The Return of the Cannon Fodder Trillion Heiress - Chapter 159

Chapter 159: Chapter 159 Men Acting Like Children?
Xavier found himself at an impasse, realizing that whatever course of action he took, Leo seemed to have a calculated strategy in place, employing reverse psychology to gain an advantage. Succumbing to a momentary victory might only play into Leo’s hands, as it would bolster Leo’s image as magnanimous and understanding, particularly in Hera’s eyes.

After careful consideration, Xavier opted for the safer approach and responded, “That’s not what I meant, Mr. Hendrix.” He chose brevity, standing resolutely beside Hera. His intention was clear: he simply wished to walk alongside her.

Hera couldn’t help but notice Xavier’s behavior, akin to a neglected cat seeking attention, while Leo seemed to embody the loyal, eager-to-please demeanor of a faithful dog. Despite the apparent dynamic between them, she found their interaction oddly endearing. Preferring not to overanalyze the situation, she decided to simply let them be, choosing not to dwell on the nuances of their behavior for the time being.

After diffusing the tension between them and ensuring everyone was on amicable terms, Hera then couldn’t suppress a laugh anymore. The way the two sides engaged in subtle banter, much like children, as they strolled back to the cabin amused her. Initially, Xavier appeared somewhat hostile while Leo maintained a laid-back, nonchalant demeanor. However, Leo’s approach would subtly shift in response to Xavier’s reactions, gradually fostering a sense of comfort in their interaction without them realizing it.

Hera sensed that while they may not be friends yet, their relationship had potential for growth in the future. She found amusement in their ongoing dynamics, choosing to observe without directly intervening. Sometimes, she felt a bit perplexed because she noticed what the two were up to, but she chose to refrain from jumping to conclusions or overanalyzing the situation to avoid any misunderstandings or misinterpretations. She didn’t want to be labeled as presumptuous or feel entitled if she read too much of their interactions.

And just like that, the trio returned to the cabin where Zen was already busy preparing for their evening meal. Despite attempts by other participants to engage him in conversation, he remained aloof. After all, they hadn’t yet apologized for their treatment of Hera or the difficulties they’d caused.

Secondly, he chose to be a bit petty and hold onto his grudges. His focus remained solely on the friendships he had cultivated with Hera, Xavier, and the villagers, which proved to be refreshing on many levels. He had little regard for the others anymore. Initially, he had hoped to foster positive relationships with all the participants in the show, envisioning potential friends in the industry once he began working. He had been easy to get along with, but now, his priorities had shifted.

But despite the annoyance from some of the other participants, he found solace in the fact that he could still count Hera and Xavier among his friends. For him, that was more than sufficient. He had come to realize that he preferred a smaller circle of high-quality friendships over a larger one of questionable depth.

As Zen washed the vegetables, he noticed Hera entering the door, flanked by Xavier holding her left hand and Leo holding her right. The trio resembled a love triangle, but Hera seemed more like a caretaker with two children clinging to her.

This was also Zen’s first time seeing Xavier act that way; usually aloof and lazy, now he seemed afraid to let go of Hera as if fearing Leo might take advantage of his absence.

As a man, he could tell what was going on with Xavier and Leo’s minds and his grandfather always says that when a man falls in love with someone or is trying to get someone’s attention, they instinctively turn into a big child to rouse the motherly instinct of a woman and so to find them endearing, he never believed what his grandfather told him not until he saw the two big children clinging to Hera.

He couldn’t stifle his laughter as he watched the three make their way to the kitchen, where others’ eyes were also fixed on them. Zen then subconsciously thought of his intimidating grandfather, whom he had been afraid of since childhood because of his stern and imposing demeanor. However, after witnessing Leo and Xavier’s behavior and recalling his grandfather’s words, he couldn’t help but imagine his own grandfather acting similarly towards his grandmother.

He burst into laughter, completely transforming his perception of his grandfather. The once intimidating image in his mind was now replaced with a more endearing one, making him see his grandfather as less scary and more adorable.

“Zen, you seemed to be in a good mood?” Hera approached Zen in the kitchen aisle, noticing his cheerful demeanor. Xavier and Leo graciously released her hand to give her the freedom to move around. Xavier, out of habit, followed Hera into the kitchen to assist with preparations. However, when he glanced back, he was surprised to find Leo already rolling up his sleeves and neatly placing his suit jacket on a stool, eagerly joining Hera in vegetable peeling. Xavier couldn’t help but marvel at Leo’s efficiency, realizing he had beaten him to the task.

However, unwilling to be outdone by Leo, he eagerly took on another task to assist Hera. The four of them seamlessly coordinated in the kitchen, with Zen occasionally cracking jokes that elicited chuckles and laughter. Meanwhile, Leo attentively placed peeled vegetables next to Hera, occasionally helping her dab away sweat or gently tuck loose strands of hair behind her ear—a gesture he had longed to emulate after observing Xavier do the same on screen.

His jealousy began to dissipate as he realized he could engage in these gestures with Hera without seeming overly obvious—or so he believed. Yet, his actions felt so effortless and genuine that Hera didn’t perceive anything amiss. She found herself at ease in Leo’s presence, even more so than when Xavier had performed similar actions.

Indeed, Leo’s actions sparked butterflies in her stomach, but beyond that, she felt an undeniable closeness to him. At times, it seemed as though they were old friends, sharing a profound understanding of each other, yet they were simultaneously navigating the early stages of getting to know each other.

The atmosphere felt almost magical to her, a refreshing change. Witnessing the seamless harmony between Leo and Hera, Xavier smoothly assumed Zen’s place beside her, directing Zen to the sink so he could remain by Hera’s side as well. Although Xavier and Leo engaged in a silent competition to complete tasks, they refrained from overt displays of affection toward Hera, mindful not to make her feel uneasy or provoke any irritation.

This scene ignited fury in some onlookers, as the actions of the group became glaringly obvious. Alexi, in particular, seethed with jealousy upon witnessing Hera being surrounded by men, noticing her apparent lack of effort to distance herself and instead, seemingly reveling in their overt attention. He couldn’t shake the feeling that Hera was intentionally trying to stoke his jealousy.

However, Alexi’s perception wasn’t entirely unfounded. Hera was indeed relishing the unfolding situation, having come to the show with the intention of seducing Xavier and drawing him away from Alice. Thus, her behavior felt natural to her. What she hadn’t anticipated was forming a connection with Leo as well. The fact that she didn’t feel repelled by him prompted her to reflect deeply on her actions.