Chapter 152: Heading to New York

"Alright, I'll head out now. Xiaobai, Xiaohuang, Banya, be good, alright? Chirp, make sure it doesn't eat too much; it's getting too fat. Also, take care of yourselves. Remember, you must video call me every night before bed. Got it?"

Jiang Hai's tone was stern as he addressed the two little lolis, who seemed completely indifferent to his expression. Despite their apparent lack of interest, his heart still felt heavy. Like a worried father, he meticulously reminded them of every detail.

Although the girls remained outwardly stoic, their trembling hands and evasive glances betrayed the emotions surging within them. Deep down, they were moved. It had been so long since someone had shown them such care.

"You too—if anything happens, don't hesitate to call me," Jiang Hai added, turning his attention to the eight women gathered to see him off.

These women didn't originally own cell phones. Phones had been a luxury they couldn't afford, as they barely managed to scrape together enough for food. In the United States, where even basic communication incurred monthly costs, owning a phone was simply out of the question.

After arriving at Jiang Hai's manor, however, he had provided each of them with a phone—specifically, the latest iPhone 5s. Though this device might seem luxurious in China, it was considered a relatively low-tier configuration in the U.S. Contract pricing for the phones was quite affordable: $199 for the 16GB version, $299 for 32GB, and $399 for 64GB. With taxes and activation fees, the final cost for the base model came to about $227. Users then paid $40 monthly for voice and data plans, totaling about $960 over two years—higher than the $640 retail price for a non-contract phone but manageable.

Jiang Hai didn't mind the costs. In his opinion, convenience and functionality outweighed the difference. He ensured the girls learned how to use their phones, from basic texting to video calls, giving them a newfound means of communication.

"We'll take good care of ourselves. Don't worry!" Darlene signed, reassuring Jiang Hai. Over the past few weeks, she had been teaching him sign language, and though his progress was slow, it was steady. Jiang Hai could now grasp the gist of basic conversations, alleviating some of the communication barriers between them.

Still, Jiang Hai wasn't in a hurry to address all their issues. He suspected his blood might help alleviate some of their physical challenges, but he wasn't entirely certain yet. He decided to wait until after his upcoming "upgrade" before pursuing any solutions.

"Boss, if you don't leave now, you'll miss the plane!" Bell, seated in the driver's seat, called out with a laugh. Since Jiang Hai was flying directly from New York to China, he hadn't planned to drive to the airport.

"Alright, take care, everyone. I'm heading off now," Jiang Hai said one last time before climbing into the car. As Bell started the engine and drove away, the girls bit their lips, watching him leave with mixed emotions. Jiang Hai was truly an enigma to them—perhaps, he really was a good man.

Unbeknownst to Jiang Hai, he had unknowingly earned himself ten metaphorical "good guy" cards.

The car soon merged onto the highway, heading toward Boston's Logan Airport. The airport, situated outside the city, lay en route to Winthrop, simplifying their journey. Within half an hour, they had reached the airport. Having pre-booked his ticket, Jiang Hai swiftly completed check-in and security.

Traveling light, Jiang Hai had only packed a few changes of clothes. He had no close relatives in China and planned primarily to visit his parents' graves. As for gifts or specialty items, he had already shipped them ahead via air freight, leaving him unencumbered.

Rather than heading straight to the terminal, Jiang Hai relaxed in the first-class lounge. Although the flight from Boston to New York was short—just over an hour—Jiang Hai opted for first-class seating. With his current wealth, he saw no reason to compromise on comfort.

Soon, boarding was announced, and Jiang Hai settled into his first-class seat. As the plane took off, he leaned back and dozed off. Before he could fall into a deep sleep, however, the flight was over—Boston and New York were just that close.

After landing at New York's JFK Airport, Jiang Hai was among the first to disembark. Outside, he spotted a familiar black car and the figure standing beside it.

"Hey, boss! Over here!" Moses Adams greeted him warmly. As Jiang Hai approached, Moses smiled and gestured for him to hop in. Knowing Jiang Hai's love for basketball—and having secured tickets for him—Moses had come personally to accompany him to the All-Star Game.

"Been waiting long?" Jiang Hai asked with a grin as he approached.

"Not at all, boss! I just got here myself. Let me take you to the hotel—I've got everything arranged," Moses replied, opening the car door.

Jiang Hai tossed his bag into the back seat and climbed into the passenger seat. As the car cruised toward downtown Manhattan, Jiang Hai gazed curiously at the bustling streets of New York.

This was his first time in the city, and the stark contrast to the serene life at his manor was striking. The pace of life here was frenetic; the streets teemed with hurried pedestrians, towering skyscrapers, and endless streams of cars.

Moses, ever the attentive host, pointed out landmarks and shared tidbits about the city. However, Jiang Hai didn't have much time to explore. His schedule was tight—rest today, visit Space City tomorrow, and attend the All-Star Game the day after.

As the car wove through the busy streets, Jiang Hai marveled at New York's sheer scale and vibrancy. Though he felt a bit out of place amidst the city's chaos, he couldn't help but appreciate its grandeur.

For now, however, all he could do was settle in, rest, and prepare for the exciting days ahead.

(To be continued...)