Chapter 263 Plans In Motion (Part 9)
Despite the man's hostility, Don maintained his composed stance, hands casually in his pockets. Dr. Rajesh's warm smile remained unwavering, though Donald's features twisted into a frown.
Don's eyes swept over the scowling couple, his thoughts drifting.
'The amount of assholes in this world is really something. I'd say bothering to react isn't worth it but...'
Taking two measured steps forward, Don crossed his arms and tilted his chin up slightly. "Can't you show some basic respect to Dr. Rajesh?"
The man's polished face began reddening at Don's words. "How dare you speak to me like that?"
"Same way you dare to speak to Dr. Rajesh like that," Don replied flatly.
Dr. Rajesh quickly moved between them, hands raised. "Please, gentlemen. There's no need for conflict, yes? Can resolve this civilly."
The man advanced until he was inches from Don's face. "You watch your tone, young man." He warned, but Don smirked as he leaned even closer, tilting his head. "Or what?" His voice then dropped to a lower tone. "You've already made it clear you don't like SHU, so why should bother being kind to disrespectful people like you?"
**Thud thud**
Two pairs of feet stormed forward as the man's sons joined the confrontation.
The taller one, his designer jacket rustling as he moved, jabbed a finger at Don. "Watch your mouth. My Pa didn't say anything wrong. We VR-athletes train our whole lives while you super guys are born lucky."
The younger, chubbier brother tugged at his father's sleeve. "Let's just leave, I-"
Don's laugh cut him off as he shook his head and replied, "A real hard worker would excel anywhere with enough passion. If all you care about is what comes from being a VR-athlete, you're not talented - you're just the victim of the dreams your own parents couldn't accomplish."
**Whoosh**
The taller son lunged forward, reaching for Don's collar. But in one fluid motion, Don caught the young man's wrist mid-air, his grip firm but controlled. "Careful," Don warned, "if you attack me first, I have every right to defend myself."
The young man's eyes widened as he felt Don's strength through the iron grip. His confident expression crumbled.
The mother practically leaped forward, her jewelry jangling. "Let go of my son right now, or we'll sue!"
Don scoffed, releasing the young man's wrist with a slight push. "Good luck justifying the fact he acted first."
Rubbing his wrist, the young man's face contorted with rage. "You're just stronger because you were born with powers! In the VR world where we'd be equal and you wouldn't stand a chance!"
As the young man said this, a familiar blue interface materialized before Don's eyes.
———
**New Objective: Challenge the young man to a VR-FPS match and Win**
**Reward: 200 Aura + 50 Idol Points**
———
Don's smirk widened as he rolled his shoulders back. "Is that a bet?"
The young man's eyes widened with fury at Don's response, his jaw clenching as his face reddened. His chubby brother stepped forward with quick, nervous steps and grabbed his arm.
"Dominic, let's not cause a fuss over this," the chubby brother drawled in his thick southern accent, his voice trembling slightly.
**Thwap**
Dominic's hand slapped away his brother's grip. "Don't try an' stop me, Elliot. This yankee just insulted Ma and Pa!" he snarled, his accent growing thicker with his anger.
Elliot took two steps back, his shoulders slumping as helplessness washed over his round face. He turned toward his parents, seeking intervention, but found none.
His mother's lips had twisted into a deep frown as she tightened her grip on the little girl's hand. Their father stood rigid, his weathered face full of hatred as he glared at Don.
Don maintained his small smile, a warmth spreading through his chest. He hadn't realized how satisfying it would feel to stand up to these people. Whatever came next, it beat acting like a doormat.
Dominic spun back to face Don, his boots scraping against the floor. "You think you can actually beat us in VR?" he sneered, jabbing a finger toward Don's chest. "Ain't got no fancy powers in there, city boy."
Don's smile widened. "The only place you could beat me is in your dreams."
**Crack**
Dominic's knuckles popped as he clenched his fists. "Care to put your money where your mouth is?"
