Chapter 84: Manila City
The Bytebull private jet, sleek and modern with a subtle bullhorn logo, taxied to a VIP section of Ninoy Aquino International Airport. The Manila heat hit Richard like a wave as he stepped out, Feliciano "Ciano" Dela Cruz right behind him. Waiting on the tarmac was a polished black government sedan and Mr. Alejandro Reyes, a mid-level official from the Department of Trade and Industry, dressed in a crisp barong tagalog. Beside him, the driver stood at attention.
Mr. Reyes had seen photos of Richard, but the real thing was something else. Richard was taller, more imposing, his posture perfect, his movements precise. And his eyes—those striking cyan blue eyes—were unlike anything Reyes had ever seen. They seemed to pierce right through you. The driver, usually stoic, couldn’t help but stare a second too long.
Dios mio, he’s... striking. Those photos do him no justice. He looks less like a tech nerd and more like... something else entirely. A movie star? No, more intense.
Mr. Reyes extended a slightly trembling hand. "Mr. Richard Santamo, welcome to Manila. Hope your flight was comfortable?"
Richard’s voice was calm and resonant, his handshake firm. "Mr. Reyes. Thanks. The flight was great. Am I holding up the President’s schedule?"
His new perception allowed him to see the faint, nervous aura around Reyes, the slightly accelerated heartbeat.
"Not at all, sir! President Aquino’s meeting is set for 1:00 PM at Malacañang Palace. We have plenty of time. Maybe grab some lunch before we head over? The President suggested you might appreciate a less formal meal after your journey."
As they walked towards the sedan, Richard noticed movement from the jet’s windows. The flight attendants, who had been professional throughout the flight, were now clustered, waving enthusiastically. Richard, sensing their genuine excitement (a mix of awe and girlish delight, clearly visible as colorful energetic signatures to his PER-enhanced sight), offered a brief, polite smile and a slight nod.
The smile hit them like a jolt. A collective, audible squeal erupted, followed by a flurry of excited, hushed arguments, hands gesturing wildly. "He smiled at me!" "No, me!"
Inside the cool, air-conditioned car, Mr. Reyes settled beside Richard, Ciano taking the front passenger seat. The driver navigated smoothly away from the tarmac.
Mr. Reyes chuckled. "It seems your reputation precedes you, Mr. Santamo. And not just in the tech world. I didn’t realize you were quite so popular with the ladies."