Chapter 148: Homecoming!

Chapter 148: Homecoming!

Back in the luxury room, we immediately begin to pack our remaining things, because our return flight officially takes off at midnight.

Jenifer took my cut scarf from the roof duel and carefully sewed the frayed end of it after evening the fabric out with her scissors. I had just now learned that Jen hand-made those scarves herself, and she surprisingly possesses some minor skill in mending clothing. She smiled beautifully at me and told me, "Due to my passion as a secretary, I had not pursued the art of flower-arrangement when young, and instead took the practical class of home-economics. Being able to mend suits and small tears is better than making flowers look good. Normal maids can already do that. Plus, I hand made these to show my affection, Master."

I look down with a bit of regret at the poor scarf I had neglected during the action and said, "Had I known you made this, I would have not worn it during the fight, sorry."

Jenifer smiled warmly, stepping closer to retie the scarf around my neck again as she said, "It is only cloth, Master. I will use this special scarf to make jacket handkerchiefs and neckties for you, and hair ties for me, so it is still valuable. It will remind me of you, fufu, now let us leave for the airport, my Master."

Mei then came out of the adjacent room after showering, having changed into a completely new outfit for the flight, this time wearing casual blue jeans and her favorite bomber jacket. I looked over at her, adjusting my coat, and told her to take a couple of days off and get completely out of maid-mode for a while. She smiled, immediately hugging me from behind as she said, "I am sleeping in your arms on the couch, so we can rest for your University. That's okay, Jen?"

Jenifer nodded her head in agreement, packing the last of the paperwork into her briefcase, "Yes, I will sleep on the other couch, since I have classes as well. Plus I had Master last night, so he is your body-pillow for the flight, let's go."

The Fire Birds limousine pulled right up to the waiting private jet on the tarmac, and five people total got out of the vehicle. Bill and Diana had come along specifically to see us off, so I turned to the State Manager and said to him, "Thanks for the hospitality, I will probably be back next year, or Tina? Well, I will study the next year's tax code, so we can use the saved money to strengthen our forces. I am counting on Crimson as our backbone, and goodbye Miss Diana, it was a pleasure."

Bill nodded his head seriously, his blue eyes flashing with absolute intent as he replied, "I will have those special-forces secretly ready by the time you turn 22, Leader. I have memorized the requirements, leave it to me."

Yeah, when I eventually turn 24 years old, I am going to have some incredibly big shit to deal with according to Lucy's long-term projections, so I best get some proper special forces training established early. This movement is exceptionally easy to hide from the authorities, due to the basic fact that the four syndicates regularly donate foot soldiers to the military once in a while when they need disposable forces or cheap labor. High-level snipers will be my main focus here, as even legendary Masters die to them on the battlefield.

Boarding the private plane while firmly holding my highly valuable newly won Katana, I waved at the gathered Fire Birds members on the tarmac, and then stepped inside. The sexy flight attendant closed the heavy main hatch behind us.

And soon we are officially on our way, lifting off into the dark northern sky at midnight.

I spent the vast majority of the transit trip holding Mei close to my chest and sleeping soundly on the leather couch. Jenifer remained curled up under a thick blanket like a small cat on the other bed across the aisle, a stupid smile resting on her face as I guess she was dreaming of something strange.

The static of the PA system crackled to life as the pilot announced over the cabin speakers, [We will be making our approach to Star City Small Airfield, so please buckle up.]

Hearing the alert, the three of us quickly sat up to get ready for the arrival.

With the bright morning sun rising directly at our backs, we made our final landing on the strip. Unlike our previous night flights across the territories,

I could see the entire outside scenery clearly now, and it was a bit more exciting to watch our landing out the window as the rubber hit the pavement.

Stepping off the plane steps onto the tarmac, the two female pilots and the attractive attendant bowed respectfully, thanking me for the work. I assured them with a calm nod that I would exclusively rely on them for all of my future corporate travels.

Not too far from the plane's wing, my signature white limousine was already waiting for us, with a taller, beautiful woman standing by the door in a sharp driver's outfit. This is Mercy, and seeing the three of us walk down, she only smiles slightly before stepping in to help with the heavy bags, though I insisted on helping her lift them this time.

As I closed the trunk lid down with a click, Mercy leaned in close to me and said, "See, I told you it would go by fast. And now that I had a couple of days off, I will be ready to care for you again, Master. And save your hug and kiss for when we get home, you have a young-master image to maintain, fufu."

I let out a soft sigh, smiling at her insight, "Sigh, You are knowing me too well, Mercy. Then I will wait for you, let's get home before University."

"RICKY I MIIIIIIIIISD YOUUUUU!"

