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Chapter 72 You’re Wasting Your Talent
“Sigh, business has been tough lately.” The elderly woman’s hands, rough and worn from years of labor, gently selected eggs from a bamboo basket beside her, placing them carefully on the grass in front of her.
Her voice, strained by the tremors in her hands, stirred something inside Caroline.
She felt a deep sympathy for the woman’s struggles, as if the weight of her hardships was pressing against her own chest.
Caroline glanced down at the small pile of eggs, no more than 30 in total.
The price is only a little more than usual, and I can afford it. Besides, buying them will help the elderly woman out in some small way.
“Alright, I’ll take them all,” Caroline said, handing over the money.
After the elderly woman packed up her stand and began to leave, Caroline felt a small sense of satisfaction. She had done something good today.
As a smile began to form on her lips, she felt a sudden weight on her shoulder.
Surprised, she turned and saw Blake standing behind her.
“Dr. Sherwood, are you buying groceries too?” she asked, her voice tinged with curiosity.
Blake’s expression was unreadable. Instead of responding directly, he simply said, “Come with me.”
Without waiting for her to answer, he turned and walked away. Caroline, though puzz followed him. “Where are we going?” she asked as they walked.
Blake didn’t turn to look at her. “You’ll see soon enough
There was something reassuring about his presence, something that made Caroline feel safe, as though everything would work out in the end.
They moved through the market, Blake leading her past the bustling crowd until they came to a stop. He pointed ahead.
“Look over there.”
Caroline followed his finger, spotting the familiar figure of the old woman–the same one who had sold her the eggs.
The elderly woman was entering the supermarket, likely to buy more groceries.
Turning to Blake, Caroline’s confusion deepened. “What’s going on over there?”
Blake’s response was calm and steady. “Just wait a moment. You’ll understand in a second.”
Though still unsure, Caroline focused her attention on the supermarket’s entrance.
The crowd was thinning, and nothing seemed out of place at first.
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Then, a moment later, the old woman came back out of the store, two cartons of eggs in hand.
It was clear she had just purchased those eggs from the store.
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Caroline’s face darkened as suspicion began to creep in The old woman had sold her eggs claiming they were free–range, but now she was buying store–bought eggs.
As if confirming her doubts, the elderly woman’set up a small stool and began placing the store–bought eggs into her bamboo basket, pretending they were her own.
Caroline could hardly believe her eyes..
When she was starting to get worked up, Blake’s voice cut through her thoughts. “You’re not familiar with this market, so it’s understandable. But this kind of thing happens a lot around here. Some elderly people sell cheap, store–bought vegetables or eggs, pretending they’re free–range or homegrown. They count on people like you, with good intentions, thinking they’re offering fresh, natural products.”
Caroline’s gaze fell to the eggs she had just bought.
The ones she had previously bought were really free–range eggs. She had never thought she would be scammed like this.
If she hadn’t witnessed it herself, she would never have believed that someone so kind–looking could deceive people like that.
What’s wrong with this world?
With a frustrated sigh, she turned to Blake. “Thanks for showing me this. I’ll be more careful next time.”
Blake raised an eyebrow, observing her expression. “You bought quite a few eggs. A something about it?”
you going to do
Caroline shook her head lightly. “What’s the point? It’s a lesson learned. I’ll just be more cautious from now
on.”
It doesn’t seem worth confronting the woman. It will likely lead to an argument, and who knows if the elderly woman will turn it into some kind of scam or something worse? It’s just not worth the trouble.
Blake nodded, understanding her perspective. “You’re right. Do you need to grab anything else?
“I still need some vegetables,” Caroline replied after a moment’s thought. “And the crabs at the market looked good. How about I grab a few? We can have them for dinner tonight.”
It was her way of thanking him for pointing out the scam.
Blake’s lips curved into a smile, his eyes brightening. “Sounds perfect.”
They both turned and continued through the market, picking up a few more items before heading back home.
The building they lived in had two apartments per
floor.
Since Blake needed to stop by his place first, they left their doors open to make coming and going easier. Caroline cooked dinner, and soon enough, she called out to Blake. He appeared quickly. stepping into her
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apartment.
Caroline’s cooking was exceptional, and Blake couldn’t help but compliment her throughout the meal.
“Your cooking is too good for a place like this. You’re wasting your talent making takeout for people.”
Caroline beamed at the praise. As a chef, there was nothing better than being recognized for her skill. “Thank you. But honestly, I’m happy where I am right now.”
For the time being, this was enough for her.
(11)
