All Too Late

Christopher couldn’t stop frowning.

Why did Astrid come back right now? I heard she worked as a war correspondent for a few years.

Christopher typed out a reply: I’ll do my best to be a good friend to her.

Osvald: It’s up to you. I just want you to keep an eye on her. That’s it.

Christopher let out a cold snort.

Is he saying that I’m overthinking?

Christopher went to watch the live stream and happened to see Kathleen bringing Astrid to their rooms.

“This is your room. Nancy and I are living on this floor, so if you need any help, just let us know.” Kathleen was both gentle and thoughtful.

Astrid chuckled. “All right. This is my first time on a variety show, so I’m completely baffled. Please let me know if I do anything wrong!”

“This is my first time, too.” A smile nudged Kathleen’s lips. “We can learn together.”

“Sure,” Astrid replied cheerfully. “I worked as a war correspondent overseas previously. A year ago, a grenade splinter cut across my forehead, and I nearly lost my life. I was traumatized and ended up coming home.”

Kathleen nodded in acknowledgment.

She actually didn’t want to ask personal questions, for she knew how to respect someone else’s privacy.

Now that Astrid chose to reveal everything herself, Kathleen had to play along. “You did great.”

“If I don’t do it, someone else will,” Astrid responded. “It might be dangerous, but I think it’s a meaningful job. Compared to normal jobs, I think mine is far more significant.”

“Every job has its own significance,” Kathleen told her.

Astrid met her gaze thoughtfully. “You’re right.”

“Let’s head down to join everyone downstairs.” Kathleen smiled.

Astrid nodded and reached out to take Kathleen’s hand. “Oh, your hand is soft, unlike mine. I didn’t get to take care of my hands previously, so they are pretty rough.”

Kathleen’s lips curved. “You can start now. Your hands will be like mine soon.”

right. Whatever you say.” Astrid’s

both of them headed

I felt really uncomfortable after hearing Astrid’s words. Was it only

the same way, too! She seemed to be mocking

much into her words. She was just lamenting how hard her life used to be.

think Astrid’s being honest. She revealed her identity outright

with Astrid’s remarks. She wasn’t lying. Her

her job was tough, but there was no need for her to insult other jobs! Kathleen’s right. Every job has its own hardship. We all work our asses

Kathleen’s hand was. She even said her hands are rough because of her job. Obviously, she was mocking

began arguing

comments as his expression

went

told them that some special guests would be coming for dinner that night and they should pay extra attention to those

didn’t mention how special the guests

at that piece

asked deliberately, “Kathleen, who do you think the customers would

shook her head. “I don’t

thought you’d know who they

as she replied, “Why

her a

alone tonight?” Nancy

for

dinner,” Astrid offered gaily. “My looks might suggest otherwise, but I’m a great cook. I have the

be a good wife and mother? Is that something

be tiring if you handle everything alone. You

shall take the opportunity to learn from her!” Astrid agreed readily. “Kathleen, please teach

signature dishes for dinner,” Kathleen

a pause,

sometime later,” Kathleen assured her with a grin. “I promise I’ll

Astrid pursed her lips.

What an inconspicuous retort.

look at Astrid

turned around and went to the kitchen to prepare the

Astrid went after her.

Astrid said happily, “What a wide kitchen. I just realized that