I lied and claimed our GPS had misled us onto the wrong road.

The villagers kindly gave directions, and I eventually stopped beside a convenience store to buy water and food.

Jevon remained in the car for ages.

It wasn’t because he didn’t want to get out—

he simply feared being recognized and causing more trouble.

I leisurely bought water and bread before standing outside the car eating while casually chatting with the villagers.

Compared to Jevon, I was only a minor celebrity.

Nobody here recognized me.

During our conversation, I learned that the road ahead truly was still under construction.

But due to funding problems, the construction crews had...