Chapter 881

If Chris Langford hadn't come along, he would have spent his entire life successfully avoiding the concept of buying three trinkets for ten dollars.

He never realized that the small, intricate items made by local craftspeople could be so stunning, so much so that when he asked for the price, he had no real concept of what a hundred dollars actually meant.

Compared to other heirs from prestigious families, Leonie Everhart was far more grounded.

Especially when she watched Chris and Celia Langford trying to haggle with the street vendors. Their conversations sounded like aliens trying to communicate with humans, and Leonie was laughing so hard she could barely stand.

When the vendors asked for thirty dollars, Chris would instinctively add the word "thousand" to the end, and if they said five hundred, he'd genuinely ask if they meant five million.

The vendors were absolutely stunned. Leonie couldn't stop laughing the entire time. All the stress Connor Kaufman had caused her recently seemed to vanish into thin air.

"Celia, maybe we should just stop talking."

He felt like everyone they walked past was staring at them as if they were monsters.

Some people even rolled their eyes and gave them disdainful looks when they walked away without buying anything after asking the price.

"Don't take it personally. Greenvale is just like this," Leonie said smoothly. "The locals here live good, honest lives, and they don't exactly bow down to the wealthy because everyone has their own thing going on.

"Everyone works hard, earns their keep, and lives the life they want. They won't kiss up to you just because you have money. To them, your wealth is your business, and their ability to make a living is their own skill.

"If you aren't benefiting them, they have no reason to grovel. For the most part, the neighborhoods are very friendly and tight-knit.

"During the holidays, families and friends all get together. It's a very harmonious place to live."

This was the most down-to-earth explanation she could offer.

"I'll take you to The Sizzling Hearth later. It's a Greenvale staple."

You could find one of their locations every few blocks. When evening fell and all the neon signs lit up, Greenvale transformed into a gorgeous, bustling ocean of lights.

"What kind of hearth is that?"

Celia and Chris were genuinely curious. Unlike when he first arrived, Chris no longer bottled up his questions to save face. He was finally opening up, asking about whatever confused him.

Leonie patiently explained, "It's not a literal fireplace. It's a famous local dining style. Haven't you ever had anything like it in Starfall City?"

She was honestly surprised. When Gwyneth had first arrived, she hadn't been nearly as sheltered as Chris. Celia simply shook her head, looking utterly lost.

They probably had similar spots in Starfall City, but the Langford siblings rarely ate out. They

exclusively hired five-star chefs et

cook at home or dined at their family's luxury hotels, whereo nutritionists specifically payed their meals with imported seafood.

They had heard of seafood boils, but a sizzling hotpot grill was completely foreign to them. They were also distracted by the colorful array of massive lemons sold near the market.

Some of the lemons were enormous. Chris couldn't fathom how some people were

just peeling them and eating them raw. Weren't they unbearably sour?

Leonie finally led them to a highly acclaimed location of The Sizzling Hearth, which was already packed with a lively crowd.

The server brought out a dual-flavor

simmering pot. Seeing Chris and Celia staring at the menu like a pair of lost puppies, Leonie took the initiative and ordered a split broth base.

Leonie asked if they had any dietary restrictions. When Chris mentioned a severe peanut allergy, she couldn't help but shoot him a surprised look.

Celia casually added, "I'm allergic to mangoes."

This was the first time Leonie had encountered locals with such specific food allergies.

She looked at the pampered siblings.

"If you're allergic to peanuts, you should definitely avoid them. But if it's just a mild mango allergy, you could try a little. Build up your immunity."

Leonie figured it was just the kind of allergy that made their mouths slightly red and itchy.

She used to have the same reaction, but the food was too good to pass up, and eventually, the symptoms just faded away.

Celia was actually excited and said she'd give it a try. Chris shot his sister a look that clearly screamed, 'Are you trying to get yourself killed?'

Later, the manager sent over a mango smoothie and a large plate of freshly sliced oranges.

"These are on the house. Please enjoy."

Chris stared at the massive plate of yellow 'lemons,' too hesitant to reach for one. Leonie looked at him, slightly confused. "Why aren't you eating? They're delicious."