Chapter 51 A Hint of Envy
Chapter 51 A Hint of Envy
+5 Free Coins
Lisa cooked the sausages carefully over a low flame, letting them turn a perfect golden brown on the outside while staying soft and juicy inside. She topped them off with her special sauce, and the delicious smell wafted through the air. The first few customers who tried them were so impressed that they came back for more.
Soon enough, Lisa was swamped with orders. Luckily, Mona was there to handle the money, or Lisa would have been completely overwhelmed.
“Hey, will you be back tomorrow?” a boy in line asked loudly. “There are so many people here, and my mom’s picking me up soon. I really want one tomorrow–can I order it in advance? I’ll come right after school to get it.”
At that age, kids often acted on a mix of curiosity and the need to outdo their peers. If they heard something was good, they wanted in, and if they missed out, it bothered them. That’s why Lisa’s booth had such a long line.
Mona was about to say yes when Lísa spoke up. “Sorry, I can’t take orders in advance. These need to be cooked fresh to taste right. If I made them ahead of time, they wouldn’t be the same.”
Her tone was calm and pleasant, but one of the boys, now reaching puberty, couldn’t resist teasing her. “How about I get your number?”
Sometimes, you didn’t need to see someone’s face to judge their beauty. The way they carried themselves–their posture, voice, and confidence–told you just as much. Even with the mask, Lisa’s eyes were kind and warm, like a peaceful spring morning. Anyone could tell that under the mask, her face was probably just as beautiful.
Lisa hesitated for a moment, caught off guard. Mona quickly scolded the boy, laughing. “You little rascal! You’re here to buy a sausage, not flirt with my friend. Have you even turned 18 yet?”
The whole group burst into laughter.
Other vendors, especially those selling sausages, couldn’t help but feel a little envious as they watched Lisa’s stand draw so many people. Their own sales had been steady, but today, most of the students were flocking to Lisa’s booth.
They exchanged glances, but since it was only the first day, they didn’t say anything.
Lisa stayed busy until the sun began to set, finally ready to pack up and head home.
Mona drove her back, and once they were inside, they counted the day’s earnings. Mona gasped. “Wow, we made over 600 dollars today!”
They had already made back the cost of supplies in just one day.
Lisa handed Mona half the money. “Here, this is for you.”
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“What? No way,” Mona protested. “That’s your money. I just helped a little.”
Lisa smiled softly. “You helped me a lot today. I can’t let you leave empty–handed. I’d feel bad if you didn’t take it.”
Her arms still ached from the long hours, and Mona probably felt the same.
Mona had helped her out because she was a kind person, but Lisa didn’t want to take advantage of anyone’s gene
without giving something back.
Besides…
Even though the Olsens hadn’t left her with good memories, they had taught her one important thing: It was easier to owe someone money than a favor. Money could always be paid back, but favors… those were harder to return.
Lisa thought of herself as a bit like a hedgehog–cautious and protective. She had once opened up to the Olsens, but they had discarded her, leaving her hurt. That was why she kept her distance from others, not wanting to be hurt again.
She still believed in true love, but didn’t think she’d ever experience it. That was why she kept to herself, hoping to avoid the pain that came from getting too close.
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3:54 PM
Chapter 51 A Hint of Envy
+5 Free Coins
“Alright,” Mona said, though she could tell Lisa wasn’t fully happy with it. Mona’s carefree personality made her sensitive to others‘ feelings. She knew that if she didn’t take the money, Lisa might not want her around again. “Fine, I’ll take it. Let me treat you to dinner.”
“No, you don’t have to—” Lisa started.
“Don’t worry. We don’t even have to pay. My family owns a little restaurant, and I’ll treat you there,” Mona insisted.
Mona’s family ran a small restaurant. The kitchen was in the back, with the family’s bedrooms upstairs. When Lisa walked in with Mona, it was the middle of dinner rush, and the restaurant was packed.
“Mom!” Mona called as she poked her head into the kitchen. “Can you make us two dishes?”
Mona’s mother, Elena Robson, a strong–willed woman, glanced up from her work. “Why are you eating here? Can’t you see I’m busy?”
“I’m treating my friend to dinner!” Mona said. “The one who stayed at our place last night–the smart and beautiful one!” Elena’s face lit up. “Why didn’t you say so earlier? I’ll cook right away!”
Mona rolled her eyes and turned to Lisa. “Good thing my mom isn’t a guy. She’s obsessed with pretty girls. If she were a guy, she’d probably end up in jail.”
Lisa smiled faintly, though a hint of envy lingered in her gaze.
Despite the occasional disagreements and teasing between Mona’s parents, the love they shared–rooted in family bonds- was something Lisa could only look at from the outside. It was a connection she never had with her own mother..
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