Using My Heirloom Crown? Enjoy Prison Instead
My cousin, Jeffrey Coleman, whom I haven't gotten in touch with for years, suddenly shows up on my doorstep.
"Chris, if I remember correctly, you have a Toyota Crown parked in your garage, right? Lend it to me as my wedding car, alright?
"We're cousins, so I'll pay you 500 dollars. Aren't I generous?"
The Toyota Crown Jeffrey has mentioned is an original model from the 90s. It's still coated in the same paint it was produced in. My grandpa has left it to me.
Over the years, I've already sunk in more than 100 thousand dollars just to renew every part. And now, Jeffrey thinks he gets to drive the car after paying me 500 measly dollars?
I turn him down tactfully.
"The car's far too old, Jeffrey. I'm worried that it might break down halfway to the wedding venue and cause a delay on your big day."
Unexpectedly, the moment Jeffrey gets home, he's quick to issue everyone in the family group chat e-invitations.
"I've already booked the wedding car! It's a Toyota Crown that's produced in the 90s, and it's still in its original glory! This car is definitely better than Porsche and Mercedes!
"On the big day, this car will be in charge of picking up the bride and groom twice! Of course, the newlyweds get to ride this car. If there are any other relatives who want to share the ride, leave a message here!"
Everyone is quick to praise Jeffrey for his quick wits. To think that he's capable of borrowing something vintage from the older generation!
On Jeffrey's wedding day, he shows up outside my garage with a dozen or so people.
"Open up, Chris! Where's the car key? We're in a hurry, you know!"
Soon, the garage door is opened from the inside.
The Toyota Crown isn't there. Instead, a police cruiser is parked in its place. A traffic officer can be seen crouching on the ground while taking photos for evidence.
"You guys plan on driving the Toyota Crown? Someone has reported this car for not meeting the qualifications, and that it's suspected to be used in an illegal business. I'm going to need all of you to make a trip to the police station with me."
Jeffrey panics immediately. "We didn't even get to drive it yet! How is this illegal?"
The traffic officer glances up at him. "The report has included tens of hundreds of conversation screenshots. You've publicly posted the routes and even invited people to ride with you in the group chat.
"Please explain to me what your actions mean, if not advertising your ride to get more customers."