Chapter 16
Danny approached with a bright smile, indicating the house behind him. “This is where we’ll be shooting. You’ll be staying here for a few days.
Alaric glanced over and let out a snarky comment. “Xavier lived in a pigsty?”
Danny was left speechless, and the viewers exploded with comments
This guy’s even sharper than Xavier]
[Now I get why these two families are feuding
Alaric asked, “No other options?”
“Afraid not.” Danny replied.
Without another word, Alaric headed towards the nearby shack.
Relief washed over Danny as he concluded that Alaric was more agreeable than Xavier. He began to hope that the filming process would infold without a hitch.
Despite her sadness, Yasmine had her chores. She was on her way back from feeding the pigs when she bumped into Alaric. She stood there, stunned for a moment, before realizing a stranger had arrived
“Who ar
are you?” she asked, her voice cautious.
Alaric looked down at the little girl who barely reached his waist. His tone didn’t soften as he said. The production team didn’t tell you? Xavier’s left. I’m here to take his place”
Yasmine’s eyes widened, tears welling up but not falling. “Xavier’s gone He’s not coming back?” she asked, her voice barely audible.
Alaric, unsure of his father’s plans, kept silent. For Yasmine, that silence was confirmation. Her face fell, unable to accept the news.
Alaric wondered, “Am I that bad? Am I worse than Xavier?”
The viewers‘ comments w
were pouring in non–stop.
Let’s see how Yasmine deals with Alaric
[Alaric’s too proud to pay her any mind]
[Hard to say. Yasmine’s great at winning people overl
The audience watched intently, not wanting to miss a thing..
Then, without a word, Yasmine turned and walked away, leaving the audience shocked.
[What? She just left like that?)
Alaric watched her leave, a frown creasing his brow. He turned to the crew off–camera and asked, “What do I do now?”
The
he crew was briefly caught off guard by his question, but then remembered he’d never done a variety show and probably didn’t watch this sort of thing. They explained, “This is a reality show, you just be yourself”
Alaric lowered his eyes, not saying a word.
He must be thinking only those fools would like to watch such a boring thing |
Haha, you really understand Alaric
Facing Yasmine’s indifference, Alaric went inside the house and found that the environment inside was even worse than it looked from the outside. He frowned tightly, then heard a cough coming from inside. Following the sound, he found Yasmine’s grandfather, Barnaby
10:07 AM Oct
Chapter 16
Barnaby was also taken aback when he saw Alaric. “Who are you?” he asked.
“Here for the show, Alaric replied.
“Where’s that person?” Barnaby was
y was anxious, his accent strong and a little hard to understand.
was even more anxious.
“You mean Xavier? He’s gone. Alaric said.
“Gone? No, that’s not okay! He promised me, and he hasn’t fulfilled it yet!” Barnaby was even more
Alaric merely shot him a disdainful look, then turned and walked away, wondering to himself, What a rundown place this is.
Yasmine was out for a long time, gathering mushrooms, and only returned after dark.
It seems Yasmine is… actively avoiding Alaric.]
[Does she hate him? Is there a reason for her to hate him? Does she even have the right to hate him?]
[No more arguing. I’m going to check out what’s happening with Xavier.]
Xavier leaned back on his hospital bed, his eyes fixed on the crew member with an unyielding demand. “I need that tablet. I’ve got to check on Yasmine.
The crew member wavered, caught in a dilemma. “You should rest. These devices won’t help with your recovery,” he insisted, trying to deflect Xavier’s request
Xavier huffed dismissively, “Don’t give me that. Hand it over. His hand remained outstretched, a silent demand.
“Xavier.” Johnny’s voice broke the tension as he entered the room, his presence bringing a sense of calm authority.
Xavier’s agitation eased at the sight of his father. “Dad, what brings you here?” he asked, his tone now less aggressive.
Jessica chimed in softly, “We heard about your accident. We’re here to see you.”
Xavier’s brow furrowed. “Who are
are you? Why are you with Dad?”
Jessica’s face fell, her eyes brimming with unshed tears. “Xavier, I’m Jessica, your exchange partner”
Xavier ignored her, turning to Johnny instead, “Look, my injury is nothing serious. I’ve been here for two days now, and it’s time for me to head back.”
Johnny, now seated beside him, lifted the blanket to examine the bandage on Xavier’s leg. “You’re eager to go home?” he asked.
Xavier looked puzzled “Why would I want to go home?”
Johnny was taken aback. “You’re not going home?”
“No way. Im going back to Lexcrity,” Xavier said, his brow furrowing again. There’s this kid there, incredibly cute.”
“Yasmine?” Johnny cut in.
“Oh, you know her.”
“Your mom and I caught a glimpse of the show,”
“Well, that makes it easier,” Xavier said, a bit more confident. “Dad, Yasmine needs me. I have to go back and look after her.
He wasn’t as good at cooking as Yasmine, but he could handle other stuff, like doing her hair. He’d been picturing in his head how to make the best bun that would outshine anyone else’s.
Johnny’s mouths twitched “She needs you?”
Yeah. I’ve been gone for two days, and she’s probably been crying herself to sleep. Her bed is old and drafty too. I need to grab her a new quilt on my way back Xavier added, the memory of Yasmine’s tear–streaked face when he’d left still fresh.
Shed been petrified at the thought of losing him. Her worry had been palpable, and Xavier knew he had to return to soothe her fears.
10:07 AM
Chapter In
Amusement rippled through the viewers, their reactions lighting up the screen
[Xavier, don’t worry, she’s tough as nails, not crying in bed. She’s out picking mushrooms again.]
Johnny looked a bit helpless as he said, “We haven’t seen each other for so long. Don’t you want to spend a few days with me?”
Xavier waved him off. “We’ll see each other every day after I go home. His words left Johnny speechless.
Hahaha, so mean even to his own father.)
[He really needs to go back, or else what if Alaric takes Yasmine away?]
Does it even matter? Xavier can have a sister if he wants one; many people would be thrilled to be in that role.)
Johnny shrugged. I can let you go back, but you can’t go back right now.
Xavier frowned. “What do you mean?”
Jessica seized her chance to speak, “Because Alaric is there. Xavier, didn’t you know? He’s going to be recording the show with Yasmine.”
“Alaric Which Alaric? Xavier’s face darkened.
“The Alaric you know, of course,” Johnny said with a helpless smile.
Xavier’s expression changed dramatically, and he threw off the covers, ready to get out of bed. Tm going back right away. Alaric can forget about getting his hands on my Yasmine.”
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