Chapter 73 - 72: The End of the Date!
Arthur scratched the back of his head and turned around, only to see a middle-aged woman holding down a little girl as she bowed repeatedly in apology. Her posture was humble, her face filled with worry.
The little girl, however, simply stared up at Arthur with teary, innocent eyes. She didn't seem to understand what she had done wrong and trembled slightly in fear.
Arthur felt a pang of sympathy. This kind of expression was rare in Night City, where people were usually hardened, cynical, or outright hostile.
Without hesitation, Arthur picked up a lollipop from the counter, unwrapped it, and gently placed it in the little girl's mouth. Then, he patted her head reassuringly.
Her fearful expression instantly brightened, and a wide smile spread across her face.
It was such a simple thing, but moments like this were scarce in Night City. Here, people were always on edge, ready to curse you out or pull a gun at the slightest provocation. Civility was almost nonexistent—unless, of course, the people in question were recent immigrants, still untainted by the city's ruthless nature.
The little girl took another lick of her lollipop, her happiness evident.
Her mother, now visibly relieved, looked at Arthur gratefully.
Melissa, who had been watching the entire interaction, chuckled softly. It was clear that a child's joy had a certain calming effect, even in a place as chaotic as Night City.
But Arthur wasn't suffering from cyberpsychosis, so why would he ever react violently to such a minor incident?
These two had merely stepped on his foot by accident, and they had immediately apologized. The little girl was just a kid—there was no reason to be harsh.