Chapter 27 Subtle Move
The familiar buzz of university life enveloped Rick as he opened his eyes. He was in his usual classroom, the scent of chalk and old textbooks filling the air. The clock on the wall confirmed it: 8:00 AM. He smiled. It felt like he had been asleep for hours, yet the time was exactly as it should be for his class schedule. This was the past. And with Aebum's help, he would soon have double the time. But for now, he would spend the same time, and every minute felt precious.
Classes passed quickly, Rick taking notes with an almost detached efficiency, his mind already formulating his next moves. As soon as the final bell rang for their morning session, he met Jenny outside the classroom, her bright smile instantly lifting his spirits.
"Hey, you!" she greeted, linking her arm through his. "You seem particularly energized today. Good dream?"
Rick chuckled, the irony not lost on him. "Something like that. Come on, let's grab some lunch. I have something to tell you."
They walked hand-in-hand to the bustling university cafeteria. The aroma of fried noodles and sweet tea filled the air, mingling with the lively chatter of students. They found a relatively quiet table in a corner, away from the main thoroughfare.
Once they had settled, Rick took a deep breath. "Jenny, I'm going to Metro Mee City."
Jenny paused, her fork halfway to her mouth. "Metro Mee City? Really? When?" Her eyes sparkled with a mix of surprise and excitement. "Is it for one of your research projects? Or a venture adventure again?"
"Soon. Very soon," Rick said, trying to keep his tone casual. "And it's… well, it's for a business I've secretly started."
Jenny's eyebrows shot up. "A secret business? Rick, what are you talking about? You're a full-time student!"
"I know, I know," he conceded, offering her a reassuring smile. "But this is a big opportunity. It's something I've been working on for a while, and it requires my presence in the capital to finalize things." He omitted any mention of lottery winnings, the dangers, or Leo's involvement.
"Really!" Jenny exclaimed, a touch of disappointment in her voice. "But… that's so sudden! Can I come with you?" Her eyes pleaded, already imagining a romantic getaway to the grand capital.
Rick shook his head gently. "I wish you could, Jen, I truly do. But this isn't a leisure trip. It's… serious business. It's going to be a lot of running around, meeting people, and honestly, it might even be a little boring for you. Plus," he added, trying to sound genuinely regretful, "you still have all those revisions for your literature report, don't you? And that group presentation for economics?"
Jenny sighed, her shoulders slumping slightly. "You're right. My report is due next week, and I'm nowhere near done. And Joana keeps reminding me about the bakery proposal, too. We need to get that finalized for the entrepreneurship competition." Her sister Joana, always the pragmatic one, had been pushing hard for their bakery dream.
"See?" Rick said, taking her hand and squeezing it gently. "You have your own important work here. This 'secret business' of mine is very time-sensitive, and it requires absolute focus. I wouldn't want you to be bored or feel neglected, and I certainly wouldn't want you to miss your deadlines because of me." He looked at her earnestly. "Trust me, this is for the best. It'll just be a day or two. I'll be back before you know it."
Jenny looked at him, a hint of skepticism still lingering in her eyes, but she also saw the earnestness in his gaze. She noticed that ever since last month, something has changed in Rick. His 'King of winging it' way is on and off, and he has somewhat become ambitious, and he has a knack for pulling off surprising feats.
"A secret business, huh?" she repeated, a small smile returning to her lips. "You always keep me on my toes, Rick Lane. Just… be careful, okay? And don't forget to call or send a telegram when you get there."
"I will," Rick promised, relief washing over him that she hadn't pressed further. "Every minute, if I can."
They finished their lunch, the conversation shifting to mundane university topics, but the underlying tension of Rick's impending departure remained. After lunch, Rick had another class, and he bid Jenny goodbye, promising to see her later that evening.
…
As Rick walked away, heading towards his next lecture hall, Jenny gathered her books, preparing to head to the library. She was still a little miffed that Rick hadn't given her more details about his "secret business," but she also understood his drive. She often joked that he was already a CEO in the making.
Just as she was about to stand up, a shadow fell over her table. She looked up, and her heart did a tiny flutter, not of excitement, but of mild annoyance. Nortorn Klane stood there, his usual entourage of preppy friends conspicuously absent. He was dressed impeccably, as always, his dark hair perfectly coiffed, as handsome as ever.
Jenny looked at him, but she didn't chase him away. Her mother worked as a small manager for one of the Klane family's textile businesses, so Jenny knew Nortorn well, albeit they're not that close. They had a few interactions when they were younger, at company picnics or social gatherings, but she had never really liked him. He had a reputation for being a playboy, changing girlfriends as casually as he changed his designer shirts. However, she also knew that beneath the haughty exterior, Nortorn wasn't entirely bad. He often showed glimpses of a softer, more thoughtful side, particularly when he thought no one was watching.
