Jay's first alien journey ended just like that, overall a thrilling trip with no real danger. Although he would never say he wanted to do it again, looking back, the trip could even be described as interesting.
Helena, being very understanding, didn't bother the exhausted alien travelers with routine questions. She said she would stay to handle the aftermath and find an opportunity later to get the details from Jay. This promise was a godsend for both Jay and Kara, as well as everyone who escaped Warworld. After the series of harrowing experiences, everyone was too drained to even form a thought, and all they longed for was their warm homes. If they had to pick something they missed more, it would be the warmer beds at home.
Kairi Technology Creative Company was completely sealed off. As they left the skyscraper, Jay felt more thankful than ever for his Kryptonian "solar battery" constitution. The warm sunlight generously bathed every inch of his skin, instantly dispelling all his fatigue. He felt as if every depleted cell was refilled and plumped up by the sunlight, making him incredibly comfortable and content.
He squinted, enjoying the sun's gift, and said, "I love the yellow sun. I think I need to find a chance to sunbathe all day. No, I'm going to fly to the surface of the sun to sunbathe. I've never tried it before, it must be exhilarating."
Kara chuckled, "I'd advise you not to do that. It's more likely you'll be overstuffed, or sunburnt to the point you never want to see the sun again."
Jay turned his head and saw the brilliant sunlight outlining Kara's almost translucent skin with a golden edge. A few strands of golden hair were lifted by the gentle breeze, making her look indescribably beautiful.
Kara noticed his gaze and tilted her head in confusion, asking, "What's wrong? Is there something from the junkyard stuck in my hair?"
As she spoke, she reached up and felt around her head. Jay laughed and said, "No, it's just... it's just that I can't believe what we just went through." He paused and added, "I couldn't have done it without you. Thank you."
"The same goes for me," Kara said with a gentle smile. Then, as if remembering something, she suddenly put on a pained expression, "Okay, I think I definitely missed Ms. Grant's flight. She's going to be furious with me. I think I'm definitely getting fired this time."
Jay laughed heartily, "Don't worry, she won't do that. Trust me, she actually likes you quite a bit deep down."
"I guess we'll find out soon enough," she sighed heavily, twirling a strand of her golden hair with her fingers. "Hmm, I think I need to go take a shower. I must smell terrible right now."
"Ha, me too."
"Okay, so bye for now?"
"Yeah, see you. I still need to report back to Mom, and Dad, you know." Jay said, pausing for a moment, and then hesitantly added, "But... after all this is done, and when we both have time... maybe..."
Kara smiled, "Let me guess, you want to say... a real date?"
"See, we're quite in sync sometimes."
They looked at each other and smiled. Kara nodded, "Okay, it's a deal then, a real date. Don't stand me up."
As she said this, she gently floated up, as if she were a light, weightless feather. Jay watched her disappear into the blue sky from afar, and for a moment, it felt as if the clear blue sky was even bluer than usual.
Jay's adventure, spanning the universe and crossing galaxies, seemed long and distant, but in reality, it all happened within a little over ten hours. However, for Mrs. Reynolds, who was anxiously waiting at home, it felt like ten centuries had passed.
She had prepared a whole lecture of complaints and grievances for Mr. Reynolds, but they all vanished the moment her husband and son appeared at the doorstep. With red eyes, she gave them both a big hug. It was a moment of family reunion, and at that moment, they were all incredibly grateful to have each other.
That is, until Mrs. Reynolds pushed them away, pinching her nose in disgust, and asked, "Who smells so bad?"
Jay awkwardly raised his hand. Mrs. Reynolds hurriedly urged him to change his clothes and take a shower, as he smelled like a walking recycling center. Jay replied that he had indeed just crawled out of a recycling center, an alien one at that...
So, the father and son quickly took their showers, while Mrs. Reynolds buried herself in the kitchen, preparing a welcome feast for them. After his shower, Mr. Reynolds seemed to have washed away all his fatigue, emerging with spirits several times higher, a completely different person from before.
Jay asked him what he had investigated that led to such a situation. After a brief exchange, Jay realized that what he found in the office folder was basically all the information his father had. Those clues led them to Kairi Technology Creative Company, which then involved unexpected matters such as human trafficking and illegal human experimentation in cooperation with aliens from Warworld.
What was even more chilling was that this series of events could be traced back many years, and people had not noticed anything at all. So many people had disappeared from society without a trace, including some with significant social influence. Hadn't the government noticed anything unusual?
Or perhaps the question should be, what role did the federal government play in this incident?
Some mysteries were solved, only to lead to more questions, and each seemed more alarming than the last. Jay increasingly felt that the events they were caught up in were far from simple. This might be a vast conspiracy beyond imagination, and he wasn't sure if he was ready for what was to come.
Their discussion descended into a somber atmosphere, and they sat on the living room sofa in silence for a long time.
A moment later, Mr. Reynolds broke the silence, "Thank you, son... And I'm sorry. I shouldn't have... I shouldn't have kept what I was doing from you and Mom. We are family, we should trust and help each other. My thoughtless actions led to these consequences."
"It's okay, Dad," Jay patted his shoulder and smiled, "It's all in the past. The important thing is we're both back, right?"
"Yeah," Reynolds looked directly into his son's blue eyes, "I'm such an idiot. Despite your incredible abilities, for so long I still only saw you as a child... my child. I always worried too much, and in doing so, I overlooked something so important—you've grown up."
"You can talk to me about anything, Dad," Jay said, "Whatever it is, I believe we can solve it together."
Mrs. Reynolds, passing by on her way out of the kitchen, saw this scene and couldn't help but show a relieved smile. She cleared her throat and strode into the living room, "Mr. White, the editor-in-chief of the newspaper, just sent his regards and gave you a few days off. This makes me wonder, when was the last time we had a family picnic?"
Mr. Reynolds readily agreed, "That's a great idea." Then, as if remembering something, he turned to Jay, "Oh, maybe you can invite that girl you brought with you. She's Supergirl from National City, right? She looked amazing. Do you have her contact information?"
Jay's face darkened. He was reluctant to think about what Mr. Reynolds meant by "amazing."
"Yes, but... I'm not sure it's a good idea," he said, "I'm not sure if she'd be willing."
"Just try it! Youth is about daring to try, so you won't have regrets!" Mr. Reynolds struck a heroic pose, as if he himself had returned to his youthful days. "Or you could say that she saved my old life, and I'd like a chance to thank her in person."
"Okay, I'll ask." Jay compromised. At least this reason didn't sound too bad.
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