The Trending Topic Herself: The Villainess is the Superstar!

Chapter 269: Successfully Completed This Episode’s Mission

"You went to great lengths to make us come over, and after all this fuss, you tell us there’s no return stone at all! What exactly is your show doing?!"

After several days of exploration in tough conditions, hope finally appeared, only to shatter instantly like a bubble. The long-suppressed conflict finally erupted.

The guests and crew began to argue, and it was only with the director’s rushed intervention that things managed to calm down, though it ended quite unpleasantly.

Jessica Young cried, "How long do we have to stay here?! I really can’t take it anymore. There are so many mosquitoes at night, and there’s no air conditioning..."

Her hair was stuck to her face with tears, looking both pathetic and ridiculous.

The director sighed helplessly, "I’m really sorry, but these are the pre-determined rules. And don’t think so negatively, leaving here won’t take much longer!"

According to what he knows, Maya Monroe has already collected six stones.

The main selling point of ’Great Survival Challenge’ is its harshness. If it weren’t for the excessively intense emotions of the guests, the director wouldn’t have come out to mediate.

The director’s assurances didn’t have much effect; the scene was still chaotic. Justin Morgan even began to curse in anger.

Although conflict brings heat, the director couldn’t help feeling irritated, "Since you’re here, please follow the rules, everyone." Some things he couldn’t say openly, but the other guests should be aware.

After venting their anger, the guests finally regained their calm.

Justin Morgan threw the stone in his hand to the ground violently, "So it’s a useless thing after all!" With that, he and Kiki Monroe left furiously.

Jamie Miller wasn’t in a good state either, and he and Jessica Young left after bidding farewell to the village chief.

Maya Monroe handed the peeled orange to Rena, "Sister has to leave now."

Rena reluctantly said, "Can’t we play a little longer?"

Maya Monroe shook her head, gently ruffling her hair, "I have an important matter to attend to this afternoon. I’ll visit you again next time."

Elaine Sinclair hugged Rena from behind, "Don’t you remember what mom said? Don’t disturb your sister’s work. You’re a good child, right?"

Rena nodded.

After saying goodbye to the village chief’s family, Maya Monroe didn’t forget to say goodbye to the director at the door.

The director was taken aback, smiled, and said to them, "Wish you soon find the return stone."

"Thanks for your blessing."

After returning home, Maya Monroe explained her speculations about the "return stone" to Miles Wallace.

Miles Wallace pondered and said, "So that’s it... No wonder..." He raised his eyes to praise, "You’re really impressive, thinking so sharply."

"Don’t flatter me, my thinking ability is just average." Maya Monroe paused, "We’ve already collected six return stones, I reckon it’s not too far from going home now."

Miles Wallace responded after a moment, his expression somewhat complicated, seemingly not entirely thrilled.

*

Ian Rowe received news that Eric Rowe was sent to the hospital, and immediately put down his work and rushed to the hospital.

The benefit of private hospitals is a stronger level of confidentiality, making them popular among artists.

Eric Rowe is quite popular, getting along well wherever he goes, with many coming to visit, filling a table with fruit baskets.

By the time Ian Rowe walked in, most people had already dispersed. He assessed Eric Rowe’s condition, slightly relieved to see a bright smile on his face.

"What’s going on?"

He sat beside Eric Rowe, his gaze calm but with a touch of concern.

"Bro, you’re here? Who called you? I’m just a little hurt, it’s really nothing serious." Eric Rowe had a white bandage on his forehead, but his spirit seemed good.

Ian Rowe’s gaze lingered on his forehead bandage, "Got into an argument with someone? What happened?"

"It’s not really a big deal," Eric Rowe replied in a frustrated tone, "Ran into an idiot who kept saying I was giving his goddess a hard time, looking like someone without a brain."

He paused, "Don’t be fooled by the bandage; it’s actually not a big deal. The director got scared and sent me to the hospital, didn’t expect he’d call you."

"Who argued with you?"

"What’s his name... Ken Grant or Ethan Grant..." Eric Rowe rubbed his head in frustration, but accidentally touched his forehead wound, crying out in pain, "That kid got beaten pretty hard by me; I didn’t expect him to sneak attack, otherwise, there’s no way he could’ve toyed with me!"

Ian Rowe nodded slightly.

At this moment, the attending physician came over to report on Eric Rowe’s situation.

Upon hearing it was just a minor injury, Ian Rowe nodded gratefully, "Thank you, doctor."

"No trouble at all."

After the attending physician left, Eric Rowe leaned closer, "Bro, don’t tell grandma about this, she doesn’t usually like me being an actor, she’ll get angry once she knows! She’s stubborn; I can’t argue with her and definitely can’t upset her!"

"I’ll take care of that person for you."

"Bro..." Eric Rowe’s eyes flickered slightly.

"I’m your brother; how could I not take care of you?" He stood up, tidying his clothes slightly, "The company is a bit busy, I’ll head back now."

Looking at Ian Rowe’s slightly weary expression, Eric Rowe felt complicated. Their parents died early, and Ian Rowe had cared for him since childhood.

"Bro, I heard that uncle... are things tense between you two?"

Ian Rowe lowered his gaze, replying softly, "Don’t worry about that. Just focus on your acting."

As Ian Rowe turned to leave, Eric Rowe called, "Bro, next time bring sis-in-law to the old house, let’s visit grandma together."

Ian Rowe turned back, his eyes softer, "Alright."

He reminded, "Take good care of yourself."

*

Dusting off her hands, Maya Monroe slowly stood up, then moved the bagged potatoes onto the truck.

Old Man Miller shouted from the front, "I’m heading home now, shall I give you two a ride back?"

Maya Monroe and Miles Wallace shook their heads, then helped Old Man Miller’s wife with weeding for a while longer. After some time, she drove them home on a three-wheel electric bike.

As they sat side by side, Miles Wallace asked, "How long will it take for us to gather all the return stones?"

Maya Monroe chewed on a blade of grass, dressed simply in a short-sleeved shirt and pants, yet the unrestrained spirit reflected in her brows was unmistakable.

Miles Wallace was momentarily dazed; compared to the dazzling glamour of the red carpet, Maya Monroe at this moment carried an indescribable wild beauty. Her every move was fluid and unhindered as if she grew in the wilds.

At Old Man Miller’s home, he solemnly handed the stone to them, "Thanks to your help, we managed to tidy up so quickly, really appreciate it."

Maya Monroe felt the weighty texture of the stone in her hand.

"You’re welcome; you’ve treated us to many delicious meals."

Old Man Miller laughed sincerely, "If you’re willing, feel free to visit anytime!"

"Congratulations to Maya Monroe and Miles Wallace for collecting seven return stones and successfully completing this episode’s task!"