Chapter 88 The Contrast
The argument in the livestream chat was still raging on, but Jean and Easton had no idea.
“This house…”
Finished
Jean was the first to break the silence, but after just those two words, she stopped, the hesitation. practically written all over her face.
She looked at Easton and gave two dry little laughs. “Easton, can you handle this?”
She’d figured the remaining houses would be rough, but she hadn’t expected it to be this bad.
Easton had probably never even stepped into a place like this in his entire life…
He pressed his lips together, showing no obvious emotion.
Inside, though, he found it kind of funny. Now you’re worried about me?
Just a second ago, she’d been all carefree, acting like it was no big deal. What, having a change of heart now? Cute.
Though Easton had grown up in comfort and never really suffered, once he’d entered the entertainment industry, he’d shot scenes in some pretty rough conditions.
He wasn’t as sheltered as people thought. And he was surprisingly good at adapting to new situations; nothing ever seemed to really throw him off.
This mud–walled house–sure, he’d never stayed in one before–but it wasn’t something he couldn’t handle.
Honestly. Easton knew himself well. His ability to accept discomfort always depended on his
mood.
And luckily, he was in a pretty good mood today. So even this shabby little place didn’t feel so bad. If it had been any other day, there was no way he’d have had the patience to walk in.
Why am I in such a good mood? Weird. Being with Jean just makes me feel better. Easton couldn’t help. glancing over at the girl beside him.
“Of course I can handle it,” he said with a shrug and a smile. “The real question is, can you?”
Jean let out a quiet sigh of relief. Thank God he’s not mad. I was so scared he’d resent me for making him stay in a place like this… As long as he’s okay with it.
Easton noticed the look on her face and smirked. Always overthinking everything. What a funny little thing.
Jean tugged at the corner of her mouth, relaxing a little. “Of course I can. I can sleep anywhere.”
12:55 PM
Chapter 88 The Contrast
Finished
With that, the two of them picked up their luggage and headed into the mud–walled house, one after the other.
At that same moment-
Twitter’s trending page was practically owned by “Behind the Spotlight.
The hottest topics were Easton, and the two rookie guests-
Julia and Jean. These two little girls, with their completely opposite approaches and attitudes, had the internet in a frenzy.
“Kids like Julia, who work hard and take things seriously, are the ones who deserve praise.”
“Julia’s got the right attitude–no slacking. She blows Jean out of the water.”
“Jean’s not even slacking. She’s just a laid–back kid. No need to be so vicious.”
“Easton’s carrying the bags, buying her popsicles, and now he’s stuck in a mud house with her? I can’t stand her.”
“Can she stop dragging Easton down already? I’m speechless.”
“I don’t like her either. Everyone keeps calling her cute–I’m honestly sick of it.”
“Poor Easton. Got stuck with a partner like her.”
“I’m crying for Easton. Can he even handle such a terrible house? I feel so bad.”
“If only Easton had been paired with Julia.”
“Julia’s reliable and capable. That’s what a good partner looks like.”
“Can you chill? Jean hasn’t actually done anything wrong. She just chose not to kill herself trying. Is that so bad?”
“Honestly, I do think Jean’s cute. She reminds me of my little sister. I’d buy her popsicles too.”
“Some of y’all need to calm down. I’m really enjoying the show. Where they sleep doesn’t matter
-I love watching their dynamic. It’s sweet and natural.”
The internet couldn’t stop arguing, and just like that, Jean became the most talked–about contestant on “Behind the Spotlight“-second only to Easton himself.
Some people hated her. Others adored her. The controversy and attention went hand in hand, and Jean ended up famous for being hated and loved.
Jean, of course, was completely unaware. Her phone had been confiscated, and she had no way to check the internet even if she wanted to.
Chapter hin. The Contrast
If it looked had from the outside, the inside looked even worse.
read over
# Fristed Brushed
The walls were darkened with mysterious stains, uneven smears of black spread over patches of gray and white.
The owner had let them two beds–bare wooden boards. The kitchen was equipped with a giant iron por that had to be heated with firewood. No gas stove,
And word of all there was no bathroom. No toilet, either.
They’d have to use a public restroom and shower.
The fans‘ comments were still flooding in.
“I don’t think it gets worse than this…”
“This place is terrifying. I’d rather sleep on the ground outside”
“Easton, Jean, can you please ask for a different place? It hurts to see you two living like this”
“But I do kinda wanna see Easton tough it out here. There’s something fascinating about it.”
“Same. This is wild and kinda fun to watch.”
As night fell, it was time for dinner.
For every team of guests, the most pressing issue now was cooking a meal. Ingredients could be bought from local farmers, foraged from nearby fields, or found in the house–if they were lucky.
Julia, always efficient, quickly gathered everything she and Olive needed. The two of them got straight to work.
Her movements were practiced and smooth–she looked both capable and obedient. Julia’s mom, Emily, had started teaching her to cook when she was very young.
Partly because Emily wanted her daughter to grow up to be a good homemaker—and partly because she hoped Julia would one day cook delicious meals for Matheo and win his affection.
At this moment, the chat lit up in admiration.
“Julia is amazing. I like her more and more.”
“She’s so young but knows so much! I’m older than her and nowhere near as good, ugh.”
“Let’s give it up for Julia. What a talented little girl!”
“Go Julia! You’re my favorite”
Chapter 88 The Contrast
“Jean’s so useless; of course it’s a comparison.”
“Jean’s cuteness is enough. Julia just works harder, that’s all, lol.”
“Can y’all stop fighting? This whole place feels toxic.”
Finished
Meanwhile, Jean and Easton were sitting face to face on small stools inside the mud–walled. house.
They stared at each other in silence.
The livestream feed had just switched to them.
“What are we eating tonight?”
Easton rested his cheek on his hand, smiling lazily as he looked across at his sister.
Jean blinked and answered honestly, “I’m fine with anything.”
“I just noticed,” Easton said, glancing around with a calm voice, “this house has two carrots and a chunk of cured pork. That should be enough.”
Jean wasn’t picky at all. She immediately nodded, a faint smile forming at her lips. “Sure. That sounds good.”
Easton’s smile deepened. His eyes glinted as he locked onto Jean.
“Well then, here comes the real question–who’s cooking?”
