The high-speed train began to move and the compartment buzzed with commotion. I glared at the old lady before me, my teeth clenched in frustration. I couldn't hit her; if things escalated, she'd probably turn it all around on me.
The conductor soon approached. "What's going on here? Why all the noise? Everyone, take out your ID cards. We're checking tickets."
I pulled the conductor aside and explained the situation. The conductor examined the old lady's ID and ticket, then sternly said, "Mrs. Zola, your ticket is for a second-class seat. You can't sit in first class. Please return to your assigned seat."
Standing next to the conductor, I watched the old lady's face twist in sudden realization. She stood up and pointed at us. "Ah, I see now. You two are in this together, bullying an old lady like me. Why is my life so miserable?"
"You're all ganging up on me! How can I go on living like this? It's because we're poor and can't afford better tickets. And now, an old lady like me is being scolded to my face." She sat on the floor, wailing and slapping her thighs dramatically.
I had never witnessed such a scene before and was momentarily stunned. The old lady's performance was so convincing; it really seemed like I was the one bullying her.
The conductor's expression remained serious. "Mrs. Zola, these are the rules. Please return to your seat. And don't spread false accusations about us."
The old lady ignored her and continued her dramatic crying.
With no other option, the conductor called for the train police over the radio. As soon as the officer arrived, Mrs. Zola cried even harder, shouting about how she was being bullied and couldn't go on living.
A young woman nearby stood up and spoke on my behalf. "That's her seat. You have your own seat. Why are you bullying this young lady?"
"You're a grown adult. Why are you picking on a young girl? Everyone's ticket costs money!"
"It's just terrible how some bad people grow old. Shameless!"
I glanced gratefully at the woman. Once she had spoken up, others began to voice their opinions.
"Exactly! This old lady took someone else's seat and refused to get up. She wants to swap her second-class seat with a first-class one without paying the difference. Who does that?"
I pulled out my phone and showed her the payment code. "One hundred dollars. Let's round it down to ninety dollars. Transfer the money and you can have this seat."