Chapter 416 Don't Waste Food
Their eyes met, and it felt like forever.
All their time together seemed less important than this first look after so long apart.
Pearl's eyes teared up. Seeing him safe meant more than words could say.
She didn't move closer, trying to keep her emotions in check.
Before coming, she had wondered if they'd ever meet again.
Just seeing Oscar was a blessing.
Her anger towards him felt small compared to his safety.
They didn't move closer, just exchanged a longing look from afar.
"Oscar," a soldier called out. "We're all waiting for you inside."
Oscar turned and said, "I know," then walked in without hesitation.
Pearl came out after he went in. As he disappeared, she felt a sense of loss.
But she knew they were already divorced.
Pearl stood outside for a while to calm down. She didn't go back to the tent but saw a group of soldiers around a campfire.
A blackened pot hung over the flames.
They were cooking something.
This village was pretty basic, no fancy kitchens. Everyone cooked the old-fashioned way.
The soldiers were even more basic, using a fire pit and a discarded pot.
She walked over, and Vincent greeted her warmly, "Feeling better now?"
"I'm fine," Pearl smiled. "I'm Pearl Harris."
"Nice to meet you, Ms. Harris," he replied.
"You haven't eaten yet, right? Join us," he said. "We'll start as soon as Oscar and the others come out."
Their setup was rough.
Pearl helped with the fire. Seeing the food, she asked, "Is this all you have?"
Vincent, peeling potatoes, looked content. "Yep, this is dinner. The villagers gave it to us. In a place like this, having food is a blessing. Many places have nothing."
Pearl felt uneasy hearing this.
Tranquiloria wasn't advanced, but at least no one went hungry.
In this war-torn country, having enough to eat was a struggle.
On her way here, she saw many war-ravaged villages.
Many refugees were homeless and hungry.
Just then, the door opened.
A group of soldiers came out, still armed.
"Perfect timing. It's time to eat!"
They were hungry and cheered, "Time to eat!"
Then, they sat down casually, some even perching on the vehicles, as they divided the food and handed it out.
The soldiers dug in without hesitation.
Pearl watched them eat, feeling their struggle. As long as there was food, it was enough.
The instant food didn't look great, so the villagers offered some potatoes, but unfortunately, those too were a bit burnt and didn't appear appetizing.
"Here you go."
Suddenly, Pearl smelled fresh bread.
She looked up to see Oscar standing in front of her, looking intently.
He held a few pieces of soft bread, leaving Pearl stunned.
Seeing her hesitate, Oscar placed the bread beside her. "Take it."
He grabbed a roasted potato and started eating.
Pearl stared at him, asking, "Is this all you have to eat?"
Oscar sat on a nearby stone. "Yes."
Pearl pressed her lips together, noticing how much he had changed.
The once proud Oscar, who always lived and ate in luxury.
Looking around, even a hundred years ago wouldn't have been this rough.
Pearl said, "I'm not that delicate. I've gotten used to life here in Eldorians. You don't have to prepare anything special for me."
Oscar glanced at her. "Don't waste food."
Pearl realized he had a point.
She took the bread and started eating it in big bites.
It had been a long time since she had fresh, soft bread, and it tasted incredible.
Oscar watched her puffed cheeks, a slight smile tugging at his lips.
He signaled to a nearby soldier, who brought over a cup of hot water.
"Take it slow," Oscar said.
Pearl nodded.
The soldiers had never seen Oscar so gentle with a girl before.
They were curious about who she was.
Outside, several soldiers were eating and chatting, "Who is that woman? Oscar seems to know her. I've never seen him so gentle."
"Me neither. I've been his subordinate for a long time, and he's never mentioned her. Didn't you just take care of that girl?"
Vincent was puzzled. "I don't know. She just asked if I knew Oscar. They must have known each other for a long time."
"I don't get it!"
"Me neither. Do you think Oscar has a crush on her?"
"Is it possible they're a couple?"
"No way. If they were a couple, they'd be hugging by now. They wouldn't keep their distance. Oscar must have a crush on her!"
"So Oscar has a crush on someone!"
"What are you guys talking about?" Elijah came over, hearing them whispering about Oscar and Pearl, and immediately stepped in.
Seeing Elijah, they quickly stood at attention. "Elijah!"
Elijah sternly told them, "Stop gossiping. Do you want to ruin Oscar's reputation?"
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