The transformation of Alverton was all thanks to Felicia. Macey, setting aside strawberries and washing them, placed a few in Felicia's hands. As Felicia ate, her phone buzzed repeatedly. Messages from the newly created training group chat announced that students were to gather for room assignments in villagers' spare rooms.
Most villagers were welcoming, particularly after the college's substantial donation of goods prompted them to clean and prepare their homes. Despite these preparations, many students complained loudly, criticizing the homes and hesitating to move in. Some even flaunted their privilege in the group chat, demanding, "Why aren't there any hotels here? I usually stay in five-star hotels!" The complaints subsided only after the vice principal intervened, stating, "You're here for training, not a vacation."
Felicia stroked her chin. Her plan was to develop Alverton into a tourist destination, eventually including homestays, but those were still under construction. She could have capitalized on the influx of visitors, but the homestays weren't ready. She messaged the vice principal leading the team, informing him she had found accommodations and wouldn't be attending the gathering. He replied simply, "Okay."
After a long day of travel, she finally slept soundly. Washing up, she lay in bed, inhaling the warm, sun-drenched scent of her comforter. Peaceful sleep brought back vivid childhood memories, perhaps triggered by her return to a familiar place.
Her dream revealed increasingly clear scenes from her past. A five-year-old Felicia, in the biting cold, was sent to gather firewood on an empty stomach. The scent of sizzling meat wafted from the house where Howell and Tabitha doted on their pampered son, Shawn. "Son, eat more meat so you can grow tall," they'd say. Felicia believed her lack of love stemmed from being a girl.
In an attempt to gain their affection, she cut her hair short, hoping to evoke pity, but to no avail. The sting of the belt was agonizing. She fled to a bamboo grove, where compassionate villagers found her, taking her home, feeding her, and clothing her.
Later, learning her true origins, she thought, "So, I'm not their biological child. That's why they treated me like that." She wondered if finding her real parents would finally bring her care.
Felicia awoke, turning over. Staring blankly at the ceiling, a mocking smile touched her lips before she pulled the comforter over her head and drifted back to sleep. The moonlight was gentle and serene.
Meanwhile, a private jet landed in the darkness. Onboard, Stephan listened to his subordinate's report, raising an eyebrow. "Hmm? You've found her?" "Yes, Mr. Russell! Ms. Fuller is currently in Alverton! This time, there's no mistake!" The subordinate was supremely confident.