You better not try to stand out. By the fifteenth minute, everyone was growing tired. Hesper sat on her luggage bag and guessed that by that time, someone would probably be there to get them soon. The second after that thought came to her mind, party poppers went off in the sky. After some cheering, the shuttle buses showed up to get their bags while confetti floated to the ground. Some fell on Hesper’s shoulder and hair. Celine looked at the confetti and her eyes were shining. “It’s so pretty. It would be so nice if we could record it.”Hesper looked at her, then smiled. “Don’t worry, someone is recording.”The Lanes went all out on the budget. They prepared a luxurious hotel and the producers led them to the concierge for keycard collection. Hesper and Celine were at the back of the group following along at a casual pace. Michelle was walking in front of the crowd, but when she saw the two hanging at the back, she slowed down and fell back.“Hello, Hesper,” Michelle gree
The initial room distribution was more humane because the designers were somewhat known. There wasn’t the need to make it into a show, so two people shared a room, and there was a balcony in each room. Hesper and Celine were given the same room. Since they were among the last few to get their room cards, the room was in a more secluded area, which they both wanted. The more quiet and less disturbance there was, the better for them. Their room was on the second floor with plants on the balcony. They could see trees outside the compound. Even though it was no longer green at the end of autumn, it was still very pretty. When the cameraman saw that they were almost done unpacking their bags, he went over to remind them.“There’ll be an interview session for each person. Since some designers have never been in front of the cameras, the Lanes have arranged for professional makeup artists so that everyone will have some simple makeup done.”Hesper had never been on camera before, bu
“You’re leaving already, sir?”The helper was going to bring a pot of tea in but saw Rickard coming out while carefully closing the door. “Yes.” Rickard nodded. “Don’t tell him I came here. How is he? The doctor said he’s better, but I’d like to know from you.”The helper nodded. “He is a lot better and is very much in stable condition. He doesn’t wake up in the middle of the night anymore all thanks to Mrs. Duval’s medication…”The helper realized that she had made a mistake when she mentioned Hesper, so she corrected herself. “I mean Ms. Rivera.”“It’s fine. Thank you.” Rickard didn’t have more to say, so he said, “Grandpa and Aunt Curie are old, so don’t let them watch live streams too late into the night. There’ll be a rerun after that.”“Hmm?” The helper didn’t understand. A live stream? What was he watching?She was still confused as she watched Rickard disappear around the corner. She looked at the pot in her hands then turned to change it to ginger tea to bring over to
The first day was just for unpacking and getting to know each contestant better. The organizers prepared breakfast and there were snacks in each room, with fresh meat and vegetables in the fridge. Most of the contestants couldn’t cook or didn’t want to cook first thing in the morning, so they all went to the cafeteria for breakfast. Celine woke up to the smell of food. Hesper made breakfast and removed the covering on the camera. Celine got ready and when she walked out, Hesper was sitting at the bar and checking her phone with two sets of breakfast in front of her. “I don’t know if you like this, but I figured that since I was cooking anyway, I might as well make two sets.”Hesper didn’t really like the food prepared by the organizers. She usually woke up early to watch business news, so after checking out what they had in the fridge, she decided to cook. The food smelled nice. Celine nodded. “Thank you.”The two sat across each other and finished breakfast. By then it was
“Ah, good morning.”Michelle waved toward the camera. She was wearing a fluorescent yellow top with a high ponytail, looking extremely zingy and lively. “Good morning, everyone.”“I didn’t expect you to wake up so early. Do you even sleep?” the producer admitted with a grin. “If it wasn’t for the organizer’s request, I would still be in my bed at this time!”Michelle seemed a little embarrassed. “Not really. In fact, I just graduated and I still can’t get rid of my bad habit of sleeping in. It’s just that when I participated in the competition, I adjusted my biological clock so that I could have more time to think. Now I’ve just gotten used to it.”The two talked for a couple of minutes. The producer was too busy chatting with Michelle to look at the live comments, while Michelle could not see the comment section either, so it was only natural for them to not notice that the comments were getting more and more unpleasant and offensive.“Uh, although I haven’t watched this show for
Back in Genecity, Rickard was rather anxious.After settling down some time ago, Rickard sent Renfrew back to kindergarten to continue his classes as per what Hesper wanted, but another problem emerged very soon.“Everyone’s parents will be there.”After all this while, Renfrew had become more courageous when facing Rickard. He was currently sitting on his little stool and complaining sternly. “Sports day is going to be held on the weekend, and mommy is participating in the competition and can’t be there with me. So, if you’re not going to attend the event either, no one will care about me.“If that’s the case, I’ll be so lonely and so sad, I’ll cry through the whole day and finally die of sadness.” Renfrew sighed. The statement indeed consisted of a handful of exaggerations, but Rickard could not help but feel a little helpless.‘It actually took a lot of hard work for Renfrew to be able to blend in with the other children in kindergarten like a normal child. Now that there’s suc
