The Trending Topic Herself: The Villainess is the Superstar!

Chapter 270: Return Journey

A deep voice echoed.

Maya Monroe couldn’t help but smile slightly, exhaling a breath of relief.

The staff applauded one after another, offering their congratulations.

Miles Wallace seemed a bit absent-minded, not knowing what he was thinking about.

*

Since returning from the village chief’s house last time, Kiki Monroe and Justin Morgan had been obsessively searching for the "return stone." Once, they had a dispute with the villagers because they dug up the fields, and since then, they almost always went out with their faces covered.

"How long do we have to stay here?"

Justin Morgan walked toward Kiki Monroe: "Kiki, we’ve almost searched everywhere else. The terrain of those fields is really strange. The more I think about it, the more I feel the return stone is very likely hidden there! How about we..."

Kiki Monroe took out a silk scarf from her pocket and wiped her forehead. Due to the high difficulty of the search, she also picked up tools to start digging.

"The fields here are planted with crops, and we’ve already caused dissatisfaction among the villagers. If we go again, I’m afraid..."

Justin Morgan dismissed her concerns: "The more they try to stop us, doesn’t it just show there’s something in those fields? Besides, we can give them some money when we go back."

Kiki Monroe hesitated slightly, wavering, and eventually agreed.

Just as they were fervently discussing excavation methods, their attention was suddenly caught by staff in blue uniforms.

They stopped their actions, looking slightly impatient. After being "played" last time, their favorability towards the show crew plummeted.

"What do you want?" Justin Morgan asked harshly.

The staff was unfazed by their tone, simply stating in a matter-of-fact manner: "I’m here to announce the show’s notice. Next, please gather at the village entrance."

"Gather? What’s there to gather for? I don’t have time to play house with you guys, can’t you see I’m finding a stone? Why does your show crew always have so much nonsense!"

"I’m really cursed for eight lifetimes to be on a show with you guys!"

The staff’s expression was complicated, pulling a wry smile: "A team has already successfully obtained the return stone. Next, please prepare to return to Kyston at the village entrance!"

"Succeed... succeeded?!"

At this, Kiki Monroe and Justin Morgan’s expressions completely changed.

*

The show had clearly stipulated from the beginning that no extra items could be carried, so Maya Monroe picked up her jacket and left with Miles Wallace.

The supplies sent last time were quite plentiful, and once received, Maya Monroe’s group gave many to the villagers they were close to, which conveniently avoided waste today.

Upon retrieving her phone and her package from the staff, Maya Monroe was in an exceedingly good mood. The only downside was her lack of snacks, which she regretted a bit; she should have prepared more snacks to liven up the return trip.

The sun was blazing, so Maya Monroe found a large tree for shade.

A shadow suddenly appeared in front of her. Looking up, she saw the tour guide smiling and congratulating her: "You’ve obtained the return stone, congratulations!"

"Thank you."

"This task wasn’t easy. The show crew provided very little information. How did you figure out the method to obtain the return stone?" His gaze carried a hint of inquiry.

"Initially, I was just living normally until you hinted that we should integrate into life. That sparked some thoughts, and the village chief’s invitation clarified everything."

"I see." The tour guide nodded with a smile.

Soon, Jamie Miller and his group came into view, with all the guests converging here.

After exchanging greetings, an awkward silence fell, as if no one knew how to start the conversation.

Kiki Monroe finally couldn’t hold back: "Maya, how... did you get the return stone?"

"From the villagers."

"From the villagers...? How could it be from the villagers? Or did you rummage through their houses?"

"I’m not that rude."

A faint statement, but it made Kiki Monroe’s cheeks flush; after all, they had done their fair share of "rude" things.

"Looks like everyone is here. Congratulations to Maya Monroe and Miles Wallace on successfully completing the task. We will return immediately!" The tour guide’s voice came over the loudspeaker.

"You’ve all worked hard during this time. I’m sure you’ve gained a lot from being here, an experience filled with challenges and warmth."

Upon hearing about the return, all the guests perked up slightly. No matter what, going back was good news.

"Everyone has spent such a wonderful time in Stonewell. There must be a lot you’re reluctant to leave..."

A brake sound came from ahead, tires screeching against the ground, and then many familiar faces appeared: Auntie Li and Stone, the village chief’s family, Old Man Miller’s family from the east, the Wang family from the west...

The village chief, usually stern-faced, now showed some sentimentality and reluctance.

"During this period, you’ve helped the village with a lot of farm work and solved many difficulties. We truly thank you. You’re welcome to visit again if you have time!"

Kiki Monroe appeared somewhat unnatural, as the things the village chief mentioned had nothing to do with her. Since arriving, what she did the most was digging, even clashing with villagers over it several times.

Rena ran to Maya Monroe, handing two paper cranes to her and Miles Wallace: "Big brother, big sister, Rena will miss you!"

Maya Monroe solemnly accepted them and thanked her: "Thank you, Rena."

Stone, with a shy expression, half-hid as he took out a beautiful pebble from his pocket: "Sister, this is a stone I picked up with Erhu by the river. It’s as pretty as last time, and I’m giving it to you!"

Maya Monroe felt slightly complex in her emotions, lowered her eyes, and softly said: "Thank you, Stone."

When they were about to leave, Rena suddenly hugged Maya Monroe’s leg and wouldn’t let go, choking out: "I don’t want you to leave..."

Elaine Sinclair quickly pulled her back: "Big brother and sister have work to do after going back. You can’t delay their time."

Rena still shook her head and cried.

Maya Monroe rummaged through her backpack and finally pulled out a rabbit doll: "Take this, and look at it when you miss us."

Rena hugged the rabbit doll tightly, and her cries gradually subsided.

Sitting on the return bus, Maya Monroe gazed at the scenery outside the window, feeling a bit dazed and like something was missing. These emotions were very complex and peculiar, a sense of real feeling she hadn’t had in a long time, stemming from genuine emotions.

She had to admit that she gained too much personal emotion in this world. Whether it was joy or melancholy...

Maya Monroe closed her eyes, sighed softly, and decided not to think further on the matter.