The next morning, the sky was still dim.
The Miller family's driveway was already bustling with activity.
Today was the big celebration dinner being thrown specifically for "Valedictorian" Ethan Miller!
Linda counted the gifts stuffed into the trunk and backseat one more time: supplements for Grandma and Grandpa, presents for Great-Uncle Robert Sr, Uncle Thomas, and gifts for his three aunts' families.
Of course, there were also gifts for Linda's side of the family—her parents' household—so the presents had to be prepared in sufficient quantity.
"Everything's here, right? Let's hit the road!"
Robert started up their weathered Nissan Sentra, his voice carrying the joy of heading home and a hint of pride as the "father of the valedictorian."
The car headed toward the familiar country roads leading back to their hometown.
Ethan looked out the window, his mood different from past trips home.
This time, there was this sense of ritual to it—like a "triumphant return"—plus faint anticipation for the upcoming celebration.
When the car pulled into the familiar streets of their hometown, the scene was even more lively than last time.
Grandpa William and Grandma Margaret stood at the door of the old family house, surrounded by: Great-Uncle Robert Sr., white-haired but sharp as ever; Uncle Thomas; three aunts and their families; Grandma Helen (Linda's mom); Uncle Frank and Aunt Carol (Linda's siblings); plus a bunch of neighbors who'd heard the news!
Everyone had huge smiles on their faces.
"Grandpa! Grandma! Great-Uncle! Uncle Thomas! Aunties! Grandma Helen! Uncle Frank! Aunt Carol!"
The second Ethan got out of the car, he put on a bright smile, his voice loud and clear, greeting everyone individually with extremely thorough courtesy.
Seeing his cousin Claire, his smile got even brighter.
"Ethan! Congratulations! Valedictorian!"
Claire stepped forward with a smile and gave Ethan a warm hug.
She had inherited Uncle Thomas's gentle nature and her mother's elegance—graceful demeanor, wearing stylish glasses, radiating that intellectual vibe of an Ivy League student.
"Claire! You made it back too!"
Ethan responded happily.
"Well, well! The valedictorian's home! A blessing for the Miller family!"
Great-Uncle Robert Sr.'s voice was strong and clear. Although he used a cane, his back was straight. He looked at Ethan with a smile, eyes full of praise and satisfaction, nodding slightly.
"Ethan! You've really made us proud, son!"
Grandpa William quickly followed, grabbing Ethan's arm and patting it hard, his face unable to hide his pride.
But in front of his great-uncle, he naturally took half a step back out of respect.
"Ethan! You did good, kid!"
Uncle Thomas smiled and clapped Ethan's shoulder.
"Ethan's amazing!"
The aunts crowded around, all talking over each other with praise.
Grandma Helen took Linda's hand and looked at Ethan again, corners of her eyes getting misty:
"Wonderful! Just wonderful! Linda, you raised such a good son!"
Emily quietly followed her parents and brother out of the car.
"Grandpa, Grandma, we're back."
She naturally reached out to support her grandmother's arm.
Her greetings were calm, gracious, and appropriate.
The old house instantly filled with laughter and strong family warmth.
In the yard, a banner reading "Congratulations Valedictorian Ethan Miller" gleamed in the sunlight.
Time flew, and soon it was nearly noon.
The celebration was set up on the wide community center lawn near the family property.
Dozens of round tables were completely packed—the extended Miller family, relatives from near and far, town officials, principals and teachers from Ethan's alma mater, and Linda's family who'd traveled from out of state.
The air was filled with rich aromas of food and drinks, the energy of celebration and genuine joy.
The man of the hour, Ethan, accompanied by his father and mother, began the grand toast circuit.
"Robert! Congratulations! The Miller family's shining star!"
"It's the family's blessing, and the boy worked hard!"
Grandma took Ethan's hand, beaming:
"Ethan! You've made your grandma so proud! My heart is just bursting!"
The principal's face was flushed with pride:
"Ethan, congratulations! Your school is so proud of you!"
Cousin Ryan shouted excitedly:
"Ethan! Dude, you're a legend! You gotta look out for us now!"
Ethan always kept a humble smile and responded appropriately:
"Thank you, Uncle! Thank you, Grandma and Grandpa! Thank you, everyone! It's all thanks to the family's support and my parents' guidance."
Linda and Emily were responsible for greeting the massive group of female relatives.
Linda was busy coordinating and hosting, while Emily showed composure and thoughtfulness beyond her years.
She chatted with Grandma Helen and the aunts; made small talk with the older ladies, and when responding to their praise of Ethan, she didn't forget to mention how the family had supported them; she also helped look after several young cousins, speaking gently to them.
She didn't talk excessively, but her manner was impeccable and her smile warm—she could always answer questions or help out at just the right moment, making the atmosphere at the women's tables warm and harmonious.
"Emily—that girl is so composed and mature. Real leadership qualities. Excellent!"
The Thompson family had also come—Jack's super-tanned face was particularly noticeable in the crowd, and he was mixing with Ethan's cousins.
