"I ...," Frankie sought to articulate something, but felt as though his throat was clenched, inhibiting his speech.
Vino's anger radiated palpably, intimidating Frankie from pursuing the actions he had initially planned.
His purpose here was to ask for money. Vino was aware of Frankie's intent but feigned ignorance to see how far these supposed tough guys would go.
Observing Frankie's sweat-drenched, ashen face, one could infer that this so-called tough guy's courage dwindled in the presence of someone larger.
A bully's resolve, only daring against those weaker.
"I caution you against attempting to extort me again." Vino's visage was truly sinister, his typically timid voice now taking on the robust tones of a brave soul. "I won't hesitate to leave you bruised. Besides, I have evidence enough to report your crimes against me. In truth, I prefer peace. So, leave before my anger escalates!"
With that declaration, Vino catapulted Frankie into a neighboring wall, causing a blunt echoing thud.
"Ugh-ugh!"
Frankie leaned against the wall in agony. The hard impact with the wall left his back in searing pain.
Before Frankie could stand, a hand snatched his collar again, flinging his slender form towards the exit at the end of the corridor.
Frankie's lanky body skidded across the floor, landing in a heap, contorted with discomfort.
Despite his tall stature, he was not as tall as Vino, barely under six feet. Lightweight, and Vino, with his brawny frame, could easily hoist Frankie's body with two hands, even hurling him through the air.
"Why don't you leave? Come to extort money from me once more?" Vino advanced step by step towards Frankie.
His less-than-handsome face was ripe with fury.
The piercing intensity in Vino's gaze locked onto Frankie's own eyes, instilling deep fear. Recalling his earlier throws and Vino's strength, any one of those could send his body flying meters away.
Struggling with pain across his buttocks and back, Frankie tried to rise. "Please, don't throw me out again. I promise to never return here. Let me go, Vino, please!"
Frankie sought to kneel before Vino, but a grip as tight as an anaconda's seized his clothing and hoisted him anew.
Before Frankie could utter a word, Vino opened the domicile's door and thrust him into the narrow alleyway.
"Argh!"
Frankie's fall was harsh as he collided with the neighbor's wall, a cry of anguish inescapable.
"Leave!" Vino this time shouted with heightened emotion, demanding Frankie's departure.
Hearing Vino's command, Frankie scrambled to his feet and darted away in pain.
His gait was unorthodox; clutching his hindquarters and abdomen as if desperate to relieve himself.
Observing the other inhabitants' startled and somewhat apprehensive glances as Vino re-entered his room.
Not having close ties with these housemates, he retreated to his room amid their collective gaze.
"Did I truly do that?"
Staring at his hands, Vino was astonished by his capability to stand against Frankie, an individual who darkened his life.
Vino's astonished look evolved into resolve. "From this moment, I will change, I am Vino—"
Gurgle!
An inadvertent sound interrupted him, emanating from Vino's stomach.
"I forgot, I haven't eaten."
Hence, Vino retrieved his phone and wallet.
Upon opening it, Vino found just 20,000 rupiah, a reserve sum he took to New York.
"Wait, didn't I earn money from Callie's first order?"
The rental system automatically deposited customer payments into Vino's account.
To check his balance, Vino needed only to consult his mobile, which displayed an additional 700,000 rupiah and change.
Without this initial rental order, his balance would be null.
Vino habitually sent 90% of his salary to his parents, allotting himself a few hundred thousand rupiah monthly for sustenance.
A beam of joy emerged on Vino's face; he still possessed hundreds of thousands of rupiahs for food, though he intended to offer half to his parents later.
"Thank you, System," Vino expressed his deepest gratitude.
[...]
The System remained silent, projecting a barely-there background screen with floating ellipses.
Vino shook his head, smiled, pocketed his obsolete phone and wallet, and exited the lodging.
On this particular morning, a prime time to savor Betawi-style nasi uduk.
Living in Central Jakarta, Vino was close to several nasi uduk vendors near his alley.
"Ma'am, two nasi uduk, please," Vino addressed the vendor.
The vendor nodded and adeptly prepared another customer's order. "Okay, just a moment."
Vino stood waiting patiently.
Less than ten minutes passed before his order was handed over.
"You bear resemblance to that slightly plump guy from the alley lodgings, are you his brother?" she inquired with a curious expression.
A smile appeared on Vino's face, replying politely, "That's me, Ma'am."
"You, really?!" She looked at Vino in astonishment. "Just days ago you seemed heftier."
"I've been dieting, Ma'am, hehe." Vino scratched his head sheepishly.
"Truly that quick?" The vendor remained skeptical of Vino's claim.
"Ma'am, I'd like some nasi uduk," another customer arrived, drawing the vendor back to her tasks.
"I should head back, Ma'am."
Vino offered a slight bow of respect to the nasi uduk seller.
"Take care."
Having bid farewell, Vino retraced his steps to his room.
The two ordered nasi uduks were devoured in under five minutes, satiating his empty stomach with this delicious meal.
"Finally, life tastes better."
[Ding! System has received a new order from a woman! Please review and decide before accepting!]
[Customer Name: Alaine Lilacia]
[Request: Rent a boyfriend skilled in surfing, swimming, and breakdancing]
[Boyfriend Specifications: At least 187 cm tall, Firm Temperament, Perfect Base Facial Features, Master Surfing Skills, Master Swimming Skills, Professional Breakdancing Skills, Exotic Skin, Professional English Language Proficiency]
[Rental Duration: 12 hours]
[Payment: Rp950,000.00]
[Will you accept this rental request?]
"I accept!"
Vino was elated at the sight of his second order, which serendipitously arrived when he was not inclined to work at the supermarket.
[Order accepted successfully!]
[Beginning transformation of the host ....]
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