Chapter 1

Step by step, I dragged my suitcase toward the ticket counter.

"I want a refund," I said as I slapped my ID on the counter, my voice thick with annoyance.

The staff at the counter glanced at the screen, then looked me up and down before rolling her eyes.

"Sorry, but this counts as a no-show due to personal reasons. We can only refund the fuel surcharge and infrastructure fees, which come to 120 dollars. We can't refund the full fare."

An angry scoff escaped me. "Personal reasons? Your airline overbooked the flight and forcibly removed paying passengers. You call that 'personal reasons'?"

The staff's fingers hammered on the keyboard loudly, impatience written all over her face.

"Who told you to make such a huge scene in the cabin and disrupt everyone? You should be grateful that you even got the refund of 120 dollars. Don't push it!"

Just then, the sound of leather shoes echoed closer. The airline manager from earlier—Barney Vadusky—strode over arrogantly, holding up his phone and filming me.

"Look at this cheapskate person trying to extort money from the airline. He's that desperate! Don't you just want more compensation? Stop pretending to be all high and mighty!" he said, sneering while crossing his arms.

"What? 120 dollars isn't enough for you? I'll post this online and let everyone see what a pathetic loser you are. Maybe some kind-hearted person will crowdfund some money for you!"

I stared at his extremely arrogant expression, trying hard to force down my rage.

"You'll regret what you did today."

Barney laughed as if he'd just heard the funniest joke, tears brimming in his eyes.

"Regret? You think someone like you—a poor loser who can't even afford first class and has to squeeze into economy—can make me regret anything?

"Ms. Castille booked the entire first-class cabin, and even her bodyguards are sitting in business class! Who do you think you are?"

He suddenly spun around and shouted toward the passengers walking through the terminal.

"Everyone, take a look at this person here! Not only did he refuse to cooperate with the airline on an overbooked flight, but he even tried to extort our airline!

"And now, he's causing a huge scene at the counter and seriously impacting everyone's travels. He's truly a menace to society!"

The passengers nearby were instantly drawn in, pointing and whispering.

"He's dressed like a decent person. Who knew he'd have no class?"

"Exactly. The airline's already compensated him, but he's still making a fuss. He's just crazy for money."

"Get lost already. Stop embarrassing yourself here!"