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

In the dawn light, the eastern sky gradually turned a light pale white, and Quan Wushuang and his entourage began their journey to the hunting ground.

Quan Wushuang gently covered his face with a simple piece of cloth. Even in this hunting ground far away from the hustle and bustle and deep tranquility, he chose to hide his true identity, like a roaming hermit with an uncertain whereabouts.

Lin Zhiruo stood quietly behind Gao Zhongcheng, her eyes casually sweeping across the lively scene of the banquet, like a detached bystander.

Gao Zhongcheng was also seated, enjoying the glory of the banquet with other dignitaries, followed closely by his loyal followers and maids, who followed him like a shadow.

Lin Zhiruo noticed that Gao Zhongcheng did not often accompany Quan Wushuang outdoors, but Wu Muqi handled various affairs on his behalf.

Lin Zhiruo naturally followed Gao Zhongcheng, like his shadow.

Among the rows of neatly arranged, golden seats, one man was particularly eye-catching. He covered his face with a cloth and turned a blind eye to the delicious food and wine in front of him, as if he existed in another world.

Wu Muqi stood behind him, with worry and concern in his eyes, like a steadfast guardian.

The maids who were pouring wine for the guests would occasionally glance secretly at the mysterious masked young man - Quan Wushuang.

Although his attire aroused people's curiosity, his unique temperament and extraordinary charm made him the focus of the party.

Lin Zhiruo thought that sometimes, becoming a concubine of a powerful person might ensure a stable and worry-free life better than marrying an ordinary person.

These women all seem to know how to find their place in a complex world.

Not only the woman, but there was also a plump and imposing man sitting next to Quan Wushuang, talking to him in a low voice.

Although his attitude seemed respectful, Lin Zhiruo felt that there seemed to be a hint of disrespect and contempt hidden in his tone. Perhaps she was too sensitive.

Quan Wushuang only responded briefly and quickly, as if he was silently enduring some unspeakable pain.

Lin Zhiruo guessed that the man might be Xiao Liang. Although she had only heard of his name and had never seen him in person, she had already guessed it from the seating arrangement and the subtle changes in the atmosphere.

After Xiao Liang finished talking with Quan Wushuang, he slowly moved away.

Quan Wushuang's hands were still shaking slightly, and Wu Muqi's face turned gloomy.

Lin Zhiruo whispered softly to Gao Zhongcheng. She knew Quan Wushuang's character very well. She knew that he always handled himself well outside, and his abnormal behavior at this moment was definitely not unusual.

Lin Zhiruo told Gao Zhongcheng that Quan Wushuang's expression was not right, as if he was hiding some secret.

But Gao Zhongcheng just shook his head slightly, signaling Lin Zhiruo not to act rashly.

Quan Wushuang left the banquet on the pretext of changing clothes.

Wumuqi wanted to follow, but was detained by a high-ranking official.

Gao Zhongcheng gently tugged at Lin Zhiruo's sleeve and whispered, "It's time for you to change shifts."

Lin Zhiruo nodded in understanding, called the followers on standby outside the house, and then went alone to follow Quan Wushuang's slightly staggering figure.

Quan Wushuang avoided everyone's sight, quietly left the villa, and walked into the dense and deep woods.

Lin Zhiruo planned to follow and find out what was going on, but before that, she needed to prepare something in case of emergency.

"Miss, can I take this?"

Lin Zhiruo picked up a wine jug filled with water and asked the busy servant.

The servant was busy with trivial matters and had no time to spare, so he replied casually: "You can take it."

Lin Zhiruo skillfully mixed the seasonings into the wine jug with a spoon, then carried the wine jug and walked lightly into the depths of the woods.

Lin Zhiruo had not walked far when she saw a figure leaning against a tree trunk, swaying precariously.

She was startled and almost shouted out "Manager Quan", and quickly covered her mouth.

She was puzzled: Why did Quan Wushuang use a pseudonym here?

Lin Zhiruo walked forward quickly while recalling how others called him.

"...But you?"

A low, hoarse voice came from beneath the mask.

"Please take off this cloth."

Lin Zhiruo wanted to remove the mask and see her true face, but Quan Wushuang held her down tightly.

"No."

"There's no one else here."

Quan Wushuang obviously came to this quiet and secluded place to avoid others.

There was no place in the villa where he could rest for a while. Although the owner had prepared a room for him, a group of maids would be waiting there to serve him, and he would not have any peace.

"No, maybe someone will come."

Lin Zhiruo put Quan Wushuang's shaky arm on her shoulder and helped him move forward slowly.

"If you care so much about other people's gazes and gossip, then go somewhere unknown."

The two walked deeper into the woods, gradually going farther and farther away.

In front of me is a steep cliff and next to it is a majestic waterfall.

The water cascades down like white silk, pure and elegant, like a fairyland.

The waterfalls cascade down in layers, and when viewed from a high place, they are majestic and breathtaking.

Lin Zhiruo guessed that the water source of the villa came from here, so she dipped her handkerchief in the clear river water.

She slipped her handkerchief under Quan Wushuang's mask and was about to apply ice to his cheek to relieve his fatigue and discomfort when something unexpected happened.

The ground beneath her feet suddenly collapsed, and Lin Zhiruo heard the flapping of startled birds' wings and their panicked cries.

Quan Wushuang reacted instantly, picked up Lin Zhiruo, and escaped from danger.

But the ground beneath my feet collapsed again, and a pungent smell of sulfur wafted in with the wind.

"A gunpowder weapon?"

Although Quan Wushuang's body was shaking, he muttered to himself.

Lin Zhiruo thought this was a sudden incident and was terrified, but Quan Wushuang was extremely calm and composed.

Gunpowder weapons are extremely powerful and lethal weapons. Although they are sometimes used for hunting and self-defense, it is difficult to say that the current situation was caused by accidental shooting.

After thinking for a moment, Quan Wushuang suddenly hugged Lin Zhiruo tightly in his arms.

"Sorry to scare you."

After saying that, Quan Wushuang rushed forward holding Lin Zhiruo, and then jumped into the magnificent waterfall that looked like an inverted Milky Way without hesitation.