Chapter 379: Chapter 379: Harassment
David Rhodes was about to ask why things were different today when he suddenly remembered Lars Prescott’s schedule and was startled.
"Did young master see...?"
Lars Prescott irritatedly replied with a "yeah" on the other end of the phone, saying, "So, tell your people to get over there right away."
"Yes!"
David Rhodes dared not delay any longer and quickly ordered his subordinates to rush over.
"Those who can ride motorbikes should do so to avoid traffic jams and delays."
After a moment’s thought, David Rhodes added, "You guys hurry up and go over there, I’m about to head out as well."
The atmosphere in Westcroft was tense, but over in Aethelgard, it was calm and peaceful.
Well, except for Ariana Grant’s questioning.
"Why on earth did you make me block Lillian from my contacts?"
Ashley Shaw pressed her temples, which were pounding, and said, "I just don’t want any more connections."
Ariana Grant sighed and said, "I’ve seen you before when you were practically head over heels for him. It’s strange to see you like this now."
"Anyway, if he contacts you through other means, just don’t engage with him."
Ariana made an "OK" gesture, but her curiosity got the better of her and she couldn’t help but ask, "Have you really lost all feelings for him?"
Ashley Shaw shook her head without hesitation: "None at all."
"Alright, then I know what to do."
"What are you going to do?"
"If he reaches out to me, I’ll just say you have a boyfriend."
Ashley Shaw shrugged: "Say whatever you want, I’m not going to have any contact with him anyway."
Ariana Grant sighed again.
"I wish I were you—chased by two handsome and wealthy guys."
"Enough, I know who you’re talking about, but let’s not mention it anymore."
Ariana Grant raised an eyebrow and said, "Got it! I guess I’ll just think about where we should visit tomorrow. How about going to Aethelgard Temple? I heard it’s pretty effective for wealth blessings."
"I’m up for anything."
In fact, she’s already been to many places around Aethelgard, but she couldn’t show it, so she let Ariana plan everything.
The night slowly deepened.
For some reason, Ashley Shaw tossed and turned all night, unable to sleep well, often startling awake for no apparent reason.
As a result, when Ariana Grant called her to get up the next day, she looked utterly exhausted.
"What happened to you? You look like you didn’t sleep at all."
Ashley Shaw thought to herself, "It’s no different from not sleeping at all," but said out loud, "Nothing, maybe just a bit of unaccustomed climate."
"That’s why being someone like me, who doesn’t mind being plump, is great—never feel out of place in any climate."
After getting ready and having breakfast at the hotel, their plans took an unexpected turn.
The available spots for Aethelgard Temple were fully booked today, so they would have to go tomorrow.
Ariana Grant joked, "Seems like the economy isn’t doing too well, everyone’s going to Aethelgard Temple for financial blessings."
"Isn’t it? So you need to really hold on tight to Aunt Sutton’s coattails."
Speaking of which, Ariana Grant felt a bit embarrassed: "Don’t say that, she has a son and a daughter, both legs are already clung onto, there’s no room for me."
After that, she changed the topic and said, "We can’t go to Aethelgard Temple, and without a one-day advance reservation, we can’t visit The Sovereign’s Court either, so where should we go?"
Ashley Shaw thought for a moment and suggested, "Why not just wander around nearby today, and maybe visit the university?"
Even though she’s been to many landmarks in Aethelgard in her previous life, she hasn’t actually visited Aethelgard Medical University.
Ariana Grant immediately agreed: "Sure, let’s also tour University City and see what places we can visit."
Ashley Shaw nodded and was about to say she’ll go back to her room to change and head out when a tall, slender man approached them.
"Hello, miss. I am Mr. Lin..."
As he spoke, he handed out his business card.
Seeing his suit, Ashley Shaw instinctively thought he might be a manager at the hotel, but upon checking the card, realized he wasn’t.
He was the general manager of a cultural and entertainment company in Aethelgard named Daniel Lynch; such a name obviously lacked the wood element.
"Here’s the thing, our company is currently looking for a magazine cover model, and I think your appearance perfectly matches the protagonist we’re seeking for this issue’s cover. I wonder if you’re interested in learning more?"
Ashley Shaw was a bit surprised—had she just been scouted?
But she quickly calmed herself and said, "Sorry, we are just students and not considering modeling at the moment."
"Are you a college student around here?"
"Yes."
"Which school?"
Ashley Shaw wasn’t fond of sharing personal information with strangers, so she responded mildly, "We haven’t started yet. We’ve just graduated high school, so technically not college students yet. So, sorry."
Most people would understand her meaning by now and politely leave.
But either this person didn’t get it or ignored social cues, continuing to speak to her with greater enthusiasm.
"Being a prospective university student is even better. Our cover feature this issue is about fresh-faced campus belles, and I think your image fits perfectly. You should definitely come to our company and give it a try. I can assure you that if you come for the interview, there’s an 80 to 90 percent chance you’ll be the model we choose."
Ashley Shaw’s brow had furrowed.
The person continued, "Of course, we don’t expect you to help with the shoot for free. We offer 8,000 per session once we use your photos."
"Eight thousand?" Ariana Grant’s eyes lit up, unable to help but ask, "Is that just for taking a few photos?"
Daniel Lynch smiled, "Yes, 8,000 isn’t considered low in the modeling market. But before that, you’ll need to make a model card, which costs..."
"You have to pay? Then no, sorry, we don’t have the funds, and we’re not interested." Ariana Grant’s attitude flipped 180 degrees.
When Ashley Shaw heard "model card," the alarms in her head went off.
She remembered in her previous life that there were many scams where students in Aethelgard lost money to so-called modeling agencies, and "model card" was a red flag in the news.
Ashley Shaw’s expression turned cold, "We’re truly not interested, and if you don’t leave, we’ll call over a hotel employee."
"No need for that, beautiful lady." Daniel Lynch didn’t feel awkward at all after being turned down and continued with a thick skin, "You can come to our company and check us out first. We’re a legitimate business with a trading license, not some shady operation."
He added, "If you can’t afford the model card, I can front the cost for you."
Ashley Shaw scoffed internally, when does the sky drop pies? The sky only drops traps.
Unfortunately, he picked the wrong person to scam—she wasn’t just a clueless "soon-to-be university student."
Ashley Shaw immediately raised her hand, "Waiter!"
The hotel staff had already noticed the situation and came over when called.
Ashley Shaw promptly spoke up, "This person has been bothering us, please, could you show him out?"