Ellen had cut the baked seafood dish into chunks and placed them onto Rebecca's plate."Thanks, Ellen. You should eat, too." Rebecca smiled at the young man opposite her before eating. Although Rebecca wasn't happy, she didn't plan to stay upset over food. She and Ellen used to fight over these things. Ellen wasn't a child but had a childlike personality and liked quarreling with others for fun.Rebecca could also tell the dining table's atmosphere was tense. So, she forced herself to tolerate Ellen. Rebecca let the matter go and no longer felt aggrieved or fought back. Why should she remain unhappy about the things that upset her when someone was cheering her up now? That would only make her seem desperate for attention.Rebecca believed that people should be grateful for what they had.She had woken up in the hospital and realized she was in a city in a foreign country. Since then, she slowly got her mind in order during her recovery. Rebecca was content now that she could
The atmosphere at the table grew tense again.The waitress wasn't sure whether to pack the leftovers or not. She didn't understand the foreign language Ellen spoke. Even so, she could roughly guess what Ellen and Rebecca were arguing about.Luckily, Rebecca wasn't one to surrender after getting yelled at. She stood her ground and smiled at the waitress. "Please pack it, still. Sorry for scaring you."The waitress shook her head, then smiled at Rebecca before lowering her head to resume her task.After that, Rebecca looked into Ellen's angry blue eyes and sighed. "I didn't ask you to finish the leftovers. I'll eat it by myself tomorrow if you don't want it. That was my plan. Now, let's move on to whether or not we should help others. "Economically, it's your responsibility and duty to aid public welfare. Of course, it's not compulsory. So, nobody will say anything if you can't afford to help the less fortunate. After all, not everyone knows you."I, on the other hand, received yo
Rebecca froze while she picked out a dress. She didn't understand why David had asked her that, so she frowned. "I like both. Is there a need to compare the two?""What if I insist that you pick one?" David stared her down like a wolf focused on its prey.That was also when another burst of fireworks went off at the end of the street. Vibrant speckles of light bloomed in the sky.It happened fleetingly. The fireworks flashed, then dissipated almost immediately. It left a moment of awe in the watching crowd before it fell to the ground like dust.Rebecca didn't rush to answer David. Instead, she waited until the fireworks stopped before voicing, "Although the fireworks are pretty, they don't last. If I had to choose, I'd probably go for this lively street filled with dazzling curiosities. "It'd take about two hours to walk down the entire street, and I'd get to buy things I like. Based on that, this street is worth much more.""Do you genuinely feel that way, Becca?" Her response
It was a stylishly woven straw hat that would suit many outfits. She could wear the hat to the beach or when sightseeing in Fairport. It was necessary to have a hat during the current weather.Rebecca immediately fell in love with it. Even her eyes twinkled. Yet, she wasn't sure if it was right to accept the gift, so she waved the man off. "It's okay, mister. You can sell it to us for its original price.""That won't do. I'm giving it to you because fate has made us cross paths again. If I sell it to you, our chance encounter today won't feel as meaningful. Don't you agree, kid?" the man refused. He grinned at David before patting his shoulder."I met you four years ago, and here we are four years later. I hope you two last a long time. This hat is the same kind from four years ago. We only have one in our shop. I'm giving it to you two. Consider it a present from a kindred soul."That pleased David. He initially hit the unknown man, who had interrupted his day with Rebecca, with a
Sam and Alex studied Rebecca's recent work in Fairport back at the Johnson residence. They had overhead some helpful information during dinner earlier. On top of that, they were also able to analyze data from the photos of that day's Golden Tiger Film Festival Awards.They soon concluded that Rebecca had attended the Golden Tiger Film Festival Awards because the organizer invited her. Yet, she was forced to leave because the psychopath, David, didn't allow her to go.Soon enough, Caleb found out why Rebecca received an invite. The event was in collaboration with a magazine that provided accessories to celebrities. The magazine had also set up an exhibition hall that accompanied the event.Not only had they showcased Rebecca's design samples, they also showed off clothing and jewelry from other designers. Of course, it also featured creations from other artists. It was an exhibition where celebrities could try on the design samples for photo opportunities. The exhibition took place
Rebecca received a collaboration invite from GN Jewelries. The email came the next day when most office workers would've gone to work. She washed up, came downstairs for breakfast, and clicked into her inbox. The email's contents surprised her so much that her eyes widened before she could bite into her toast. She couldn't help exclaiming mentally, "Holy shit!"Rebecca was an unknown designer who had just started joining design competitions. She couldn't believe a company was approaching me for a collaboration deal. So, she wondered if the opportunity had come because they were now in a big city.She wasn't sure if this was because of yesterday's Golden Tiger Film Festival Awards or if the email was a scam.Because she didn't know what it was, she couldn't eat her breakfast in peace. She held the slice of toast in her mouth while researching the company's history.GN Jewelries started as part of a company from Riverwood. Four years ago, they opened a branch in Fairport.The pare
