Chapter 2742
Regina’s efforts seemed to be an exercise in futility, for the homeless man she pursued for
a story had not so much as glanced her way.
As days turned into weeks, the number of journalists sticking around dwindled, until Regina was the only one left.
By day, she felt fine, her courage unwavering. But night’s cloak seemed to bring a shiver of fear. Eventually, bracing herself, she approached the man once more.
“Don’t you wanna talk about what happened to you?” she prodded. “Look around, everyone’s gone. Even if you’re not talking to a rookie, you don’t have much choice now, do you?”
The man, wrapped in his threadbare coat, didn’t even lift his eyes. It was as if he lived in a vacuum, oblivious to Regina’s plea.
Under normal circumstances, Regina would have moved on to another story, but this man had been ranting about losing everything he held dear, and she didn’t dare broach his sorrows uninvited.
Pacing restlessly, she finally stamped her foot in determination and dragged her gear to sit directly opposite him.
“I’m not leaving if you’re not talking. Let’s see who lasts longer,” Regina declared, not wanting her previous efforts to have been in vain.
She also harbored a glimmer of hope that this could be her big break, the story that would
turn her career around.
She wasn’t alone in that place; other homeless folks were around.
And that night, trouble found her.
A drunkard, reeking of cheap booze, stumbled upon the sight of Regina, fair and beau
and made a beeline for her.
Before he could reach her, Regina wrapped herself in her blanket, keeping her gaze fir on the ground.
“Psst-hey there, pretty lady, why so shy? Don’t you wanna look up and give me a smile
Disgust churned within Regina at his words, but she was alone and couldn’t risk confrontation.
This man had been lurking around for a couple of days, waiting for his chance. Now, emboldened by alcohol, he wasn’t about to miss his shot.
“Come on, girlie, what do you say about hanging with me? I might be older, but I know how to treat a lady right. Heh, stick with me, and you won’t be sorry. Come on, don’t be shy, look at me!”
Regina’s brow furrowed in revulsion. This vagrant, who had nothing to his name, had the audacity to speak to her that way.
She shuffled away, desperate to avoid his touch.
“Playing hard to get, are we? Come here, let me have a good look at you!”
The drunkard grabbed Regina’s arm, and she let out a shriek, jumping away and abandoning her blanket.
Retreating to a safe distance, she was dressed practically in her jacket and dark pants, with only her face exposed. Yet to a predator like him, her very presence was an invitation.
“Back off! Come any closer, and I’m calling the cops!” Regina warned, her voice fierce with defiance.
The drunkard laughed, dismissing her threat. “You think you can talk to me like that? I’ve seen your kind before. You’re lucky I’m even giving you the time of day!”
But Regina stood her ground, her phone already in hand, ready to dial for help.
