New Life : A Second Chance

Kyle and Sayuri spent another month in Country Tz, finalizing and wrapping up everything. 

Right after being discharged from the hospital, Kyle dealt with Stephan first.

Since the danger was over, the kids could come back already but Kyle was hoping that they could stay on in Country Tz for the time being. 

Maybe, forever?

It was actually his selfish request because he didn't want to let them go just yet. Especially Lianne, who already knew his secret. He wanted to catch up with her and hopefully, be able to bond with Joseph as well.

So he offered Stephan a job.

"What?" Stephan looked at Kyle in disbelief, "You want me to work for you? At Country Tz?"

"Don't answer me now," Kyle said, "Go to Country Tz first, stay for a while and check out the place. Give me an answer in a month."

"This .. but …" Stephan said, stammering.

"Look, I know this is a big decision which is why I said not to rush it. You can stay at Country Tz at my house, rent-free. Be an intern at the company for a month to get a feel of the place. It'll provide you with your daily expenses."

Kyle knew Stephan would be too proud to accept charity, so he wouldn't offer for an all-expense paid stay. Also, Stephan would be too suspicious if he did so since it sounded too good to be true.

"I'm sure there are more qualified people at your place. Why me?" Stephan asked.

"Why not?" Kyle countered back, "I don't normally have an opportunity to meet people outside of my country. Since I now know you, and have seen what you're capable of, I don't see anything wrong with offering you a job."

Kyle handed him a plane ticket, saying, "I've already booked you on a flight for next week. The dates can be changed, don't worry so if the date is not suitable for you, then just call them to change it. No charges."

"Don't get me wrong, I am grateful, but I still …"

"Take it as it's your luck, based on your children," Kyle said softly, "I can't deny that I like them. You're also benefitting from that."

With that last sentence, Kyle gave him a nod and left.

One of the ancient beliefs of Country M is that children are the 'gifts' and 'luck' of the family. Good luck - and yes, unfortunately, bad luck as well. Luckily, the latter is not as bad as it used to be in the olden days.

So, the fortune - and misfortune - of the family was often attributed to the children. 

Stephan never believed in such things for he viewed his children as a gift to him from the Almighty. However, he knew that his in-laws would certainly see it in that light and wouldn't be difficult or oppose it should he decide to take up this offer.

Stephan looked up, but Kyle could no longer be seen.

What a coincidence that Kyle always knew what to say to smoothen his decision making. Stephan shook his head.

Probably that's why he's the CEO and while he was just an employee.

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The second thing Kyle did was … get his tattoo.

The design Sayuri showed him was truly beautiful, far better than the one he had swiped off the Internet.

"Should I get a fiery background?" Kyle asked Sayuri as he sat in the tattoo parlour, waiting for the tattoo artist in getting ready.

"It's really up to you," Sayuri answered, "It's your body."

"Yeah, I know," Kyle replied, "But your opinion still matters."

He grinned and wriggled his eyebrows, "After all, you're the one that sees it most of the time."

Sayuri pursed her lips, looking at her beloved sitting there in his tight-fitting sleeveless tank top. Just the act of him taking off his jacket already made some of the women here get whiplash.

Not to mention some guys as well.

"I don't just see it," Sayuri whispered, getting closer as she ran her hands all over his muscular chest, "I eat it everyday."

She gave him a quick peck on the lips, staking her claim in front of everyone. Since this was the conservative Country M, just that simple action made some of the spectators turn their heads away with a slight reddish tint on their faces.

 Kyle laughed at that, and decided on just the simple black tribal design. If he added the splash of colour, it might make him look too much like a mafia or something.

Well, technically he was, as Ice. 

"Only thing is, with this, Ice may never make an appearance again," Kyle said softly.

After all, Ice's tattoo was different and if someone recognised this tattoo, they would associate Ice with him.

"You don't have to worry about that," Sayuri said, "Have you forgotten what I can do with prosthetic makeup?"

Kyle's grin became wider.

The tattoo artist came by then and so they stopped talking.

He looked like a 'Hell's Angel' member, with the way he dressed, his arms heavily tattooed and sporting an impressive beard. All that was missing was his Harley-Davidson motorcycle.

"Hello, my name is Yanni and I shall be your tattoo artist for today," Yanni said, introducing himself.

Kyle's eyebrow shot up in surprise. That was unexpected.

Yanni just laughed, "I know, I get that a lot."

Five hours later, Kyle walked out with a new tattoo, wrapped underneath a bandage. Yanni had given him a stern lecture on the aftercare.

The bandage was to be removed after 4 hours. Several times a day, he has to wash the skin with antimicrobial soap and water, then patted dry. Rub fragrance-free antibacterial ointment over it twice a day. No sun or excessive water.

It would take two weeks for it to heal. His skin would peel and scab. NO SCRATCHING. Once healed, sunblock. 

So much work, but it was worth it.