Master of his heart (Brielle and Max)

"If you think the air here sucks, feel free to find somewhere else," Emma said, her tone casual as she held Peyton's hand. "Mom, sit down and keep eating. Once we're done, I'll drive you back. I still have class later."

Tonight was their big debut on the live stream, and future broadcasts would be ranked based on viewer count and donations. Only the top three would become Stellar Stage Entertainment's featured female streamers, winning a cozy 750-square-foot apartment. An apartment like that was a dream far beyond the reach of most people.

Peyton looked embarrassed, avoiding Leona's gaze.

Leona slammed her cutlery down, her lips curling in disdain. "Country bumpkin, who do you think you're talking to? Don't think I don't know you two crawled out of some backwoods to snag this opportunity. Heh, we'll see how you fare on tonight's stream. Better pack your bags and scoot when it's over!"

In front of Emma were a few simple dishes, all crafted by the cafeteria's nutritionist as part of their strict daily diet. But Peyton, being a family member and having a hearty appetite, had a whole array of food in front of her, grabbing whatever would fill her up. Seeing everyone else's refined plates compared to her loaded tray, Peyton felt utterly mortified. Yet, she couldn't get full on those dainty servings. The first day they dined here, she took less, fearing mockery. But hunger pangs would wake her up in the middle of the night, leading her to gulp down water voraciously.

Once Emma found out, she made sure to heap Peyton's plate with food, reminding her, "It's fine as long as you don't waste it. Mom, just take whatever you want. That machine over there is for swiping your card. The company tops it up with meal credits every month, which expire, so it'd be a waste not to use it."

Emma wasn't entirely truthful; the credits didn't really expire. But old habits die hard, and without this little white lie, Peyton might starve rather than take more.

Now, Peyton looked at her pile of food, and along with Leona's remarks attracting stares, she felt too frightened to speak, clutching Emma's hand as if they were lambs among wolves. All rights © NôvelDrama.Org.

Emma patted her hand soothingly and faced Leona. "So what if you come out on top tonight? It's the overall ranking after a month that counts."

Leona sneered, "Emma, don't you

get it? Even the audience's

donations count towards the score. My family can throw millions to boost my career. What about yours? Can you and your dear mom even muster a thousand bucks? Without Stellar Stage Entertainment's support, you and your pauper mom would probably starve out there."

Her words were brutal truths yet embarrassing to hear.

Peyton's face burned with shame. But Emma stood up, showing her hands - not the delicate kind usually seen on women, but ones toughened by hard work.

"These hands used to gather herbs in our village, herbs that might end up all over the world. My mom's hands have tilled the rice fields, with the harvest feeding not just us but many beyond. Everything you eat, use, or wear comes from the labor

of countless 'country ke

us, I see no shame in

family's wealth is your business, and our poverty is ours. I haven't judged your family's riches, so I'd appreciate it if you'd refrain from mocking ours!"

Her words resonated powerfully, silencing the room.

Leona trembled with rage but then heard applause from a short-haired girl with a round face nearby. Soon, the whole room joined in, clapping. Leona felt as if she'd been slapped across the face, the sting unbearable.