Michael nodded.
"I'm serious. If you're alone and you meet a man who seems overly friendly, don't assume he has good intentions. Some might. But many won't. They may have ulterior motives. They may want your equipment. Your resources. Or something even worse."
His voice remained calm throughout. He wasn't trying to frighten her. He was simply stating a reality.
"The stronger you become, the more people like that you'll encounter."
Lily was silent for a while before asking softly,
"So… you don't trust anyone?"
Michael thought about the question.
"I trust people. But trust isn't free. It's earned. And even after someone earns it, I'll still leave myself a way out." He smiled faintly. "Being cautious isn't the same as being paranoid."
Lily slowly nodded.
"I understand."
After a brief pause, she puffed out her cheeks.
"But that guy really didn't seem bad."
Michael chuckled.
