章節 43: Clearing the Skies [43]

Clark was standing in an open field, watching the sky closely. The dark clouds were moving slowly, signaling an approaching storm. He knew he had to act to prevent any problems in Smallville, especially considering there were only two hours left until the spring dance.

Clark took a deep breath, feeling the air around him getting colder as the clouds gathered. He then prepared, filling his lungs and releasing his freezing breath toward the clouds.

Fwoooosh!

The cold air spread quickly, freezing the moisture and dissipating the threatening clouds. Gradually, the darkened sky began to clear, revealing the sun through the spaces previously covered by clouds.

"No storm, at least not in Smallville," Clark muttered, watching the result of his actions. He felt relieved to have managed to control the situation without causing more problems.

With a quick move, Clark used his super speed to return to the farm.

Whoosh!

...

Lex was at his mansion, waiting to receive some factory workers and the executive board. Lex's idea was to buy the factory, and he was ready to present his proposal.

"I'll gather 90% of the money," Lex said confidently, looking at the workers gathered in his office.

One of the workers interrupted him, questioning the proposal. "And the other 10%? How are we going to raise that, Lex?"

Lex remained calm, his voice firm as he explained. "The other 10% would be raised by the workers, through mortgaging their homes. I know this might seem risky, but I'm convinced that together, we can make this factory prosper."

The workers exchanged worried looks as Lex continued. "I know I'm asking for a lot, but I'm willing to invest everything I have to save the factory. And if we work together, we can all benefit from this."

There was a moment of silence as the workers considered the proposal. Lex knew he was taking a big risk, but he also knew this was the only way to keep the factory running and protect everyone's jobs.

...

Clark drove to Chloe's house to pick her up for the spring dance. Despite having recently broken up, they had managed to maintain their friendship, and Clark was determined to make this night special for his friend.

Clark parked the truck in front of Chloe's house and got out of the car. He walked to the door and knocked lightly.

Knock knock

Chloe opened the door, wearing a beautiful blue dress, and smiled when she saw Clark. "Hi, Clark. You look great," she said, clearly happy to see him.

"Thanks, Chloe. You look amazing," Clark replied, smiling back. He extended his arm and offered his hand. "Ready for the dance?"

Chloe took his hand, but before leaving, she looked at Clark with a mix of timidity and hope. "Clark, can I ask you for a favor?"

Clark frowned, curious. "Of course, Chloe. What is it?"

"Can you be my boyfriend again until the dance is over?" Chloe asked, a little hesitant but with a hopeful smile.

Clark was surprised by the request, but after a few seconds, he smiled softly. "That's an odd request, Chloe."

Chloe shrugged, still smiling. "We're in Smallville, where weird is normal, remember?"

Clark sighed but then smiled more openly at Chloe. "Yes, Chloe, we can be boyfriend and girlfriend until the dance is over."

Chloe smiled, clearly relieved and grateful. "Thank you, Clark. That means a lot to me."

"Shall we? We have a dance to enjoy," Clark said, leading her by the hand toward the truck.

Chloe got into the car, and Clark walked around to get in as well. He started the engine, and in silence, the two headed to the school, ready to enjoy the night together.

Clark parked the truck at the school, and both got out, ready to face the dance together.

They walked to the school entrance, where colorful lights and music were already filling the atmosphere with energy. Clark looked at Chloe and smiled, gently squeezing her hand. "Let's make this night unforgettable."

Chloe nodded, smiling back. "With you, Clark, I'm sure it will be."

...

Lionel entered Lex's office unannounced, the sound of his firm steps echoing through the room. Lex, who was sitting behind his desk reviewing documents, looked up when he heard the door open.

"Father? What are you doing here?" Lex asked, trying to hide the surprise in his voice.

Lionel approached the desk, a cold smile on his face. "Lex, I heard about your proposal to buy the factory. I was curious to see how you plan to pull that off."

Lex raised an eyebrow, already aware of his father's disapproval. "I'm gathering 90% of the necessary capital, and the workers would mortgage their homes to raise the other 10%. It's a chance to save their jobs, Father."

Lionel let out a sarcastic laugh, crossing his arms. "Do you have the nerve, Lex, to gamble with the future of these poor men and their families? Risking everything for an ideal?"

Lex kept his gaze steady, standing up from his chair. "I believe in them, Father. And I believe that together, we can make this work. It's not just an ideal. It's about giving these people a chance."

Lionel shook his head, the smile slowly fading. "You've always been an idealist, Lex. But business isn't done with faith. It's done with numbers and forecasts. Do you think these men will be able to pay their mortgages if something goes wrong?"

Lex took a step forward, facing his father. "I'd rather try and fail than just give up. These people deserve a chance."

Lionel narrowed his eyes, his expression becoming more severe. "You're making a mistake, Lex. And when this collapses, don't expect me to come to your rescue."

Lex took a deep breath, maintaining his firm stance. "I'm not expecting anything from you, Father. I'll do this on my own."

Lionel stared at Lex for a few more seconds, as if assessing him, before turning to leave. "Very well, Lex. I hope you know what you're doing. Good luck. You'll need it."

As soon as Lionel left the office, Lex let out a sigh, feeling the tension ease. He knew he was facing a big challenge, but he also knew he couldn't give up. Not now, not when so many people were counting on him.

...

Clark was driving Chloe home after the spring dance. The atmosphere was calm inside the truck, and Chloe was looking out the window, a soft smile on her face. The night had been special, and both were satisfied with how they had enjoyed the moment together.

"It was an amazing night, Clark. Thank you for accepting my request, even if it was a little strange," Chloe said, breaking the silence, still looking at the city lights passing by the window.

Clark gave a light smile, keeping his eyes on the road. "I thought it made sense. You deserved a perfect end to the dance, and I wanted to be a part of that."

"Even after everything, I still feel like we have a special connection, you know? It might be different now, but it's still important," Chloe said, turning to him and watching his profile for a moment.

Clark nodded, his smile widening. "I think so too, Chloe. And I want this friendship to last. You're one of the most important people in my life, and I'll never stop caring about you."

"I know. And I really appreciate that, Clark. We've been through so much together, and I think it only makes us stronger," Chloe said, lightly touching Clark's arm.

Clark parked the truck in front of Chloe's house, turning off the engine. He looked at her, his gaze serene and full of affection. "We're here. Are you sure you'll be okay?"

"Yeah, I'll be fine. I just need some time to process everything. But, Clark, thank you for everything. You made this night unforgettable," Chloe said, opening the car door.

"Anything you need, you know you can count on me. I'll always be here," Clark said, looking at her warmly.

"Thank you. See you in three months. Let's avoid contacting each other during that time," Chloe said, giving one last smile before getting out of the truck.

Clark waved, watching as Chloe walked to her front door. He waited until she went inside, then started the engine again and drove off slowly. The soft hum of the engine filled the night's silence as Clark reflected on the day and night's events. Despite all the challenges and difficulties, he knew he had done the right thing. And, more importantly, he knew his friendship with Chloe would continue to be an important part of his life.

Vruuum!

Clark drove back to the farm, feeling at peace. He knew he had made tough decisions, but at the end of the day, what mattered was being there for the people he loved and protecting them as best as he could.

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