tkworld Chapter 166: Truth or Dare
Chapter 166: Truth or Dare
The person on the other end hung up abruptly. Iris Weldon was speechless for a moment before dialing her daughter’s number.
"Mom, that matter still needs a little more time."
Iris Weldon replied, "It’s not about that. It’s about your cousin."
She explained the situation with her niece. "Listen, if she comes to you for help, just handle it by the book. Don’t pull any strings for her. I suspect your uncle never wanted her to get into showbiz in the first place. She must have done something to force his hand."
Her brother-in-law was rather conservative. He believed the entertainment industry was a chaotic mess and that anyone who entered it was tainted. So, it was highly unlikely he would have let his own daughter join.
The Valentines had a long military history. Even though her brother-in-law went into business, if Whitney Valentine entered the entertainment industry and made a single misstep, it would drag down the entire family. That was why Iris was tossing this hot potato back to him.
"Okay, Mom. I understand. I’ll handle it."
Her idea of "handling it" was to immediately block Whitney Valentine’s number.
’That woman’s ambition is written all over her face. Only her own parents would think their daughter is so wonderful,’ she thought.
...
At four in the afternoon, the production crew started preparing for the evening barbecue. Director Warren had finally decided to be generous and hired professional chefs, telling the guests to just relax.
In addition to the grills, several sets of sofas and chairs were arranged in the courtyard. Anyone who wanted to grill could help themselves, and those who didn’t could just sit on the sofas and chat. It was a very relaxed atmosphere.
As the sky slowly darkened, the courtyard lights flickered on. Riley Perry grabbed a handful of chicken gizzard skewers and put them on the grill, adding a few oysters alongside them. While she cooked, she didn’t forget to trade grilling tips with the two chefs.
"I remember you were grilling on a previous episode, and you even brought your own seasonings," one of the chefs, a stout man, remarked. He was a fan of the show, and Riley Perry was his favorite guest.
"I’m what you’d call an experienced eater, not an experienced cook. It’s not like my food is amazing. I just looked up a few things online before coming on the show and bought some ready-made seasonings, so the stuff I make is barely edible."
Director Warren and the others who had tasted Riley’s cooking thought, ’...Sure. We’ll just listen to you spout nonsense.’
The stout chef chuckled. He hadn’t expected Riley Perry to be the same in person as she was on the show—so genuine. She was like one of the younger relatives in his own family, friendly and approachable.
"If you want delicious barbecue, it all starts with the marinade. Every chef has their own secret recipe. I’ve got over thirty different spices in mine. I guarantee once you start eating, you won’t be able to stop..."
Riley Perry nodded along, humming in agreement as she flipped her skewers. Chloe Sterling grabbed some vegetables and sat down beside her, listening to the chef and Riley chat.
Soon, platters of freshly grilled skewers were ready.
Holly Summers made a point of sitting next to Roxanne Fulton, her eyes darting toward Riley Perry again and again. She’d found out that afternoon that once this show was over, her public image would be in the gutter. Riley’s fans, in particular, were like a pack of mad dogs, relentlessly hounding her.
If she didn’t seize this final opportunity to do something spectacular, she was truly finished.
As if he had heard her silent plea, Director Warren appeared with a TAP, TAP, TAP of his shoes.
"Since everyone’s just sitting around, how about we play a game? Truth or Dare. We can play while we eat, so things don’t get boring."
A staff member had already brought out the props: an empty bottle and a small box filled with slips of paper for the dares.
Everyone had played this game before, so there was no need to explain the rules. The person who spun the bottle would ask a question, and whoever it landed on had to answer.
Holly Summers was unusually eager. She might not have been good at much, but she was an expert at spinning the bottle. She had even purposely sat directly across from Riley Perry. With a little bit of control, she could be the one to ask the question and force Riley to answer.
"Come on, I’ll go first!"
Riley picked up one of her freshly grilled oysters and happily slurped it down. It tasted amazing. Her favorite part of grilled oysters was the garlicky aroma; she could never get enough of it.
"Is it good?" Chloe Sterling asked.
Riley nodded. "It’s so fragrant and fresh. There’s a hint of spice mixed with the garlic. Absolutely delicious."
Holly Summers feigned annoyance. "Hey, can we have some respect for the game? I’m about to spin the bottle, so could you all pay attention for a second?"
It sounded like she was talking to everyone, but her eyes were fixed on Riley Perry. As for Riley...
She completely ignored her, slurping down another oyster. The sight of her enjoying it so much made Chloe’s mouth water, and she quickly snatched one for herself. It was true what they say—food always tastes better when you have to fight for it!
[It’s making me hungry. Seriously, is Riley Perry trying to make me drool on purpose?]
[Smart people have already ordered a barbecue feast to eat along with the show. When does watching Riley eat *not* make you hungry?]
[Wait, you two lovebirds, are you planning to go public as soon as the show is over? You’re not even trying to hide it on camera anymore?]
Roxanne Fulton was a little better; she was still quite reserved on camera. But Ethan Shaw looked like he wanted to glue his eyes to her. Even with the cameras rolling, he doted on her constantly. The audience would have to be blind not to see it.
[Our queen is perfect on her own. Can a certain someone stay in his own lane?]
[Our man is just a gentleman who’s used to taking care of women. I hope a certain someone’s fans don’t read too much into it.]
Neutral viewers didn’t get it. Neither of them were minors, so what was wrong with them dating? It wasn’t like it was illegal.
But their fans were a different story, forbidding this and forbidding that. ’Did they think they were gods?’
’Even gods can’t control what people do.’
Just then, Holly Summers spun the bottle. When it stopped, the neck was pointing directly at Riley Perry. "Oh, look at that! The first one is Riley! Now, what question should I ask? Does anyone have any suggestions?"
Victoria Koenig spoke up, "Ask Ria who her master is! I want to know if I can study under them too."
And it wasn’t just Victoria; nearly everyone watching the livestream wanted to know the answer to that question.
Everyone knew Victoria was referring to the master who had taught Riley martial arts—her Qinggong, her skill with hidden weapons, her swordsmanship. If someone could master even one of those skills to Riley’s level, they would surely become famous!
Holly Summers scoffed. "Honestly, that violent stuff is all you guys ever think about. Besides, a master of that caliber wouldn’t take on disciples so easily. It’d be pointless to ask. Forget it, I’ll just think of my own question... Ah, I’ve got one."
"Riley, everyone knows what happened with you and Raphael Jacobs. If you get into another relationship in the future, will you make it public?"
’Hmph, little bitch,’ Holly thought. ’Other people might not know, but I do. Riley has a sugar daddy right now. It doesn’t matter if she says she’d go public or not. The moment her relationship with her sponsor is exposed, she’s going to get crucified by the public!’
[What is with this person? She asks for suggestions, but when Victoria gives one, she just ignores it. No wonder netizens are always flaming her. She totally deserves it!]
[Was she just implying Riley is violent? Wow, I’ve really seen it all now.]
[My company has a few just like her. Always so two-faced and passive-aggressive, but the men never pick up on it. Then they turn around and call *us* women petty!]