On this day, three cars stopped outside the New York Airport, and Mike, along with Connie and others, waited at the airport exit.
Although they weren't given special treatment, when Mike and his group walked by, the ordinary people who were also there to pick up others voluntarily made space for them.
One reason was Mike's appearance and attire; the aristocratic air emanating from him clearly showed he was no ordinary person.
Another, bigger reason was Needy, who was both a bodyguard and a driver. Today, not only was her expression cold and unapproachable, but she also carried her two alloy longswords on her back.
Yes, MIB members have the right to carry weapons anywhere, and the airport is no exception.
However, Needy was acting strangely today, getting so 'formal' when she usually wasn't like this.
Mike guessed she was probably re-familiarizing herself with various human emotions.
In fact, the emotional loss symptoms on Needy had greatly improved after Mike treated her twice with the Blessing Power.
But it seemed some after-effects remained, or perhaps some other physical issues had arisen.
However, for Mike, who possessed the Blessing Power, this was not a big deal. As long as he was willing, Needy's undesirable symptoms would only require two more blessings.
"Hmmph! So cool—!"
On the other hand, Connie, who loved to be unconventional, took an immediate liking to this cool girl the first time she saw Needy.
Next to them was George, eagerly looking forward to the arrival of his wife and children.
After nearly a month of healthy 'recuperation,' his complexion was rosy, and even his bloated physique had significantly slimmed down.
Judging by his condition, he should be able to return with his family after Christmas.
…
About ten minutes later, as the flight arrived, a group consisting of women and children walked through the crowd towards the airport exit.
"Mike—!"
As the girl's surprised cry rang out, Lina, dressed like a country girl, joyfully threw herself into Mike's arms like a bird escaping its cage.
Following her, Mary, with her children, also saw her husband, who looked well, at the exit.
However, before she could act, she was startled by Lina's actions.
Mary hadn't expected the quiet girl who had temporarily joined their traveling party to have such an emotional side.
After a moment of stunned, she protected Sheldon and Missy and walked towards her husband, who had also come to meet them.
"Everything will be alright… It's okay now…"
In the center of the open space, Mike gently patted the girl's back.
It was evident that she had been under immense pressure during this period.
After half a year of household labor, the girl looked much 'more mature,' her scholarly aura had faded somewhat, and instead, she had gained a sense of rustic simplicity, like a country girl.
After the initial excitement, the girl felt the man's hand slowly sliding down; it was still the same old trick.
So, before her vital spot was ambushed, the girl awkwardly grabbed the mischievous large hand behind her, then glared at the man before retreating to Paige's side.
Yes, Paige had also come, but she stood behind, 'quietly' staring at the man.
His little gesture had naturally not escaped her notice.
"Haha…" Mike watched Lina go whisper to Paige without feeling embarrassed, then walked over to Missy, who was eagerly looking their way.
Compared to Paige's capable demeanor, Missy, though not short, still looked like a 'child' with her chubby face.
"Long time no see, Missy," Mike greeted with a smile.
Then, the little girl, just like two years ago, threw herself into Mike's arms.
However, after only a brief hug, Missy realized she was no longer a child. Her face flushed, she quickly let go, stole a glance at her mother, and then shyly retreated behind her.
"Idiot…"
Sheldon watched his sister's flustered behavior and silently mouthed words again.
Just then, Mike's smiling face appeared before him.
"You… I won't hug you." Sheldon was startled at first, then took a small step back, expressing his refusal.
It seemed he had been misled by Lina and Missy's reactions.
"You wish…" Mike rolled his eyes at the little guy, feeling it wasn't enough, and then reached out to mess up his neatly combed oiled hair.
After half a year, Sheldon had grown a bit taller, though it wasn't obvious. Overall, he still looked like a little pipsqueak, just like before.
Of course, his peculiar personality remained the same.
"I wanted to ask you, are you interested in attending Columbia University next year? As for the reason, you understand…" Only when Sheldon began to tidy his hair in dissatisfaction did Mike explain his intention.
In fact, with Sheldon's genius level, he could go to any university he wished.
But at a prestigious school like Columbia University, with Mike and Paige vouching for him, Sheldon's admission would be much easier.
It's worth mentioning that Paige, like Mike, had passed all four years of Columbia University courses in the year-end exams.
