Chapter 380: 380: Power of Status
As their car came to a stop in the middle of the road, Caleb's attention was drawn to the sight of a traffic enforcer pulling up beside them, signaling for them to roll down their window. Martha complied, and the enforcer wasted no time in questioning why they were speeding.
Hui Kui, ever the loyal butler, stepped in to defend their actions. He pointed out the two trucks blocking their path and explained that they had been attempting to maneuver their way out of the situation to no avail.
However, the traffic enforcer seemed unmoved by their explanation, insisting on seeing their license and issuing a hefty fine of 5,000 pesos for speeding. Caleb sighed inwardly at the inconvenience but reached for his wallet nonetheless, retrieving his license and presenting it to the enforcer without hesitation.
As the enforcer glanced at the license and saw Caleb's name, recognition dawned on his face, and he quickly apologized for his earlier brusque manner. "I'm sorry, sir," he said, his tone noticeably softer. "I didn't realize it was from de Vera. Please forgive my oversight."
Caleb waved off the apology with a dismissive gesture, offering a polite smile in return. "No harm done," he replied graciously. "Just doing your job, I understand."
With the matter resolved, the traffic enforcer bid them farewell and moved on to attend to other vehicles. Hui Kui breathed a sigh of relief as he maneuvered the car back into motion, grateful that the encounter had been resolved without further incident.
As they resumed their journey home, Caleb couldn't help but chuckle at the irony of the situation. Even in the midst of a mundane encounter with a traffic enforcer, his family name still carried weight and influence.
It was a reminder of the privileges that came with his status, but also a sobering realization of the expectations and responsibilities that accompanied it. As the car rolled on, Caleb resolved to carry himself with humility and grace, mindful of the impact his actions could have on those around him.
...
As the car pulled up in front of the De Vera family gate, Caleb couldn't help but feel a sense of relief wash over him. Home, sweet home. It was always a comfort to return to the familiar surroundings of the family estate, especially after a long day at school.
As the gates swung open, Caleb was greeted by the sight of the family guards standing at attention, ready to receive him. They bowed respectfully as he stepped out of the car, addressing him with the title of "young master Adam."
"Welcome back, young master Adam," they chimed in unison, their voices carrying a tone of deference and respect.
Caleb acknowledged their greeting with a nod of his head, a small smile playing at the corners of his lips. It felt good to be recognized, even if it was just by the guards stationed at the gate.
As Caleb made his way towards the entrance of the mansion, Hui Kui took a moment to speak with the guards, his voice low and urgent. He relayed his concerns about Caleb's safety during their journey home, suggesting that they employ an armored car for future travels.
However, the guards seemed hesitant to entertain the idea, arguing that their young master was a genetic warrior and more than capable of defending himself against any potential threats.
Caleb interjected, his tone calm but firm. "While I appreciate your confidence in my abilities," he began, "it's important to consider the risks involved. Even a genetic warrior isn't invulnerable to accidents. However, I am confident in my abilities to come out unscathed even if there were to be a collision with a speeding truck, for example."
The guards exchanged uneasy glances, realizing the validity of Caleb's statement. They knew better than anyone the dangers that lurked beyond the safety of the family estate, and they didn't want to take any unnecessary risks with Caleb's well-being.
With a sigh of resignation, they conceded to Hui Kui's suggestion, promising to make the necessary arrangements for an armored car for Caleb's future travels.
As Caleb watched the guards scurry off to fulfill their duties, he couldn't help but feel a twinge of discomfort at the sight. It was clear that they were eager to curry favor with him, their actions bordering on obsequiousness.
While Caleb appreciated their loyalty and dedication to their duties, he couldn't help but feel uneasy about the power dynamics at play. It seemed that everyone around him was quick to defer to his authority. Experience more content on My Virtual Library Empire
...
As the guards scurried off to make arrangements for the armored car, Hui Kui couldn't help but mutter under his breath, his voice tinged with disdain. "They act like a bunch of licking dogs, eager to hug young master Adam's thighs at every opportunity."
Caleb glanced at Hui Kui, a faint frown creasing his brow. "That's a rather harsh way to put it," he remarked, his tone thoughtful. "But I suppose it's understandable. People tend to gravitate towards those they perceive as strong or influential, especially if they lack confidence in their own abilities."
Hui Kui snorted derisively. "But they're guards, supposed to be protecting young master Adam, not fawning over him like star-struck fans," he retorted, his frustration evident in his voice.
Caleb nodded in agreement, acknowledging the validity of Hui Kui's point. "You're right," he conceded. "But think about it from their perspective. They're tasked with safeguarding the safety of our family, and I happen to be the youngest genetic warrior in the country. It's only natural that they would want to curry favor with me, especially if they believe it will secure their position within the household."
Hui Kui grunted in acknowledgment, though he still seemed somewhat skeptical. "I suppose so," he conceded begrudgingly. "But it doesn't mean they have to act like sycophants all the time. There's a fine line between showing respect and groveling."
Caleb smiled faintly, appreciating Hui Kui's blunt honesty. "You're right about that," he agreed. "But it's also important to remember that everyone has their own way of expressing loyalty and dedication. For some, it may come across as excessive or insincere, but at the end of the day, their intentions are usually genuine."
Hui Kui nodded thoughtfully, his expression softening slightly. "I suppose you have a point," he admitted. "I'll try to be more understanding in the future."
Caleb clapped Hui Kui on the shoulder, a gesture of camaraderie and solidarity. "That's all I ask," he said, his voice gentle but firm. "We're all part of the same team here, working towards the same goals. Let's try to support each other as best we can, even if we don't always see eye to eye."