Chapter 14 Why Should I Apologize?
+8 Pearls
The stars participating in the variety show might have had mixed feelings, but online viewers were thoroughly entertained.
“Tiana really is beautiful and kind–hearted. She must’ve been late because she stopped to get everyone breakfast!”
“Is that shop really that good? My mouth is watering. Who wants to team up and go check it out? I’m just around there.”
“I’m not far either. I’ll go taste–test for everyone first.”
“As someone from out of town, I’d love to try croissant with oat milk.”
Viewers were treating the show like a food program. Tiana’s arrival immediately lightened the mood.
This girl really knew how to make things work. Initially, everyone was hesitant about trying the outside food.
But with Tiana’s glowing praise, they couldn’t help but give it a shot.
“I’ll try one of these buns,” Ashen said, taking the lead and picking up a small bun.
The buns were tiny, no bigger than a plum–small enough for men to eat in one bite and women in two at most.
Ashen carefully took a bite and found the flavor surprisingly good.
“This bun is delicious,” she complimented sincerely.
While it might not rank among the top three buns she’d ever had, it was good enough to make her top five or six.
Seeing Ashen try it, Finley followed suit, tried croissant with the oat milk. “As someone from San Visol, I like this combination too. It’s been years since I’ve been to an urban village–I had no idea there was such great food here.”
Tiana was delighted that two people had already joined in.
“Taylor, Levi, you should have some too,” she encouraged.
“I know you’re both watching your figures, but skipping breakfast will leave you drained all day.”
Under her persuasion, Taylor picked up a carton of milk, and Levi peeled a boiled egg.
Isabelle arrived just as the clock struck the hour.
Lennon quickly stepped in to apologize. “Sorry, everyone. Isabelle and I got delayed by traffic. We’re really sorry for being
late.”
“No problem. It’s good that you’re here,” Ashen replied with her usual warm smile.
“Exactly. It’s understandable to be delayed,” Finley said, having already finished his croissant and oat milk, clearly satisfied.
But Taylor was less forgiving. “Does Isabelle not have a mouth of her own? Why does she need you to apologize for her? You’re quite the dedicated manager.”
Lennon was about to explain when Isabelle stopped him.
She turned to Taylor, recognizing her vaguely.
“Could you check the time, please? I arrived at the scheduled time. Am I late? Do I owe you an apology?”
The small convenience store wasn’t very spacious. The group was seated in the backyard, away from the street noise, which was quite pleasant.
But as soon as Isabelle spoke, everyone instinctively glanced at their watches.
Sure enough, she wasn’t late. It was exactly 8 AM, and when Isabelle walked in, it might’ve even been 7.59.
“You…” Taylor hadn’t expected this. She thought she’d caught Isabelle slipping.
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Chapter 14 Why Should I Apologize?
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But Isabelle wasn’t late.
How could she not be late?
“Everyone was already here. Are you more important than Ms. Ashen? Or are you on par with Mr. Finley? Do you think we should all wait for you?” Don’t you know that as the host, you should’ve prepared breakfast for everyone? ou didn’t arrive earlier to get everything ready–how could you possibly have made breakfast in just half an hour?”
Although Isabelle wasn’t technically late, she had arrived last. As the host, she should’ve stayed at the convenience store, gotten up early to prepare breakfast, and had everything ready for the guests.
Now, arriving last made it seem like she thought she was the biggest star.
Taylor’s criticism was relentless, ignoring the fact that they were live–streaming.
This, of course, was part of the show’s appeal. Viewers loved watching her clash with Isabelle.
Before Isabelle could respond, Tiana stepped in to defend her.
“Taylor, don’t be upset. I’m sure Isabelle didn’t do it on purpose.”
She then turned to Isabelle. “Don’t worry about breakfast; I’ve taken care of it for you this morning. But for lunch, you’ll have to handle it yourself.”
“Don’t worry, though. I’ll help you. I know the nearby market well and can even bargain with the vendors.”
Isabelle replied dryly, “Thanks so much.”
“Are we supposed to cook our own meals for this show?” Isabelle turned to Lennon for confirmation.
“You forgot?” Lennon sighed.
Ever since Isabelle had suffered her accident, her memory had been terrible.
In the past, as the Powell family’s noble daughter, she had never lifted a finger in the kitchen.
But as someone who had lived independently for years, Isabelle was quite capable in the kitchen. She enjoyed good food and didn’t like having a maid around to meddle.
“You’re not planning to make everyone instant noodles for lunch, are you?”
Taylor found another opportunity to mock Isabelle. “Ms. Powell can’t possibly cook. What if she burns her precious hands? We couldn’t afford the compensation.”
Isabelle glanced at her indifferently. “It’s not your compensation to pay, is it? Didn’t the production team get us insurance?”
“These hands are valuable. If they get burned, no one could afford the price.”
This comment didn’t sit well with viewers, who flooded the live stream chat with criticism.
Taylor, not expecting Isabelle to play along, smirked. “Then don’t bother cooking for lunch. If you beg me, I might make you some scrambled eggs with tomatoes.”
Taylor lifted her chin smugly. She had specifically learned how to make scrambled eggs with tomatoes for this show, and it was her best dish.
But cooking in a kitchen like this, in such a run–down area. Is the food even edible? Isn’t it unhygienic?
“You’re confident,” Isabelle remarked with a smile, arms crossed.
Taylor’s face fell. “What do you mean? Are you saying I can’t even make scrambled eggs with tomatoes?”
She wasn’t about to let Isabelle–a so–called “airhead“-one–up her.
“I’m saying, how do you know we’ll even earn enough money to buy ingredients?” Isabelle replied.
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Chapter 14 Why Should I Apologize?
“Have you considered that we might not make any money at all today?”
Ashen couldn’t help but burst out laughing, Isabelle was just too blunt.
Given that they were in an urban village, it was entirely possible they wouldn’t make any money.
Would the locals here even be willing to pay to watch us perform?
Ashen figured she’d be useless at anything other than acting. What task would be given to us next?
Taylor was speechless. How dare you jinx us like that?
To the audience, Taylor’s reaction only made the live stream more entertaining.
“Is it just me, or does Isabelle and Taylor’s bickering feel a bit like a love–hate relationship?”
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“They’re at each other’s throats every time they meet. Taylor acts normal with everyone else but becomes a whole different person around Isabelle.”
“That’s probably because Isabelle is just that unlikable, right?”
“Or maybe Taylor is picking on her on purpose? Isabelle doesn’t seem as bad as people make her out to be.”
The live stream’s chat buzzed with opinions, but the celebrities themselves couldn’t see any of it.
Indigo, however, was pleased with the drama. Conflict always made for better content.
Once the argument reached its peak, he finally stepped in.
Send Gifts
10
