Chapter 132
Jeremy handed Agnes a bottle of mineral water and said, "The hot water is gone, use this for now."
After rinsing her mouth, Agnes felt better and her mood improved, allowing her to appreciate the scenery.
Looking into the distance, Willow Creek lay beneath them, with dozens of households closely connected. The tallest building was no more than three stories, and most were just single-story houses.
The air quality was excellent, so fresh it seemed to cleanse the dust from their lungs.
However, the weather was really cold.
A gust of cold wind hit, and Agnes couldn't help but shiver.
The girls around them were complaining, and even a few boys couldn't help but grumble about the freezing temperature.
The villagers, knowing they were about to arrive, had been waiting at the village entrance. The children's cheeks and little hands were red from the cold, wrapped in old cotton clothes, and some were even wearing thin shoes. Their eyes were wide with curiosity, anticipation, and longing.
The adults behind them, with dark skin and simple smiles, waved their calloused hands enthusiastically, though their situation was not much better.
Witnessing this scene, the group of college students almost shed tears on the spot. It was the 21st century, yet there were still such impoverished places.
Although they had mentally prepared, the actual hardship exceeded their expectations.
The supplies for the charity event would not arrive until the next day, so after a brief greeting, the village chief led them to their accommodations.
They were housed in villagers' homes. Agnes examined the room assigned to her with mixed feelings.
In comparison, Justin and Jeremy's accommodations seemed even more basic. Her room had only a bed, a dressing table, a set of tables and chairs, and an old wardrobe. Fortunately, the bed was made with new, clean, and tidy bedding, which provided some comfort.
As night fell, everyone gathered at the village chief's house for dinner.
The dinner was unexpectedly abundant, with a dozen dishes, each unique, all made from natural wild vegetables and ingredients. Though the presentation was not great, the taste was acceptable.
John ate reluctantly, the girls warmed themselves with hot tea, while the rich kids Austin and Justin fiddled with their phones without touching the food. Agnes lightly tapped Justin's hand and warned in a low voice, "Eat something, don't be rude."
Several villagers had been busy since before they arrived, and not eating their hard-earned food would be disrespectful.
Justin mumbled a few words but eventually put away his phone and started eating.
Austin remained engrossed in his phone. Agnes had no intention of intervening, but team leader Jeremy had to be responsible for the team.
Taking advantage of no one noticing, Jeremy whispered, "It's not easy for the villagers to cook. These dishes may not look impressive, but to them, it's a rare feast. As Agnes said, show some respect and try to eat something, okay?"
Everyone respected Jeremy, except...
Agnes rolled her eyes and asked Jeremy, "Can we charge our phones tonight?"
Jeremy, understanding her intention, glanced at Austin and replied, "No."
When they were placing their luggage, they were too busy complaining to notice the power outlets. Hearing this, there was a collective sigh.
At that moment, the village chief and villagers entered with several jars of wine, and the sighs stopped abruptly.
Austin glanced sideways at Agnes, his fingers flying over the screen, and said, "Stupid!"
He had already found the power outlet!
Agnes took out her phone and texted Austin, "If you don't eat, I'll tell Mr. Perez."
She had Austin's number, thanks to Ethan, who said she could contact Austin directly if she needed anything.
After reading the message, Austin looked at the calm-faced Agnes in disbelief, "I've never met a woman as annoying as you!"
His volume was moderate but loud enough for everyone to hear. Following Austin's gaze, everyone understood who he was referring to.
The village chief and villagers were busy opening the wine and didn't hear clearly. Grace and a few other girls snickered, enjoying the drama.
Being disliked by Austin, Agnes sensed that her days here might not be peaceful.
Justin put down his fork, but Agnes quickly pressed his hand, "It's okay, keep eating."
Since Austin had started eating, her goal was achieved, and there was no need to argue further.
However, Ethan's intentions became even more puzzling.
Midway through the meal, the village chief's wife joined them, and everyone made room for her. She didn't sit down but chose to sit next to Agnes.
Tasting the village's homemade wine, Agnes realized why the village chief's wife favored her. It seemed she had become a special care recipient, and someone must have instructed the village chief's wife, Nellie Langley, who spoke in broken English while adding food to Agnes's bowl with such enthusiasm that it was hard to refuse.
Justin joked that maybe Nellie had taken a liking to her and wanted to marry Agnes to her son, Herman Warren.
Agnes rolled her eyes at him in response.
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