Chapter 8: A New Beginning
Chapter 8: A New Beginning
The black luxury sedan rolled quietly through the brightly illuminated streets of Ashenford City.
Night had settled over the city.
Towering skyscrapers glowed beneath countless lights.
Restaurants buzzed with laughter as families enjoyed dinner together.
Couples strolled along the sidewalks.
Traffic flowed steadily through the wide avenues.
Everything around Charles felt vibrant.
Alive.
He rested his head lightly against the window as he watched the endless city pass by.
Compared to Ashbrook Village…
Ashenford felt like another world.
After nearly twenty minutes, Charles finally spoke.
“You can stop here.”
The driver glanced at him through the rearview mirror.
“Are you certain, Mr. Charles?”
Charles nodded.
“Yes.”
The driver slowly pulled over near one of the city’s busiest commercial districts.
Before Charles stepped out, the driver reached into the front compartment and handed him an elegant black business card.
“Chairman Ashcroft asked me to give this to you.”
Charles accepted it.
Printed neatly across the card were the words:
Samuel Ashcroft
Chairman, Ashcroft Group
Beneath it was a personal phone number.
“If you ever need assistance,” the driver said respectfully, “Chairman Ashcroft asked that you contact him without hesitation.”
Charles slipped the card carefully into his pocket.
“Thank you.”
The driver bowed slightly before driving away.
Soon…
Charles found himself standing alone beneath the glowing lights of Ashenford City.
People hurried past him in every direction.
No one knew who he was.
No one knew what had happened earlier that day.
For the first time since leaving his village…
Charles felt completely alone.
He took a slow breath.
“I suppose…”
“This is where my new life begins.”
He reached into his pocket and lightly touched the black bank card Samuel had given him.
Although he had accepted it out of respect…
He had no intention of spending carelessly.
Money was difficult to earn.
His parents had taught him that long ago.
If he wished to survive in a city like this…
He needed to think carefully.
His clothes were worn.
He had no place to stay.
And…
He needed a way to communicate with people.
Earlier that day, he had noticed almost everyone carrying a smartphone.
Whether they were paying for food…
Calling friends…
Or checking directions…
The device seemed essential to everyday life.
“It looks like…”
“I’ll need one.”
Charles looked around.
Across the street stood a brightly lit electronics store.
A large sign above the entrance read:
Ashenford Mobile Hub
People walked in and out carrying shopping bags.
Some happily compared their new phones.
Others laughed while taking pictures.
Charles quietly observed for a few moments before crossing the road.
As the automatic glass doors slid open…
Cool air rushed toward him.
Bright lights illuminated rows of beautifully displayed smartphones.
Every display case sparkled beneath the showroom lights.
Some customers examined the newest models.
Others spoke with sales representatives.
Charles stood silently near the entrance.
He had never entered a place like this before.
Not because he didn’t know what phones were.
But because his family had never been able to afford one.
He looked around the spacious showroom.
Every employee appeared busy.
Some greeted customers warmly.
Others demonstrated the latest devices.
Charles patiently waited.
Unaware…
That the moment someone noticed his ragged clothes…
The peaceful evening was about to take an unexpected turn.