The exact second I walked into the main lobby of the mansion, a very pregnant Nadia enthusiastically tackles my frame, making me drop my bag to the side to quickly catch her weight.

Mwah! Mwah! Mwah!

Under the sudden, heavy barrage of her kissing my face all over, I look past her shoulder to see the other ladies coming down the hallway to welcome me home. I gently pat Nadia's back to calm her down, realizing with a start that in just about a single month, she, Nichole, and Mary will all be giving birth. I smile in total defeat, looking around the room to say to them all, "We are back, safe and sound, I missed you all."

Nichole walked over toward us, and as she was actively pulling her in-heat twin sister off my right arm, she leaned in to kiss my lips and said, "Thank goodness you are back, she has been annoying to deal with. Now she can calm down a bit. Only two days and she went nuts, sigh."

I smile warmly at Nichole for being the responsible big sister of the two, and then Victoria steps in to give me a proper hug and a deep kiss. She then pulled back slightly to say, "Husband, good to have you home, and by the way... It was my idea to use your voice for Valentine."

As I gave her a look full of pure grievance over the software choice, Mary stepped up to hug me and kiss my lips, a smug grin spreading across her face as she told me, "Your baby girl has been moving around a lot, telling me she wants out. In about four weeks around March 7th, you will be holding your daughter."

Nadia immediately chimed in to remind her of the math, "Daughters, Ufufu, he got all three of us on the same day after-all, Ricky will be running everywhere that time."

As I blush a bit at the reminder of that chaotic day, Hana greeted me with a warm smile and said, "Well, my little boy will give you a month with his sisters, fufu, welcome home honey. Now I am off to work early, bye."

Tina swayed her hips sexily as she marched over to me, successfully beating Linda to the hug and kiss. She spent a bit longer than necessary wrapping her arms around my neck, thoroughly enjoying my embrace. When she finally let me go, her eyes scanned behind me and she said, "I see Jenifer is walking funny, good job dear, now let me finish getting ready for University."

Linda followed the fiery redhead's departure with her sharp grey eyes, and then she stepped in to hug me exceptionally tight without saying a single word. Since she wisely waited until the very end of the line, her embrace lasted significantly longer, proving she outsmarted the bird. I kiss her cheek, reaching down to rub her tummy, "And how is our little turtle doing?"

Linda looked up at me, her expression serious as she told me, "Our daughter is fine, but this pregnancy has shown me I must also design clothing for pregnant women. I really had not thought of it till now, so becoming a mother will change my views on business and fashion, anyway, let's go to school after breakfast."

When I reached down to pick up my bag from the floor, she stopped me with a hand on my arm and told me, "Father told me to tell you his company will actively start construction on the planned Lang-Lee Raceway. It will be usable this summer, so talk with him when you have time. I also sent him my proposals for my future company."

That is exceptionally good news to hear, proving my slow, calculated climb to the absolute top of the food chain begins right here.

As our limousine pulled into lot number 9 a short while later to pick up Kate for classes, I was currently flanked on the leather seats by Nadia and Victoria. Absolutely no one could get Nadia off my right arm this morning, and she was not letting me go for anything.

Kate stepped inside the vehicle, now completely used to sitting the furthest distance away from me, but she clearly realized it did not matter, due to getting my attention in Drama class anyway. Kate offered a bright greeting, asking immediately, "Morning everyone, and hello Rick! Did you see the notice the teacher emailed us about what we are doing this month?"

I shook my head calmly, adjusting my coat as I said, "No, I don't answer most class related emails till Monday, I am busy with other things on Friday till Monday."

Kate's red eyes lit up instantly, and she animatedly explained the situation, looking like she expected everyone else in the car to care, "Well, it was time for the Drama Club to put on a play, and Sam Sun got permission to give a script to our teacher Song, of The Vampire I fell for! So with a play version, and two of the actors from the film, Mrs Song really wants to do it. We would be the first university to make a play out of the movie!"

I looked out the window, offering a flat response, "Okay."

Kate had fully thought I would be incredibly excited by the news, her face dropping as she asked, "Rick, I thought you like the movie? Why do you seem uninterested?"

I smile back at her, keeping my voice calm as I explain the reality, "The play adaptation will suck to be honest. That movie was great because of the special effects and the action. Plays are kinda lame in my opinion, soooo."

Kate pouted heavily, crossing her arms over her chest as she turned her head to glare at me, "Plays can be just as amazing if you give them a chance. A play is like a beautiful woman without makeup, but does it mean you will only see her with makeup on?"

I felt a sudden, sharp poke straight into my side from Victoria, silently scolding me for being a total party pooper, and I quickly shifted my tone to calm this dramatic starlet down, "Fine, Fine, I get it, well at least there are no lewd scenes other than some vampire biting and light-kissing. But based on most plays, they may have cut it out."

