Chapter 169 Going Back to the City 2
After the Director’s bombshell announcement, the participants’ expressions darkened considerably. They racked their brains, recalling any missteps that might have led to their potential cancellation in the eyes of the audience, dreading the inevitable confrontation with their managers and agencies.
Well, of course, only Hera, Xavier, and Zen have no reason to worry about this. Even if they did something that may be disliked by some people, they were confident in their company’s PR team to handle the situation and they had a clear conscience. In fact, they even feel that they are the ones to benefit from this arrangement the most.
And as if adding insult to injury, the cameraman mercilessly zoomed in on the participants’ faces, capturing their devastation without a second thought. Despite any reluctance on the Director’s part, he had no choice but to comply—Leo had demanded it as a form of punishment for those who targeted Hera. And what better way to punish a celebrity than by jeopardizing their careers?
Leo aimed to ensure they grasped the gravity of their actions then and there, understanding that they would inevitably face the consequences once their companies retrieved them. However, he believed it was crucial for them to experience this humiliation in front of the camera, a stark lesson in conducting themselves with decency regardless of the camera’s presence. And that is if they survive the internet’s onslaught.
That was a douche move but Leo wouldn’t care, they would have to face the consequences of their own actions.
Following the Director’s announcement, he departed with his team to dismantle the cameras and pack up for the day. However, a few cameramen continued to film the participants until their managers or assistant’s arrival.
"Girl, wait up!!!" Aunt Sabby exclaimed, hurrying towards Hera with a flapping chicken in each hand. Surprisingly, they were still alive and tied only by their feet. "Bring these with you! You know that native chickens are more delicious and cleaner than the ones bought from poultry farms that feed on manufactured feeds." Aunt Sabby paused to catch her breath, having rushed back to her house to fetch what she had prepared for Hera to take home.
Following Aunt Sabby’s lead, the other villagers also brought out their home’s specialties that could be stored and eaten: roasted peanuts, pickled vegetables, homemade mozzarella cheese, and more. Each villager had at least a sack full of items they had prepared for Hera to take home, and they made sure to prepare some for Xavier and Zen as well.
In the countryside, it was customary to send off family members with these kinds of gifts, ensuring that those going away to work or study in the city wouldn’t feel too homesick. These hometown specialties served as a comforting taste of home, a reminder of the warmth and flavors of their rural origins even amidst the bustle of urban life.