The Villain Mom Awakens — Going Viral by Parenting on a Reality Show-Chapter 192 - 202: Choosing a House

Naomi Kenway had sharp senses and naturally noticed the man’s gaze. But before she could get a closer look, the thin, middle-aged man had already looked away and raised the microphone to speak:

"Hello, everyone. I’m the chief of Peldon Village. I’d like to extend a warm welcome to all of you for visiting our village. We’re surrounded by mountains, and the scenery is absolutely beautiful—a natural scenic viewpoint. The mountains are filled with delicious delicacies, a gift to us from nature itself! I hope your stay with us over the next few days will be a wonderful experience!"

He finished with a sincere bow.

The guests quickly applauded.

The guide said, "Thank you, Chief. Now, let’s follow him to our next destination: Number 158, Peldon Village!"

Naomi Kenway and her son followed the village chief.

The villagers were incredibly enthusiastic. Several families offered to host the guests for a meal in their homes. Years of hard labor had tanned their skin a deep, dark brown, and their smiles revealed brilliant white teeth. They were simple and hospitable.

The deeper they went into the village, the better the view they got of the mountain community.

There were almost no multi-story buildings in sight, just a stretch of tile-roofed houses that looked somewhat dilapidated. Compared to the prosperous and picturesque villages they had visited before, this one seemed far too impoverished.

Renee Jennings kept a constant eye on Nathan Lynch, terrified that a splash of mud might dirty his new clothes.

Her constant staring made Nathan feel uneasy, and he finally shook her arm off.

"Nathan!"

"My hands are too sweaty. I’m not going to hold your hand."

Chelsea Raines wore a complicated expression. She held Jared Woods’s hand, moving forward one step at a time.

Perhaps it was because this was also a mountain village, but it bore a striking resemblance to the hometown where she’d grown up. Ever since becoming famous, she had moved her parents to Veridia to live with her. She had never once gone back to that tiny village, a place that held so many of her painful memories.

Staring at the familiar scene, Chelsea Raines was uncharacteristically quiet, forgoing her usual boisterousness.

"Mom, I wanna go home! How can anyone even live here?!" Jared Woods wailed.

Chelsea Raines gave his bottom a sharp SMACK.

Number 158 Peldon Village appeared to be a private residence with an exceptionally spacious courtyard, where several villagers were already waiting enthusiastically.

Peldon Village was most famous for its noodles, which were smooth and chewy, served in a rich, mellow broth. The villagers put on a performance of "noodle pulling," their movements deft and stylish, making for a spectacular show.

The crowd erupted in applause and cheers.

Margaret Jennings watched, unable to tear her eyes away. She smiled at Naomi Kenway beside her and said, "Nina, I remember you’re a master at making noodles yourself. Want to go up and have a friendly match with the villagers?"

Naomi Kenway quickly waved her hands in dismissal. "Margaret, you give me way too much credit. My noodle-making is just average. There’s no way I could do this kind of high-level noodle pulling!"

Margaret Jennings let out a hearty laugh. "I can’t believe there’s actually something that can stump you. You’re usually so good at everything."

"Maybe you’re just seeing me through rose-colored glasses, Margaret. I’m not that incredible. There are plenty of things I’m not good at and need to ask you all for help with, like acting, for instance."

’Renee Jennings always loved to build up a perfect image, billing herself to the public as the almighty supermom. Naomi, however, didn’t like that one bit. The more perfect the persona, the higher the odds of it all coming crashing down.’

After the noodle-pulling show, the villagers performed a traditional local dance.

There were five performances in total to welcome the guests. At the end, the village chief took the stage once more to share his thoughts. Anyone could see how sincere and serious they were about the welcome.

The main course for dinner was noodles, served alongside a variety of other sumptuous dishes.

Renee Jennings stared at the plate of wild vegetables before her, unable to bring herself to touch them with her chopsticks.