The other girls riding along in the limousine seemed oddly interested in the mechanics of this upcoming play, and Kate immediately leaned forward to pitch some more ideas, "Rick, you should try for the main lead! This would be great practice if you get the movie role as the Bodyguard Vampire Hunter."

I let out a soft snort, adjusting my seat position as I replied, "Him? He was pretty lame till the end, plus I would rather be Dracula. He was a great main villain in that."

"B-But he is the enemy of the Princess?" Kate stammered, her eyes widening in confusion.

I wagged my index finger back and forth at her like a seasoned movie geek, correcting her logic on the spot, "Tsk Tsk Tsk! He was only a villain because the Princess abandoned him for a human, who in their eyes was like a sexy woman dating a cow. Humans are cattle, so he was offended by her actions. That is why he became the villain. He stayed out of the human world before that."

Kate, suddenly being told that her beloved on-screen character actually caused all the plot drama, looked completely distracted by the new narrative.

She honestly cannot tell that I am only messing with her head. Victoria looked at me, letting out a soft sigh as she muttered, "I am a little ashamed I married a movie nerd."

The exact split second I adopted the same stunned, pouting look that Kate just had, Vicky broke her straight face and smiled beautifully, thoroughly knowing her little prank had gotten me good.

Tina tilted her head to the side, shifting her posture as she added her own thoughts, "Well Rick, you forced me to watch the movie before, but if you will be in the play, I will definitely come to see it. Make me happy, dear."

I was forced to endure a heavy wave of some more affectionate teasing for the rest of our way to the school perimeter.

Jenifer, due to still harboring some slight physical aches while walking after our recent bathroom encounter, just went straight to her Business class instead of chaperoning the two elite actresses down the hallway. This change was definitely a structural failure on her part as a personal maid.

Both Ana and Kate, in a very rare show of campus unity, each grabbed one of my suit sleeves while insistently going on and on about the upcoming play structure to me as we walked. Ana looked up at me with a smirk, whispering, "If you play Dracula, then I can be one of your concubines, fufu."

"No Rick, play the main lead, or you might have to do stupid hugging scenes with her," Kate countered immediately, pulling my other arm.

I rolled my eyes hard at the dual assault, because my wonderful illusion of my two favorite younger movie stars was completely ruined by reality, "Sigh, I think I will ask to operate the spotlight, or play as a Tree?"

Ana and Kate both snapped their heads toward me, shouting together in absolute unison, ""No!""

After successfully dropping off Tweedledum and Tweedledee at their designated acting classroom, I made my way over to my own classroom.

Right at the entrance door, Cat Woo was standing there waiting for my arrival. When I lifted my left eyebrow at her presence, she shifted her weight and explained, "My uncle Bill asked me to see if your trip went well, and he told me of your duel. Are you fine?"

I let out a calm smile, adjusting my briefcase as I explained, "Tell your uncle my trip was great, and thanks again. As for the duel, it was nothing, plus I received a wonderful Katana as a prize."

For a brief moment, she looked entirely unsure of what to say next under my confident gaze, but she delivered her thoughts anyway, "Seems my past ambitions have really bothered your life Rick, sorry."

"Nope, you and I are square, plus you are my Fire Birds member, so you are my own now, let's go to class," I replied, stepping past her.

When Cat followed me into the room, a slight, genuine smile was resting on her lips, due entirely to my reassuring words.

On our way over to the computer science building later that morning, Jen held onto my arm tightly instead of walking a respectful distance behind my frame. James immediately noticed this slight change in her standard maid behavior, leaning over to tease her, "Hey Jenifer, are you starting to have a crush on this guy too? Man, I always thought you were the smart one."

Well, I don't go around bragging to James about my heavy sexual exploits or talking about the intimate status of my Maids, so he genuinely thinks this interaction is brand new. Jenifer normally would never tolerate such a joke, and since James has not thought of excess-sex as the biological reason for her clinginess, she blushed deeply and fiercely countered, "Say one more thing to me, and I will go on the public forum of the University and tell everyone your nickname is Monkey."

You know that exact psychological feeling of stepping flat on a live landmine and knowing that if you move your foot a single inch, you are completely dead? Well, James looked like he just stepped on one, his face freezing instantly.

In today's computer class, Kim came into the room without too much clumsy fuss. She has finally started to sleep exceptionally well again and has fully accepted our new secret relationship status. Though, she still visibly blushes during the class lecture if I stand directly next to her console or look into her green eyes a bit too intensely.

And due to it being Monday on the calendar, I will be eating lunch with her exclusively and helping with her hardware needs during the lunchtime block.

Mercy was an absolute angel today, dropping off two Big Burger complete food combos for us at lunch before taking the other ladies out for a nice meal on the town.

