"I didn''t mean it that way. I just want to say that I like Aurora. Although I


    misunderstood her at first, she''s a good kid," Joaquin exined, trying to avoid further angering Oswaldo because of his remarks.


    "That''s more like it. Of course, my granddaughter is the best," Oswaldo dered


    proudly.


    The atmosphere at the table was warm and cheerful. Outside, snow was falling steadily, but inside, the room felt as warm as spring.


    At the international airport, the clock struck 8:30. Candy''s international flight arrived on time, and Heather and Gemma hurried to meet her.


    Candy stood out in the crowd with her tall figure, even though she wore sunsses and a ck mask. She had deliberately kept her trip a secret, sessfully avoiding the fans who had wanted to meet her at the airport.


    "Candy, hello. I''m with Sun Corporation..." Heather introduced herself formally.


    Gemma, on the other hand, took a more casual approach. "Candy, you must be exhausted after such a long flight. I made a reservation at Mia''s for us to have a meal and rest a bit."


    Her words seemed simple, but they carried a hint of self-congrattion. She made sure to mention Mia, a high-end and stylish restaurant, implicitly taking all the credit for the arrangement. Heather was caught off guard. The two of them had previously discussed dining options at thepany, and Heather had suggested introducing Candy to some local cuisine. At the time, Gemma had agreed.


    Yet now, standing in front of Candy, Gemma had suddenly changed her ns and secretly booked the fancy restaurant. Heather realized just how cunning Gemma could be.


    Candy nced at the woman who had taken her arm so eagerly. "I don''t like being touched by others."


    "Sorry." Gemma quickly withdrew her hand, realizing she''d made a mistake. In her effort to build rapport with Candy, she had forgotten how straightforward Candy''s personality was.


    "I''ve been away from this city for a long time and want to try some local food," Candy said. Having spent years in the entertainment industry, she had encountered countless people like Gemma-women who thought they were clever but often overyed their hand. Compared to the slightly reserved and serious Heather, Candy found her more likable. Smart people rarely appreciate those who act overly clever.


    "Ms. Candy, I''ve made a reservation at a hotpot restaurant with great local vors. It might be a bit spicy, but the dishes are all authentic regional cuisine. If you''d like, we can head there now. If not, we can find another ce-since we''ve missed the dinner rush, it''ll be easy to get a table anywhere."


    Heather''s response was sincere, respectful, and not overly ingratiating.


    "Alright, let''s go there," Candy agreed to Heather''s suggestion.


    Candy''s profile didn''t specifically mention that she liked hotpot, only that she enjoyed spicy food. Heather had deduced that hotpot might suit her taste. Besides, Candy was ustomed to dining in luxurious hotels. Wouldn''t she find more joy in local food? Only someone like Gemma, inexperienced in dealing with such situations, would think sophistication was the key to everything.


    Heather might not be as adept at ttering others as Gemma, but her attention to detail made up for it. She had thought carefully about the meal, while Gemma''s attempt to impress Candy had backfired.


    "The restaurant is no more than a ten-minute drive from the airport," Heather said considerately.


    "Okay. What''s your name?" Candy asked, clearly pleased with Heather''s approach. "I''m Heather." Her polite and respectful tone made it hard for anyone to dislike her. "I''ll remember that."


    "Candy, I''m Gemma. I''ve been watching your shows since I was a kid," Gemma interjected hurriedly, unwilling to let Heather steal the spotlight.


    "I''m not interested in your name. Also, I''m only 21-you''re making me sound like I''m 61," Candy replied coldly, shooting Gemma a frosty nce before walking ahead.


    Gemma felt as though a bucket of cold water had been poured over her. The embarrassment on her face was undeniable.


    At the restaurant, Candy ate with delight. "It''s been years since I''ve had this kind of food. I absolutely love hotpot!" she eximed.


    "Candy, did you use to live in Clothville?" Heather asked.


    "Yes, I grew up here when I was a child. My grandmother was a local, and her home- cooked meals were amazing. The dishes you ordered today reminded me of her cooking," Candy replied.


    Choosing dishes wasn''t as simple as it seemed. Gemma had initially wanted to order extravagant and shy dishes, but Heather had opted for humble, home-style ones. Candy''s profile mentioned she had spent part of her childhood in Clothville. Heather had done her homework. If someone hadn''t been back to a ce in years, wouldn''t they crave the vors of their childhood?


    Childhood vors meant home-style dishes. With that reasoning, Heather made her selections. In contrast, Gemma''s over-the-top choices were met with indifference; Candy barely touched them.


    If you''re loving the book, nel5s is where the adventure continues. Join us for theplete experience all for free. The next chapter is eagerly waiting for you! "No wonder you know so much about Clothville," Heather remarked.


    "Yes. Over the years, I''ve been busy traveling around the world, but thisnd has always been my favorite," Candy replied warmly. She and Heather enjoyed a lively conversation throughout the meal. Every time Gemma tried to join in, she either killed the mood or was outright ignored.


    Gemma grew increasingly frustrated. Even on the way to the hotel, Candy and Heather continued chatting non-stop.


    When they arrived at the suite, Heather escorted Candy to her door. "Candy, rest well. You''ve just returned to Clothville, so you might need some time to adjust. I''m staying in the room next door. If you need anything, don''t hesitate to contact me." "Alright. Goodnight. See you tomorrow," Candy said.


    Candy''s straightforward personality was evident-she liked what she liked and disliked what she disliked. Her face clearly showed her distaste for Gemma and her preference for Heather. Candy valued sincerity and despised pretense.


    Heather and Gemma were staying in the neighboring presidential suite-an extravagant room that neither of them had ever experienced before. Despite the luxury, Gemma was too angry to appreciate it. Her face was cold, and her mood was sour. "Gemma, this is for thepany''s benefit. Stop trying to act so clever. If you upset Candy, none of us will be able to handle the consequences!" Heather warned.