Nortorn didn't display his usual arrogant smirk. Instead, he simply pulled out a chair opposite her and sat down, a surprisingly polite expression on his face. "Mind if I join you, Jenny?"
"Depends," Jenny replied, a hint of steel in her voice. "Are you going to be annoying, Mr. Klane?"
Nortorn chuckled, a genuine, unforced sound. "Not today, Ms. Kane. Just wanted to say hello. Heard you're doing well in your literature class. Miss Elise was raving about your analytical skills."
Jenny blinked, surprised. Nortorn usually only talked about himself or bragged about his latest conquests. "Oh. Thanks. And how would you know that?"
"My cousin is in that class," Nortorn said with a shrug. "She complains about your insightful questions making her look bad." He smirked then, but it was a light, teasing one, not the usual condescending kind. "So, studying hard for the next big exam?"
They talked for a while, surprisingly. Nortorn didn't flirt, didn't boast, didn't even try to pursue her. He just talked, casually and pleasantly, like an old friend catching up. He asked about her plans for the future, and she shared her dream of starting a bakery with Joana. He is showing a genuine interest in her aspirations, even offering a few unsolicited but surprisingly shrewd business tips from his family's vast empire. Jenny found herself relaxing, even enjoying the conversation, surprised by this different side of Nortorn Klane. He was far more engaging when he wasn't trying to impress or intimidate.
When the bell for the next class rang, Nortorn stood up. "Well, good talking to you, Jenny. Maybe we can do it again sometime?"
"Maybe," Jenny replied, a small smile on her face. It was an unexpected, but not unwelcome, encounter. As Nortorn walked away, she shook her head, a lingering sense of bewilderment. He truly was full of surprises.
…
That afternoon, after his last class, Rick headed straight home. The weight of his impending departure settled on him, a mix of excitement for the future and a pang of guilt for leaving Jenny. He knew he had to be pragmatic.
He went to his bedroom and pulled out a worn leather suitcase from the back of his closet. He began to pack a few essential changes of clothes – sturdy shirts, a good pair of trousers, and a few undergarments for three days. He also made sure to pack his notepad and a few pens. Though Rick acted casually, but deep in his heart, he could not deny that he was feeling a bit excited about going to Metro Mee City.
As he was zipping up his suitcase, his mother, Eliza Lane, a warm and kindly woman in her late forties, peeked her head into his room. "Rick, dear? What are you doing? Going somewhere?"
Rick paused, taking a breath. This was the tricky part. He couldn't tell her the full truth, not about the lottery, not about the grand prize. His father, Arthur, and his younger brother, Erk, both had impulsive streaks, especially when it came to money. His father was a good man, but easily swayed by the promise of quick riches, and Erk, at 18, was even more prone to recklessness. He knew they would either try to "help" him spend the money or, worse, try to emulate his success without the crucial knowledge he possessed, leading to disastrous outcomes.
"Yes, Mom," Rick said, feigning a casual air. "I'm heading to Metro Mee City for three days. Just a quick trip."
His mother frowned slightly. "Metro Mee City? What for, son? Are you feeling alright?" She put a hand to his forehead, checking for a fever.
"I'm perfectly fine, Mom," Rick reassured her, gently moving her hand. "It's… it's for a university project. A really important one. I'm meeting with some senior students and professors from other universities there. It's a collaborative research thing." He made it sound vague enough to be believable. "It's confidential, so I can't really go into details, but it could lead to some pretty big opportunities for my career down the line."
His mother's expression softened, pride replacing her concern. "Oh, my smart boy! Always working so hard. How long will you be gone?"
"Just a few days, Mom. Maybe a week at most," Rick replied. "I'll be staying with a friend from the university, one of the older students. We're going to be working intensely on this project." He conveniently omitted the fact that Leo was indeed an older student, but their "intense work" would be on claiming the lottery prize, not academic research.
"Well, alright," Eliza said, though a hint of worry still lingered in her eyes. "Just be careful, son. Metro Mee City is a big place. And make sure you eat properly. Do you have enough money for your expenses?"
"I'm all set, Mom. Don't worry," Rick assured her, giving her a quick hug. "Could you just tell Dad that I'll be staying over at a friend's place for a few days, working on a university project? He might be home late, and I don't want him to worry."
"Of course, dear," his mother said, patting his arm. "You just focus on your studies. Your father will understand."
Rick smiled, relief washing over him. The first hurdle was cleared. Now, he just had to prepare for the journey, for the grand adventure that awaited him in Metro Mee City. And he had to do it all for Jenny.