Vincent wiped the sweat on his forehead. "What was that for?" he said. "First you show up here, then you interrupt my conversation with You Shou. Are you following me or something?"
Determined to explain himself, Raymond said, "I wanted to pay you back. Not just for the money, but for everything." He balled his hands into fists, his heart pounding. "If you're in trouble, I want to help!"
All his words did was make Vincent laugh. "Are you serious? First of all, there's nothing you can do. Second of all, there's nothing I want you to do, which is to say, stay out of my business."
"But I'm stronger now."
"Because you can fight?" Vincent shook his head. "You're an idiot."
Be as it may, but Raymond refused to let it end like this. There was a feeling in his chest, one that made blood flow throughout his veins, hot as iron.
Perhaps it was fair to say that Raymond still did not know what to live for. That was why he held onto the connection he had with Vincent so tightly, as if he'd imprinted on him that night. Whether he was strong or weak, even if he didn't believe in himself, all of it ceased to matter now.
I lived because of you. So, I'll live for you.
For you, I'll do anything.
"Then use me," Raymond said. "You owe him money, right? I'll fight for you, if that's what it takes. You can take my winnings and..."
Pay him off. The words he was going to say were interrupted by Vincent.
Brutally, he raised a hand and struck Raymond on the side of his face.
"Screw off!" Vincent yelled. He punched Raymond again. "I don't need you doing anything for me!"
On his face was the same look Raymond had back then, mirrored in his eyes. But to Raymond, he was still the same person as before, and Vincent was the one who had saved him.
Larger than life, always.