The Trending Topic Herself: The Villainess is the Superstar!

Chapter 260: Requesting a Sun Umbrella

They studied the terrain for several days, focused on exploring a few places, but still didn’t have any success.

Kiki stopped in her tracks, somewhat doubting Justin’s suggestion: "Are you sure about this? Do we really need to search thoroughly for the return stone to appear?"

Without any clues for so long, Justin also felt a bit guilty: "...It should be that way. We once looked for a golden key like this, and only found it after searching the entire rainforest at that time."

"This situation is much harder than before because we don’t have specific locations to check. The village is so big, it won’t be found quickly... But the return stone is definitely hidden somewhere in this village, maybe buried in the soil, or in some unexpected place, like on a tree branch or a fake mountain..."

After hearing this, Kiki frowned: "If that’s the case, we need to carefully plan our route, starting from a corner of the village and search thoroughly all the way, I refuse to believe we won’t find anything!"

As she spoke, a hint of determination flashed in her eyes.

Justin nodded repeatedly.

"The thing we lack most now is tools. Are you sure the hardware store is in that alley?"

Upon hearing Kiki’s question, Justin quickly replied: "Yes, it’s right here. I’ve asked around the villagers, they all said there’s a hardware store here. They’ve been blacksmiths for generations, apparently, it has quite a history."

Having gotten the answer she wanted, Kiki rewarded Justin with a sweet smile: "I knew Justin wouldn’t disappoint me. With you on our side, we’ll definitely win this time."

Flattered by Kiki’s praise, Justin was momentarily dazed, displaying rare shyness: "We’re a team, and you’re a girl, so of course, I’ll take care of you."

Kiki’s lips curved into a smile, though her eyes remained emotionless.

"How are the other teams doing?"

Upon hearing this, Justin scoffed: "If we haven’t got anything, then how could they? Especially Maya Monroe’s team, they just wander aimlessly around the village all day. I heard they even wandered into the fields quite a bit. Isn’t that ridiculous? All the other participants know finding the return stone is urgent; who would act like them, just indulging in pleasure and leaving the real task behind!"

Justin’s voice grew more disdainful.

He didn’t believe Maya Monroe’s good luck would last until the final round.

Kiki felt slightly relieved hearing this.

At that moment, the weather was sunny and pleasant, villagers gathered everywhere chatting, the atmosphere was harmonious.

Kiki glanced briefly and then looked away.

She instinctively rejected this place, as it always stirred up painful memories.

Those unbearable memories were now used as gossip material.

"Kiki, where are you headed? The weather’s nice now, perfect for a walk," a villager greeted warmly.

Kiki instinctively avoided eye contact, her smile fading: "We’re a bit busy, so we’re going ahead."

The villager said no more, merely urging her to hurry along without further delay.

A few more people greeted them afterwards, and Kiki responded the same way.

Compared to Kiki’s attitude, Justin’s seemed a bit more impatient.

"Why do they keep coming over? Talking to them delays finding the return stone; apart from searching for it, I don’t want to do anything else."

"They just want to chat with us."

Justin merely nodded, never refuting Kiki’s words.

The weather differences between Stonewell and Kyston were significant; Kiki came wearing long sleeves and an overcoat, but it was unbearably hot here. She insisted on keeping the coat on, as removing it could risk a tan.

After walking a few steps, sweat already beaded on Kiki’s cheeks, making her face sticky and uncomfortable.

Noticing Kiki’s pace had slowed significantly, Justin immediately understood her situation.

Kiki’s cheeks were flushed, yet she stubbornly held the coat over her head.

The coat was Justin’s; to avoid getting tanned, this was her only option, even if her arms ached, she didn’t relax her grip.

Everyone knows a pretty face is an actress’s asset; getting sunburned would mean meticulous care back home. If someone with ulterior motives used it against her, things would be tougher.

Kiki understood her sweet and delicate image; any damage to her look would impact her career.

"Kiki, let me hold it for you."

"No need." Kiki blinked: "I can do it myself."

Just borrowing a coat was enough; she didn’t want any rumors with Justin as his reputation had tanked lately. Any rumors would only harm her.

Kiki pursued strong ties, refusing to connect with such individuals.

Justin felt a bit upset but wasn’t discouraged; his fondness for Kiki kept growing.

In his eyes, Kiki was a pure and graceful fairy—kind and gentle, exactly fitting her image.

Suddenly fixating on something, Justin’s eyes lit up, hurrying over: "Kiki, wait for me, I have an idea, I won’t let you suffer!"

Kiki followed his direction; seeing the person cooling off under a tree, it was none other than the guide.

She hesitated briefly but decided to follow.

Not expecting Justin to approach suddenly, the guide paused fanning himself and raised a surprised eyebrow: "Justin?"

This season, Justin’s attitude towards the crew had been poor, having been tricked so many times, likely despising him by now.

Surely he was here for a reason.

"I’m here to ask for a favor, and believe the guide can help."

The guide raised his eyes to him leisurely: "The crew can’t assist participants, have you forgotten?"

"Quit pretending!" Justin fired up instantly: "Everyone knows you gave Maya Monroe a mosquito repellent. Using rules as an excuse now is meaningless since you’ve already helped others!"

The guide remained calm: "Quite well-informed, huh?"

Justin wasn’t flattered, just said: "Can you help or not?"

The guide chuckled: "What do you need, Justin?"

Justin’s gaze followed his large fingers, landing on the uniquely designed umbrella.

He swallowed: "I want that sunshade umbrella you’re holding!"

"Sunshade umbrella?" The guide chuckled: "I can’t give you this umbrella~"