Great-Uncle Robert Sr. stood up. Though he needed a slight assist from Robert, his voice was still strong and commanding, instantly cutting through all the noise:
"Family! Friends! Honored guests from both the Miller and Anderson families!"
He looked around at everyone, his eyes full of affection and satisfaction:
"Today is a joyous day—my great-nephew Ethan has achieved the honor of valedictorian! On behalf of the Miller family ancestors, I thank you all for being here!"
He paused and looked at Ethan, eyes full of pride:
"The Miller family has always valued education and hard work! Ethan has lived up to that tradition, lived up to his teachers, and lived up to his own dedication! This is the glory of our family, and it's also a blessing for our entire community! Everyone raise your glasses to toast the valedictorian! To the Millers! Cheers!"
"CHEERS——!!!"
Great-Uncle's authority and words were incredibly moving. The cheers were deafening, pushing the celebration to its peak, the sound of clinking glasses endless.
The celebration lasted until after two o'clock in the afternoon before people started
.....
The next morning.
Robert, Linda, and Ethan were preparing to head back to the city.
Under the reluctant gazes of relatives at the door, they got ready to leave.
"Great-Uncle, take care! Grandma and Grandpa, be well! Grandma Helen, safe travels! Goodbye Uncle Thomas, aunties, everyone!"
Ethan respectfully bid farewell to the elders again.
Emily stood beside Great-Uncle and grandma, also waving to her parents and brother, voice clear:
"Drive safe, text when you get home."
On the drive back, familiar city scenery flew past the car windows.
Ethan leaned back in his seat, pulled out his phone, and typed:
"Hey, got a job for you!"
Almost instantly:
"Honey~ I'm overseeing the office renovations here! What kind of job?"
Ethan's lips curved slightly as he quickly replied:
"Flying to New York this afternoon. Taking off at 12:45, landing around 2:30 PM. Can you pick me up at the airport?"
On the other end in New York, Diana—wearing a hard hat and supervising work at the noisy construction site—froze when she saw the message.
She walked to a quieter corner, fingers flying:
"Wait, you're coming NOW?"
Ethan:
"Yep."
Diana replied with obvious excitement:
"Perfect! I'll be there on time! Can't wait to see you, honey~"
The three returned home. Ethan quickly packed a small bag and headed out:
"Mom, I've got something to take care of."
He grabbed a cab on the street.
"Airport, please!"
The ride to the airport went smoothly.
Ethan was doing better financially now and splurged on first class.
Swiped his boarding pass to enter a quiet, elegant lounge.
Soft lighting, comfortable seating, and the faint aroma of fresh coffee and essential oils in the air—like a completely different world from the chaotic main terminal outside.
The moment Ethan sat down, a young flight attendant in a sharp navy uniform with an elegant red accent scarf walked over.
She had impeccable makeup, a professional smile, and well-trained warmth. She bowed slightly in front of Ethan, her voice soft and pleasant:
"Hello Mr. Miller, your flight is now boarding. Would you like me to escort you to the gate now?"
She was objectively attractive—with that makeup, she'd easily be Instagram-level gorgeous.
In his previous life, having someone this put-together talk to him that closely would've made him blush and stumble over his words.
But right now?
He looked completely calm, just glanced at the time, stood up smoothly, and said casually:
"Sure, let's go."
Money really does build confidence.
Excluding real estate and company shares, he still had over $400 million liquid—enough to handle 99% of situations.
"Right this way, please."
The attendant maintained her perfect smile, turned gracefully and led the way.
Through the exclusive VIP boarding channel, there was virtually no wait—Ethan boarded directly.
Found his seat.
3A, window.
The seat was as wide as a single recliner, with plenty of room to fully stretch his legs or even lie completely flat.
Ethan suddenly understood why rich people happily paid several times more for first class.
At minimum, he never wanted to fly economy again. He and Diana had flown a few times recently, but she'd always booked economy tickets.
Just fastened his seatbelt.
He was about to put down the tray table and close his eyes for a moment when a subtle, pleasant perfume scent accompanied by light footsteps approached.
A taller flight attendant stopped beside his seat.
Her hair was elegantly styled, showing off delicate features.
Not that Instagram influencer vibe, but with just enough natural softness that added approachability to her polished appearance.
The most eye-catching thing was she was easily 5'9" or taller, with impressively long, perfectly proportioned legs in classic black stockings.
Yeah... according to those thirsty dudes all over the internet: those legs could launch a thousand simps.
She smoothed her skirt and half-knelt beside Ethan's seat:
"Hello Mr. Miller, welcome aboard. I'm your first-class flight attendant for this flight, Jessica Chen. Happy to serve you today."
Jessica handed over a hot towel:
"Please use this hot towel to refresh yourself and relax."
After Ethan took the towel.
He couldn't help but think again: This meticulous, attentive service, this polished professionalism—no wonder flight attendant is such a coveted career.
Wealth didn't just bring material comforts—it brought these subtle, top-tier experiences.
There are 70 advance chapters ahead in my Patreon. If you are interested can check it out.
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