The Return of the Cannon Fodder Trillion Heiress - Chapter 198

Chapter 198: Chapter 198 Eating in Cafeteria
Athena watched with an open mouth as she saw her best friend linking arms with Leo. She had already noticed their chemistry and closeness during the closing of the Variety Show yesterday, and seeing them together now confirmed her suspicions—they truly looked perfect together. Athena wholeheartedly approved of Hera being with Leo. Having lived longer and experienced love herself, Athena could tell that Leo was more than just interested in Hera. In fact, he seemed completely in love with her.

She could see the stars in Leo’s eyes as he gazed at Hera as if his entire world revolved around her. Athena knew that her best friend sensed it too, but not to the extent that Athena could. No matter how much Athena taught Hera about life and love, she couldn’t impart the wisdom that comes from experience. So, even though Hera was sensitive to others’ feelings and thoughts, she couldn’t fully grasp the depth of those emotions, especially when she was the one involved.

They say that bystanders can see more clearly than those involved. Athena watched as Leo affectionately followed Hera to her table, his smile innocent but full of love, like a child savoring his favorite candy. She felt a pang of sympathy for Leo, knowing his love might not bear fruit. Still, she decided to let him enjoy these moments. At least, he would have cherished memories to look back on once Hera finally tied the knot with the male leads.

Hera, unaware of her best friend’s thoughts, sat opposite Athena with Leo in tow. She introduced Leo to Athena, and they exchanged polite nods. Athena had only ordered food for herself and Hera, so Leo had nothing in front of him. Hera was about to stand up to order food for Leo but hesitated. Although Leo was from a branch of the Hendrix family, he had grown up in privilege and had likely never experienced eating in a common cafeteria before.

As if reading her thoughts, Leo stood up faster than Hera and said, “Do you girls want to add some more dishes? I’ll go order some more.” Hera, momentarily tongue-tied, could only smile in response.

Athena, however, chimed in, “Could you please get us a strawberry yogurt drink too? I forgot to order one earlier. Thank you!” Hera shot Athena an incredulous look, but Athena met her gaze squarely, acting as if she hadn’t done anything out of the ordinary.

Leo, not offended in the least, smiled warmly at both Hera and Athena before heading back to the counter to place the additional order. Once Leo was out of earshot, Hera turned to Athena with a questioning look. “What was that all about?” she asked.

“What do you mean?” Athena teased, giving Hera a knowing look. “You’re being overprotective of him, you know.” She paused before adding with a smirk, “I think ordering food is much easier than lifting things in the village.” she reminded Hera that Leo had worked with them in the kitchen during the victory celebration. Hera seemed to have forgotten how capable he was.

Just as Athena anticipated, Hera’s eyes widened slightly in acknowledgment—she had indeed forgotten about that. She chuckled, deciding to let the matter drop. Hera then gave Athena a rundown of what had happened in the parking lot, whispering her thoughts about the possibility of Athena taking on the role of the second female lead.

“Maybe the second female lead isn’t predetermined like the main female lead and male leads,” Athena speculated, a hint of bewilderment in her voice. “Maybe it automatically goes to the best friend of the one with the female lead halo? Or maybe you’ve met some requirements for being the female lead?” She didn’t sound entirely convinced by her own words.

“It could be,” Hera said thoughtfully. “Maybe it’s because I’m getting closer to the male leads and have managed to meet all of them while preventing Alice from making a good impression, especially with Xavier. And it’s not just Xavier—most of the male leads must have seen what happened on the show.”

“A big possibility,” Athena agreed. “But we won’t be able to piece everything together with so little information.” She then sat upright, giving Hera a knowing look that she caught right away.

“I apologize for taking so long,” Leo said, stopping beside Hera with two trays of food in his hands and drinks balanced in his arms. Despite the load he was carrying, he still looked dashingly handsome and confident. Hera immediately helped him with the trays, setting them on the table. Leo appreciated the gesture and smiled at her like a boy in love.

Leo had ordered two different combo meals, distinct from what Athena had chosen. Each combo included a meat dish, a vegetable dish, a salad, soup, rice, and a donut for dessert. While the basic components of the meals were the same, the preparation and cooking styles varied.

After sitting down, Leo handed the strawberry yogurt drinks to Athena and Hera. He even helped Hera put the straw in her drink before giving it to her. Athena, having had enough of watching them act like a couple, started eating. Though she felt a twinge of bitterness, she decided to focus on her food. At the same time, she couldn’t deny the pleasure of seeing such a beautiful couple; it was therapeutic for the eyes.

Leo, much like during the village victory celebration, took the initiative to serve Hera some food. He even went the extra mile to separate the green beans from the vegetable dish before serving it to her. Leo had observed that Hera wasn’t fond of green beans and had set them aside on her plate during their meal yesterday. He made mental notes of her food preferences and aversions, ensuring her dining experience was enjoyable unless she had no choice but to eat something she disliked.

Athena and Hera couldn’t help but notice Leo’s attentiveness, which left them impressed. Beyond being attentive, he exuded a gentle demeanor. If they hadn’t paid close attention to the small details, they might not have realized that Leo was akin to a silent hero. He went about ensuring Hera’s happiness and comfort quietly, without boasting about his actions.