Chapter 216 Can't I Hitch a Ride with You?
Elizabeth found it amusing when Natalie described herself as a pig.
However, Natalie made a good point. Why did they turn these people into superstars? The ones behind them weren't being kind; it wasn't for their good. They were likely waiting for their Generational Blessings to accumulate before taking action.
The Generational Blessings accumulated in the entertainment industry, when gained through legitimate means, wouldn't negatively impact fans. This made it difficult for special departments and divination societies to detect any foul play.
Take Elizabeth's case, for instance. Her need for adoration to extend her life was fueled by genuinely attracting fans. This approach wouldn't backfire or harm her admirers. It was a symbiotic relationship, pure and simple.
On the flip side, Generational Blessings obtained through dark arts were a different beast altogether. Not only did they manifest rapidly, but they also took a toll on the fans. This was essentially Generational Blessings theft—a zero-sum game where one party's gain meant another's loss.
Picture a scandal-ridden celebrity whose Generational Blessings skyrocketed overnight. As their career soared and status climbed, their fans' Generational Blessings would wane. The more devoted the fan, the greater the drain. It was as if the fans were unknowingly plugging the gaps in their idol's artificially inflated Generational Blessings.
However, such blatant manipulation often raised red flags with the special departments, leading to swift intervention.
The puppet master behind Natalie and her siblings was playing a long game. This mastermind had been laying the groundwork for at least two decades, maybe longer. Patient and cunning, they chose a subtler approach to siphon Generational Blessings—one that wouldn't set off alarms.
Their strategy? Let Natalie and her ilk become megastars, amassing Generational Blessings naturally, then covertly harvest the bounty.
This revelation hinted at a chilling possibility: there were likely more "children" like Natalie scattered throughout the entertainment industry, all unwitting pawns in this elaborate scheme.
Elizabeth wrote: [I think there are more. I'll keep an eye out. I see you seem very enthusiastic about variety shows on the surface, but you actually lie flat with those three. Do you not want to become a superstar?]
Natalie wrote: [Yeah, I don't want to be targeted by those people so quickly. I was forced into the entertainment industry; I don't like it at all. I just pretend to work hard, not becoming too famous but still maintaining a steady increase in popularity and Generational Blessings.]
This way, the people behind the scenes wouldn't suspect that she might be plotting a rebellion or seeking alternative ways to break free. After all, skyrocketing to fame in the entertainment industry wasn't a walk in the park.
Unless they resorted to dark arts—which they clearly feared being discovered for—they wouldn't dare take any overt actions.
This was her strategy.
Elizabeth sometimes struggled to understand why, despite the danger, Brenda would willingly walk into the lion's den, putting herself under someone else's control.
She found Natalie to be incredibly astute. Natalie was sharp and clear-headed about what she wanted. Unlike Brenda, who seemed blinded by power and overly confident, Natalie had a better grasp of her situation.
It was possible that Brenda, having been pampered by the Clark Family for years, had developed an inflated sense of self-worth. She couldn't handle setbacks and seemed to crumble under pressure.
Natalie wrote again: [They want me to get close to you, win your favor and trust. Then help Brenda deal with you. I can only tell that you and Brenda have a deep connection, and so do I with Brenda.]
Elizabeth nodded and wrote: [Okay, I understand! Let's follow their plan and not let them find out, making them reveal themselves.]
Elizabeth didn't fully trust Natalie yet. She had no prior interaction with Natalie, so it would be naive to trust her completely. Natalie must also have some reservations about her. But that was normal; everyone had secrets.
Elizabeth still needed to confirm further whether Natalie genuinely wanted to cooperate with her or if she was just acting to get close to her. Of course, as long as Natalie wasn't trying to harm her, she would sincerely treat Natalie as a friend.
Natalie smiled and wrote: [Okay!]
Talking with smart people like Elizabeth was easy and pleasant. Elizabeth could understand immediately; Natalie didn't even need to say it out loud, and they were on the same page.
After they finished writing, Ronald and Marlon each brought over a plate of grilled seafood.
Natalie put away the paper and pen, saying she wanted to help. Then, when no one was looking, she threw the paper filled with writing into the fire on the grill. She watched the paper turn to ash before returning to chat and eat barbecue with everyone.
They spent the night on the yacht.
They returned the next day, met up with the crew, and returned to the country together.
The Clark family brothers didn't follow; they stayed in Veridiania until Betty recovered. Eugene did return with them but remained aloof the entire time. Especially toward Raymond, his attitude was hostile and unwelcoming.
Raymond naturally wouldn't care about him. He not only ignored Eugene but also switched seats to sit with Elizabeth. On the way back, the two chatted together. It was clear that Elizabeth was very relaxed and happy when she was with Raymond, which made Eugene very uncomfortable and even more resentful of Raymond.
Upon arriving in the country, Elizabeth's group emerged from the terminal.
There, Rebecca was waiting at the pickup area. Spotting Elizabeth, Rebecca waved with a smile, "Elizabeth, I'm right here!"
After Elizabeth said her goodbyes to the show's crew and the other guests, including Raymond, she hurried over to Rebecca.
Eugene, seeing Rebecca's gesture, felt a pang of discomfort as he seemed to be invisible. Nonetheless, he trailed behind Elizabeth, heading towards Rebecca.
Rebecca reached out and linked arms with Elizabeth. "Let's go."
Elizabeth, holding onto her suitcase with one hand and linked with Rebecca on the other, cheerfully agreed, "Alright!"
She had informed Rebecca of her arrival time before leaving, and Rebecca had volunteered to pick her up.
As they approached the entrance to the parking garage, Rebecca turned to Eugene with a puzzled look. "Why are you following us?"
Eugene replied, "You're my sister. Can't I tag along?"
"Since you're picking her up, can't I ride with you," he added, hoping to catch a lift with Rebecca.
Rebecca sighed. "Since when did you become so shameless? Even though you're my brother, our relationship isn't exactly great right now. Why would I give you a ride? Dream on. My car is reserved for Elizabeth only."
Rebecca shot Eugene a look of exasperation. "Why don't you have your two buddies pick you up instead?"
She thought, 'Does Eugene think I'm oblivious to his motives? Does he really believe I'll do him any favors?'
Eugene's face darkened. "I'm your brother."
Rebecca made a face. "Well, let's just call it quits on being siblings then. Don't follow us. Find your own ride."
With that, Rebecca waved Eugene off and led Elizabeth into the parking garage.
Elizabeth didn't look back at Eugene, nor did she say a word. The dismissive attitude from Rebecca and the harsh words had left Eugene feeling humiliated.
As he realized he had no chance of getting a ride with Rebecca, Eugene's mood soured further. Masking his face, he hailed a cab and, once inside, messaged his other two friends, inviting them out for drinks.
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