Chapter 272: C264
On the bustling streets of New York, in a quaint café by the roadside, Leon sat quietly. He wore a peaked cap, a white shirt with the cuffs rolled up, and a pair of jeans, embodying a casual yet fashionable look. The seating area was lively, filled with people sipping coffee and chatting.
Leon's presence naturally drew attention. His striking demeanor stood out, but he remained oblivious, engrossed in the newspaper he held.
Despite the decline of print media in the age of the Internet, mobile phones, and computers, newspapers still found their audience. Many cafes and hotels offered newspapers to patrons for a few days after publication. Leon skimmed through the articles, finding some mildly interesting: critiques of the government, reports of the police apprehending serial murderers, and feminist groups decrying social injustices. Other headlines highlighted Tony Stark and Iron Man leading the Avengers to capture dangerous mutant criminals or rogue superpowered individuals.
Some stories stirred admiration, others disdain. Black activist groups protested against racial discrimination, painting a complex picture of the United States—a land idealized by many but where true happiness was often reserved for the rich and powerful. Leon reflected on the disparities: white privilege, systemic bias against Black people and Asians, and the harsh realities faced by minorities. Asians, in particular, bore the brunt of discrimination, often from multiple groups.
If he had encountered such news earlier in life, Leon might have felt indignant. Now, his reaction was subdued. He believed in personal accountability; everyone had to bear the consequences of their choices. While he didn't harbor the altruism to fight these battles, he would intervene if injustice crossed his path.
As Leon sipped his coffee, a graceful woman approached. She had dark brown, slightly curly hair and wore a gray T-shirt under a brown-green denim jacket. A backpack was slung over one shoulder. She slid into the seat opposite him.
"Hey, sorry I'm late," she said, slightly out of breath.
Leon lowered his newspaper, his calm gaze meeting hers. "For a lady, it's worth the wait."
The woman smiled, her large eyes lighting up with surprise and admiration. "Wow, I didn't expect my online chat buddy to be so handsome. You look like a celebrity!"