Rebecca left right after Christmas. She had been working with Sam's company for a while and couldn't help but notice that the people who became famous usually had good looks and a toned body.If given the option, she would prefer skipping the whole marriage thing and simply enjoying the company of some good-looking guys. The charming folks at the company always made her day brighter, especially when they exchanged greetings or smiled at her.Suddenly, she realized that rushing into marriage as the elders suggested might not be the best move for her. After all, she was both rich and good-looking.So, when her mother tried to set her up on a blind date right after Christmas, Rebecca quickly booked a train ticket and left Fairport. It marked the beginning of her journey around the world.It wasn't an escape from home. Instead, she would share photos in the family chat upon reaching each new city. She would send daily updates on her adventures.Rebecca wasn't just a tourist. She prefe
Rebecca had never tried brush painting before. Despite the vibrant colors of oil paintings, she believed that photos could capture the essence just fine.Therefore, she opted for the challenge of watercolor painting. With the help of online tutorials, she began practicing one step at a time.When the first snow covered the city, Rebecca created her first impressive piece of art. At the same time, a new chapter of her adventure began.Even though she disliked the cold, she decided to break away from her usual routine of heading south and, instead, set out toward the north.Eager to witness the enchanting Northern Lights, she visited the northernmost city in the country. Even though the icy city made her want to hibernate indoors, she decided to extend her stay.When Rebecca wasn't eating, she spent most of her time catching up on sleep. Occasionally, Sam's playful teasing through messages would coax her into putting on her winter coat and taking him on a tour of the town.She show
After Christmas, Rebecca decided to visit Seardale, a place that brought back a bunch of feelings for her.The last time she was there, she woke up without any memories. It was like her mind had been a blank slate. It took some time to figure out her identity and adjust to life in Seardale.Even though Georgie wasn't exactly welcoming, Rebecca still cherished the memories of their first meeting. She also relied on David, who seemed caring but turned out to be a wolf in sheep's clothing.Feeling a mix of emotions, Rebecca agreed to Ellen's invitation and hopped on a flight to Seardale.She decided to keep her plan under wraps from her family as she knew they wouldn't be happy about it. They would probably give her an earful if they found out.To throw them off, she spun a little white lie about going on a tour within the country. Even though her family had reservations about her solo travels, they respected her decision.Even though the security in the country was pretty good, her
Rebecca seemed to be walking fast, but the reality was quite the opposite. Ellen caught up with her and matched her pace.Being the nice guy he was, he helped her with the suitcase and placed the knitted hat back on her head.Rebecca turned to him and asked, "Can you handle it? Maybe I should push the suitcase myself."Ellen gave her a look. "Rebecca Johnson! Do you know it bugs guys when you ask if they can handle something? Guys can handle anything!""I was just concerned about you.""No need to be!""Okay, fine. If you want to handle it, go ahead. I'm more than happy to let you."They clashed from the moment they met. Rebecca decided to leave the luggage for Ellen to handle.Gradually, she realized her childish behavior. It seemed that being around someone immature could bring out immaturity in oneself.Ellen caught Rebecca staring and asked, "What's catching your eye?"Rebecca glanced away casually. "Oh, nothing. I'm just admiring your hair."Ellen chuckled proudly. "Wel
"Yep, things are improving without those annoying problems holding us back," Ellen said. He wore a satisfied smile.Pointing toward a new building going up nearby, he added, "Check that out. That's going to be my office, right in the heart of Seardale. If you want to catch up next time, you'll need to schedule an appointment."Ellen seemed quite pleased with his achievements.Rebecca eyed him with interest. "You're a big deal now, huh? Why bother inviting someone like me? What if I end up causing trouble for you again?"Ellen stopped and shot her a disapproving glance. "I invite you here, and that's your response? Seriously?"Feeling his irritation, Rebecca quickly said, "Fine, fine, you're impressive. Thanks for having me as your guest again."The car pulled up in front of a restaurant, and Rebecca followed Ellen out of the car.The place buzzed with activity, much like it did in the past. Vibrant lights cast a lively glow over the bustling atmosphere.If Rebecca hadn't seen t
Ellen stayed quiet. He poured himself a glass of cold lemonade and took a big sip before placing the cup on the table."I'm just bored. Isn't it strange for someone my age to still enjoy fights and stuff?" he questioned.Rebecca held her cup. She looked surprised. She chuckled and remarked, "That's not what I'd expect from you."Glancing at his white hair with a smile, she teased, "Your cool style doesn't match your age either."Ellen clicked his tongue. "Come on, I'm only 30. Can't a guy dye his hair?""Alright, alright. Forever young it is. Let's hope you're still rocking colorful hair in your seventies or eighties." She raised her glass for a toast and left the conversation at that.Rebecca wasn't planning to stay in Seardale for long, so whatever happened to the city didn't concern her much. She was just curious.Ellen used to be all about seeking fame and fortune, but now he had turned into a do-gooder who built schools and hospitals. It was a pretty amazing change.Despit
"You know how they give death row inmates a final feast before the big moment in some places? Well, I thought, why not treat you to a good meal before you take off?" Ellen said casually. He slipped back into his usual playful mood.Rebecca ignored Ellen's comment and focused on enjoying her meal. Meanwhile, Ellen kept silent and begrudgingly nibbled at a dish he was growing tired of.He distractedly scrolled through his phone and shot off a few messages. When he noticed Rebecca had finished her meal, he put down his utensils and asked, "All done?"Without waiting for an answer, Ellen signaled for the waiter to bring the bill. A slim and frail-looking young man approached with the check. It was hard to believe he was already 18 or older.Ellen settled the bill with his card and slipped a generous amount of cash into the waiter's pocket. After putting his wallet away, he gave Rebecca a signal with his eyes."Come on. I'll take you somewhere fun," Ellen said.Rebecca stood up and te
"Why are you talking to me like that? Do you think you can judge me?" Rebecca boldly questioned Georgie.With a determined look, she added, "Even David has no right to judge what happened between us. Why do you think you can talk to me like this?"The driver, who used to work with David, recognized Rebecca and was surprised to hear her confronting Georgie and Ellen—the leaders of Seardale.He was so startled that he accidentally pressed the accelerator instead of the brake, which made the car suddenly speed up and then stop abruptly.Luckily, the car was sturdy, and the people in the backseat were not too shaken. The driver continued driving after apologizing, but the atmosphere inside the car had become awkward.Rebecca continued to pour out her frustration on Georgie. "If it wasn't for David, I could've started my studio and reunited with my family four years ago."Instead, I've become someone who can't remember anything. I was constantly manipulated and tormented by him. Are y
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