The Program Department's mountain villa was brightly lit. After the meal, the production team led the guests to their living quarters at the back of the villa.There were rumors that this castle was once passed down through generations within a particular family but was later acquired by others due to poor management and the decline of the owners' family. It then underwent renovation and expansion, turning into the hotel seen today. Several large, grand pillars with intricate carvings supported the castle entrance. A redwood fence stretched out in front of them, and a clock tower jutted out from the brick-red roof. Right in front of the entrance was a green lawn surrounded by vines and roses, creating a romantic, stately, and exotic atmosphere. "Tsk, it must have taken several hundred million to renovate this place," Selena said to Joey in awe as she stopped and looked around her. Joey said, "I heard that the Gray family acquired this place, and it is a joint project managed
The following day, the sound of a phone ringing awoke both Joey and Selena. "You didn't set an alarm?"Joey picked up her phone sleepily. She jumped out of bed the moment she saw the time. "Hello?"It was an unknown number. Joey's finger hovered momentarily before she decided to pick up. "Hello, Ms. Linton. We're from the production team. We're in charge of taking care of your everyday needs. We are about to start work. Are you and Ms. Sanders coming for breakfast?"A gentle female voice traveled over the phone. The environment she was in sounded very noisy. "Oh … I'm so sorry. We'll skip breakfast and go straight to the set."Joey pressed her lips together awkwardly. They were late on their first day in the Program Department. She hung up as soon as she finished. Her biological clock had woken her up once already. But when she half opened her eyes and saw that it was still dark, she'd gone back to sleep. When she got up, she saw that the curtains were tightly drawn.
"Why does this competition sound so complicated? I've been sitting so long that my butt is numb." Selena was already fidgeting. She had always disliked listening to seminars and going to class. "Lastly, we will talk about the prize of the victor, which is what everyone is most interested in."Just as Selena was about to excuse herself to the restroom in order to get some fresh air, the host's words attracted her attention once more. "The ultimate victor will win a spot in the chief designer team at the Belis Fashion Week, with all expenses paid. This will be sponsored by Eastwell Entertainment and their partner, Gray Group."The host only revealed the prize after leaving them in suspense for a while. After hearing what the prize was, the crowd erupted into discussion, and everyone looked excited.If they could get the chance to go to Belis Fashion Week, it would definitely level up their status in the world of fashion design, not to mention the fact that they would be attendin
Everyone was enthusiastic when they saw the design program's final prize. When they gathered in the other banquet hall, Julia pushed aside the people beside her and sat down next to Selena, her face wreathed in smiles. She was more polite than she had ever been. "It's useless for the others to even try. Chloe will definitely win this diamond!"Selena could feel eyes on her from all directions. Some were guarded, others disdainful, and some others contemptuous. She suspected that Julia was doing this on purpose to make them the object of hate. "Design Maestros" was a program for up-and-coming new designers, and there weren't any well-known designers apart from those from the mentor group. However, it was still a program produced by Eastwell Entertainment. Who knew whether there wasn't an experienced designer in their midst who was in disguise? Selena was about to speak when Julia's lackeys cut her off, chattering, "You're the one people should be envious of. This diamond is w
Kent turned robotically to stare at him with his phone in his hand. "What did you say? Who did you put in a team together?""Chloe and Julia!" Cedric scratched his head in embarrassment. "Won't that gain us more attention?"Kent almost fell off his chair in shock. This wasn't gaining them more attention. This was sending them to an early grave!"Who gave you the authority to do so? Are you planning to quit?" His blood froze. "Hurry, notify the director, and tell them to change the rules."Joey received an announcement about a change of rules. The sponsors would enter and become the judging panel representing the public. They would take part in the competition from start to finish.The rooms would be reassigned. "The two of us were originally in one room, and now each of us will have our own room. That will be inconvenient for us to work." Selena realized immediately. They would be exposed at once if they had to complete the designs alone in the rooms. "Is Kent crazy? Wh
When drawing lots had ended, and everyone went back to their rooms, Joey glanced at the room beside hers. This room seemed to be empty. Would someone else come? Time was tight, and she had no time to think too much of it. She entered Selena's room and immediately began drawing up a draft according to Julia's figure for Selena to keep. They were afraid that the rules would change again. They were busy until almost one in the morning. "Let's finish up and go to bed," Joey told Selena, gathering up her things and preparing to leave. …Zachary hurriedly rushed to the program team, and Henry led him to the room that Kent had prepared for him. He paused at the doorway and glanced at the door next to his room, staring at it for a moment before turning away and entering. Henry quietly closed the door and left soundlessly. Joey was so busy that she had no time to think of negative thoughts. All that was left was a strong sense of fatigue. When she left Selena's room, her he
