Chapter 301
"I know!" Patrick chuckled. "Some folks are optimistic, some are downright giddy. Others? Not so much."
"What do you mean?" I asked, curious.
"The optimists, they're hoping for the best. Even if they know deep down it's a long shot, they're clinging to the idea that it might just work out. The others? They're practically praying for it to crash and burn. You get the picture."
"Do you have any concrete information about this project?" I pressed.
Patrick raised an eyebrow. "Suddenly interested, are we?"
I hesitated. Patrick was on my side, no need to play coy. But some things were better left unsaid, especially when it came to someone like Vincent. Those were words best left unspoken.
"Let's just say I'd rather not poke the bear," I said carefully. "It's not healthy to make enemies in high places."
"Trying to figure out if Skyliart Group is involved?" Patrick asked shrewdly.
I nodded.
He stroked his chin thoughtfully. "When they first announced the project, everyone and their mother wanted a piece of the action. But then word got around that it was another chip project, and people started getting cold feet. We're talking two, three hundred companies initially, and now? Maybe half that, if we're being generous. But the information on who's still involved? That's locked up tighter than Fort."
"I don't understand," I said, frowning. "If everyone knows it's risky, why bother?"
"Because," Patrick said, leaning closer, "there's a big, powerful backer pulling the strings. The government itself. They've poured fifty billion dollars into this thing. Without it, the whole project would've been dead before it even left the drawing board."
"That's a huge gamble," I said, surprised.
"You could say that again. Some see it as a golden ticket, a chance to climb the political ladder." Patrick snorted. "They seem to forget that the Allen family practically owns the manufacturing sector in Sevan City. Everyone knows how difficult this project is going to be."
After all this talk, I still felt lost. "What exactly is this project?"
"Ultra-high-precision machine tools," Patrick said simply.
My jaw dropped. Ultra-high-precision machine tools? I didn't understand all the technical details, but I knew Snowpeak Kingdom was severely lacking in that department.
The world leaders in that field were Crystal Nation, Garmany, and Switcerland, with Crystal Nation being the undisputed king.
With ultra-high-precision machine tools, you could build anything – even aircraft carriers. It was the key to upgrading every aspect of Snowpeak Kingdom's industrial capabilities and catching up to the world's leading nations.
Suddenly, it all made sense. No wonder so many people were willing to throw money at this project. It was even more enticing than the chip project.
"They've got us over a barrel," Patrick said grimly. "They control the supply, and they know it. It's not even on the open market, and even if it were, they'd only sell us outdated models."
"So you're not optimistic?" I asked.
"It's not about being optimistic or pessimistic," Patrick said, shaking his head. "If they succeed, it would be a game-changer for the country. But the reality is, you can't just throw money at a problem like this and expect it to go away. Ultra-high-precision machine tools? That's not something you can just buy, no matter how deep your pockets are."
I nodded, deciding not to push further. "Can you get your hands on the shareholder information? Or at least confirm if Skyliart Group is involved?"
"Shareholder info will be tough," Patrick admitted, "but confirming Skyliart's involvement shouldn't be too hard. I'll see what I can dig up. We should have something by tonight, tomorrow at the latest." He grinned. "Speaking of which, why don't you come over for dinner tonight? My mom and aunt won't stop asking about you."
"I promised Ruby I'd stop by tomorrow," I said.
"Fair enough." He nodded. "By the way, I won't be able to make it to your company opening tomorrow. Things are a bit hectic, but I'll make sure someone sends a nice flower basket."
"Don't worry about it," I said. "It's the thought that counts."
Leaving Nexus Enterprises, I drove to Sevan City University. I'd booked a room at a nearby luxury hotel. It wasn't long before I heard a knock on the door.
Kelsey stood there, a small, password-protected box in her hand. She was dressed in a maid outfit, complete with cat-ear hair clips and light makeup. Adorable didn't even begin to describe it.
Her face lit up when she saw me. "John! It feels like forever!"
