Reborn With a Money-Making System: Ruined Actress to Nation's Treasure-Chapter 92: A Little Gossip Never Hurts

"Like I said before, I have good eyes." Marissa patted my shoulder with a proud smile, looking at me as if I were her own little sister. "I can always tell when someone’s got real talent." Then she added teasingly, "But don’t get too excited yet, because the real challenge starts in the next step."

I let out a quiet sigh, already well aware of that fact. In the second step, there would usually be around five to ten people judging my performance, starting from the producer to the head cameraman.

This was the round where most people failed, simply because they got too nervous. I mean, who wouldn’t be nervous when so many pairs of eyes are watching you in such a small room?

However, since I was already used to acting on sets filled with dozens of crew members, something like this wasn’t exactly new to me.

"I know." I nodded and smiled at Marissa. "I’ll practice harder so I can give my best in the next round."

"That’s the spirit," she said with a grin, then paused for a moment. "But for today, try to relax a little, okay? You’ve worked hard enough. Go to the salon, buy something delicious, or just treat yourself."

"Oh! I was actually going to ask you to join me today!" I said excitedly. "You’ve helped me so much, so I thought we could go out and have some fun together."

Marissa chuckled softly. "You don’t have to repay me. I helped you because it’s my job, and Mr. Brixton already paid me quite generously for it." She smiled warmly. "But I really appreciate the offer. Unfortunately, I’ll have to take a rain check today. Tomorrow’s my wife’s birthday, and I want to do something special for her."

Her words made me smile even more. "That’s so sweet. Tell her happy birthday from me."

Marissa grinned. "I will. And you, go enjoy your day, superstar."

• • •

Marissa took a taxi back, so we parted ways right after leaving the Green Leaf Office.

After thinking for a bit, I decided to head downtown to look for something nice. I asked Mr. Silo if he wanted to come with me, but he politely refused, saying he didn’t want to get in my way.

Since he was clearly reluctant, I didn’t force him. I just went by myself, wandering through the busy streets of downtown. Honestly, it was a little boring being alone because I didn’t even have anyone to chat with.

However, when I went to a salon to get a hair spa and restyle my hair, I finally got the chance to chat with the staffs.

"Yeah, my husband’s such a busy man," I said with a small sigh as the stylist gently washed my hair. "We haven’t seen each other much these past few weeks. I get that his work is important, but it’d be nice if he could at least have breakfast or dinner with me three times a week."

"Oh, honey, I completely understand that feeling," the stylist—Tina—said as she massaged my scalp. "My ex-husband was always busy too. But guess what? He was actually cheating on me with his friend’s mom."

My eyes widened. "Oh my God, no way!" I gasped, half shocked and half curious. "Tell me more about that!"

By the time Tina finished her story, I’d somehow ended up with three different teas, each one from a different staff member who joined in the gossip. Honestly, it was the best kind of therapy. Nothing calmed me down faster than a good chat filled with ridiculous stories.

[Deducting $40 from Host’s balance.]

[Remaining Balance: $255,875]

"Come back again, Miss!" Tina said cheerfully. "We can spill even more tea next time you visit!"

I laughed and waved at her as I tucked my wallet back into my purse. "We will! And don’t ever go back to your ex-husband!"

Once I stepped out of the salon, I noticed the sky had already turned orange, but that made sense, considering how long I’d waited earlier at the Green Leaf Studio.

The smell of fried chicken suddenly hit me, and my stomach instantly growled. I followed the delicious scent until I found a street stall selling seasoned crispy chicken, then bought a portion without thinking twice.

I also grabbed a cup of coffee because, honestly, I needed caffeine to survive the rest of the day, and since I hadn’t used Lando’s credit card yet today, I decided to use it for my little treat.

I wandered over to a nearby park and sat on a bench beside a big pond filled with ducks. The sound of children laughing caught my attention. They were tossing small pieces of bread into the water, giggling each time the ducks caught one midair.

"I should’ve bought some bread earlier," I muttered to myself, smiling as I watched the simple, peaceful scene.

Not long after, I suddenly received a call from my husband. "Yes?"

"Helcia, where are you?" Lando’s deep voice came through the line. "I thought you’d already gone home."

I blinked a few times, a little startled. "Oh... are you home already?"

"Yes," he replied. "I just got back."

I was startled because I thought he wouldn’t be able to come home early today, even though he said he would.

"Oh, I’m sorry! I didn’t think you’d be home this early!" I said quickly. "I’m still downtown, but I’ll head home soon, just let me finish my chicken and coffee first."

"Red Square downtown?" He asked.

"Yes, that’s the place."

There was a short pause before he finally said, "Alright. Don’t go anywhere. I’ll come pick you up."

I frowned, confused as to why he wanted to come get me. No, honestly, I didn’t understand why he suddenly sounded like he really wanted to see me right then and there.

[Ding! Ding!]

[Random Quest!]

[Quest: Tell your HUSBAND that you miss him a lot!]

[Reward: $30,000]

[Time Limit: 5 hours.]

I stared at the system window, nearly choking on my coffee.

"What kind of ridiculous quest is this?!" I asked.