams to you too.” Leon nodded.
Claire stepped aside, clearing the way. She didn’t leave, and Leon guessed it was because he was still there, so he rode off first.
A short way down the road, he glanced back and saw Claire walking in his direction. He turned forward again.
Claire, meanwhile, had noticed his glance and couldn’t help but smile to herself. Mr. Leon really is a gentle man.
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