The King Of Noookie

Episode Two: Money Hunt

"He picked up the phone and replied to the mysterious message, which claimed he had won a jackpot of two hundred million dollars. Desperate for good news, he quickly believed the message. Soon, another message from the same sender instructed him to go to the door and open it to claim his prize. He rushed to the door and flung it open. 'Aaah!' Mark exclaimed, startling him. 'It was you playing a prank on me!' 'Yeah, how was it? Awesome, right? Thanks!' Mark said with a grin. 'How could you do such a thing?' he asked, annoyed. 'How couldn't I?' Mark replied nonchalantly. 'By the way, how's your mom?' 'The doctor said her condition is deteriorating, and the bills keep piling up. I don't have any cash on me,' he said, his concern evident."

Mark felt guilty for playing a prank on Michael about money, considering the difficult financial situation his friend was facing. 'What's the plan?' Mark asked with concern. 'To look for a job,' he replied.

Without a doubt, Michael commenced preparing his job application materials, including letters, curriculum vitae, and educational certificates, for the next day's agenda. Mark proved invaluable in assisting Michael, helping him gather essentials like papers, pens, and ensuring the proper formatting of each document. The two diligent friends worked late into the night.As dawn broke, Michael, despite his exhaustion, quickly got ready for the challenging day ahead. He donned a fitting ebony suit with a crisp white shirt and a slim black tie neatly knotted in the middle.

Mark slept peacefully beneath a pile of scrapped papers filled with Michael's handwriting, which appeared to be sketches of his application letters and curriculum vitae. Michael didn't disturb his friend, choosing instead to leave the house and embark on his job search.

Under the scorching noon sun, Michael held onto his hopes of finding employment. After visiting twenty-two business centers, however, his luck remained elusive.

As the day wore on, Michael's optimism waned, and reality set in: perhaps he wouldn't find a job after all. By six o'clock, his search had yielded nothing.

Weary, Michael sat down on the roadside pavement, leaning against the wall of a fashion store. Feeling helpless, he watched the sun set, marking the end of a disappointing day.

Across the road, a coffee shop caught his eye. As fate would have it, his Uncle Peter, a financial benefactor to their family, entered the shop. Michael saw this as a timely opportunity to seek assistance.

Without hesitation, Michael crossed the road and boldly entered the coffee shop. As he scanned the crowded room, he struggled to spot Uncle Peter. Just as he was about to give up, Uncle Peter called out to him. Michael's face lit up with a smile as he joined his uncle.

Uncle Peter's eyes sparkled with delight as he hugged Michael tightly. "It's wonderful to see you, my boy!" he exclaimed. "Indeed, it's been far too long," Michael replied, returning the warm smile.

As they sat down, Michael felt uncertain about how to broach the sensitive topic that had brought him to the coffee shop. Fortunately, Uncle Peter asked about his mother, saving Michael from having to initiate the conversation.

"Mom's not doing well, Uncle Peter," Michael said, his voice tinged with sadness. "She's been hospitalized for the past six months." He paused before adding, "The doctors diagnosed her with leukemia."

Uncle Peter's expression turned somber. "I'm so sorry to hear that, Michael." He paused before asking, "Is there anything I can do to help?"

Michael took a deep breath before responding, "Actually, Uncle Peter, I was hoping to request another loan to help cover her medical bills. The current expenses are overwhelming, and I'm struggling to make ends meet."

Uncle Peter's smile slowly turned upside down as he listened to Michael's plea to borrow more money. The problem was that Michael's family still hadn't repaid the substantial amount they had previously borrowed from him.

"I'm sorry, Michael, but I'm afraid I won't be able to help you," Uncle Peter said, his voice laced with pain.

Michael's face fell as he heard Uncle Peter's response. He quickly knelt down and begged him to reconsider, pleading with him to help his family. Uncle Peter tried his best to stop Michael from begging, as it was starting to attract unwanted attention to them.

As much as he tried to keep his cool, Uncle Peter finally lost his temper. He rose from his seat and pushed Michael away, causing him to fall to the floor.

"I'm not lending you another penny until you pay what you already owe me," Uncle Peter shouted angrily. "Do I make myself clear? Now, go back to your ailing mother and don't bother me again until you have my money."

His outburst captured the attention of both the customers and employees in the coffee shop. The atmosphere was filled with shock and surprise. Uncle Peter stormed out of the shop, leaving behind a stunned silence.

Michael struggled to his feet, attempting to clean himself with his hands. Behind him, an elderly man dressed in a brown coat and wearing a brown round hat sat at a table, a used coffee cup in front of him.

"So, you need money, eh?" the old man inquired.

Michael turned around, still brushing himself off. "Yes," he replied.

The old man stood up, his movements deliberate. "I'm Doctor Temple," he said, extending his hand. Michael shook it, introducing himself briefly. "Michael Stone."

"Nice to meet you, Michael Stone," Dr. Temple said with a warm smile. "So, tell me, how badly do you need money?"

Michael's response was heartfelt. "Really badly."

Dr. Temple nodded sympathetically. "Okay, then. Come to this address tomorrow at eight o'clock in the evening." He handed Michael a card.

Michael took the card and began to read it, but his eyes widened as he realized the address was unusually familiar. He turned back to ask Dr. Temple about it, but the old man had already vanished.