[1] While Olya, a young woman in her twenties, is walking through Saint Petersburg, she meets Alexey (Alyosha), who starts chatting with her, flirting, and quickly befriends her.

Olya, who enjoys imagining scenarios and making up stories, agrees to go with Alexey to Moscow but insists on paying for her own ticket.

At a shelter, Olya reflects on their meeting as a stroke of luck, imagining them in an adventure novel and casting Alexey as the hero.

When Olya returns, she confirms her actions were just for the bet, leaving Alexey and Petya hurt and disillusioned, realizing her affections were just part of the game.

As she watches them go, Vsevolod tries to comfort her, but she’s struck by the realization of the pain she’s caused and suddenly runs after them.