C11 We Are Back at School

Having secured promises from both of them, Fredia sniffled and pulled out her adorable pink bunny-eared phone. "Here, set it up for me, please!"

"And me," Mollie chimed in with a giggle, handing her phone over to Howard. Her phone was less ostentatious, sporting a sky-blue case adorned with white clouds, giving it a clean and elegant look.

"Alright," Howard said, patting Fredia's head affectionately as he connected their phones to his laptop. In just a few seconds, the phones rebooted, and the images of the doctor and Hera sprang to life on their screens.

"Wow! Howard, you've got some impressive design skills!" Mollie exclaimed, picking up her phone to test out the communication with the doctor. She was thrilled to find no issues, even when she delved into complex topics. The doctor's responses were smooth, and her refined and graceful tone made Mollie feel like she was conversing with a princess from ancient times.

Meanwhile, Hera had become a maternal figure to Fredia, treating her with the same affection one would show their own daughter. Overjoyed, Fredia hugged her phone and planted two enthusiastic kisses on Howard's cheek. "Howard, can I show this off?"

"Not just yet," Howard replied, wagging his finger. "Once our company is up and running, then you can show it off."

"Then I'll just secretly chat with Hera!" Fredia beamed, as delighted as a butterfly. "Howard, I can't thank you enough. I love you for this unforgettable gift!"

Howard couldn't help but feel a rush of happiness seeing his Senior Sister so elated.

Especially since he'd received an affectionate "stamp" from her first thing in the morning. It was a wonderful feeling.

But he sighed inwardly. Life was going to be difficult with this much sweetness in the air.

Watching Howard gaze adoringly at Fredia, Mollie's joy from her interaction with the doctor evaporated. And to make matters worse, her own virtual assistant chose that moment to prod her. "Mollie, you really should find yourself a boyfriend. Otherwise, with all this sweetness around, you might go a bit mad!"

Big sister, you must have a wicked streak!

Mollie covered her face, trying to hide her tears.

Unable to bear their saccharine display any longer, Mollie blurted out, "You two, remember we have classes today. Snap out of it!"

Howard burst into laughter. "Right! I almost forgot. We've got our first class of the year today, and I definitely don't want to be late!"

"Let's just grab something quick to eat at the school gate this morning," Mollie said, massaging her forehead.

Sure thing.

Howard nodded and turned to Claus, "Claus, would you mind driving us to school?"

"Of course, Young Master," Claus replied with a slight nod. After tidying up the teapot, he promptly went to fetch the car from the garage and parked it at the front of the villa, waiting patiently.

Howard was the epitome of nonchalance, taking a mere three minutes to wash up and brush his teeth. A few tousles of his hair and the image of a dashing, sun-kissed aristocratic young man emerged.

Looking sharp!

Howard flashed a self-satisfied grin and sauntered out the door.

The girls took their time getting ready, but thankfully, there was no rush. Howard waited without a hint of impatience.

Before long, both girls descended the stairs.

Mollie was clad in a crisp white lab coat.

Fredia, on the other hand, had slipped into a vibrant, youthful dress, her slender legs sheathed in snow-white stockings, and her delicate feet adorned with sparkling flat sandals.

Where did these clothes come from?

Howard was intrigued.

Mollie's choice made sense; the lab coat was a simple addition.

But Fredia's ensemble was a complete departure from yesterday's attire!

Claus had worked his magic overnight.

Mollie laughed lightly, "I'm not fond of skirts, and I like my own clothes, so I just opted for a lab coat."

I see.

Claus was indeed a man of many talents!

Howard's lips curled into a soft smile, "Senior Sister, stop spinning. You're so captivating, I can't look away!"

Fredia's laughter tinkled through the air, "Do you like it?"

"It's stunning. You're the perfect goddess of my dreams!" Howard exclaimed, giving her an enthusiastic thumbs-up.

Fredia blushed with delight at the compliment, snuggling closer to Howard's arm, "Howard, I don't want to go to school. I can't stand being apart from you."

"That's a bit tricky," Howard chuckled with a hint of resignation. "It's only for a short while. I'll talk to our class advisor today about possibly taking a leave of absence."

"You're right. With your abilities, university is just holding you back. It's time to step out and hone your skills," Mollie interjected, her stomach churning with anxiety as she ushered them towards the car. "Come on, we're cutting it close!"

Hehe.

Looks like Mollie's got a case of the green-eyed monster!

Fredia couldn't help but laugh with a hint of triumph. "Too bad, this is my boyfriend, so no hugging for you!"

"Cut it out! Keep flaunting your love life, and I'll spill all the embarrassing stories from your childhood!"

Mollie glared at her bestie, teeth clenched, itching to give her a hundred playful spanks.

They bantered all the way to school.

Soon, the trio reached the school gates.

Just yesterday, their arrival in the Rolls-Royce Cullinan had stirred up quite a buzz. Today, the scene was just as sensational, especially as onlookers watched Fredia sweetly cling to Howard's arm as they stepped out of the car, leaving many hearts in pieces.

"The school's beauty is taken!"

"My love life was over before it even began!"

"Seeing her so blissfully happy, I'm seriously feeling the envy!"

Crowds gathered around them.

Breakfast was clearly off the table, so they just skipped it. Missing one meal was no big deal.

Or so Howard thought.

But Claus, ever the foresighted butler, had already anticipated their predicament and produced three impeccably crafted thermos lunchboxes. "Young Master, Madam, and Miss Xia, here's the breakfast I've prepared for you. Please enjoy it while it's hot!"

Wow!

Mr. Claus, you're a lifesaver!

Fredia was over the moon.

Starting the day with a gourmet meal meant she was set to be energized all day long!

"Claus, you've outdone yourself," Howard said, deeply moved. Having someone so attentive and caring while away from home was truly heartwarming.

In that moment, he thought of his family's sacrifices, how they scrimped and saved for his education. He resolved then and there to get his company off the ground quickly and bring his parents and grandparents to the manor, to share in the good life.

After breakfast in the garden, the three friends parted ways, heading to their respective departments.

Howard didn't head straight for the classroom.

He went to see his academic advisor to discuss his situation.

Taking a leave of absence wasn't simple.

But for a prodigy like Howard, there were always exceptions!