Chapter 27

The draw results were announced quickly, and Aria Bennett's team ended up with two notoriously difficult trainees from her past life.

One was the carefree rich heir Kieran Doyle, the other a wildcard with mysterious connections—Mason Bell. Their backgrounds hadn't been exposed yet, so they blended in among the trainees.

The remaining three were more manageable: timid Elliot Hayes, cheerful college student Leo Brooks, and the gentle older-brother figure Owen Parker.

Leo was the most popular, ranked 19th. Mason was 22nd, Owen 29th, Kieran 33rd, and Elliot trailed at 36th.

"Talk about luck..." Kieran muttered, staring at his slip with a bitter smile.

The other trainees shot him sympathetic looks. Online rumors painted Aria as nothing more than a pretty face—following her probably meant an early elimination.

"We're doomed," Elliot whispered, his eyes reddening.

The director announced the mission: "Today, mentors will lead their teams in helping villagers sell goods. You keep 10% of the profits as payment. Use the earnings to buy lunch, then cook dinner yourselves with ingredients you purchase."

"What are we selling? And where?" Caleb Monroe asked.

"Negotiate with the villagers for products. Selling location is the county town," the director added. "No discounts or promotions allowed."

Jonah Pierce groaned. "So much for the peaceful rural life..."

Groups began leaving one after another, soon leaving only four teams in the courtyard.

Serena Blake sidled up to Nolan Reed. "Nolan, should we sell fish?"

She was hopeful—they'd worked well together yesterday.

But Nolan suddenly winced, a voice in his head urging him to agree. Suppressing the discomfort, he shook his head. "No. I have other plans."

With that, he put on the straw hat Aria had woven and walked off.

Serena froze, a wisp of white mist dissipating from her.

Aria smirked. Without the book's influence, Nolan no longer blindly indulged Serena.

Undeterred, Serena turned to Damian Cross. "Damian, want to sell fish together?"

"Pass." Damian strode straight to Aria. "Interested in selling flowers?"

"Sure." Aria glanced at her team. "What do you all think?"

Kieran shrugged lazily. "Your call."

The other four nodded. Only a fool would turn down screen time with a top-tier celebrity like Damian.

Damian handed her a straw hat. "Let's go."

The two groups set off, leaving Serena's team standing awkwardly behind.

"We'll sell fish!" Serena forced a smile, pointedly ignoring Aria's hats.

Her trainees exchanged uneasy glances but had no choice but to follow under the scorching sun.

The livestream chat exploded:

[Damian initiated the invite?!]

[Nolan actually rejected Serena?]

[Serena's face is greener than the fish! LOL]