C15 Only If They Kissed Each Other Would They be Happy

Outside the school gates.

Heidi and Beth clung to Fredia's hand, a touch of gloom in their voices. "Sister, has big brother not arrived yet?"

"He'll be here soon," Fredia reassured them, her heart racing with panic. She had accidentally left her family unblocked on her WeChat Moments post from the day before.

Especially these two mischievous munchkins.

To her greatest dismay, they had even run into Howard and hit it off quite well with him.

Before long.

Howard showed up at the school gates, his lips quirking up at the sight of the four charming figures. "Hop in," he beckoned.

The crowd was sizable.

Howard opted to ride in Saurat's car once again.

Her driving was notoriously aggressive.

He couldn't bear the thought of his dear Senior Sister enduring such a ride.

"Wow, what a pretty sister!" The two little ones weren't eager to board the vehicle; they were more interested in orbiting Saurat, full of admiration.

"You two little princesses are just as adorable!" Saurat said, her smile warm as she stroked their heads.

Giggles filled the air.

Really?

The girls seemed to take a shine to Saurat, asking for hugs before contentedly settling into the back seat of the Rolls-Royce Cullinan.

"This is Saurat," Howard introduced her.

"I am Saurat, the young master's personal maid," Saurat greeted with an elegant curtsy. "A pleasure to meet you, Madam, Miss Mollie."

Madam...

Oh, that...

Overwhelmed by the surrounding stares, Fredia blushed with a mix of shyness and joy, burying her face in her hands before ducking into the car to embrace her sisters. "Oh my, this is just too embarrassing!"

"Hello, I'm Mollie. It's a pleasure to meet you," Mollie greeted as she shook Saurat's hand before taking her seat in the car.

Time to depart.

Unfazed by the onlookers, Howard settled into the passenger seat of the Koenigsegg and headed straight home.

At the manor.

In the grand hall of the main villa, Howard glanced at the maids and offered a wry smile. "I hope you all enjoy your time here at the manor."

For a man not adept at formalities, Howard had done his best.

"Oh, and Claus, could you set up a group chat and add everyone? Make sure to use real photos for the profile pictures, not screen names. I'd like to get to know everyone properly!"

"Okay!"

Claus gave a slight nod and announced, "Alright, everyone, back to your stations."

"Oh, and Claus, when you get a chance, order a larger vehicle. Ours is getting a bit cramped." Howard said this and then headed upstairs.

"Howard, about my sisters..."

Fredia sat down, her face etched with embarrassment as she watched the little girls scamper around the villa, chaperoned by the maids.

"No worries, it adds to the liveliness," Howard said dismissively, taking her chilly hand in his. "Don't feel awkward."

Hmm!

Feeling the heat from Howard's palm, Fredia's anxiety slowly subsided. She asked curiously, "So, is our company officially up and running?"

"Pretty much. Claus secured a contract with a factory in the high-tech development zone. All the paperwork was finalized today, and the equipment I need is all set up and ready for operation."

Howard smiled, "How about it? Want to be the boss's wife and handle the finances?"

"Really?" Fredia's eyes sparkled. "I'd love to help you. I just don't have any work experience..."

"Learn as you go!" Howard said with ease. "The factory is yours, what's there to fear?"

Alright then!

I'll take care of the finances!

Fredia nodded with determination.

"Now, we just need a general manager!" Howard pondered, then snapped his fingers, "Ah, my sister works in Todmorden as a manager for a company. She'd be perfect for the job!"

"Sister?"

Fredia's face showed a hint of concern. She recalled hearing from classmates that guys often liked to refer to women as 'sister,' which made her question, "Howard, this sister of yours, is she... respectable?"

"What do you mean?" Howard was puzzled.

What's wrong with calling her sister?

"Fredia, are you asking if she's his sworn sister?" Mollie interjected with a giggle, sipping her tea.

"No, my sister is my actual sister, from my uncle's side. Do you think she's not respectable?" Howard looked exasperated.

Oh dear!

My mistake!

Fredia's cheeks flushed with embarrassment. Seeing Howard's look of disappointment, she felt a pang in her heart. Gently tugging on his hand, she whispered an apology, "I'm sorry, okay?"

"No way, my heart feels like it's been struck by a million-ton impact!" Howard lamented, slumped on the sofa in despair.

"What am I supposed to do then?"

At this, Fredia also lost her composure, her face turning a shade paler.

Hey~

Howard, noticing her flustered look, couldn't help but smirk to himself. He teasingly pointed to his cheek and said, "A kiss is the only thing that will cheer me up!"

A kiss?

Fredia's cheeks flushed even more. She hesitated for a moment before quickly pecking Howard on the cheek. "Is that okay?"

Absolutely!

Howard wrapped his arms around her tenderly. "Now, I need a hug too!"

You're teasing me.

Fredia caught on, pouting as she snuggled into Howard's embrace. She playfully punched his sturdy chest, "That's mean, tricking me into a kiss!"

You two!

Mollie, sitting to the side sipping her tea, clenched her fists in vexation. "Could you two please acknowledge that I'm here?"

Hehe!

Not a chance.

With a haughty hum, Fredia nestled closer to Howard, like a kitten in his arms, her lips curving into a contented smile as she listened to his heartbeat.

"By the way, Senior Sister Mollie, I'm interested in partnering with your company!" Howard stated earnestly, still cradling his kitten-like senior sister.

Hmm~

You know, discussing business like this doesn't exactly thrill me!

Watching their affectionate display, Mollie internally grumbled. There they were, making her feel like a third wheel, yet wanting to discuss a partnership.

But the technology Howard held was too compelling; she had to stomach the lovey-dovey scene if she wanted to talk business.

"I'm currently working on a chip," Howard said gravely. "Your company manufactures servers, right? You must need a substantial number of chips."

"A chip?" Mollie's brow furrowed. "Discussing this with me won't get you far. Our company, Zuchar, has been struggling with chip development for ages, and the gap is just too wide..."

"Our one-nanometer chip is exclusively ours. With the right wafers, we can start production immediately!" Howard assured her confidently. "Senior Sister, could you put in a word for me?"

One-nanometer chip!

Mollie's breath quickened. Though her expertise was in medicine, she was still a tech CEO's daughter with a solid grasp of chip technology!

A one-nanometer chip—that was leagues ahead of anything international!

"Does it really exist?" Mollie locked eyes with Howard, her tone grave. "You're not pulling my leg, are you?"

"I'm dead serious, no jokes here," Howard assured her with conviction. "Reach out to my sister and me tomorrow. We'll start producing test samples in a couple of days. You can take them to your research team for evaluation. We can discuss collaboration after that. But just so you know, Mollie, I won't be cutting you any deals!"

"Understood," Mollie nodded earnestly. "Rest assured, I won't let you down!"

That was all Howard needed to hear.

He gave a nonchalant shrug. When it came to separating friendship from business, Howard knew exactly where to draw the line.