At that moment, Calvin, who had been quietly standing by, could no longer hold his tongue. He stepped in to defend Ariana, asserting, “She's beautiful just the way she is. Her natural beauty is what truly stands out, and she doesn't need to conform to fleeting trends.”

The old man then shifted his attention to Calvin, examining him closely after hearing his defense. With a spark of curiosity, he questioned, “If you're so opposed to following trends, why did you choose to undergo plastic procedures yourself?”

He then began to critique Calvin's cosmetic enhancements, pointing out what he saw as flaws and areas of dissatisfaction. “Your double eyelids lack harmony, and your jawline seems to ignore the very basics of facial aesthetics. Previously, you..."

His critique was so detailed that he could describe Calvin's features as if he had seen him before the procedures, without needing any photographs for reference.

After a thorough critique of Calvin's appearance, the old man shook his head in disapproval. “Your face before is bad enough. But opting for plastic surgery and ending with such regrettable choices are way worse."

Ariana, hearing this, felt a surge of anger. Calvin had chosen plastic surgery to address his insecurities, and the outcome had already been a source of distress for him. She knew the old man's harsh words would only deepen Calvin's sense of humiliation.

With a frosty demeanor, Ariana said, “If you're not willing to offer your help, we'll seek assistance elsewhere. We won't bother you any longer."

As Ariana pulled Calvin's hand to leave, they were taken aback by the old man's haughty response. “Leave if you must. But remember, in all of Eleymond, I alone have the skill to correct his appearance and erase the scars of his surgeries. Should you consult others, he'll only be subjected to an endless cycle of corrective procedures."

Upon hearing that, Ariana swallowed her frustration and stopped.

She was aware that the old man's manner might have been a bit odd, yet his expertise was renowned. Surely, he had genuine talent.

Left with no alternative, Ariana found herself seeking the man's help.

"How would you be willing to perform the surgery? You can make any demands," she said.

The old man turned his back to her and let out a huff. “That'll depend on my mood."

With that, he casually strolled to the table and took a seat, saying, “But right now, I'm starving. I haven't eaten anything yet."

Without hesitation, Ariana offered, "I can cook! Just let me know what you'd like to have."

The old man's face broke into a smile as he replied, "Yes, that's the way to ask for a favor."

He then settled himself comfortably in his seat and began to request various dishes.

He named about six dishes, all of which Ariana knew how to prepare.

She quickly enlisted Calvin's help to go shopping for ingredients and start cooking.

ALL afternoon, Ariana and Calvin served as unpaid helpers at the old man's mansion. Their tasks included cooking, washing up, and even cleaning the old man's home. They attended to his every whim.