David's eyebrows narrowed, surprised at how ridiculous he was being. Rebecca had already crossed paths with Daniel and the Johnson brothers. Yet, the men dared not do anything. So, why was David so afraid? After a self-deprecating laugh, he looked up into Rebecca's eyes. "When are you going? I'll drive you there."He wanted to see if Daniel and the Johnsons could refrain from making a move. After all, he shouldn't be the nervous one in that situation.Rebecca wasn't expecting him to agree without a fight. Her eyes widened in shock. "You'll drive me there? Really?"What? Don't you want me to?" David glanced up at her with an unreadable expression.Rebecca shook her head. "No, I'm just shocked. I didn't think you'd agree."A soft chuckle tumbled from David's lips. "Would you stay home if I disagreed?"Rebecca had snuck out to the award event on the first day after landing in Fairport. She didn't even say anything to David before leaving. Rebecca did all that just to look at her
Rebecca chuckled too. Her eyes left the contract briefly as she held her chin and pondered. "People like you might have nothing on their phones except for essential work-related apps. You'd probably look at stock market trends or the news and have no interest in the gossip column."Daniel chuckled upon hearing her accurate description. He couldn't help his deepening smile. As she said, he didn't have any other apps except those he used for work. Even his personal phone only had the necessary apps for communication purposes. The other app he had was for reading the news, but he didn't care about entertainment or gossip columns. Otherwise, Jessica wouldn't have fooled and kept him in the dark for so long. He had a disinterest and lack of attention to social affairs, so he only focused on company matters and ignored everything else.That habit stayed the same even now.However, last night, he was so happy to see Rebecca that he reacted in the spur of the moment. He asked someone
Penny didn't have much free time over the past three years.As she had envisioned, during the first year, she honed her acting skills amidst criticism while also working as a translator.Later on, she felt that acting didn't hold much appeal anymore. Moreover, realizing that there weren't any roles left for her, she gradually gave up and moved toward working behind the scenes.She had some work during this period.It seemed that a daring reality show, not caring about potential risks, decided to capitalize on her controversial popularity and invited her to participate in one of their programs.The reason Penny agreed to participate was because the show's first season had a good reputation, and the payment offered was reasonable.Continuously doing translations could be quite tiring. After discussing with Cecilia and weighing the pros and cons, she eventually signed up for this TV show.Unfortunately, she had underestimated the darker side of human nature.The show's production
"Really?" Zane blurted out, staring incredulously at Sam, who nodded calmly. His unruly and carefree demeanor was restrained, and his composed attitude showed that he wasn't joking.Zane fell silent again, furrowing his brow as he intently observed Sam.It was as if he thought everything through in an instant, giving up without hesitation. He didn't even remind Zane of the request from years ago to take care of Penny. Instead, he said this would be the last time he would help out.Logically speaking, this should be a satisfactory outcome for Zane. After all, from any perspective, the Lowe family's scion would only be a burden to Sam.Looking again at Sam's attitude, it seemed he didn't want Penny to know he was the one quietly spending money to handle things behind the scenes.Since there was no plan to meet her, he didn't need to worry about anything after that. If that was the case, it would be better to just end it early.That way, if Sam saw Penny falling in love, getting mar
All those old scoundrels from the Lowe family undoubtedly ranked the highest. Then there was Jessica, the entertainment industry's national goddess, who also played a significant role.Besides them, there were a few minor celebrities who didn't really make the cut.However, as Sam's partner and someone who watched him grow up, Zane privately hoped Sam could find a better girl.So, he advised, "There are plenty of socialites in Riverwood, and Amdale has no shortage of beautiful young ladies, either, and Rookfort isn't much different."You and the Lowe family's daughter haven't even officially met…""Who said I haven't met her?" Sam interrupted him without a second thought.He had even seen her twice. How could Zane say they hadn't even met yet?The first time, she gave him all the money she had. The second time, he spoke up to help her get that role.After these interactions, they could be considered acquaintances.Zane choked up and couldn't find the words to refute.He was s
