Chapter 40
“No worries, you two keep sorting through those addresses.”
A few hours earlier, even the driver got roped into the task. Addison had to stick around.
Armed with a flashlight, Clara continued answering questions from her online audience.
“It’s pitch dark out here since we’re up in the mountains, quite a trek from the nearest town. I won’t be heading back tonight; I’m planning on live–streaming all night. With this heavy rain, the harvest window is shrinking. The apples can’t wait, so thank you all for your orders. The farmers will be packing and shipping them out tomorrow.”
The rain pounded down relentlessly, and folks in the live chat were worried about her safety, urging her not to wander too far.
Clara had been walking for half an hour, her voice calm and steady. “The orchard’s massive, and the weather’s not great, so I won’t go any further.”
Just after she said that, she tripped and took a tumble, dropping her phone. Her knee got scraped, and her palms were cut by the sharp stones, sending a jolt of pain through her.
But she brushed it off, quickly picking up her phone and giving it a quick wipe. Thankfully, the phone was fine, and viewers were urging her to head back.
“Oops, just took a spill there. I’m alright, heading back now. The rain’s really coming down tonight.”
A small stone was still lodged in her knee, causing her to limp, but her tone remained unchanged.
“I’ve tried the apples myself. They’re super sweet, so you can confidently place your orders. Plus, this is an official channel. We’re working with the government to genuinely support the farmers.”
Her raincoat was torn from the fall, and her hair was soaked, yet she still looked stunning on camera. The viewers‘ focus quickly shifted.
[Wow, she’s not wearing any makeup? She’s gorgeous!]
[Her looks outshine many celebrities. Girl, you should consider a career in the limelight. You’d probably earn more than from helping farmers.]
[Alright, I’m getting those apples! I’ve got relatives near South Ashford. I’ll snag a hundred pounds; they’ll have apples for a year.]
As soon as that comment hit, even more messages poured in.
[Yeah, I have family near South Ashford too. They’re in for a treat.]
[You’re too slow, folks. I’ve already ordered a hundred pounds each for my aunts, uncles, and grandmas. Money’s no issue. I just enjoy chatting with the host.]
And with that, more orders came rolling in.
Clara wiped the rain off her cheek and smiled, “Thanks for all your support.”
Just as she finished speaking, she tripped again. This time, the stone in her knee dug in deeper, making her face go pale. But she bit her lip and didn’t make a sound, slowly lifting her leg. “The tent’s just ahead. I’m fine. The camera just shook a bit.”
Back in the tent, she kept the live stream going all night, alternating between munching on apples and answering viewers‘ questions.
Addison, unable to keep her eyes open, fell asleep beside Clara. When she woke up, it was already ten in the morning, and Clara’s voice was still going.
She was surprised. “You didn’t sleep at all?”
1/2
23:14
Chapter 40
Clara nodded, pointing to the order dashboard. “We’ve sold 300,000 pounds.”
In just one night, they’d sold half the apples they had piled up!
Addison jumped up from her chair, staring in disbelief at the orders. She was speechless, pulling Clara into a hug. “You’re incredible. My goodness, you’re amazing.”
She was careful not to reveal Clara’s name on screen, so she never called her by name when the camera was
- on.
Clara looked a bit worn out, having streamed without a break. Her clothes, once soaked, were now dry. After a night of munching on apples, her stomach was uncomfortably full. Now that Addison was awake, she rubbed her eyes.
“You should take over now. Just handle the questions. We’ve got a few more days. If we can’t sell everything, I’ll jump back in when I wake up.”
She didn’t want to put pressure on Addison.
Addison’s eyes filled with tears of gratitude. Whoever had spoken ill of Clara before was so wrong–she’d fiercely defend her from now on!
Chapter 41