Joey pressed her lips together and regarded him enigmatically. She smiled slightly and said, "Don't underestimate yourself. Everyone on the show is falling all over themselves to praise you. Dozens are waiting to throw themselves at you. How could you be an embarrassment? You're the star here."He had invested in this TV show and helped with her grandmother. There was no need to antagonize him. But she hated seeing Julia strut around like a proud peacock, and she felt that it was well within her rights as Zachary's wife to make a few sarcastic comments. Zachary actually took off his pants in front of her. "So, are you here to throw yourself at me too?"Joey was speechless. He was the one throwing himself at her!Joey had thought he would have some sense of shame, but he obviously didn't. In fact, he looked as if it was the most natural thing in the world. Immediately, her voice became colder. "You can think whatever you want."Zachary was prejudiced toward her, so any loophole
Zachary saw Julia to the door, but she suddenly saw the corner of a white piece of paper under the cabinet in the doorway. She moved slightly and looked at the paper out of the corner of her eye. It was a design draft. Immediately, Julia thought of the rumors that she had just heard. They had said that the sponsors would mingle with them, and if they wanted more screen time, they should think of ways to approach the sponsors. She rushed over here once Henry confirmed Zachary's arrival because she was worried these people would throw themselves at him. Had someone really gotten here first? She looked at the design draft, and her eyes suddenly took on a sinister light. She stopped, turned, and smiled at Zachary, saying, "Your room seems to have a different layout from ours."Zachary looked at her sideways, cocking his head to one side. Julia pretended not to see and quickly took in the room. Although it was different, it was still just a simple bedroom with an ensuite ba
Joey shot him a cold glance. "You and he are both the same, so neither of you should be laughing at the other."Zachary nodded. "You're right, but I've turned over a new leaf now.""Let's go. Enough about him," Joey said. She was annoyed whenever Henry was brought up.He had a great girl willing to be with him, yet he was still unhappy. Any other man would have been grinning from ear to ear.They arrived at the restaurant, and while Joey ordered the food, Zachary sent a message to Henry."You should think about this. Joey and Grandma just want you to have someone by your side in the future, which is why they're saying these things."Don't give up on her just because of what her parents said. Having someone who genuinely likes you is rare."From Zachary's perspective, Henry had a pretty good start. Tessa didn't mind his circumstances, so what was he dissatisfied with?Henry quickly replied, "I know. I'll think about it carefully."In truth, Henry found it all a bit troublesome.
Henry was immediately startled and started stammering, "O-Okay."As soon as Joey hung up the phone, she turned to see Tessa, who was crying pitifully, and handed her a tissue.Tessa took the tissue and sobbed without saying a word.Monica had prepared some desserts for her and looked at her with compassion. "Henry has never been in love before. Plus, he's straightforward and doesn't know how to talk properly. There's no need to cry."Joey thought that Henry just didn't love Tessa enough. Otherwise, how could he say such things?Tessa's eyes were swollen and red. Her tears continuously streamed down. "I know he doesn't like me. Maybe he just agreed to the relationship because I pursued him."Joey patted her shoulder. "In love, if one person is too proactive, the other will seem passive. The fact that you dared to love already makes you braver than many.""What's the point? He doesn't care about me at all." Tessa sniffled."Here, eat something," Monica said. "Feelings like love d
No one tried to persuade Henry further, but Zachary continued to say to him, "Come with me to choose a location for the security company. It's worth doing."Henry was a bit speechless. "I'm not even pursuing the relationship anymore. Why should I still think about the security company?"Zachary responded, "Do you plan to cling to Joey's coattails your whole life? Once the business is set up, you can have apprentices teach others, and you can become a hands-off boss in a year or two."With that, Zachary headed out.After they left, Monica sighed in disappointment. "And I here I thought Henry had found someone good for him.""I think it's quite normal. Finding a good woman isn't easy," Joey said.Henry was indeed a good person, but with one eye missing and his job as a bodyguard, it was inevitable that Tessa's parents would worry."How disappointing," Monica murmured repeatedly.Joey didn't know what else to say and could only comfort her. "There's still a chance. What if Tessa d
