Next Man, Better Plan novel Chapter 105

Tobias finally understood.

Jonathan’s eyes were downcast. “She was holding her family’s hands as they walked by. Perhaps my appearance was too frightening, because her two older brothers instinctively shielded her between them. They had already walked a fair distance away.”

Jonathan stopped halfway through his story.

He gently closed his eyes.

The nine-year-old boy was leaning against the wall, one leg bent, his head resting between his knees.

It was winter, yet he wore only thin clothes. The biting wind cut through his skin, and the blood on his wounds had frozen solid.

A little girl, taking small steps, slowly approached him.

“Why don’t you see a doctor if you’re sick?”

No response.

The nine-year-old Jonathan merely lifted an eyebrow, gave her a cold glance, and buried his head between his knees again.

Back then, Stephanie had two little pigtails, her doll-like face so delicate that the wind turned it red.

It was obvious she was well-protected by her family.

Jonathan knew very well that someone like him and a girl like her were different.

They were from two different worlds.

He thought the little princess would leave after being ignored, but instead, she moved closer and sat down beside him.

A small head appeared in Jonathan's vision once more.

Her eyes were full of innocence. She gently touched his fingers, which were already ice-cold. “I’m a doctor. Let me bandage you up, okay?”

Her small hands were soft and warm. As she spoke, she placed her bunny backpack on her lap and took out a bandage, a cotton swab, and a small bottle of some unknown medicine.

She looked quite professional as she applied the ointment to his wounds.

It was clear she had played house many times.

The pink ointment had a strong, cloying fragrance.

Not wanting the atmosphere to get too heavy, Tobias started singing her praises again.

Speak of the devil.

Tobias was facing the police station from where he sat. His eyes suddenly widened, and he pointed towards the entrance.

“Jonathan, isn't that Stephanie?”

At his words, Jonathan looked over.

Stephanie was wearing an off-white knit dress, her silky hair cascading down her back. Her aura was particularly striking; even in the dim light of the late night, she was instantly noticeable.

“Is Stephanie here at the station to see you?” After saying that, Tobias suddenly realized something wasn't quite right.

He covered his mouth in shock. “Holy crap! Don’t tell me Stephanie is here to bail out that scumbag Quennel! Are they trying to rekindle an old flame?”

Before he could finish, he felt an icy gaze from beside him and immediately fell silent.

He was done for. He really wanted to slap himself across the face. What the hell had he just said?