Now, both of them had already received their Columbia University diplomas. If they went back to school next year, they would be taking graduate courses.
On the other side, Sheldon naturally knew that Columbia University had excellent teaching resources, but with Paige, a peer who always 'outsmarted' him intellectually, he hesitated a bit.
Finally, after a short period of thought, Sheldon refused: "Thank you for your invitation, but I'd still like to try it on my own."
Yes, Sheldon had already largely decided that next year he would use his brilliant mind to produce a better thesis than Paige's Network Intelligence Engineering, and then choose a better school than Columbia University to study at.
He wanted to quietly excel and then 'amaze' Paige when they met again.
This was Sheldon's unilateral and strong desire to win, even though the target he considered his rival was currently whispering with her little sister, completely oblivious to the situation here.
"Alright then, good luck! I have high hopes for you," Mike, seeing Sheldon's sudden burst of fighting spirit, habitually encouraged him.
Moreover, Mike knew that in about half a year, Sheldon would perform exceptionally well at an international summer camp, and then be invited by many good universities both domestically and internationally.
He would then choose Caltech, where he would study, pursue his master's, and work, staying there for many years.
For Sheldon, who was not good at social interaction, such a simple life might be a good thing.
However, Sheldon, listening to Mike's encouragement, felt a familiar sensation.
'Isn't this the same encouraging words Mike said to me back in high school after he snatched the top spot in our class?'
Because of his photographic memory, Sheldon could remember almost all his memories since birth, which naturally included Mike's words, and even his expression when he said them.
"Eek—!"
Sheldon quickly shook his head, driving the bad memories out of his mind.
And at this moment, Mike had already gone to Mary.
Mary had personally heard the good news from her husband that he had fully recovered.
Now, the middle-aged couple were tightly holding hands, with Mary praying and thanking God.
…
"I'll take you out for a big meal first, then you can get some good rest. Tomorrow, we'll have a lively Christmas together." Mike arranged the next steps after Mary finished her prayer.
At this time, only one day remained until Christmas.
The streets were filled with a festive atmosphere, and even the restaurant waitresses were dressed in cheerful Christmas outfits.
After a exquisite meal at a star hotel, Mike took George's family to a detached villa.
This place was not far from Mike's villa on Wall Street, a property left over from King Group's real estate investments.
It was perfect for George's family to stay in, and Mike had also called in an hourly maid beforehand to simply decorate the villa.
"Wow, this place makes me feel at home…" Mary exclaimed with a smile, looking at the cozy and festive decorations inside the small villa.
She had initially thought that the best-case scenario for celebrating Christmas in New York this time would be to stay in a hotel. She hadn't expected Mike to prepare a house for their family directly.
This was not easy to do in New York.
"This place is so beautiful, can John and I stay here for a few days too?" Connie, who loved lively gatherings, also liked this cozy little villa very much.
Especially since this small villa would allow her to celebrate Christmas with her daughter Mary's family.
"Of course, no problem, there are many rooms in this small villa." Mike responded with a smile, looking at his Connie.
Afterward, Connie turned her gaze to her daughter Mary.
"I have no problem either." During the holiday season, Mary naturally wouldn't refuse her mother. Then, she reminded her, "You should ask John what he thinks."
"I have no problem either, I'll listen to Connie…" Dr. Sturgis quickly gave his answer before Connie could even ask.
He was a person who went with the flow; as long as he could be with the people he liked, anywhere was fine.
Moreover, this small villa indeed looked much more comfortable than the staff house Dr. Sturgis was currently living in.
"Then it's decided, let's go see our new home!" Connie cheered and led everyone rushing into the small villa.
Subsequently, as the owner of the small villa, Mike also briefly showed everyone around the house, then pulled Paige and Lina to bid farewell to the others.
After agreeing to meet at Mike's luxurious villa tomorrow, the three of them got into the car driven by Needy and headed towards Wall Street.
By then, it was already dusk, and as Christmas Eve arrived, the scattered lights of countless homes twinkled outside the car window.
Lina was staring blankly at the bustling night scenery outside the window, lost in thought, not knowing what she was thinking about.
However, before the girl could get sentimental, she was pulled into the warm embrace of the man next to her by a large hand.
In the front passenger seat, Paige glanced at the rearview mirror, then closed her eyes, enjoying this rare tranquility together.