"oh."
The old man replied, then closed his eyes and ignored him.
Bud drank some water, rinsed his body, and left quickly.
The next day was also payday. Bud had been working at the brewery for two months and only just received his first month's salary, 12 silver coins.
He carefully wrapped the silver coins in his belt before going back, but today was not as smooth as usual.
Several people smelling of sweat and alcohol blocked Bud in the alley. They had planned it in advance and were waiting for the young man. Their leader was Manda, a former worker in the winery.
"Boy, are you happy? I got paid today."
Compared to the short Bud, these adults were very tall. When they stood together, they seemed to block out the sky.
Shrouded in the shadows of these people, Bud could only keep retreating, and finally leaned against the dusty wall.
"Be honest and take out your money, newcomer. This is the rule, do you understand?" said one of the burly men, with dark skin and a mouth full of yellow teeth.
"No..." Bud was a little scared, but he still didn't want to hand it over. This was the money he had earned with great difficulty and after working hard for a long time. He also had to use it to pay rent and buy food.
Snap——
A slap made Bud dizzy and dazed. He felt a burning sensation on his face, and then his calf hurt as if he had been kicked. However, he still persisted and did not fall down.
Snap——
Another slap.
"You better be smart."
Several people nearby began to tear his clothes, looking for where the money was.
Bud hugged himself tightly and slowly slid down the wall, squatting on the ground. He heard curses in his ears, and then there was a continuous beating. The last blow was a heavy kick to the head, which made him faint.
When he woke up, it was already dark. His clothes and belt had been torn apart, and only three of the 12 silver coins were left. He knelt on the ground, grasped the remaining silver coins one by one in his hands, his nails digging into his flesh, and wailed softly. Hot tears ran down his face and fell into the dust.
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