I pulled her inside and closed the door behind her. She snuggled close, her voice a soft murmur in my ear. "Darling, I've missed you so much."
Her voice, soft and sweet, was intoxicating. I wrapped my arms around her slender waist. "Have you been a good girl while I've been busy?"
"Of course," she said, nodding. "I missed you when I woke up, during class, while I was eating… even in my sleep. I just want to be close to you."
She'd taken to calling me "darling" lately, claiming it felt more intimate. I had to admit, it sent a pleasant shiver down my spine.
My breath hitched. "And what about now?"
Her cheeks flushed, her breath coming in short, shallow gasps. She gazed up at me, her eyes dark with desire. "Don't you want to find out, darling?" she whispered.
I swallowed hard. As much as I wanted to, I knew the anticipation, the slow burn, was all part of the game.
"Trying to tempt me, are you?" I teased, my voice husky.
She stuck her tongue out playfully. "Only because you're mine, darling."
Her words warmed me from the inside out. This girl… she knew how to make a man feel good.
"Is that what's in the box?" I asked, nodding towards her hand. "All the outfits?"
As if on cue, she knelt down and opened the box, revealing a treasure trove of clothes. "JK uniforms, schoolgirl outfits, Lolita dresses, nurse uniforms, flight attendant costumes… you name it, I've got it."
My eyes widened. There were shoes, stockings, even a whole collection of headbands and accessories.
She spread the clothes out on the bed like a proud shopkeeper displaying her wares. "Enough to keep us busy," she said with a wink.
I never imagined I'd be on the receiving end of such a display. This girl was full of surprises.
After a moment of contemplation, I called down to the front desk and ordered some Western food and two new outfits for Kelsey – one Armani, one Chanel.
Once we'd eaten our fill, Kelsey turned to me with a mischievous glint in her eyes. "So, darling," she purred, "what should I wear first?"
I pointed to her maid outfit. "I like this one. But…"
"But?" she echoed, tilting her head.
"It's a little… conservative, don't you think?"
I showed her a picture on my phone. She took one look and then shot me a sultry glance before disappearing into the bathroom.
She emerged a few minutes later, the cat ears replaced with a lacy maid's headband. The skirt of her outfit was shorter now, barely reaching her thighs, more apron than a dress.
She knelt on the floor in front of me, her head bowed submissively. "Master, I await your command. What is your pleasure?"
I leaned back, a wave of contentment washing over me. This… this was the life.
I swirled the red wine in my glass, pretending to be lost in thought. Then, "accidentally," I let a bit spill down my chin.
My face hardened. "Look what you've done! You've gotten it all over me!"
Kelsey gasped, her eyes wide with feigned panic. "Oh no, Master! I'm so sorry! Please forgive me, I'll clean it up right away!"
She scrambled to her feet and began dabbing at the spill with her skirt, but it only seemed to spread the stain further.
"Master, I'm so clumsy!" she wailed, her voice thick with distress.
Then, before I could respond, she knelt down in front of me again. This time, however, she used her tongue, licking the spilled wine from my skin.
The sensation of her tongue on my skin sent a jolt of pleasure through me. My blood was beginning to sing.
"Is this better, Master?" she murmured, her breath hot on my skin.
She was innocent, she was seductive, she was everything I desired. I gently tilted her chin up with my finger. "Better," I said, my voice rough. "But don't let it happen again."
A blush crept up her neck, but it wasn't the blush of shame. This was something different, something altogether more exciting. "Thank you, Master," she breathed. "I'll try my best to please you."
She was a natural, falling into character effortlessly. And the best part? All it took was a little praise to get her going.
"Good girl," I said, my voice softening. "Now, come here and give me a massage. My legs are sore."
She obediently massaged my legs, kneaded my shoulders, and massaged my temples, relieving me of the fatigue and annoyance of the past few days.
Rita showed me infinite tolerance, and Kelsey did the same in her own way.
Honestly, if one day she left my side, I would really miss her a bit.
Oh well, let's enjoy the present and not think too much.
"Master, how do you feel now?"
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