Joey snorted. "You looked down on me and thought I had no opinions back then."Zachary pulled her into his arms. "Joey, do you like the person you are now or the person you were before?""What about you?" Joey asked him."I liked you from the beginning. Do you think I would have pursued you for so long if I didn't? I never thought you were serious about the divorce. At first, I was angry, but now I just think I was too slow to react."Joey was genuinely angry back then, but he had thought she was playing hard to get.The two of them sat close and watched the movie together.Selena hadn't returned yet, so Joey guessed that she wouldn't be coming back."Selena probably won't return. Hanson is cunning by taking her away with just a movie," Joey said.Zachary turned off the projector and was still savoring the moment as Joey left his arms."They're in love. Otherwise, Selena wouldn't go with him so easily," Zachary remarked.Selena must really like Hanson. Otherwise, she wouldn't
Zachary squeezed her hand tightly. "You're just like an exquisite and beautiful flower."Joey couldn't help but laugh. She pulled her hand back with a little force. "Even though we just had a heartfelt conversation, I haven't thought about being your girlfriend.""I get it. You're Chloe, and countless people are lining up to pursue you," Zachary said in a voice tinged with jealousy.If she wasn't so focused on her work, she probably would have found a new boyfriend by now. For example, Kenneth was an excellent person. If Joey had accepted him back then, Zachary thought he wouldn't stand a chance now.When they got back to Emmen, Joey freshened up and got back to work.Zachary couldn't help but say, "Can't you take a break?""I've gotten used to this over the past year. When I can't sleep at night, I'll work. I find it hard to relax now," Joey said while reading a document intently.Without her dedication and hard work, Emmen wouldn't have grown so quickly.Zachary beckoned her
Zachary felt a heavy weight on his chest as he looked at Joey.She continued, "Even if I accept you again, and we try to rebuild a family, I know things can never go back to the way they were. I gave you my best years, and I don't feel like I owe you anything."During those three years, you ignored my true feelings and neglected me. Do you think it's possible to go back to the past now?"Zachary said, "I'm truly sorry.""I want to fully accept you, but I can't. You all think that the many hurts inflicted on me are something I can just get over, let go of, and move forward from. But I can't."I realize now that people are complicated and hold grudges. I constantly revisit every wrong done to me. If I didn't care, it would mean I don't care about any of you at all."Joey rarely opened up to Zachary like this, but she felt it necessary to make this clear.Zachary watched her silently and felt as though it was his first time knowing what she actually thought."It's like how I don't
Selena readily agreed, "Alright. It's not fair for you to handle everything alone."Her relationship with Hanson was intense and passionate at the beginning, but now that the initial fire had burned out, Selena felt less attached to Hanson. But after dinner, she was still dragged by Hanson to watch a new movie.Joey was exhausted from work and didn't want to move, so she sat at the dining table with Zachary to enjoy the peace."Shall we head back soon?" Zachary asked after a long while.Joey hummed, exhausted. "Let's sit a bit longer.""If you don't want to walk, I can carry you," Zachary said with a smile.Joey snorted. "Do you want Grandma to scold me? Have you even recovered?""Probably not. These wounds don't heal so easily," Zachary admitted honestly. He wanted to please Joey but had forgotten that his health was no longer as robust as before."Let's sit for another half an hour," Joey said as she leaned back in her chair and replied to messages on her phone."You're work
Selena felt that what Joey said made sense and immediately nodded in agreement. "Then I won't consider marriage."Zachary glanced at them and thought that Selena was a bad influence on Joey. Even if they were married, couldn't they still have fun? What was the difference?Around noon, Hanson and Tessa arrived at Emmen together.As soon as Tessa saw Henry, she ran to him and grabbed his arm. "I got out of class early to see you. You're not mad, are you?"Henry was taken aback, but seeing Tessa clinging to him so sweetly filled his heart with joy."Not at all. Why didn't you tell me? I could have picked you up," Henry said.Tessa held his hand. "Why do you have to pick me up? I know where you work, so I can come to find you."Henry nodded dumbly."Tessa, have you eaten?" Monica stepped forward with a gentle smile."No, but my parents want to invite him to dinner tonight. I've already arranged it with them," Tessa said with a smile.Joey thought this wasn't just a regular dinner
Henry had a smile on his face, looking quite pleased with himself. "Of course, she fell in love with me at first sight."Selena laughed. "Impressive! But your cosplay style probably appeals to most young girls, right?"Henry may have only one eye, but he was still very handsome. He was like a cosplayer you'd see on the street.He simply smiled and picked up his phone to check in with Tessa.After chatting, Henry grinned like a fool. "She asked me out to lunch. She said she doesn't have classes this afternoon and wants to take me to her place."Joey felt a bit envious. "You're incredibly lucky. You need to cherish this."Henry nodded as Monica looked at Henry with a smile."What is your girlfriend studying in grad school?" Selena asked curiously."Something related to Eldelish language studies I think," Henry replied, unsure.Joey nodded. "That sounds good."After finishing his meal, Henry sat nearby, playing on his phone.Selena couldn't help but tell Joey, "Is he just going