Lust System: Conquering the World Beauties-Chapter 19 - Mr Johnson

The low hum of the engine filled the silent night as the taxi rolled down the mostly empty street, the glow of streetlights flickering past in a rhythmic pattern. Inside the cab, the driver—a gruff-looking middle-aged man with a scruffy beard and a worn-out cap—adjusted his glasses with one hand while keeping the other on the steering wheel.

Then, as he glanced at the rearview mirror, his eyes squinted slightly before widening in surprise.

"Hah?" The man's rough voice broke the silence. "You little brat, it's you?"

Liam, who had been resting his head against the window, lazily turned his gaze toward the mirror. The moment he saw the familiar face, his lips twitched.

" Mr Johnson?"

"Who else?" Johnson scoffed, still staring at Liam through the mirror. "Damn, kid, I almost didn't recognize you. What the hell are you doing out this late?"

Liam shrugged. "Taking a cab. Isn't it obvious?"

Johnson snorted. "Smartass." Then, after a short pause, he added, "So? You doing okay?"

Liam leaned back into his seat, stretching his legs as he responded, "Yeah, I'm fine."

Johnson hummed but didn't seem convinced. "Really? 'Cause my boy told me you weren't in school for a whole damn week."

Liam barely blinked. "Oh, that? Yeah, I went skydiving."

The car jerked slightly.

Johnson shot him an unimpressed look through the mirror. "Skydiving, huh?"

"Yep," Liam replied, his expression dead serious. "I figured if birds can do it, why can't I?"

Johnson rolled his eyes so hard that if they rolled any further, they might've fallen out of his head. "Cut the bullshit, kid. We both know you were probably running around chasing skirts instead of sitting your ass in class."

Liam placed a hand over his chest, feigning offense. "Mr Johnson, you wound me. Do I look like the kind of guy who would do such a thing?"

"Yes."

Liam scowled. "You didn't even hesitate."

"Because I know you." Johnson shook his head. "You're just like your damn father back in the day. That bastard was skipping school, flirting with every girl in sight, and causing all kinds of trouble when we were younger."

Liam raised an eyebrow. "Really? My dad?"

"Hell yeah," Johnson grumbled. "Except, unlike you, at least he had the balls to admit it."

Liam sighed dramatically. "I'm being slandered in my own presence. This is a new low."

Johnson let out a dry chuckle, but the conversation soon faded into a comfortable silence as he focused on driving. It didn't take long before they finally reached the destination Liam had given him.

The car came to a slow stop in front of a dimly lit street.

Liam reached for the door handle, ready to step out, but before he could leave—

"Oi."

Johnson's voice called out from the driver's seat.

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Liam turned his head back lazily. "Yeah?"

The old man held out his hand, palm up, and said with zero shame, "Where's my money?"

Liam froze. His eyelids twitched.

"Wait, what?"

"What do you mean 'what'? Johnson frowned, shaking his outstretched hand impatiently. "You think I'm running a charity? Pay up."

Liam's mouth fell open in pure disbelief. "You're actually charging me?"

"Damn right I am."

Liam groaned as he leaned his head back against the seat, rubbing his temples. "Come on, man. It's me."

Johnson nodded. "Exactly. Which is why I'm making sure I get paid. You think I trust you?"

Liam let out a loud, exaggerated sigh before pulling out some cash from his pocket and slapping it into Johnson's hand.

The old man grinned shamelessly.

"Pleasure doing business with you, kid."

Liam glared at him. "You're a stingy old fart, you know that?"

Johnson shrugged, pocketing the money like it was the most natural thing in the world. "Damn right I am. Money doesn't grow on trees, kid."

Liam scoffed. "Yeah, yeah, whatever." He stepped out of the cab, stuffing his hands into his pockets. Just as he was about to walk away, he heard Johnson's voice again.

"Oi, brat."

Liam turned slightly, raising an eyebrow. "What now?"

Johnson exhaled through his nose, tapping his fingers against the steering wheel. His tone was casual, but there was a hint of something else beneath it.

"Walk safe. It's dangerous out here at night."

Liam snorted. "Pfft. What, you worried about me, old man?"

"Hell no," Johnson replied instantly. "Why the fuck should I care? I just don't wanna hear my boy whining if something happens to your dumbass."

Liam clicked his tongue. "Tch. Figures."

He turned around again, lifting a hand in a lazy wave as he started walking.

"Whatever, old fart. Just drive safe."

Behind him, Johnson chuckled as he revved up the engine.

"And you try not to get your ass beat, brat."

With that, the taxi rolled away, leaving Liam standing alone on the quiet street.

Liam shook his head, exhaling through his nose.

"Cheapskate bastard," he muttered before making his way toward Ann's place.

****

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