Chapter 17 Can’t Be Serious Simone left a positive impression on Keira, so she decided to change the topic to lighten the mood. She said to Simone, “Hey, weren’t you planning to make some straw hats? Can you teach me? I’d like to see if I can learn it.” Simone nodded. “Sure.” She picked up the straw and patiently taught Keira. Zac and Eric exchanged glances. They each took a chair and sat down, observing the ladies as they made straw hats. The chatroom exploded. “Is something wrong with Simone? She insulted Aero and talked back to Leon? Who does she think she is?” “Yeah. She’s just a C-list nobody. How dare she talk to Aaron and Leon like that?”
“Simone is rude. She doesn’t respect the veterans. I dislike her.” “Aero was just concerned about his sister. Simone is the one lacking intelligence.” “Her head is filled with nonsense too.” “Leon simply wanted her to stop because she went too far. Look at her. She’s not even grateful.” “No wonder Leon wanted to end their friendship. She’s so mean. She’s not a good friend.” “And Leon took care of her a lot too. What an ungrateful person.” “Simone is manipulative. She’s just trying to manipulate Leon and Aero.” “I bet she’s trying to make herself famous.” “I honestly can’t agree with you Leon and Aaron fans.” “Honestly, are you foolish? Aaron ordered Simone around first.” “So, is she guilty just because she said no?” “Do you think your idol is an emperor who can order people around? Simone doesn’t owe him anything.” “Simone never used Leon’s name to promote or market her stuff. She’s not ungrateful if there’s nothing to be grateful for.” “Leon is supposed to be her childhood friend, but he helped someone else instead. No wonder she stopped being friends with him.” “I’m not a fan of any of these guys, but to be honest, I don’t think Simone crossed any line. A certain top actor was being a bully though.” 1/3 “Finally, someone who understands me. Aaron’s a bully. Simone did well.” “Don’t you think something’s wrong?” “What?” “I think Simone, Aaron, Jodie, and Leon have a complicated relationship.” “Jojo hurriedly dragged Aaron back into the kitchen. It’s like she was worried he might say something.” “And from what Aaron said, I think he knows Simone.” “Simone is trying to cut all ties with them.” “I can sense that she can’t be bothered with them.” “It’s true that they started it first.” “Aaron and Leon fans, that’s a double standard. Just because Simone ignored their idols, they call her manipulative. I find it amusing.” “Oh please, it’s not like your idols are perfect. Not everyone loves them.” “Um, do you guys think Aaron and his sister are being a bit too close?” “Not before this, but now it’s a little awkward seeing them hold hands.” “I’m really close to my brother, but I’d never hold hands with him or cuddle like Jodie does with Aaron.” “I did that before, but with my boyfriend.”
Then, the online conversation took a strange turn. They kept discussing the relationship between Aaron and Jodie and how close they were. It almost felt like they were talking about a couple. This stemmed from what Simone had said earlier, or else most people wouldn’t have realized how intimate Jodie and Aaron were. After the reminder, the viewers paid more attention to Jodie and Aaron’s interactions, and they noticed several issues. Back in the kitchen, Jodie clenched her teeth and endured the pain as she prepared the final two dishes. They divided the food in half, giving one portion to the production team in exchange for bedding supplies, while they kept the rest for themselves. One of the dishes didn’t turn out well, but Jodie spent some time plating the others, so they looked presentable. After Aaron and Leon tasted them, they praised her. Many people in the chatroom referred to Jodic as a kind lady. However, most of them were cybertroopers. Leyla also tasted the food and came to a conclusion. Either my taste buds or their taste buds are off.
These are just regular homemade dishes, but they’re either flavorless or too salty. They call this delicious? I can’t believe they’re saying it’s as good as hotel food. Can I laugh? Of course, she didn’t say that out loud, but she couldn’t help feeling jealous that Jodie was being cared for by two great men. As night fell, Simone and her team returned to their rooms. Simone took the straws back to her room. and continued making straw hats. Keira wanted to give up after a few failed attempts, but Simone patiently corrected her, encouraging her to keep going. Slowly, Keira started to get the hang of it, although she wasn’t working very quickly. 2/3 Three hours later, Keira finished her straw hat, and a satisfied smile appeared on her face. She put it on and looked in the mirror. “I’m wearing this tomorrow. It’s satisfying to see something I created.” In the world set in the ancient era, Simone had time to crochet and make items like these every day. Practice made perfect, so she eventually became much faster at creating DIY items. She had already finished making two straw hats and was now weaving a basket. She looked up and smiled. “Hard work pays off. You did well.” Keira smiled. “You’re right. Hard work does pay off.” Since they didn’t have phones to scroll through, the ladies washed up and prepared to sleep, even though it was only nine o’clock. While the ladies were making their straw hats, Zac and Eric, being gentlemen, volunteered to fetch water and boil it.
The livestream ended at nine-thirty, and it would resume at seven-thirty the next morning. Simone and Keira had finished washing up. They picked up their basins and headed back to their room, but they ran into Leon. The livestream had ended, so Leon dropped his act. He looked at Simone. “We need to talk. Alone.” Simone looked at him. “I’ve already said everything I wanted to say. There’s nothing more to talk about.” Leon frowned. “Must you take it this far? This is a misunderstanding. I just want to clarify things.” He didn’t share the kind of relationship Simone claimed he had with Jodie, and he wanted to clear it up. He believed that once he explained, she would stop being upset. After all, she loved and cared about him. He believed she would change her mind about breaking up. Simone raised an eyebrow. “We’re no longer connected in any way, so you don’t have to explain anything. I’m not interested in anything you have to say.” She continued walking ahead. Leon was in disbelief that Simone wouldn’t even give him a chance to talk privately. He attempted to grab her arm and make her stay, but Simone effortlessly evaded him. In a cold tone, she stated, “Please behave yourself, Leon.” Then, both Simone and Keira hastily departed as if they were trying to distance themselves from him. Since Keira was present, Leon couldn’t prevent Simone from leaving.
He could only helplessly watch as she walked away without sparing him a moment of her time. It was the first time he experienced such intense heartache and disbelief. Could she truly be serious about ending the relationship? Leon gazed in the direction Simone had gone, his expression filled with disappointment. The silvery moonlight illuminated Leon, accentuating his loneliness. Suddenly, panic washed over him,