Daniel couldn't help but chuckle at Rebecca's widened eyes. He removed the plate of shrimp from the table and explained, "The food is not cooked thoroughly. And if you haven't eaten it before, it's better not to eat too much. It might cause gastroenteritis. Mr. Johnson might blame me if you were hospitalized. It's enough for you to just have a taste."Bringing Sam into this was just an excuse. Daniel just didn't want Rebecca to fall sick.Regardless, getting sick was never a good thing. Even a simple cold could be uncomfortable, let alone something caused by eating. Daniel's actions were not unreasonable.Although Rebecca was not entirely satisfied, she followed his instructions. She picked up her spoon and began to taste the crispy shrimp from earlier. She used that to shift her attention.She didn't forget to tease Daniel. "Since you know the drawbacks of eating too much shrimp, are you trying to hurt me by ordering so much of it?"Rebecca's voice was soft and filled with humo
Daniel's soft and soothing voice was hard to resist, and Rebecca was a blushing mess because of it. She was sure that anyone in her position would find it difficult to resist such an incredibly gentle inquiry.She was at a loss for words. After a moment, she cleared her throat and finally mumbled, "Let's talk about it another time. As for today, let's quickly finish these dishes. Wasting food is a serious offense."With that, she buried herself in eating. She didn't say anything more, as if she was afraid of committing a crime.Daniel raised his gaze and observed her for a while. A low chuckle escaped him, and he didn't push her further. Instead, he quietly enjoyed the food with her instead.It had been a long time since Daniel had such a relaxing day. Since taking over the Winston Company, meals were either hastily consumed in the office or turned into business meetings. Even when he had rare moments of leisure time, he spent it with the Johnson brothers. The atmosphere had always
"Mr. Winston." Rebecca propped her chin and smiled at Daniel, who was opposite her. Her gentle voice carried a hint of playfulness. "Considering that you've taken up my time today, can I submit one design draft this month?"Rebecca's tone had a touch of coquetry. And looking at the delightful smile on her face, it was hard not to guess her thoughts. Daniel couldn't help but smirk. He pretended not to understand her. "Are you blaming me for today's meal?"Rebecca's words sounded like they carried a hint of complaint. Although Rebecca's tone suggested she was joking, it wasn't difficult to hear her want to delay her work. After all, lazing around during working hours was a luxury. Even if drawing was her passion, she would still have the urge to run from it once it became her job.Rather than blaming Daniel, it was more like Rebecca was trying to appease him through their meal together. And Daniel was falling for it.Rebecca didn't realize her reliance on Daniel. She only wanted to
Without a destination, they would just be driving around aimlessly.Rebecca, who was in the passenger seat, didn't turn her gaze toward Daniel. Instead, she casually looked at the scenery outside the window.Even though Fairport had become more developed in recent years, it hadn't completely lost its original charms. Fairport's nature had been enhanced with additional greenery. From a distance, the tall buildings seemed to be concealed within the greenery. It created a picturesque scene.The mixture of mountains and various high-rise buildings seemed like a collision of eras. It wouldn't be a bad experience to drive aimlessly and admire the city's scenery like this.At the thought of this, Rebecca's pretty face showed a relieved smile."Why would I chase you out? I'm more than happy to join you." The tone of her voice and the expression on her face seemed sincere, and she didn't have any reason to deceive herself either.Daniel received a better answer than he expected, and he fe
The streets at night were bustling. And it wasn't just because of the food vendors. There was a section selling clothes and shoes at low prices near the entrance. The owner even stood on a chair while repeating the prices through a megaphone.If they were anywhere else, Rebecca might have found it noisy. But in this bustling place, she found it fitting and fun. In lively places like this, these noisy sounds were like the accompaniment to a dance.After passing through the clothing and shoe area, the entertainment zone followed. There was a fish pond enclosed by inflatable cushions that contained many small goldfish. Around the pond, small benches were filled with children and their parents who were trying to catch the fish using the small nets.Next to the fish pond was a row of long wooden benches. Perhaps because the night hadn't completely fallen, or maybe the owner was running late, they were still placing white plaster molds on the long wooden boards. It was an area where peo
Rebecca's gentle voice reached Daniel amid the bustling crowd. In an instant, the clamor seemed to vanish. Only the rhythmic thud of Daniel's heartbeat as he gazed at Rebecca remained.In the dim light, Rebecca was the sole focus of his attention. Despite the chaotic surroundings and people brushing past him, he took no notice of them and only acted as a shield for her.Since the fire, everyone around him had been concerned about him.George feared the Winston family would lack an heir that he could manipulate if Daniel died. Rachel's worry for him might be due to what little motherly love she had for him. Yet, amid the worry about his survival, no one asked about his pain. Whether during the fire or the transformative surgery.Everyone celebrated his survival but was still wary of him, everyone but Rebecca.Even after years of separation and forgotten memories, she still touched his ugliest scar and asked if it hurt.Rebecca felt uncomfortable under Daniel's gaze. Sensing the nu
Rebecca thought about all the delicious food she wanted but decided not to order too much. "No need. These are enough.""Okay." Daniel told her not to wander off and left.The noodle store was busy. Rebecca, having told the owner to take their time, patiently waited at a small table in the back.Soon, Daniel returned from the crowd. He stood out with his handsome features and tall figure.Rebecca propped up her chin and watched him from a distance. His return seemed to brighten her mood. It brought a gentle smile to her face.And Daniel's gaze swept through the busy crowd and met Rebecca's.Daniel halted in his steps. After a while, he turned abruptly in another direction instead of heading toward Rebecca.Rebecca raised an eyebrow. She chose not to get up and pursue him. Firstly, the crowd was dense. It would be troublesome to find Daniel. Secondly, her noodles were almost ready, and she felt a bit hungry. Moreover, Daniel explicitly told her to wait there.Given these circums
Rebecca never thought she'd see David here. She received a text from him while having dinner with Daniel at a street food stall. David's text stated that he had just inherited the Winston Group and was too busy to eat.Rebecca replied by commending his work ethic. She also sent her well wishes. She hoped he could wrap up his busy schedule and get some rest. After that, Rebecca no longer texted David. She gave her full attention to the yummy food before her. She checked her phone on the way home and didn't see any texts from David. Naturally, she assumed he was too busy to reply, or he had returned to Seabound Mansion after leaving the Winston Group.Rebecca never imagined she'd see David beneath her apartment. The worst part? She was stuck there with Daniel and David. After all, it was awkward that David had snatched the rights to run the Winston Group from his younger brother. The thought of being in the same space as the two Winston brothers made Rebecca's toes curl in dis
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