His parents exchanged smug looks. His then mother let out a derisive laugh, her earrings jingling as she shook her head. "He can't afford it, sugar. Them superhumans don't get proper money like real talents."
Don gave a casual shrug, sliding his hands into his pockets. "No problem. Is five million alright?"
**Thud**
The sound of the mother's purse hitting the floor echoed through the suddenly silent room. Both parents stood frozen, their mouths hanging open. Even Dominic took a step back, his previous bravado evaporating.
Don had done his homework on VR. He knew it dominated the global sports scene, drawing massive investments that made traditional superhero work look like pocket change.
Only the top-tier superhumans earned serious money, which explained the mother's assumption about his finances. And while he couldn't match the pros, he had enough to call this upstart's bluff.
Dominic's face had gone pale, his Adam's apple bobbing as he swallowed hard. The swagger in his stance disappeared as the reality of the wager sank in. His father's hand moved to his shoulder, squeezing it as if to steady him.
"Now hold on just a minute," the father started, his voice notably less confident than before.
Don crossed his arms, leaning back slightly as he watched the family squirm. The little girl tugged at her mother's sleeve, whispering, "Mama, how much is five million?" Explore stories at mvl
The mother's face had transformed from smug superiority to concealed panic. She pulled her daughter closer, her rings clicking against each other as she fidgeted with her hands, not answering the sweet little girl.
"What's wrong?" Don asked innocently, tilting his head. "I thought your boys were 'real talents.' Surely backing up those big words wouldn't be a problem?"
Dr. Rajesh dabbed at his forehead with a handkerchief, his dark eyes darting between Don and Dominic as the tension grew. Taking a deep breath, he stepped forward with his hands raised in a placating gesture.
"Please-please, let us not be making situation worse," Dr. Rajesh said, his voice full of worry. "Why not we have friendly match instead? No money needed, yes?"
Dominic finally showed a smug smile as he crossed his arms and agreed. "Fine by me. But the losers gotta leave the tour. How 'bout that?"
Don shrugged, sliding his hands into his pockets. "That's fine. Since you obviously can't afford the five million anyway. So much for proper money."
**Thump**
Donald flinched as Dominic's hand slammed into him while passing, the younger man's face reddening even more as veins bulged on his forehead. His boots echoed heavily on each step as he descended toward the pods.
"I'm gonna make you eat those words," he said bitterly over his shoulder.
His father followed close behind, turning to address his family. "Denice, sugar, why don't you take the kids and have a seat? I'm just gonna make sure these pods are up to snuff." His eyes then narrowed as they swept over Don and Dr. Rajesh before he hurried after his son.
**Click-clack**
Denice's heels tapped against the floor as she guided her children to the lounge area. The little girl clutched her mother's hand while Elliot trailed behind, his earlier enthusiasm notably dampened.
Dr. Rajesh watched father and son inspecting one of the pods with intense scrutiny. He turned to Don with a weary expression, his shoulders sagging slightly.
"I am appreciating what you tried to do," he said softly, wringing his hands. "But antagonizing them... it is not good idea." He glanced nervously at the family. "Their manners may not be best, but department could be using talent like theirs."
Donald shifted uncomfortably, watching as Dominic ran his hands over the pod's exterior with exaggerated care. The father was bent at the waist, peering into the pod's interface screen with theatrical concentration.
"These pods better not be rigged," the father called out. "We know how you types like to play tricks."
Dr. Rajesh's face fell at the comment, but he maintained his professional demeanor. "All equipment is certified and regularly maintained, sir. We are following strict protocols."
Don felt his jaw tighten at the thinly veiled prejudice, but kept his expression neutral as he observed the family.
Denice sat primly on one of the lounge chairs, her designer purse perched on her lap while she attempted to maintain a dignified air. The little girl had pulled out a tablet, already lost in whatever game she was playing, while Elliot kept stealing glances at the pods.
Don just shook his head at them and turned to Dr. Rajesh, "well, there's no helping it now."
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