Stars Waited Above Empty Streets by Lorin Wren 230

Chapter 230 Malory vs Holly: Sparks at Camp 

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5 Pearis 

“I’m not bragging my cooking’s decent. And I won’t hold anything back; I’ll give real, solid guidance. Think about it once you guys learn how to cook, that’s a skill you can brag about when you try to get girlfriends later, right?” 

Listening to her logical, confident explanation, Linden suddenly understood why this girl had managed to tit so well with the Q–1–B squad. 

All right. Your terms are very reasonable.” 

Ava smiled. “It’s settled then. Looking forward to working together, Captain Oestergaard. And hopefully, our team reaches the finish line on time. You’re a capable man–more capable people naturally pull more weight. So I’ll leave it in your hands.” 

Linden’s eyelids twitched. This girl… unbelievable. She’s already buttering me up. 

After they ate, washed the dishes, packed up the cooking gear, and rested for a bit, Linden gave the order to move out again. The group continued forward, chatting and laughing along the way–though the “laughing” part came mostly from Holly flirting and bantering with the young men. 

Ava soon regretted her earlier decision. Without her tough act, Malory showed her true nature–and it turned out she was clingy. Really clingy. Ava felt as if she were dragging around an accessory everywhere she went. 

Malory, can you let me breathe?” Ava finally said. “You’ve been chattering nonstop. My ears are ringing.” 

Malory covered her mouth with a playful laugh. “Oh, come on, Ava. I like you! I just didn’t want you to get bored, so I kept you entertained. If you think I talk too much, I won’t talk. Want me to sing instead? I sing pretty well.” 

Without waiting for permission, Malory started singing Ava listened, surprised to hear what sounded like a foreign–language song. She couldn’t understand a word, but Malory’s husky voice was surprisingly pleasant. 

Near sunset, with the sky streaked red by the sinking sun, Linden raised his hand. “Good work today. We’ll camp here tonight.” 

Ava rubbed her sore legs, thankful for the past twenty–or–so days of training. If she were relying on her old stamina, she would’ve collapsed by now. 

Linden studied the map, then let everyone rest for ten minutes before assigning tasks. “Six guys stay and set up camp. Four will dig the stove pit. Some of you go fetch water or collect firewood. The rest, go look for supplies. Girls, stay here and rest.” 

He didn’t call names this time–the young men just grouped themselves and went to work. 

Malory came over and said, “Captain Oestergaard’s pretty impressive. No wonder he stands out even among the guys.” 

Holly let out a cold laugh. “What, got your eye on him now? Please. You think someone like you could snag the heir of the Oestergaard family? Do yourself a favor and look in a mirror. Don’t go throwing yourself at every competent man you see.” 

Malory shot back instantly, “Watch your mouth. I was complimenting his leadership. You’re the one twisting 

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10:48 Fri, Jan 23 

Chapter 230 kalory v Holly Sparks at Comp 

Pearls 

it into something weird. Unlike someone, I’m not out here buttering up to the guys with their sickly sweet voice the entire journey. Anyone who didn’t know better would think some pampered little princess was out parading with her men!” 

“You” Holly shot to her feet. “Don’t think that just because you’re cozy with Ava now, you can forget how you used to suck up to us, Rayner. You’re nothing but a dog. Stop pretending you’re something special!” 

“Holly Thompson!” Malory glared at her, teeth clenched eyes blazing. “You’d better watch it. Push me, and I’ll come at you! 

“So what if you’re from Capitol Planet? You’re just a third–rate family heiress pretending to be a big shot. And yes, I’m from a remote planet–so what? At least I don’t rely on men for everything. You can’t even carry your own backpack. 

“Oh. Victor, thank you for carrying my bag! You must be tired, et me wipe your sweat!” 

Malory mimicked Holly’s tone and expression so perfectly that the boys nearby couldn’t hold back their laughter–especially since Victor, the actual backpack carrier, had gone off to get water. Without him around, the laughter only got louder. 

Holly’s face flushed bright red. She raised her hand to slap Malory, but Malory had been expecting it–she stepped back quickly, and the slap landed on empty air 

“Stand right there!” Holly snapped. 

Malory snorted. “Why should I? You think I’m going to stand still and wait for you to hit me?” 

With that, she stuck her tongue out at her. 

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