Yann was astonished for a moment then subconsciously persuaded her master. “Sir, the money that you’ll be spending won’t go into Ms. Hesper’s purse. Part of it will even be taken by the platform, so it isn’t worth it.”After saying so, she realized something.‘Ms. Hesper is now the president of Lane Holdings, so giving money to an event organized by Lane Holdings is equivalent to giving money to Ms. Hesper... And Mr. Duval Sr. has the wealth to make it happen! To him, the money that he’ll be spending is just a number.’Realizing this reality, Yann graciously helped Ernest bind his credit card to his account and then watched as Ernest spent his money as if he was lighting them on fire.Seeing Ernest throwing cold hard cash into the platform in the form of virtual currency, Yann only felt that the world of the wealthy was giving her a headache. Although she knew that Ernest was rich, she still could not help but try to stop him.‘Jesus Christ! Aren’t the Duvals and the Lanes competi
The first contestant to have her interview aired was Michelle.As the star participant in this competition, Michelle’s session was inserted in the most significant section of the series in order to gain popularity and attention. Hesper and Matthew had already talked about this very early on, even before the tournament started. Sure enough, the effect was also very significant.When it was Hesper’s turn, although it brought about a lot of discussions compared to other contestants, it was still slightly worse than Michelle’s. That was because Hesper’s interview was a little too dull.She replied to every question perfectly, so after watching the video, the only thing everyone remembered was Hesper’s face, which looked too beautiful to be true.At first, Hesper did not intend to use this interview session to show off. The only thing on her mind after the first round of the contest was that she finally had some time to get back to the company to discuss some affairs. However, after two
He had never anticipated that he would end up loving her so deeply.It could be said that amidst all the misunderstandings and complexities, their journey together had taken many winding paths."I wouldn't risk getting into trouble just to set off fireworks for someone I didn't even like," Rickard said, his voice gentle. "You dummy."His words were soft, but as Hesper listened to his explanation, she cleared her throat, and her eyes turned bloodshot. She had never imagined that the person she had loved so intensely in her youth had, at some point in their lives, secretly admired her.Hesper attempted to smile but ended up with teary eyes. Seeing this, Rickard reached out and affectionately ruffled her hair. "If it's going to make you cry, I won't say anything more."Hesper pursed her lips. "If you don't want to talk about it, then don't."Rickard, despite understanding her reluctance, couldn't help but reflect on the past and openly admitted to the emotions he had felt in his you
They were flooded with memories, and Hesper couldn't help but admit that she had been through so much with Rickard. Her eyes welled up with emotion.The livestream ended, as they couldn't maintain constant surveillance of their lives. Even though they hadn't gone home yet, the crew had left.In the past two days, people had gotten to know them quite well, so the crew decided to give them some alone time.Hesper sat in the passenger seat and stole a glance at Rickard. She couldn't help but say, "I never expected that the only time you were seen as making a mistake in Grandpa's eyes was because of me.""There are many things you don't know," he replied. Hesper raised an eyebrow and asked, "Like what? Tell me."Suddenly, Hesper recalled the countless times Rickard had looked at her. Yet, during those moments, Rickard had always had feelings for Juniper. She knew that was the reality, so she never expected that Rickard might have had the same strong feelings for her as she had for h
Hesper glanced at Rickard, who remained emotionless, but she still reached out to hold his hand.[This is tough to see. Both of Rickard's parents are no longer here… Sigh.][Hesper immediately checked on Rickard. If I were Rickard, I'd love her so much.]Ernest shook his head and remained silent as he flipped to the next page. Most of the pictures were of Hesper after that. She hadn't realized she had so many childhood photos. Julian appeared in some of them, too.Before everything went sour.Rickard didn't have many pictures. As he grew older, he became quieter.Most of them showed Hesper standing next to Julian, but there was something off about them.[Did you notice... In many of those pictures, Hesper was looking at Rickard, and in others, Rickard was looking at her.][Oh my god, is this puppy love? I had no idea!][I remember Rickard had another lover.]Hesper had noticed, too, but there was no need to remind people that Rickard used to hate her, so she dismissed it as a
