pass by

"Chloe, why did you decide to come here today? Usually, when we invite you, you never come," one of the girls said.

"Yeah, we always tell you how much fun and delicious food there is here, but you never show any interest. Today, you actually took the initiative to come with us," another added.

On the marketplace, four young girls were walking and chatting. One of them was Chloe, and the other three were her roommates.

All four of them were youthful and beautiful, attracting many glances as they walked. Among them, Chloe was like a bright light in the dark, constantly radiating her charm and drawing the attention of passers-by.

After dinner, someone in the dorm suggested going to the marketplace in front of the school. They didn't invite Chloe, not because they didn't get along with her, but because they knew she wasn't interested in such places. Moreover, the clothes Chloe usually wore, though many of the brands were unfamiliar to them, were clearly not cheap. So, they understood why Chloe wasn't interested in this kind of street stall shopping.

However, Chloe was different today. When the others suggested going to the marketplace, she actually spoke up and said she wanted to go with them. This made her roommates curious as to why Chloe was willing to come today.

"I just felt like coming," Chloe said indifferently.

"I don't think so," one of her roommates laughed. "From the moment we got here, your eyes have been searching for something. It doesn't seem like you're just browsing. It looks more like you're looking for something specific. This means you already had something in mind before you came."

Chloe glanced at her and said coldly, "You're mistaken."

"Maybe," the roommate replied, used to Chloe's aloof nature. They all knew that although Chloe was aloof, she wasn't a bad person.

At that moment, the three roommates noticed that Chloe's eyes had brightened as she looked in a certain direction.

"So you came for this barbecue stall," the roommate who had spoken earlier said. "But no wonder. The chef here is really skilled. He's the best in this area. Many students from the school love his barbecue."

"Yeah, we ate here a few days ago when we were hanging out. The taste was really good," another roommate added.

"But because his skills are so good, there are always lots of people here. You have to queue if you want to eat his barbecue. People in a hurry can't afford to wait."

"Hmm, his skills are indeed good," Chloe said, her tone seeming a bit warmer than before.

The barbecue stall Chloe was looking at was Jaxon's.

"Have you eaten here too?"

"Of course, otherwise why would Chloe come specially?"

Chloe didn't say anything, but for the first time, she felt like trying this kind of street food.

Jaxon really wanted to explain to everyone that Liu Yidao was indeed the head chef at Kaillemen before, but it wasn't easy to prove. These people, whether they had been to Kaillemen or not, definitely hadn't seen Liu Yidao. So even if Jaxon said Liu Yidao was, others might not believe him.

"Some people, once their business gets better, start to deceive customers. They forget that customers are God and start using apprentices to do the work."

"Yeah, maybe his ingredients are even problematic. For the sake of money, they'll do anything."

"Maybe there's something wrong with his seasonings. Otherwise, how could the taste be so good?"

Jaxon didn't mind the ordinary customers questioning Liu Yidao's identity, but he didn't expect that the owners of the neighboring barbecue stalls would also stop doing business and come to join in the fun. Moreover, their words were very hurtful.

Jaxon frowned. The stall owners, however, were enjoying the show. Because they knew that rumors, whether true or false, once spread, would leave a mark on those who heard them. This would affect Jaxon's business and reputation.

Liu Yidao looked at Jaxon awkwardly and apologetically. He felt that it was because of him that Jaxon was in trouble. If it weren't for Jaxon's teaching, none of this would have happened.

"I was indeed the head chef at Kaillemen before," Liu Yidao couldn't help but speak up.

"Who would believe that? A head chef from Kaillemen selling barbecue here? Even if he fell on hard times, there would be other restaurants lining up to hire him."

"Yeah, even kids wouldn't believe that."

The barbecue stall owners said.

"I can prove that he was indeed the head chef at Kaillemen!" At this moment, a somewhat cold voice rang out in the crowd.

Everyone instinctively looked over.

"It's Chloe?!"

"Is it really her? Does she also like this boss's barbecue?"

"Chloe, my goddess, she's so beautiful."

"So this is Chloe? She's as beautiful as the rumors say."

The person who had just spoken was indeed Chloe. Most of the customers here were students from the surrounding schools, including Goldenleaf University. Chloe was very famous within Goldenleaf University, so as soon as she appeared, she was recognized by many students from Goldenleaf University. Even students from other schools had heard of Chloe's name before.

"Why did you come?" Jaxon looked at Chloe in surprise as she approached.

There were quite a few familiar faces today, and even Chloe had come.

"Just passing by," Chloe said indifferently.

"Not true," Chloe's roommates rolled their eyes subtly, but they didn't expose Chloe. Instead, they all looked at Jaxon curiously.

They knew Chloe's nature well. Usually, she wouldn't even glance at things outside herself, let alone meddle in other people's affairs. But now, she had taken the initiative to help the barbecue stall owner out of trouble, which was quite different from her usual behavior.

And judging from what the owner had just said, did they know each other before?

"You say he is, so he is?"

"Exactly, I suspect you're in cahoots with him. You and this boss are working together to deceive people."

"Young lady, you're so beautiful and yet so naive."

Although the barbecue stall owners were also stunned by Chloe's beauty, they didn't know her. Seeing that she was speaking up for Jaxon and helping him out of trouble naturally caused them some discomfort.

No matter how beautiful you are, if you speak up for that young man, you're our enemy.