With the main computer class doors firmly shut and locked, the two of us went straight into Kim's private office and sat side-by-side eating our meals. I leaned over to give her a warm kiss, holding her close against my frame the exact second we finished our food. She smoothed her skirt, looking up to tell me, "My mother and father said, would the end of February be good to fly to Long Island for an overnight meeting? So if you are not too busy, we can stay for an evening or two there? What do you think, Rick?"

Looking directly down into her expectant eyes, I adjust my stance to say, "Kim, I will leave it to you. Just tell me what you want, and I will work around it. As long as I can make you happy, it is fine."

Kim immediately hugged my chest super tight, a wide grin spreading across her face as she tells me, "If the meeting goes well, they would want us to marry in the UK, is that fine?"

"This summer? You had invited me to go then?" I asked, tracking the timeline.

She nodded her head firmly against my chest, her voice low as she told me, "Before University starts for the next school year, I wanted to marry you in my hometown of Boston, the Capital of the Kingdom. I have lots of family, and I want them to see that I finally am happy."

"Sure, plus my home should calm down about then. Well I will wait patiently for that day to come," I answered, stroking her hair.

Kim's deep-seated insecurities suddenly flared up under my calm response, and she nervously asked me, "Rick, will you be disappointed to wait so long for us to be married? I-I can elope early if you want?"

I leaned down to kiss her deeply this time, completely taking her breath away with the physical encounter, and finally pulled back to tell her, "My words stand, I said you are worth the wait, so do not worry or think I will reject you. You will be my wife when you are ready, and I can wait for our time to be husband and wife. So in the meantime, just get to know each other better. Understand?"

Kim smiled beautifully, cuddling close into my embrace until it was finally time for us to part ways for our respective classes.

Inside the Drama Club auditorium...

Teacher Song had just officially announced the upcoming play adaptation, describing to the classroom exactly how it differed structurally from the movie version. The assigned homework for those students who had never seen the film was to watch it immediately over the week. Surprisingly, a dozen or so students in the club had never actually seen the movie before.

One of the girls sitting in the middle row raised her hand, projecting her voice to ask, "How will parts be distributed? I guess Kate Kong, and Ana Zi are going to play the same roles?"

Mrs. Song nodded, tapping her clipboard against her desk, "Yes, due to the fact that there are two roles that are perfected, and the names that will carry the play to success. But unlike the movie, they can change it up a bit in a play and not have to be so rigid, and have fun with the part."

Kate quickly raised her hand from her aisle seat, asking immediately, "What about the male Protagonist and Antagonist?"

"Sam Sun will play the Main Lead and Logan will play the Antagonist. He is perfect for Dracula," Mrs. Song announced, marking the chart.

Actually, now that I think about the physical looks of the males, Logan does have that brooding Vlad the Impaler look going on naturally, and well, Sam has the superficial looks suited for a generic high school crush. No skin off my nose.

Kate, thoroughly dissatisfied with the pairing, pressed further, "Then what role will Rick have?"

Teacher Song, easily seeing right through her transparent bias, offered a knowing look as she said, "Rick will understudy for both Sam and Logan in case of unexpected events, and he will play side character roles. Rick has the ability to not be typecast and can play multiple parts in a row."

What she is basically saying to the room is that I am going to do exactly what Tom Hanks did in the animated film, Polar Express, and become more than one distinct character during the play, which actually sounds incredibly fun for my skills development.

I smiled back at Teacher Song, nodding my head to affirm the choice, "I would love to do that multi-role, thanks. Plus the main-lead just dies anyway, so he is a scrub by default, perfect for Sam Sun to play."

Teacher Song was visibly surprised and genuinely happy that I completely understood her underlying meaning. The main lead is not necessarily the most important structural role in the show or movie production. Plus, everyone here in the room fully knows that Sam bribed the Teacher indirectly to bring this script to the school, so she reluctantly gave him the role to keep the peace. Kate, however, looked very dissatisfied with the layout.

Sam was so fucking happy, right up until the exact moment he fully heard my insult, but what could he realistically do other than sit there and glare helplessly at me from across the aisle. Damn, I am just soooo incredibly terrified of mommy's little golden boy.

Teacher Song then stood up from her desk, tapping the heavy stack of papers against her clipboard as she addressed the room, "Alright everyone, here are your scripts for the play, don't lose them. We don't want others to know what we are doing."

I reached out to grab a copy for Kate while simultaneously securing my own, sitting back down into my aisle seat. I firmly held the printed script layout in my hands, scanning the front cover to read the exact name text, [The Vampire I Fell For... The Play]

Time to thoroughly read through this entire thing tonight, analyze the production structure, and see exactly what kind of script choices I am dealing with under the hood.