{{Claim for Compensation}} chapter 4

I Don’t Want Your Money

The next morning, the reporter came to Jack with the morning newspaper that carried the report of his deeds. But Jack still refused to come downstairs and insisted on waiting for the witnesses to appear. At noon, an old lady really came to testify.

As soon as the old lady saw Jack, who looked haggard, she said tearfully, “Yes, it’s this young man! It was him who saved the whole bus of people!” As she spoke, she took out a handkerchief from her inner pocket, unfolded it, and said that on the day of the accident, her hand was injured and bleeding non – stop. It was Jack who used this handkerchief to bandage her.

The reporter took the handkerchief and saw that there were three delicate rose – colored letters “Jack” embroidered on it. When Jack saw the handkerchief, he snatched it and stared at it blankly. For some reason, after a moment, he suddenly began to sob sadly. No one knew that this handkerchief was given to Jack by his ex – girlfriend.

After that, several other witnesses came one after another, all confirming that Jack was telling the truth.

At this time, Mr. Smith didn’t want to be scolded and felt a bit guilty. He euphemistically admitted to the reporter that he might have remembered wrong. Whether Jack’s leg disability was related to the accident or not, one should have a conscience. For the sake of his spirit of saving people, he was willing to give Jack some compensation. Mr. Smith was so afraid of lawsuits that he wanted the reporter to coordinate and settle the matter privately as soon as possible.

The reporter was warm – hearted. So the three of them sat down to negotiate. Mr. Smith voluntarily offered to pay $10,000 in compensation. Jack shook his head and said no. Mr. Smith thought he thought the amount was too small, so he gritted his teeth and said he would give $30,000. Jack glared at him. “I’ve said I don’t want your money, not a single cent!” Mr. Smith was stunned for a long time. He asked dejectedly, “Then what on earth do you want?”

Jack’s face turned red again. He stammered for a long time and said, “I just want you… to keep your promise! Do you remember? That day, when I was leaving, you asked me to leave my address and said you would send a thank – you letter to my village. Right? Now, I just want you to give me a… thank – you letter and… send it to my home with fanfare!”

Mr. Smith opened his mouth wide. He suddenly remembered that he was so touched by the rescue scene that he seemed to have said those words casually, but he had forgotten them soon after. Nowadays, who would still care about a thank – you letter!

The reporter’s hand holding the pen froze. He asked in surprise, “Why do you give up tens of thousands of dollars and ask for a thank – you letter instead?”

Jack said sadly, “What’s the use of money? It can’t buy a good reputation. If my father doesn’t see the thank – you letter, he won’t die in peace!”

Under the reporter’s repeated questioning, Jack choked with sobs as he told the reason.