The Villain Mom Awakens — Going Viral by Parenting on a Reality Show-Chapter 196: I Am a Staunch Materialist

Chelsea Raines let out a scream, her trembling finger pointing at the photo of House #5. "Th-this isn’t a haunted house, is it? Why does it look so gloomy?!"

The kids were on the timid side, and they all instinctively shrank back at her scream.

Ian Shaw, however, had no major reaction, though a hint of annoyance crept into his gaze as he looked at Chelsea Raines.

Ruby Preston frowned. "Alright, Chelsea Raines, don’t be so jumpy all the time. We have children with us, and they get scared easily."

Chelsea Raines apologized, her expression still panicked. "You guys, look at this house! How could anyone live there!"

The yard of House #5 was completely dilapidated, with weeds nearly three feet high. The door, however, was red—a bright, crimson red.

The stark contrast made it look both terrifying and bizarre.

"Everyone, don’t be afraid," the village chief explained. "House #5 hasn’t been lived in for a long time, it’s true, but there have never been any supernatural incidents. We don’t know much about decorating; this door style was fashionable a few years ago. Painting the door red was just for good fortune. This photo was taken in the evening when the light was a bit dim, so it looks a little scary."

Chelsea Raines was still trembling. "Staying in this run-down house in the middle of nowhere..." She had been timid since she was a child; back then, she wouldn’t even dare touch a chicken being slaughtered at home, terrified the bright red blood would splash on her. Now, she was so scared her teeth were chattering.

Naomi Kenway was right next to Chelsea Raines. As Chelsea trembled, her shaking kept jostling Naomi’s arm. Naomi took a small step back. "What are you shaking for? It’s not like you’ve done anything to feel guilty about. What are you afraid of?"

"Guilty about what? Aren’t you scared of this house?" Chelsea Raines retorted, agitated.

Naomi Kenway said flatly, "I’m a staunch materialist."

With a face full of disbelief, Chelsea Raines pointed at Renee Jennings. "It’s not just me! Look, isn’t Rachel scared too?"

Indeed, Renee Jennings’s face was pale, and she was shaking like a leaf. Beside her, Nathan Lynch looked calm, merely watching Renee Jennings with curiosity.

Margaret Jennings patted Renee Jennings’s shoulder, and Renee Jennings nearly jumped out of her skin.

Margaret Jennings froze for a second, then teased with a smile, "What’s wrong? You haven’t actually done something to feel guilty about, have you?"

It was just a joke, but Renee Jennings’s reaction was extreme.

"What are you talking about?! How could I possibly have a guilty conscience?! As long as it’s not murder..." She suddenly stopped talking, clamping her mouth shut.

Margaret Jennings looked a bit awkward. "Don’t get so worked up. I was just joking."

Naomi Kenway’s gaze rested on Renee Jennings. ’This woman clearly has something to hide.’

The tour guide raised a megaphone and announced, "Alright everyone, let’s start by picking houses!"

Ruby Preston was the first to step forward. Her eyes scanned the five photos, but she hesitated, completely torn.

Aside from House #5, the other four houses were quite similar, which actually made the choice more difficult.

Ruby Preston had no choice but to ask for Simon Sawyer’s opinion.

Simon Sawyer pointed to a photo. "This one’s good. The kitchen has a stove and firewood, which will make cooking much easier for us."

Ruby Preston and her son chose House #2.

Margaret Jennings and her son quickly followed, picking House #3, which had the largest living space. They heard its storehouse was stocked with plenty of wild vegetables and fruits.

Naomi Kenway and Ian were the third group to choose. Naomi glanced at the remaining houses, tilted her head slightly, and asked, "Ian, which house do you like?"

"Whatever Mommy likes, Ian likes!"

Naomi Kenway smiled and began to choose one herself.

Renee Jennings’s voice came from behind. "Nina, I remember you’re great at fixing up houses. You got a lot of traffic in the first installment by making your own furniture. I think this House #5 is perfect for you. It’s a chance to recreate your past miracle."

Naomi Kenway’s slender fingers lightly picked up the photo of House #5. The moment Renee Jennings’s face lit up with delight, she switched it for House #1—a small farmhouse with a yard full of vegetables and flowers.

"I’ll take House #1."

Renee Jennings felt like she’d been played for a fool. Unwilling to give up, she pressed, "Nina, you don’t like House #5? It’s perfect for you to renovate!"

"Making my own furniture in the first installment was something I was forced into. I’m not an idiot. Who would choose that dump when there’s a perfectly good house available? Since you like House #5 so much, why don’t you just keep it for yourself?" Naomi Kenway’s lips curved into a smirk as she pocketed the photo for House #1.

Renee Jennings clenched her fists tightly, a strange look of fear appearing on her face.

Chelsea Raines caught Renee Jennings’s pleading gaze but didn’t agree. "Rachel, don’t look at me like that. I... I can’t do it either... You know I’ve been a coward since I was little. Staying in House #5 would be the death of me! Besides, Jared is really timid too. It’s not easy for us, Rachel, please try to understand..."

As she spoke, she snatched the photo for House #4.

The house was a bit small, but at least it wasn’t as terrifying as House #5. Chelsea Raines was very satisfied.

Only House #5 was left. Renee Jennings refused to go and take it, no matter what. In the end, it was Nathan Lynch who stepped forward, picked up the photo, and held it out to her. "Mom."

Renee Jennings wouldn’t take it. "...You hold onto it for now. St-stay away from me..."

After the houses were chosen, the guests picked up their backpacks again and prepared to head to their new homes.

Naomi Kenway held her bag in one hand and Ian Shaw’s hand in the other. "Ian, we’re heading out! To our new house!"

"Yay!" 𝒻𝑟ℯℯ𝑤𝑒𝑏𝑛𝘰𝓋𝑒𝓁.𝒸𝑜𝘮

Six ran after them. "Miss, let me take you there!"

Naomi Kenway glanced at the sky. It was already evening. "Thank you, Six, but it’s getting late. I can just take Ian and find it ourselves. You should hurry home so your family doesn’t worry."

The village chief walked over and explained with a smile, "What a coincidence. Ms. Kenway, the House #1 you chose is actually Six’s family home. You can go back together."

Naomi Kenway was a little surprised. "Wow, that really is a coincidence..."

Six took a large bag from Naomi Kenway’s right hand. "Fairy Sister, let me help you!"

Six wasn’t tall; in fact, she was on the smaller and thinner side for her age. Yet she hoisted the huge bundle onto her shoulder in one go, a smile revealing a set of perfectly white teeth.

Naomi Kenway watched, her heart skipping a beat. She took two steps forward to take it back. "No, that bag is too heavy. You’re a child, you can’t carry it. Give it back to me, Six."

"It’s okay! Don’t worry, Fairy Sister!" Six walked forward a few steps without any effort, her face full of pride. "At home, I can carry two buckets of water at once! That way my mom can rest a little longer inside!"

A sudden, indescribable pang of sadness washed over Naomi Kenway.