Chapter 2 A Deal with the Debt Collectors
Neil answered fearlessly, “Firstly, I will pay off the debt, but I need around a year!”
“Sure.”
“Secondly, I can’t afford to pay the ever–increasing interest. I borrowed eight hundred thousand from your boss, which became one million after interest. Therefore, I will only pay one million and not a cent more!”
Tony had some authority at the gambling den and was trusted by his boss. Therefore, he had the power to make decisions regarding this debt.
He considered carefully. Neil’s family is pitifully poor. He definitely can’t afford to pay if the interest keeps increasing. Moreover, he lost all of the eight hundred thousand he borrowed to my boss‘ gambling den.
“Sure, I agree to your conditions!”
Neil took a pen from the table. “Your words are useless to me. I need a new IOU.”
Tony took out an IOU from his pocket.
He wrote that Neil owed only one million and no interest would be charged. Moreover, the original IOU, numbered XXX, was rendered redundant.
Once Neil signed the new IOU, Tony tore up the old one.
After that, Neil said, “Thirdly, I will pay on time every month. I will pay more if I earn more that month and less if I earn less. I will pay off everything in a year, so you cannot harass children!”
my wife and
“How am I to believe you will pay off the debt?” Tony implied Neil should pay up now.
However, Neil remained calm. He raised his left hand and replied coldly, “I have my ways. Stay out of it. I promise I will pay one thousand by tonight. If I can’t, you can cut off one of my hands. What do you say?”
Tony could tell from Neil’s tone that he had no qualms about resorting to ruthless means. Thus, he decided not to bother Neil anymore.
“I accept your terms, and I want the money by tonight! If you fail to pay off one million after a year, my boss will make you regret it!”
Then, Tony turned to the gang of thugs. “We’re leaving!”
“Sir, are you sure you want to let go of this brat…”
Neil landed a slap on Bruno’s face before he could finish speaking.
The force sent tremors through Bruno’s brain, leaving him stunned.
He did not expect a drunkard to have that much strength.
“If you make any more threats, I will fight you myself! I will make sure to bring you down with me!” Neil threatened coldly.
“Bruno, we’re leaving!” Tony glared at Bruno.
He knew they would stand to lose more if they forced Neil to the brink.
Bruno had no choice but to leave furiously.
Neil waited until they were gone before closing the door.
Then, he rushed to open the utility room door and found Aneira huddled in the corner, hugging their children.
Aneira tried to appear brave, but her trembling body and tear–stained face gave away her fear.
It was not the first time the debt collectors came to their door.
Previously, they demanded ten thousand.
Now, the debt had reached a million. It was an impossible sum for them.
Thus, she felt panic and hopeless.
Neil’s heart clenched at the pitiful sight.
I’m a scoundrel!How could I let my wife and children suffer so much?
Neil said remorsefully, “Don’t be scared. I’ve chased away the debt collectors. I will pay my and never let you suffer again.”
Aneira looked at him warily.
The children in her arms looked up at him with big, innocent eyes.
debt
The boy had handsome features, but his expression was tense. He looked mature beyond his young age.
Meanwhile, the girl was gentle and adorable. She looked at Neil with big shiny eyes. It seemed she
wanted to reach out to him.
They were a pair of fraternal twins. The boy was named Lucian Grant, while his younger sister was named Yvaine Grant.
Aneira had given them those names.
Their names meant light and evening stars, respectively.
They symbolized Aneira’s desire to fulfill their promise to be together forever, whether in daylight or under the evening stars.
Unfortunately, he betrayed her with his mistreatment of her.
Neil wanted to embrace their children.
He extended his hands and called the children’s nicknames, “Luca, Yivi, come here. Don’t be scared.”
However, Lucian refused to move.
Yvaine wanted to hug Neil, but Aneira held her tightly, causing her to burst into tears.
Neil looked at the scene and resolved to obtain the money before tonight.
He had to assure his creditor of his ability to pay the debt. At the same time, he needed to make Aneira believe he had turned over a new leaf.
Neil stared at Aneira for a while before saying solemnly, “Aneira, I was a scoundrel and owed a huge debt. I promise not to gamble again! I will go out now to earn money. You and the children. should wait for me at home. Please ignore whoever comes and don’t listen to anything they say. I promise I will bring back the money before six!”
Aneira was stunned.
Neil had drunk himself senseless every day. She hardly ever saw him sober.
“How… How are you going to get money?” Aneira feared he would resort to stealing and robbery.
Then, they would not only have to compensate the victims. He would even be sent to prison.
Neil pointed in the direction of the pedestrian street.
“I heard from my friend yesterday that there is a singing competition on the pedestrian street. The prize money is a few thousand! I’m good at music, and I believe I can win a prize!”
Aneira calmed down upon hearing him.
Neil was a bar singer in Remmington. He had a good singing voice.
Aneira had fallen in love with him when she heard him sing.
“I’ll be back!”
Neil washed his face in the bathroom and changed into clean clothes before leaving the house.
Aneira watched him leave with a conflicted gaze and sighed a while later.
She had been disappointed too many times that she could no longer trust Neil’s words.
He’s probably drinking again!
Neil walked to the pedestrian street.
Since being reborn, he thought to use his foreknowledge and understanding of the entertainment industry to earn more money.
A landed house cost only four figures in 1997. He could buy one and sell it for a much higher price in the future.
He thought to earn as much money as possible to invest in properties. It was a guaranteed way to get rich.
Moreover, he remembered a song competition would be held in Cloubury today to celebrate the return of Armoa territory to Dracorea.
The first prize was cash, and the winner would be qualified to join the competition in the state. capital.
He remembered that the year’s winner gained exposure through the song competition in the state capital.
Later, he was scouted by a major record label and became wealthy in the entertainment industry.
Neil believed he could take this path.
Even if he did not become famous, he could still collect the handsome prize money to provide for his family.
He believed he could secure first prize by singing songs from the future.
The competition on the pedestrian street had already begun.
A stage was set up in the commercial area with advertisements stating the prize money.
The prize for first place was three thousand.
In 1997, the average monthly income in large cities was only around one thousand.
It was even less in smaller county cities like Cloubury. The average monthly income was only at few hundred.
The generous prize money attracted a crowd of onlookers.
The economy and entertainment were still backward in 1997. Thus, the competition in this small city had a simpler format.
People could register during the competition and sing on stage. Then, the judges would give their
scores.
Two hours later, the judges would select the top three winners.
The banner stated, ‘Patriotic Song Competition to Celebrate Armoa’s Return!”
Shawn Pash, the county mayor, sat in the front row as one of the judges. He was joined by the deputy county mayor, the head of the marketing department, and others.
Neil noticed something strange after listening to the performance of three of the contestants.
He had never heard their songs before. Moreover, the lyrics were unsophisticated.
Neil’s heart quickened with excitement.
Does this mean the entertainment industry in this parallel world develops differently from my previous world? That makes things easier for me. I don’t have to worry about problems from taking the composers!I just have to dig through the song archive in my mind!
Neil wondered if being revived caused changes in his brain.
He suddenly realized his memories were much sharper than before.
He remembered clearly all the musical compositions he had seen before.
Neil hurried to the registration staff sitting beside the stage.
“Hello, I would like to register for the competition.”
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