Chapter 114

It was convenient to eat in restaurants now; most people didn't know how to cook such dishes. Half an hour later, Odalys brought the chicken to the table. There was a plate of grilled chicken with roasted vegetables and a bowl of creamy mushroom soup.

The square dining table was made of stone slabs set on a rock—just right for the four of them.

“Smells good,” Freya sniffed, her stomach rumbling. It was nine o'clock; their mealtime had long passed. They hadn't eaten much all day, and their energy was exhausted. They were starving.

“Odalys, have a drumstick,” Freya said, offering one. Selah then gave Odalys a wing.

“You guys are too kind. You don’t have to give me any,” Odalys replied, flattered.

Seeing this, Stellan also offered her meat, saying, “If it weren’t for your work, we wouldn’t have chicken. Eat up!”

“Yes, eat up!” Freya and Selah chimed in.

The atmosphere was harmonious. The photographer and the other two staff members were touched, their moods improving considerably.

Group A, however, was different. They stared lifelessly at their expired bread, none of them moving.

Sophia forced an awkward smile. Picking up the bread, she said, “Actually, it’s edible. It’s not moldy. Even the villagers eat it.”

“What's that? It smells so good,” Finian sneered, the rich aroma seeming unreal. He subconsciously walked towards Group B, the others following.

They heard laughter from next door. Peeking through the doorway, they saw Group B happily eating, mentioning chicken drumsticks.

“Why do they have chicken drumsticks? Did they ask the villagers for them?” Sophia asked curiously.

The aroma made them feel uncomfortable; they hadn't eaten all day. They wished they'd eaten at the airport.

“Not only chicken, but they also have other food!” Atlas exclaimed, surprised. He approached, the others trailing behind.

He saw two plates of chicken, chicken soup, and a herb and chili dish; the aroma was enticing.

“This chicken smells amazing!” Stellan exclaimed, taking a bite.

Selah agreed, whispering, “Pheasant meat is delicious.”

“That’s right. I could eat a lot of it,” Freya nodded.

Fortunately, the production team had provided a pot and seasonings.

“You guys are eating chicken? How can there be pheasants here? Did you take it from the villagers?” Sophia’s eyes flashed with malice. She hadn't expected Group B to have so much food; the dishes were sumptuous.

“I can tell the difference between pheasant and chicken,” Freya said, noticing Group A staring at their food. She protectively guarded it, saying, “Don’t even think about it. It’s only enough for us.”

Sophia knew she’d said it deliberately; she had wanted to ask for some. She forced a smile, saying quietly, “We also found something to eat, but we wanted to see how dilapidated your house is. Won’t you get drenched if it rains? But you seem fine.”

Her gaze fixed on Odalys, who picked up a drumstick. The aroma filled Sophia’s nose, making her uncomfortable. She’d always had the best food; now, watching others eat, she felt ashamed.

“You can’t finish all that meat. Why don’t we share some?” Atlas asked. Odalys coldly replied, “There’s no need. The food is enough for us. It’s not good for you to keep staring at us while we eat.”

Atlas was furious at her rejection. Odalys was his sister, but she didn't care about his feelings, not even sharing food. He stepped in front of her, saying, “No wonder our family only likes Sophia. Who would like a selfish person like you?”

Sophia quickly pulled Atlas away, fearing he’d say more. “Atlas, she got the chicken. Let's not make things difficult for her,” she said pitifully. She sensed the next few days wouldn't be easy; the village felt strange, and she felt unsafe.

“Feels good, doesn’t it?” Odalys suddenly asked.

Stellan nodded, “It’s great. If not for your kick, this chicken would have flown away. Your kick seemed to improve the taste.” This was clearly meant for Group A.

“We’re glad you have food. We’ll manage with spaghetti. But if your house leaks, come to ours,” Sophia said softly, biting her lip, trying to appear kind.

“Take care. I won’t send you off,” Odalys replied coldly.

Sophia was furious. She pushed Atlas back. Francis and Finnian remained silent.

“Does Sophia always stir up trouble?” Francis finally whispered.