MY PERFECT BODYGUARD 2 CHAPTER TWO :TECHNOLOGY CHALLENGES AND UNEXPECTED INVITATION

In the technical school known as Model Technical School, the bustling campus is unmistakably marked by the presence of students engrossed in various engineering projects. Observing the surroundings, it becomes evident that it's a technical institution as students can be seen in different corners of the compound, actively engaged in showcasing their inventions. For instance, one student is illuminating a house they constructed, while another is skillfully maneuvering a self-made plane. Additionally, there are students operating mini caterpillars to transport sand to different locations. The entire environment is brimming with an array of impressive technological advancements.

In Richard's room, technology breathed life into the space. The room was adorned with handmade light bulbs, fans, propellers, bows, and arrows, showcasing Richard's inventive prowess. Amidst this tech-savvy atmosphere, a computer stood proudly on the table. 

As Richard emerged from the bathroom, having just taken a shower, he was clad in boxer shorts, diligently drying his body with a towel. Stepping towards the table, he noticed the open envelope containing the last letter Linda had written to him. Richard picked up the letter, carefully placed it back into the envelope, and contemplated its contents.

"Hey, bro, you're finally here," Richard greeted as he swung the door open for Emmanuel.

"Wow, look who's taking a shower. No matter how tense things are, you don't seem to feel pressured at all. It's three days until we defend our project, and you're taking a warm bath," Emmanuel remarked with a chuckle.

"Oh, I almost forgot, you have an imaginary billionaire girlfriend," Emmanuel added, bursting into laughter.

"Hey, she's not imaginary; she's real," Richard asserted.

"I know you have a girlfriend," Emmanuel acknowledged, "but saying she's a billionaire and the hottest thing in the world is absurd." He entered Richard's room, went to the table, and noticed the open letter.

"She wrote again, and you don't seem to reply to her. I mean, if your girl is worth the hype, why not reply to her?" Emmanuel commented. Richard walked up to him, pulled the letter out of his hands, and slotted it into his cupboard.

"You're too noisy, bro," Richard quipped.

"So, how about the drone?" Emma asked.

"Done with the technical issues. Fixed the motherboard and the front camera. Still figuring out how to code the artificial intelligence and give it a name. In fact, I haven't made any progress on the artificial intelligence," Richard admitted, a hint of disappointment in his voice.

"Hey, give up. Creating artificial intelligence is way off, and even if you crack it, you'll receive a huge extra mark, which is impossible. Do you really think you can crack the code?" Emmanuel questioned as he settled into a chair.

"I can do it. I mean, I've checked; it's possible, bro," Richard confidently stated to Emma.

"You mean you're telling me that you want to control a drone using artificial intelligence? Wow, you must be insane," Emma responded with a smile. "I told you that your delusion with your imaginary billionaire girlfriend will lead to more delusions. Here we are now," Emma added, teasingly.

"Are you saying it's not real?" Richard asked.

"Of course, it's real, but cracking it at this stage, wow, it's what cracks me up. You're just in the first year, and you think you can fly before you can walk," Emmanuel chuckled. "Give up, bro. There's time. For now, let's meet my girlfriend, Nina. Let her help you crack it," Emma offered.

"Won't that be cheating?" Richard asked.

"It won't be cheating. Even the jurors know you're still not there. But if you tell them you had help, it counts. That's why it will be extra credit," Emmanuel explained.

"For now, let's go fly the drone and see how high it can go first," Emma suggested. They assembled the drone, fixing it up and tightening some knots. After they were done, Richard grabbed his toolbox and the drone, and Emma accompanied him outside to the school premises.

As they went outside, they started up the drone, linking its camera to Richard's laptop to monitor its flight. Richard took control, and the drone swiftly zoomed out of the school premises, heading towards the mountains.

During the flight, Richard initiated a conversation. "You talk about your girlfriend like she's the smartest person in the world," he commented.

"Well, she's not just the smartest; she's the hottest, the most beautiful in the world," Emmanuel proudly asserted.

Richard burst into laughter. "Someone who hasn't actually met her will think what you said is true.      

At least she's not imaginary; you have seen her and spoken with her, and know she's smart," Emmanuel countered.

"Wow, are you now tackling me again?" Richard said, feeling attacked but smiling.

"Well, if you have such a rich girlfriend, how come she hasn't visited?" Emmanuel inquired.

"She's not my girlfriend yet. We parted ways to finish our studies," Richard explained.

"But you said you kissed her," Emmanuel reminded.

"Yeah, I did, but that was because of how I felt then. We liked each other; maybe we will date once I'm back or something," Richard clarified.

"I still don't believe you," Emmanuel said, closing his eyes a little, gazing at Richard.

"Then why do you not reply to her letters? If she's that rich, I mean, she owns a company according to you. So, any guy would kill to have her, and you're here not even knowing what's going on. Do you know if someone is hitting on her or something?" Emmanuel questioned.

"Hey, the drone is finally there," Richard interrupted as he controlled the drone to reach the highest part of the mountain.

They recorded the distance the drone had flown on paper, continuously flying it deep into the mountains. As they maneuvered the drone to scroll around, an unexpected physical threat pounced on it. Richard struggled to control the drone, and despite his efforts, the computer detected errors. The drone returned, revealing a claw mark on its surface.

"I guess eagles have a serious beef with tech," Richard remarked as they examined the drone.

"What are we gonna do now?" Richard asked.

"I think we should get to Nina to help you refix it," Emma suggested as they packaged the drone. Immediately, as they reached the girls' quarters, Emma dialed Nina's number. Nina picked up, and Emma explained the situation.

"Hey, we have a situation. Are you free so you can help Richard fix his drone? It was attacked by an eagle, and it's having some technical glitches," Emma informed.

"Okay, but he's gonna give me something in return," Nina said on the phone as Emma stared at Richard, who nodded in agreement.

"Yes, of course," Emma replied.

"Okay," Nina said. "I will be out in a minute," as she ended the call.

While they waited, an average, chubby girl emerged from the girls' quarters. Beautiful, with spectacles perched on her nose and a bag (tools box) in hand, she headed towards Richard and Emmanuel.

"Hey, Nina," Richard greeted as Nina went to greet Emma, and they shared a kiss.

"Let's head to the school lab," they said collectively as they made their way there. The process took time as they had to melt more lead into the drone and reconnect some wires. Additionally, they had to connect the drone to Nina's laptop to fix the controls and ensure the buttons aligned with their intended functions.

Finally, after 4 hours of meticulous work, they were done.

"Hey, what about the artificial intelligence?" Richard suggested. "Let's set that up all at once."

"Are you being serious? Artificial intelligence creation on a drone can take months, and this drone is good enough for an A. So why the artificial intelligence?" Nina questioned.

"Well, I thought my work would be more unique," Richard answered.

"It is already unique," Nina replied. "Now it's time for you to reciprocate what I have done for you," Nina said.

"Well, what is it you want me to do?" Richard asked.

"You remember my friend Becky who I came with to see you and Emma when you guys were playing football last month," Nina stated. Richard nodded, indicating his recollection. "I will be going to an end-of-the-year night dinner and party with Emmanuel and other friends who have boyfriends, except for Becky, who doesn't have a boyfriend. So, I was thinking you would accompany her if you too don't have a girlfriend."

"What, you should have told me this would be your offer," Richard said.

"Well, I knew you would resist; that's why I didn't say it first. So, do we have a deal?" Nina asked.

Richard, staring at her in confusion, couldn't help but agree, knowing how persistent Nina could be. "I will take her to the dinner and party," Richard answered as he shook Nina's hand. After they coupled the drone, they left back to their dorms.