The village chief, sitting nearby, noticed and offered an enthusiastic introduction. "This dish is a specialty from our mountains. It has a wonderfully crisp texture. Go on, have a taste."

Mindful of her public image, Renee Jennings had no choice but to take a small bite. She couldn’t stand the coarse texture at all but forced a smile. "You’re right. The flavor is very... unique."

At the chief’s recommendation, Naomi Kenway also tried the wild vegetable dish and nodded in approval. She placed a few pieces in Ian Shaw’s bowl before asking, "I’ve never had a wild vegetable with a texture like this. Do you know what it’s called?"

The village chief couldn’t stop smiling as he launched into an enthusiastic explanation.

The water in the kettle was running low. Margaret Jennings lifted it and asked, "Is there any more water?"

The chief slapped his forehead. "Of course! Look at me, completely forgot!" He raised his voice and called out, "Six!"

"Coming, coming!" A little girl with braided pigtails emerged. She looked to be about ten years old, with a shy smile and a healthy blush on her wheat-colored skin. Her large eyes were round and bright.

She carried a kettle in one hand. Her clothes, washed until they were faded, were clearly too short for her, and she walked with a slight, awkward limp.

Margaret Jennings, sitting at the end of the table, quickly took the thermos from her. "Have you eaten yet, sweetie?"

Six shook her head, as shy and reserved as ever.

Ruby Preston had Simon Sawyer scoot closer to her, then placed another chair next to him. "Here, sweetie, sit here. Since you haven’t eaten, why don’t you join us!"

The village chief hesitated. "Children can be a handful. I’m afraid she’ll disturb you. I think it’s best if Six steps out."

Six immediately got to her feet.

"It’s no bother at all," Naomi Kenway said. "The more, the merrier." She leaned forward, placed some food on Six’s plate, and said gently, "Here, try this. I think it’s delicious."

Six stared at her, mesmerized.

Naomi touched her cheek. "What is it? Why are you staring at me like that?"

"You’re so pretty! Like a fairy who walked right out of a TV show!" Six said, blushing with embarrassment.

Naomi was taken aback.

Ruby Preston was already laughing. "Six, you’re such a sweet-talker!"

’Renee Jennings subconsciously touched her own face, a pang of jealousy in her heart. She could only think that Naomi’s ability to put on an act was truly unparalleled; she was already starting to win people over this quickly.’

Renee Jennings was sitting on Six’s other side, and her eyes kept drifting uncontrollably toward the girl’s leg. She was curious whether the girl’s mobility issue was with her leg or her foot.

Her staring made Six squirm. "Aunt Renee... is there something on my leg?"

The first thing Renee Jennings noticed was the form of address. She was a little stunned. "You just called Naomi ’Miss,’ but you’re calling me ’Aunt’?"

Six blinked her big, clear eyes, not understanding what she’d done wrong. "Is... is something wrong, Aunt Renee?"

Renee Jennings subconsciously bit her lip, seething with anger.

’Strictly speaking, she was a few years younger than Naomi.’

Seeing that things were getting awkward, the village chief quickly spoke up. "Six, this guest is the same age as the other one."

Six hurriedly apologized, "I’m sorry, Aunt Renee..."

Staring into the girl’s clear, bright eyes only made Renee Jennings angrier. But then, an idea seemed to strike her. She forced a gentle smile, picked up her chopsticks, and began piling food into Six’s bowl until it resembled a small mountain.

Six tried to stop her. "Aunt Renee, I can’t eat all this."

"Children need to eat to grow," Renee Jennings said, adding another serving to the pile. Her voice was strained, artificially soft.

"I can’t!" Six shook her head firmly. "The chief said we’re not allowed to waste food!"

Only then did Renee Jennings put down her chopsticks, launching into a flurry of solicitous questions.

Six was almost frightened by her overwhelming enthusiasm.

Meanwhile, Nathan Lynch’s bowl contained only noodles. He stretched out his arm, trying to reach the dishes farther away, but his arms were too short.