Chapter 178: Cooking Personally

Chapter 178: Chapter 178: Cooking Personally

Renee Morgan finished her performance, calmed herself, and then bowed to the others present. That brief moment of emotional withdrawal made Director Lincoln and the producer break out in goosebumps, so they stood up together and applauded.

Director Lincoln and the producer asked someone to bring over the script.

If the role isn’t pre-determined, the result of the audition usually isn’t announced on the spot.

Unless they’re truly, absolutely satisfied.

"Here’s the script. You’re very suited for the lead female role. If you and your side have no objections, we’ve decided to go with you. Once all the cast is finalized, we’ll notify you to come for a costume fitting. Regarding the contract, our staff will contact your agent." Director Lincoln personally handed her the script, clearly pleased and appreciative.

The contract refers to salary negotiations. That’s something Renee Morgan doesn’t need to fight for; the company and Warren will settle it.

Renee Morgan took the thick script, thanked them as she hugged it to her chest, and then said goodbye before leaving.

When she came out of the audition studio, her assistant saw her holding the script and quickly reached out to take it, unable to hide her excitement even as she lowered her voice, "Morgan, is this the script? The role got confirmed so fast?"

Renee Morgan acknowledged quietly and told the assistant to call Warren, since Director Lincoln would be reaching out soon to discuss the contract. She asked her to keep an eye out for any calls.

After the assistant made the call, she glanced back and saw Renee Morgan take out her phone, apparently sending a message.

She didn’t dare ask too much, just held the script carefully.

Ethan Sterling had given Renee Morgan his address last night.

Today’s audition went smoothly and finished much earlier than expected, so Renee Morgan decided to go buy some groceries.

She sent Ethan Sterling a message in advance: "Work finished early, I’m passing the mall so I’ll grab some groceries. Can you wait for me at home?"

Ethan Sterling: "I have all the groceries at home. Since work ended early, should I come pick you up now?"

Renee Morgan: "..."

To make sure she had no chance to treat him to dinner, he’d even given up restaurants and insisted on cooking himself—how could he let her buy groceries?

"No need, I’ll have the company driver take me over." Renee Morgan typed her reply.

Lewis knew she was going to visit a friend, so he hesitated, "Should I drive you home after you’re done?"

Warren had told him to stick by Renee Morgan, and after the audition, to escort her up to the apartment before leaving.

Renee Morgan: "I’m not sure about the time. You head back first. If I need a ride, I’ll call you."

Seeing that Lewis still looked uneasy, Renee Morgan added, "No matter where I am later, I’ll let you and Warren know I’m safe. Don’t worry, I know what I’m doing."

Only then did Lewis feel at ease and began driving. He entered the address—turns out it was a luxury complex in Downtown Maridia?

The car arrived after more than an hour.

Outside cars couldn’t enter without registration, but Renee Morgan found it troublesome, so she got out herself and told them to go ahead and leave.

Ethan Sterling got her message, knew she was at the complex gate, and came down quickly.

Renee Morgan had a mask on. When she saw him come out, she quickly waved and walked toward him.

"Hi, Officer Sterling..." Renee Morgan saw nobody else around, pulled down her mask, and flashed him a smile.

Her almond-shaped, sparkling eyes carried a hint of shyness, but her smile was radiant as a flower. Fair, luminous skin, stunning features, and even the blazing sun overhead couldn’t match how dazzling she looked.

Ethan Sterling withdrew his gaze, his tone cool and refined. "Just call me Ethan Sterling."

Renee Morgan felt that wasn’t quite right, but remembering he was already retired, arguing about it seemed pointless. She pursed her lips, "Okay, then I’ll call you Mr. Sterling?"

Ethan Sterling replied with a quiet "Mm," then led her inside.

This complex is at the heart of City of Maridia, with outrageously expensive real estate. Renee Morgan wanted to ask, hesitated, "You live here?"

Home? Ethan Sterling shook his head, "No, just staying here temporarily."

Renee Morgan knew he’d just retired from District J; this wasn’t his permanent place, probably a rental or a friend’s place.

She didn’t press him for more details.

The complex was huge; it took about ten minutes walking before they entered at the A block’s sign, stopped before a glass door, scanned in, took the elevator, and Ethan Sterling pressed 42 for the floor.

She knew it was a high-end complex, but stepping inside still stunned her with its luxurious décor.

Noticing her surprise, Ethan Sterling fetched her slippers and explained, "I’ll be staying here for a while. It’s the most convenient place."

Renee Morgan understood it wasn’t his home. With such lavish décor, it probably wasn’t a rental either—more likely a friend letting him stay for a spell.

She slipped on the slippers and went inside. Ethan Sterling gestured for her to sit nearby and made her kung fu tea.

It was still summer; he wore casual pants and a t-shirt, black trousers and white shirt, his crewcut slightly longer now, pale skin seeming even lighter, red lips and dark eyes, and as he pinched the teapot lid, he rinsed it with hot water, lifted the lid, poured the tea, rinsed the cup, then poured in fresh tea, used tongs to set a cup in front of her, and made an inviting gesture.

Renee Morgan looked away, picked up the tea, and tasted it carefully.

The tea was excellent—sweet aftertaste, fragrant and lingering.

After Ethan Sterling poured her three cups, seeing her movements slow down, he got up from the sofa, fetched fruit from the fridge, washed and plated them, placed a fork, and set the tray in front of her.

Renee Morgan looked at the large round platter. There were dozens of fruits, all cut to identical sizes and arranged neatly—she even suspected each variety had the exact same number of pieces...

Ethan Sterling, seeing it was almost time, handed her the TV remote and went to cook.

Renee Morgan sighed, quickly got up from the sofa, "Mr. Sterling, I can’t let you do all the work alone—let me help you in the kitchen."

Ethan Sterling hadn’t spoken yet, but she’d already run toward the kitchen.

Renee Morgan, despite carrying a black card, had never seen such lavish décor; even the kitchen chandelier was gold-plated with gems, and when it was lit up, the entire kitchen felt infused with the comfort money brings.

The fridge was huge, packed with every kind of ingredient imaginable. Next to it was a holding tank that had plenty of fresh seafood swimming around.

Scene after scene, Renee Morgan was amazed. She didn’t expect Ethan Sterling, who seemed taciturn, to have such great friends who’d lend him such a luxury place—the routine alone must cost a fair bit every day.

Seeing her gawking around, Ethan Sterling silently scooped out a large lobster and deftly broke it down.

Renee Morgan heard the commotion and came over. Watching his skilled, methodical hands as he took apart the lobster, then fished out a mandarin fish and cut it up with practiced efficiency—she figured even the best market vendors couldn’t match him.

Renee Morgan leaned on the stove, watching him open the belly, and within a minute he’d dealt with the fish. She exclaimed, "Do you cook often?"

"No." Ethan Sterling finished plating the fish, glanced at the wide-eyed, fluttering girl, and explained in a calm voice, "Did it a lot back in middle school."

He could cook, though he hadn’t done it much in years.