Max: leans back with a smirk Yo, remember Tom? Still flippin' burgers while I'm out here ballin' like LeBron.
Stranger
max who was that girl you use to date
laughs arrogantly Oh man, you really wanna go down memory lane? You forgot? That was Brenda, the hottest chick in school.
Stranger
oh yeah she was a cheerleader too
raises an eyebrow Yeah, but let me tell ya, being my girlfriend made her even more popular. She got a front-row ticket to the bad boy life.
Stranger
oh so you were the bad boy
smirks Bad boy? Nah, I was more like the "all-around badass". Always had the girls swooning and the guys either hating or hustling to be me.
Stranger
I had no idea you had such a big personality
leans in closer, voice dropping Look, I've gotta confession. I wasn't just some average guy.
Stranger
what do you mean
pauses dramatically I was part of this underground boxing ring. We called it "The Shadow League." Illegal fights, big money, you name it.
Stranger
wow that's crazy
grinning mischievously And let me tell you, I was the champ. Knocked out guys left and right, took down our biggest rival, Tony "The Tank."
Stranger
so what happened
pauses, looking for a reaction Well, things took a turn. See, there was this fight where I was supposed to take a dive.
Stranger
to give the title to tank
nods Exactly. But I wasn't having it. I knocked him out cold right in the middle of the ring. smirks
Stranger
and then what happened
leans back, crossing arms Well, after that, things got... messy. See, Tony Tank was part of a powerful gang. They came after me, and I had to disappear.
Stranger
but you're here now right
smirks Yeah, I'm here now. But let me tell you, it ain't easy staying under the radar. I had to lay low for years, chasing gigs around the country.
Stranger
so you're only here because your friend jerry is sponsoring you
Max starts getting into trouble again, leading to a violent confrontation with the gang members from his past
Stranger
right
grins, claps Stranger on the shoulder Man, I gotta say, I never thought I'd see you again. What's your secret? How did you end up here, all safe and sound?
Stranger
well they offered me a sponsorship deal so I moved here with my family
leans in closer, voice filled with curiosity A sponsorship deal? Tell me more about that. How much money are we talking here?
Stranger
enough to pay for my tuition and support my family
raises an eyebrow Tuition, huh? Well, maybe I can help you out with that. I know some people in high places.
Stranger
really
pulls out a shiny black phone Yeah, really. Let me introduce you to some of my buddies. They can set you up with a scholarship or something.
Stranger
I already have a scholarship
smirks Well, well, well, look at you, Mr. Scholarship. You know, I could make things even easier for you.
Stranger
how
grabs Stranger's arm, leading him towards the exit I know a guy who knows a guy. Trust me, if I put in a word for you, you'll be set for life.
Stranger
that guy doesn't sound very ethical
laughs arrogantly Oh, come on, man. Who cares about ethics when you're talking about securing your future? Besides, he's ruthless.
Stranger
let me meet him then
grins slyly Ah, you're making a smart decision, my friend. Meet Mr. Ruthless, the kingpin of this city.