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.”

you

of them headed down the

really uncomfortable after hearing Astrid’s words. Was

She seemed to be mocking Kathleen! But she’s way better with her words

her words. She was just lamenting how hard her life used to be. I can’t believe you

She revealed her identity outright so that Kathleen wouldn’t misunderstand things,

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

right. Every job has its own hardship. We all work our asses off to earn

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

netizens began

the comments as his expression turned

went

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

team didn’t mention how special the guests

felt nervous at

deliberately, “Kathleen, who do you

shook her head. “I don’t

thought you’d know who they are,”

voice was calm as she replied, “Why would I know when none of you

her a

dinner alone tonight?”

hesitated for a

otherwise, but I’m a great cook. I

be a good wife and mother? Is that

you handle everything alone. You and Kathleen should work together,”

that Kathleen’s a great cook. I shall take the opportunity to learn from

signature dishes for dinner,” Kathleen suggested nonchalantly. “What do you think,

a pause,

assured her with a grin. “I promise I’ll teach you everything you

Astrid pursed her lips.

What an inconspicuous retort.

a look at

turned around and went to the kitchen to prepare

Astrid went after her.

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