Because Penny declined his offer, Zane didn't insist. After a bit of small talk, he ended the call.He politely mentioned that if she needed any help, she could call this number again. If he could assist in any way, he certainly would.However, Zanw knew very well that, given Penny's temperament, she would rather give up what she had than actively seek help from a stranger.Yes, to Penny, Zane was just a stranger. He was a person she had met once but didn't really know.This time, Penny didn't respond as coldly as she did when she was 18. Instead, she exchanged a couple of polite pleasantries, mentioned that she would reach out if needed, and then hung up the phone.After that, she let out a long sigh of relief and lay on the lounge chair on the balcony, gazing at the view outside the window.There were fluffy white clouds in the azure sky and the greenery visible in the neighborhood. Sparrows were chirping persistently as they darted through the forest, and the cicadas loudly bu
Although the other person said only one word, Penny could still tell he didn't have any ill intentions.Because of that faint sense of familiarity, Penny didn't hang up the phone immediately. "Hello? May I ask what this is about?"The unfamiliar and distant tone probably made the man on the other end of the phone pause for a moment. It was only after a brief silence that he responded."Young lady, don't you remember me? It's Zane Moran."His voice carried a laugh, with a hint of teasing.Only then did Penny remember who he was, but she wasn't happy at all.Zane meant no harm when that incident happened back then. But despite that, over the years that had passed, he became one of the people and things Penny would rather not recall.Whether it was the exam she missed, the incident where Spencer took her to the hotel against her will, or Zane, who gave her 30 dollars for a taxi ride.She just wanted to hide all of them deep in her memories.The recent events had particularly made
"I'm fine. You all don't have to look so worried. You're making it seem as if something bad is going to happen to me."Penny looked at the two people at the door who were showing a range of expressions, feeling speechless.Cecilia was provoked by her words, and her eyes turned red."We're worried about you. You have no idea what you look like right now. You're almost like one of those disheartened protagonists in novels who hated the world."Penny clicked her tongue twice and said, "Aren't you exaggerating?"She didn't believe it. She was just worried about money. It wasn't like she had become disillusioned with life.Besides, she didn't dislike this world at all. On the contrary, she really liked it.Whenever Penny came across posts online suggesting that all humans should just die, she always felt like rolling her eyes. If they wanted to die, they shouldn't drag others with them.When searching for her own role in movies, TV dramas, and novels, Penny particularly preferred re
Penny's way of clarifying things was to simply tell the truth.Sometimes, trying to cover things up would just lead to needing 100 more lies to continue the cover-up. That would often end up making things worse and more ridiculous.It was better to tell the truth about the situation.To answer the question of why she lashed out at the Lowe family, she briefly explained her experiences over the years.Why didn't she attend the final paper of the college entrance examinations? She personally reopened that old wound.As for that man in the hotel, Penny didn't have much of an impression of him anymore. She only remembered not taking his business card and accepting 30 dollars from him.Why did she show up at that man's hotel room? She wrote it down truthfully—it was her father who personally took her and left her at the hotel, wanting to trade her like a commodity.Every single word was carefully considered and written by Penny.She didn't share much of these things with Cecilia. Th
Once the official statements were released, Penny's career being ruined became a certainty.The only surprising thing was probably that after the film crew issued their statement, the largest investor also requested to withdraw.The film crew was completely shocked, but there was nothing they could do. The scion was willing to lose money just to withdraw his investment, so what could they do?The amount of money in the compensation was nothing compared to the amount that the scion planned to invest. The production team would incur a significant loss.With one less investor, the project's status was essentially downgraded. They had much less room to manipulate their gains now, too.One would understand why the scion was doing this if they used their brain a little.However, the protests from the audience couldn't be ignored, and compared to the investors, it was clearly more important to keep the show going.After all, they could always attract more sponsors, even if the amount o
In addition to the widespread backlash caused by the phone recording, Penny's academic credentials were also scrutinized and exposed.Before the college entrance exam, she had always been the top student in her school and had never ranked anything else.However, in the college entrance exam, she barely passed the minimum mark for key institutions, far below her usual performance.Some people speculated that she had been cheating during regular exams and that her actual abilities were much worse.However, the exam results could be checked online, and the fact that Penny scored zero on the last exam was surprising.It was even more shocking that she was admitted to a top-tier university despite missing an exam. It was truly exceptional.But few people paid attention to this information.After all, the achievements attained through hard work couldn't be faked. Even if the results weren't as expected, it was undeniable that she was stronger than many others.Regarding this topic, t