Chapter 27

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

One was the carefree rich heir Ryan Clark, the other a wildcard with mysterious connections—Jason Wright. Their backgrounds hadn't been exposed yet, so they blended in among the trainees.

The remaining three were more manageable: timid Noah Adams, cheerful college student Lucas Young, and the gentle older-brother figure Benjamin Harris.

Lucas was the most popular, ranked 19th. Jason was 22nd, Benjamin 29th, Ryan 33rd, and Noah trailed at 36th.

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

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

"We're doomed," Noah 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?" Robert Lee asked.

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

Daniel Miller groaned. "So much for the peaceful rural life..."

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

Lily Green sidled up to Michael Johnson. "Michael, should we sell fish?"

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

But Michael 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 Lucy had woven and walked off.

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

Lucy smirked. Without the book's influence, Michael no longer blindly indulged Lily.

Undeterred, Lily turned to Ethan Smith. "Ethan, want to sell fish together?"

"Pass." Ethan strode straight to Lucy. "Interested in selling flowers?"

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

Ryan shrugged lazily. "Your call."

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

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

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

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

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

The livestream chat exploded:

[Ethan initiated the invite?!]

[Michael actually rejected Lily?]

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