Chapter 28

Lily Green arrived at the fishing spot early in the morning with her trainees in tow. She had already arranged everything with the pond owner beforehand and urged everyone to get to work as soon as they arrived.

"We need to catch as many fish as possible today," she muttered under her breath, biting her lip. "I can't let Lucy steal the spotlight again."

The thought of Lucy's recent successes made her chest tighten. She had hoped to embarrass Lucy on the show, but instead, the woman had shone brighter than ever. What made it worse was how Michael Johnson and Ethan Smith treated Lucy with obvious favor.

"Work faster!" she called out, raising her voice. "Let's fill as many baskets as we can before noon."

[Why is Lily in such a hurry today?]

[She seems like she's trying too hard.]

[Is she competing with Lucy?]

Meanwhile, Lucy and Ethan led their group toward a farmhouse. Along the way, Lucy patiently explained local customs to the trainees, occasionally cracking jokes to lighten the mood.

"I noticed the flowers here are especially beautiful yesterday," Lucy said with a smile. "I'll show you later."

Ethan added, "Ms. White knows a lot about flowers."

Their seamless teamwork put the trainees at ease, and they chatted happily as they walked.

When they entered the courtyard, they found Michael deep in conversation with an elderly man. Spotting Lucy, his eyes lit up, and he quickly approached.

"Here to buy flowers too?" he asked, hopeful.

Lucy took a subtle step back. "You're fast, Mr. Johnson."

The old man chuckled. "Young Michael knows his flowers. I agreed to let him take some to sell."

"That's great," Lucy said, turning to the old man. "Could we take a look at the potted landscapes?"

"Potted landscapes?" The man looked surprised. "Those aren't usually for sale."

Seeing Lucy's disappointed expression, he relented. "But since you asked, I'll make an exception."

"Thank you so much!" Lucy's eyes curved into crescents.

Michael's expression darkened. "Lucy, we could—"

"No need," she interrupted. "You sell flowers, we'll sell potted landscapes. No overlap."

Ethan smoothly cut in, "That sounds fair."

Michael stared at Ethan for a few seconds before finally conceding. "Fine. Whatever you say."

The trainees exchanged glances—this was nothing like the rumors online. Michael was clearly the one pursuing Lucy, yet she kept her distance.

[Wow, Lucy is bold!]

[Michael looks so dejected.]

[Ethan protecting Lucy is so hot!]

As Lucy selected the potted landscapes, she explained each one in detail while demonstrating proper care. The trainees listened intently, fascinated. Ethan handled the heavy lifting, their coordination flawless.

On the other side, Michael sullenly directed his group to load the flowers onto their cart. Before leaving, he couldn't resist turning back. "Aren’t you coming with us?"

"We still have things to do," Lucy replied without looking up.

Once Michael was gone, Ethan grinned. "What's the plan now?"

"I found a cherry orchard during my morning run," Lucy said with a secretive wink. "We can pick some to sell alongside the potted landscapes."

Ethan laughed in realization. "So that's why you were chatting with the villagers earlier—gathering intel."

"It's called being prepared," Lucy said, tilting her chin up proudly.

They shared a smile, the sunlight casting a golden glow over them—a picture-perfect moment that was impossible to look away from.

[I ship this couple so hard!]

[Lucy is so clever!]

[Can't wait to see their cherry business!]