Chapter 25: Friends, Did I Do the Right Thing

Staring at the money in Zhao Jie’s hand, both Liu Cheng and Third Brother were dumbfounded. They had thought defeat was inevitable this time, yet, to their astonishment, they had actually won.

“Ah Jie, am I dreaming?” Liu Cheng’s expression was dazed. He could hardly believe that Agumon had truly managed to defeat that Yako-mon—it was simply unbelievable. He’d already prepared himself to comfort Zhao Jie after a loss.

But the outcome had turned out to be such a reversal.

“Here, Third Brother, this is four hundred yuan, take it,” Zhao Jie drew four hundred from the pile and handed it to Third Brother, who was still in shock.

“Little Jie, just give me back my original two hundred, I can’t take the extra,” Third Brother recovered, shaking his head gently. He had already resigned himself to losing the money, never expecting the result to match Zhao Jie’s earlier words—that it was only a temporary loan.

“Third Brother, just take it. This is what you deserve.” Without giving him a chance to refuse, Zhao Jie stuffed the four hundred yuan into Third Brother’s hand, then turned his gaze to Liu Cheng.

“Just give me my original three hundred. As for the rest, how about we treat ourselves to a good meal tonight?” Liu Cheng waved his hand, quickly interjecting.

That seemed reasonable.

Zhao Jie thought it over and let it go, knowing Liu Cheng would never accept more. Insisting might damage their friendship.

He pulled out a hundred-yuan note and looked at Agumon, who had returned to his side and was staring at him with wide eyes.

“Agumon, this hundred is yours, but I’ll keep it for you.”

Agumon: ????

Hearing this, Agumon’s forehead seemed to sprout countless question marks. Why did this feel like a scam?

“Ahem, brother, could you return my hundred yuan?” As Zhao Jie was dividing the winnings, someone walked up, cleared his throat, and fixed Zhao Jie with an intense gaze.

Hmm?

Zhao Jie, Liu Cheng, and Third Brother all paused, turning to look at the newcomer.

“Your hundred yuan? We didn’t take your money, did we?” Liu Cheng looked at the man who had stepped out of the crowd, puzzled.

“Ahem, you didn’t, but Wang Jun did—he won a hundred from me. The money you have now includes my hundred. Little brother, you’re so skilled, able to defeat Wang Jun, so could you return my hundred yuan?” Upon hearing this, Zhao Jie understood: this guy had lost a bet to Wang Jun earlier, and now, seeing Zhao Jie win, he wanted his money back.

Tsk, tsk, that’s some thick skin.

“I’ll give you a banana peel—do you want that? I’ve never seen someone so shameless! You lost your money and now you come to us to ask for it? Did we win your bet? That’s hilarious.” Before Zhao Jie could speak, Liu Cheng jumped in, launching his tirade.

“I’ve never seen such brazen shamelessness!” Still feeling unsatisfied, Liu Cheng added another jab.

“If you’re not giving it, fine, what’s with all the shouting?” The man left, disgruntled.

“The world is vast—there really are all kinds of people.” Zhao Jie sighed as he watched the man’s retreating figure. He hadn’t expected to meet someone as “lucky” as Wang Jun today, and now another marvel shows up.

“By the way, Third Brother, when do you get off work? Let’s have a meal together.” After sighing, Zhao Jie turned to Third Brother and asked.

Third Brother was a decent sort. They’d just met, yet he was willing to help with money. It was only right to treat him to dinner.

Besides, since the money was earned, it would be a waste not to spend it.

“I’ve got a few hours left, until five in the afternoon,” Third Brother replied without refusal. He’d noticed this kid was a bit unusual, and who knew what he might become in the future. And as an ordinary person, being able to befriend two Digimon Tamers was something to brag about.

“Alright, let’s have dinner together, then.” Once the plan was set, Third Brother left, and the crowd that had gathered dispersed. The excitement was over, nothing else to see.

“Ah Jie, your Agumon is amazing! You have to help me train my Betamon. Whether I get into a good university depends on you, brother!” Liu Cheng’s eyes sparkled as he looked at Zhao Jie. No wonder he had an A-level talent—he was truly strong.

“No problem!” Zhao Jie agreed readily. As he met Zhao Jie’s gaze, Betamon shivered inexplicably. My foolish partner, why don’t you ask for my opinion?

“Agumon, help Betamon with training.” Agumon’s eyes lit up at the command, and a mischievous look appeared as he glanced at Betamon, who was perched on Liu Cheng’s shoulder.

My foolish little brother, today I’ll give you a proper lesson.

“I think... I don’t need to rush into training.” Betamon looked at Agumon, feeling resistant inside.

If it were Zhao Jie, Betamon could reluctantly accept it, but Agumon? That was truly hard to swallow.

Must I, Betamon, the sage among Digimon, live under the shadow of this glutton?

No, I must be brave enough to say no.

“I don’t care what you think; I care what I think.” No sooner had Betamon finished speaking, Liu Cheng took over, pulling Betamon off his shoulder. Can he admit that his shoulder was getting sore?

“Betamon, work hard, harder, hardest!” With a cheer and a thumbs-up, Liu Cheng retreated to the side.

In the arena, Betamon looked at Agumon with tears almost ready to fall.

Betamon: Don’t come any closer.

Agumon: My foolish little brother, I’m here to help you.

Betamon: If you come any closer, I’ll shock you!

Agumon: Go ahead, shock me! You won’t hit me anyway!

Agumon barreled after Betamon, and throughout the arena you could hear Betamon’s roars, despair, and tears of regret.

I really am foolish. Truly.

Had I known Agumon was this fierce, I, Betamon, should never have stepped out that door.

“Will this really help with training?” At the edge of the arena, Liu Cheng watched Agumon and Betamon, voicing his existential doubt.

“It should. Betamon never exercises, so running more can help train its speed.” Zhao Jie coughed, pretending to be serious.

“That makes sense. It’s too lazy most of the time.” Rubbing his shoulder, Liu Cheng nodded in agreement.

Agumon, in pursuit, glanced back at Zhao Jie and Liu Cheng.

Play me a song about the righteous path.

PS: It’s been a while since I’ve asked for votes, friends. Please drop a recommendation, and I’ll play you a song about the righteous path.