Hesper and Rickard entered the room and awkwardly informed Ernest that everything had been live-streamed just now. Ernest was shocked, but upon hearing that it was something people do, he nodded."It's fine. There's nothing that others can't hear."Hesper pursed her lips and glanced at Rickard before saying, "We didn't expect the Summers to come and see you. You should move in with us so these people will leave you alone."If Ernest lived with them, no one would dare intrude because they represented power and influence.Who would dare challenge them?"I don't want to get involved in your life. Renfew and Renarie would keep you occupied enough."Hesper understood that he had already made up his mind not to live with them, so she didn't press the matter further.She could understand his concerns, as many things might become inconvenient. Besides, Ernest didn't want to disrupt their lives either."We'll be heading to Fredonia soon, so even though we have filming to do, we wanted t
So what if the cameras were still recording?"Was my son's life not as valuable as your son's?"If he had grasped this earlier, recent events might not have unfolded. Jade had a point.The live chat fell silent. Though they lacked the full backstory, they could deduce what had transpired in the past.[I heard Rickard lost his parents when he was a child. I feel sorry for him.][His parents died because of that incident. It's no surprise if he harbors resentment.][Truthfully, this old man has no shame. If my child were responsible for another child's death, I'd beg for forgiveness.]Everything unfolding before their eyes was purely coincidental, and no one had control over the situation. They could only watch and terminate the livestream immediately if anything escalated.Fortunately, Jade received a stern talking-to and refrained from discussing the matter further, but Mrs. Summers did not fare as well. Hesper and the others bore witness to her irrational behavior.[This is e
"We've known each other for years, Ernest. I saved your life once, and now your descendants want to take my son's life!"As they approached, Jade Summers was angrily berating Ernest before him. Hesper's countenance immediately turned frosty as she walked over to Ernest."You should conduct yourself more appropriately, Mr. Summers Sr."Jade was taken aback to see Hesper, but he composed himself, took a deep breath, and fixed her with a hatred-filled gaze."If it weren't for you, none of this would have happened. You're just a woman. Since when do you get a say in the Duval family matters?"In the 21st century, people were all for equality. Besides, Hesper was no ordinary or unintelligent woman. Naturally, she had a voice in these matters.The viewers were inundated with comments when they heard Jade's words, and the live chat exploded.[Who is this guy? He looks old but lacks respect.][What's the argument about?][I sense some drama.]Rickard walked over. Jade had thought he
[Didn't Hesper mention that Mr. Duval Sr. took care of her? Maybe she did grow up well.][I'm certain she did. Hesper doesn't strike me as someone who would tolerate mistreatment.]Hesper and Rickard were under constant surveillance throughout the journey, and they hadn't allowed Benji to accompany them. Rickard was behind the wheel, with Hesper in the passenger seat.During the drive, they remained silent, but to observers, it appeared as though they were in harmony.Upon arriving at the ancestral mansion, Hesper noticed other cars parked around and cast a curious glance at Rickard. Visitors to Ernest's home were a rarity."Sir, Ma'am, you're back," a young housekeeper greeted them. It was the same person who had assisted Wendy earlier, but they couldn't recall her name. Nevertheless, Hesper had faith in her.Noticing the housekeeper's troubled demeanor, Hesper deduced that the guest inside was likely unwelcome. However, she couldn't fathom who would disrupt Ernest's life. Given
Rickard noticed something in Hesper's expression, prompting him to ask, "Is there something else you haven't told me?"Being intimately familiar with each other wasn't always without its challenges. Hesper could never conceal anything from him.She sighed and replied, "It's nothing. Just that Pennleigh will also be on the list."Rickard fell silent.Hesper was aware that sometimes Rickard might not appear bothered, but Pennleigh's presence did bother him.Observing Hesper's awkward expression, Rickard lowered his gaze and suddenly took on a pitiful appearance, like a big dog caught in the rain.Yet, she knew he was merely putting on an act. Still, every time she saw him like that, she couldn't help but miss the Rickard who didn't engage in such playful antics. His character had undergone a change.Hesper found it amusing but didn't quite know how to express it. She sighed and added, "It's a fantastic opportunity. I know you'll let me go, right?"Rickard had no intention of inte
"Sullivan lied to her. He had her parents quietly killed. She found out after she turned her back on you."Benji lowered his gaze. "She was already dead when you came back. It was suicide."The conclusion lacked the weight necessary for such a betrayal. Hesper shut her eyes. The person she had trusted most was Renee. They had shared countless years together.Hesper acknowledged that their bond might not have been a genuine friendship. Renee had abandoned her when given the choice.However, Hesper had faced such situations before.Thankfully, there had been someone who had placed her first in their heart, reassuring her that she wasn't always relegated to being an option. Hesper stood in silence for a while before simply nodding.There was nothing she could do to aid Renee now. Renee had entered and departed alone, leaving no trace behind with Hesper.When the topic was broached, it weighed heavily on her heart. Hesper understood the situation but found herself at a loss for word