Why am I, a cook, always involved in cases?

Accompanied by Xiao Cui, Lin Zhiruo showed no desire for those gorgeous clothes. Those dazzling costumes seemed to have lost their charm in her eyes.

Compared to those gorgeous clothes, she was more attracted by the long-lasting and deep aroma of tea and spices.

When a simple hair tie became the source of her happiness, Xiao Cui accompanied Lin Zhiruo to stroll in the market with a heart full of joy, and together they explored the unique shops that were converted from old freight carts.

For her, just wandering among these shops full of traces of time is enough to make her feel satisfied, and there is always a gentle smile on the corner of her mouth.

Lin Zhiruo finally decided to focus on the tea leaves and spices.

Although the palace maids of the Liuli Palace had already visited the market two days before, Lin Zhiruo gracefully expressed her willingness to wait patiently until the last day of the market.

She had her own plan in mind - at the end of the market, vendors often lowered their prices to clear their stock.

What she pursues is not the fashionable clothes or dazzling jewelry, but the tea and spices that are often overlooked as accessories.

These items are not popular commodities that are sought after by the public, so there are often surpluses.

What's more, in this special place of the harem, she knew very well that it was difficult to sell goods at a fair price.

(Don't try to take advantage of me.)

Lin Zhiruo is such a woman. She spent countless years under the protection of the brothel owner.

Lin Zhiruo stopped in front of a tea shop that exuded an ancient charm.

In the store, jasmine tea is carefully placed in a glass goldfish bowl. The beautiful hydrangea-like buds are waiting to be embraced by hot water to bloom their unique fragrance.

This tea is not only fragrant, but also highly ornamental.

Sadly, however, there are only a few buds left, with only three waiting to bloom.

"I want this tea."

"I also want this tea—"

A voice intertwined with Lin Zhiruo's words. She turned around and saw a tall palace maid pointing at the goldfish bowl.

Although this palace maid was tall, her features and voice were childish, giving people a contradictory impression.

Lin Zhiruo tilted her head in confusion, she always felt that this palace maid looked familiar.

Similarly, the palace maid also imitated Lin Zhiruo's actions, and then suddenly exclaimed.

"Is the kitten okay?"

This sentence opened the door of Lin Zhiruo's memory like a key. She remembered the palace maid who had helped her when she found the kitten "Rongrong", although she still didn't know her name.

"It is safe and sound, and is currently residing in the Shangshi Bureau."

After Lin Zhiruo told the palace maid, a bright smile immediately broke out on her face.

She is such an emotionally rich and easy to understand woman.

"Ah! Isn't this Xiao Cui? You can take a vacation too?"

While Lin Zhiruo was talking to the palace maid, Xiao Cui poked her head out with a cheerful smile on her face.

They seemed to have known each other for a long time.

Lin Zhiruo suddenly realized that this palace maid named Xiao Cui was a palace maid dressed in formal clothes just like Xiao Cui. Perhaps she worked in the laundry yard on weekdays, but Lin Zhiruo had never had any intersection with her.

"Well, if even this request is not allowed, it would be too boring."

"Indeed, it is as it should be."

The two innocent girls got along very well.

Lin Zhiruo noticed that the woman selling tea was watching them quietly.

So she decided to buy all the remaining jasmine tea and asked the woman to divide it into three packages.

At first, the woman was a little hesitant, but after Lin Zhiruo asked her to pack the remaining tea leaves as well, she finally nodded.

Lin Zhiruo gave the packaged tea to Xiao Cui and Xiao Cui respectively.

"If we stand here for too long, we might disturb others. Let's go somewhere else and have a good chat."

After saying that, Lin Zhiruo pointed in the direction of the Shangshi Bureau.

The Shangshi Bureau still maintains its former tranquility. Wang Dahai, who seems to be doing nothing, is looking at the bustling market with envy.

Although he had responsibilities and could not leave his post without permission, the loneliness of having no one visit him made him feel tormented.

To kill time, he was busy combing the kitten's hair.

If there are guests visiting, he will treat them with the utmost enthusiasm; this Wang Dahai is indeed a kind-hearted person.

"I never knew this little girl had friends."

Although Wang Dahai's words were a bit rude, the facts were indeed true and irrefutable.

Xiao Cui walked into the Shangshi Bureau with a little nervousness.

"Meow——" The kitten made a crisp cry. When Xiao Cui saw it, her eyes flashed with joy.

Xiao Cui was the same, with surprise and love flashing in her eyes.

"So cute~ What's this kitten's name?"

“…Fluffy.”