''Every day, I can feel myself getting stronger, more in control. The power that was once just a distant dream is now a reality," Rico thought to himself with a sense of pride as he gazed upon the shimmering stones of his circle that he had created in the Fog Realm.
The Three Heavens technique had worked wonders for Rico in just a month of cultivation, it’s been but a few minutes in reality. He felt a new sense of power coursing through his veins, as if he was a different person entirely. His muscles bulged with newfound strength and his mind raced with thoughts and memories that came to him with crystal clarity.
Rico's appearance was also undergoing a metamorphosis. His features were becoming more defined, and a newfound sense of confidence radiated from him. He could see it in the eyes of those who looked upon him, they were in awe of the changes they were witnessing.
Rico's mother was no exception. During a video call, she was struck by the transformation of her son. The once average, unremarkable young man was now a vision of strength and beauty.
Raising his glass of wine Rico said, "but that's not the reason I am the way I am. I take good care of myself and that's all that matters. I don't need validation from anyone, dad side of the family may be lacking but that’s doesn’t determined my potential."
Rico's mother chuckled. "And what do you mean by 'lacking'? Your father is a successful man!"
"Successful in what, exactly? Paying the bills?" Rico shot back, his sarcasm sharp.
"Well, at least he has a high paying job," his mother retorted.
"Mom, a job doesn't define a person's worth," Rico said in a stoic tone. "It's the choices they make and the impact they have on others that truly matter."
"Oh, now you're getting philosophical," his mother teased. "I think all that time you spend reading books is rubbing off on you."
"Reading books never hurt anyone," Rico replied with a smirk. "Unlike some habits you have."
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"Hey, I'll have you know my bingo nights bring joy to many seniors at the community center," she protested with a playful smile.
"Joy, huh? I'm sure they're just grateful for someone to play with," Rico laughed.
"Oh, you," his mother chuckled, playfully swatting at Rico. "I'm just glad to see my son is still able to make me laugh."
"Well, if you didn’t go under the knife, then it must be my genes. But don't you go spending all your money on frivolous things, you're a grown man now. Save up for the future." She said, the presence of the monkey eating a banana on her shoulder took away from the serious tone in her voice.
"Well, Mom," Rico said with a smirk, "I can assure you it's all thanks to good genes. I mean, have you seen my real dad? He's a real looker. But in all seriousness, I'm not one to waste my money on meaningless things. I may be young, but I still have a good head on my shoulders. I understand the importance of saving for the future and making smart financial decisions." He took a sip of his wine and looked at the monkey perched on his mother's shoulder.
"I mean, who told me I had to have such a good-looking mother? I guess I just lucked out with the genes," Rico quipped with a hint of sarcasm. Although his family may have been bellow-average in looks, he definitely stood out. He sometimes wondered if he was adopted.
"Hehe, alright my sweet boy," she said as she playfully swatted the monkey off her shoulder. "I've got to go now. Your dad and I are going digging again. I'll let you know the next time. And say hi to John for me, will you?"
The monkey chimed in, "Ook, hoo hoo ooo!" The call ended.
Rico was used to the attention, but it had become a burden. Everywhere he went, heads would turn in his direction, both men and women would cast covert glances in his direction, marveling at his stunning good looks. Some of the women would approach him, eager to strike up a conversation. He would try to politely decline, but sometimes they would persist, ruining his peace and solitude.
As he tried to enjoy a meal in a restaurant, he would find himself surrounded by admirers, with camera phones snapping pictures of him from every angle. The girls would come up with every excuse in the book, trying to get his phone number, ranging from requests for a one-night stand to an invitation to a birthday party.
Rico was tired of it all. He wished he could be anonymous again, able to go about his day without the constant attention and interruptions. But it seemed like his good looks were cursed, a blessing and a curse at the same time.
As a result of his constant unwanted attention, Rico was forced to limit his public appearances. He stopped going out for routine errands and instead opted to use online platforms and virtual worlds to purchase his necessities. During this time, Rico also became more dedicated to his research on Star Dust, determined to uncover any additional properties it might possess beyond its already known effects on physical fitness and cell regulation.