Chapter 224 - The New House

The days in Country Z went by in a blink of an eye, Sato arrived in Country U alongside Gray, in hopes of starting a new journey here. The couple did not bring anything over except for a few spare clothing. The home was already furnished and food was stocked to the brim by their helpers. The bungalow that they had purchased for double the price had a beautiful pond that covered the entire front porch. A staggered platform was built across it using clean white stone that contrasted with the bright red koi fishes in the pond. As the pair entered the house, the house walls on all sides were completely glass. Natural light poured in and gave a cozy vibe throughout the living space. The glass walls was a special SMART material that could adjust its opacity according to the light from the outside. This meant that the residents of the home could see what was happening outside, but onlookers would not be able to see inside.

"You sure you will be fine by yourself?" Gray asked with a worried tone. Although he was the one that was telling Sato to chase after his dreams and ambitions, the man was still distressed of their scenario.

"I won't be alone, Gray. Madel is here, alongside a few of the house helpers." Sato nodded. Holding onto Gray's shoulders, he pushed his husband out of the house. "Alright, you have seen the house. It is time for you to head back to Country Z. If you do not leave now, you will be late for that meeting."

"So be it." Gray didn't care about it.

"If you did not follow me to Country U, you would not have to sit on the plane for another 12 hours." As Sato had said, Gray wanted to accompany Sato to Country U for protective reasons. In the end, it would require Gray to take a round day trip to get back to work.

"It was worth it." Gray pulled his cute lover in as he planted his lips on his. It was the last kiss he would be getting from Sato for a week. After that, he would have time to come down to Country U for a good month.

"Safe flight, hot stuff."

"Be safe, Sato."

"I will…"

After settling in relatively well in the new house, Sato started to prepare for the big day tomorrow. All the work he had been putting in were all for this purpose. He was going to create a revolution in the space industry. This revolution would be propelled forward in conjunction with the Black Box space program.

The next morning, Sato got up early and wore the suit that Gray had prepared for him. Cleaning himself up, Sato styled up his long hair purposefully, a rare occurrence for the young man. Finishing up his breakfast, Madel and Sato left for the Black Box research site. There, many renowned engineers were working around the clock to perfect and create the most efficient rocket. One particular engineer was none other than Sato's best friend, Ming, whom he had not seen in person since his wedding.

"I'll be reaching the entrance in five minutes." Sato was video calling Ming at the moment.

"Alright," Ming replied easily, "I'll wait for you at the front reception."

"Sounds good."

As planned, the car entered without any problems and Madel made her way to the reception building used to welcome guests. Li Ming was already waiting for Sato. The pair gave each other a nice warm hug before entering the building together. Over the two years of working at the Black Box, Ming was able to prove himself worthy of the financial aid program. He had quickly climbed up the ranks and was now the Assistant Lead Engineer in the Materials Development Branch. This was coincidentally in conjunction with Sato's project objective. As such, the pair had been talking about Sato's invention enthusiastically for the past few years.

"Sato, I won't be attending the meeting with you," Li Ming spoke apprehensively to his best friend, "Will you be fine?"

Seeing Ming being so worried for him, it reminded him of his husband who was also just like him. Sato chuckled lightheartedly as he placed a hand on Ming's shoulder. He said, "I'll be fine, Ming. Just wait to hear good news about the project."

"Okay." Ming nodded. Seeing that Sato was this confident, the young man was no longer too worried.

After being guided to the door of the meeting room, the young man realized that he was about to enter a very secure room. Seeing the construction of room, he knew that the thickness and material of the walls were comparable to bomb shelter rooms. It was sound proof and perfect for important classified meetings. Taking in a deep breath, Sato placed his hand on the hand recognition system. He had already been inputted into the system and so, the heavy door swung inwards to reveal the large meeting room.

In the room, there were five people sitting around the large meeting table. There were name tags that described what each and every one of those people did. The people present in today's meeting were the Head engineer of the Materials Development Branch, Head engineer of the Rocket Development and Test Facility, Head Engineer of the Satellite Facility, Head of Finance and lastly, the founder of the Black Box program.

"On behalf of my team, I welcome Mr Takahashi to the Black Box space program." The founder, Liam Payne initiated first. He stood up and walked to Sato and gave the boy a handshake.

"Mm, nice to meet you."

Although Sato didn't decline the handshake, his demeanor was unlike what it used to be. After going through everything during the kidnapping, the young man had hardened his guard against others whom he wasn't close or familiar to. He wasn't the old cheerful, happy go lucky fellow anymore. To strangers, he would be afraid to open up now. Just like the Tobion family's cold demeanor, Sato had developed him own style.

"Uh… So shall we begin, Mr Takahashi?" Liam felt slightly awkward when speaking to the young man in front of him. Hearing that the person was actually one of Li Ming's close friends, he thought that the reception from Sato would be better. Yet, he was duly wrong.