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

After experiencing some twists and turns, Lin Zhiruo regained her freedom and returned to the brothel, but she never expected that fate would push her into the deep courtyard of the imperial palace again.

In the eyes of everyone, this is undoubtedly a godsend.

Xiao He's gaze therefore looked particularly solemn.

"...as you command."

After Lin Zhiruo meekly agreed, a gentle and dignified smile bloomed on Xiaohe's face.

"Remember to find a good family and return home. That place is where many powerful and noble people gather. If you can attract a few nobles to come, it will be even better."

Unlike the gentle smile before, there was a hint of cunning in the smile now.

Xiao He smiled softly, allowing Lin Zhiruo to vaguely see the shadow of the madam.

Perhaps, in this place full of temptation and competition, only perseverance can help one survive, and this is true for each of them.

After some helpless sorting, Lin Zhiruo put all the necessary clothes and cosmetics into a huge cloth bag and returned with the bag loaded.

She staggered, carrying a heavy bag, and struggled back to her dilapidated home.

Although he had left the palace for a full half month, the figure of that elegant nobleman in the red-light district was still vivid and lingering.

The nosy eunuch actually believed the joke that Lin Zhiruo mentioned casually. He showed the madam enough gold, silver and treasures to pay off the debt, and thoughtfully gave her some precious food as gifts.

In just a few moments, the contract was signed and the handprint was placed.

So, Lin Zhiruo once again stepped into the magnificent palace and became a member of it.

Although she was once again facing separation from her father and throwing herself into the heavy affairs of the palace, Lin Zhiruo couldn't help feeling a little guilty.

However, compared to the previous harsh contract, the terms this time are obviously more lenient.

No longer trapped in the fog of confusion and disappearance, a warm smile finally broke out on his father's face: "Follow your heart."

However, when his eyes inadvertently swept across the specific content of the contract, his face instantly became solemn, and he looked at Lin Zhiruo deeply with his eyes. Lin Zhiruo found it difficult to guess the deep meaning contained in his eyes.

"It's been a great harvest," my father said politely, cooking the ingredients in a large pot.

Lin Zhiruo put the heavy bag aside and gently stretched her sore shoulders.

The doors and windows of the dilapidated house were drafty, and even with a bright fire in the stove, it was difficult to completely dispel the cold. Lin Zhiruo and her father both wore thick clothes.

I saw my father stroking his knee from time to time. It was obvious that his old injury had relapsed and the pain was unbearable.

Lin Zhiruo stared at the neatly packed luggage, thinking about the necessity and limitations of carrying items.

She realized that certain items were indispensable, such as tools for grinding ingredients, and a notebook was also a must-have.

However, it seems there is no more room to cut back when it comes to lingerie choices.

Just as she was frowning and hesitating, her father slowly walked over from the fire and said softly, "I'm afraid these things are not suitable to take with you."

As he spoke, he took out the tools used to prepare the ingredients from her bag.

Faced with her father's decision, Lin Zhiruo seemed very confused.

"You're not a royal chef. Carrying such items could easily lead to misunderstandings and even suspicions of ulterior motives..."

Dad explained, "But don't be too depressed. This is your own choice. It's too late to regret it now."

Hearing this, Lin Zhiruo sat down weakly on the ground, the expression on her face revealing her inner struggle.

But soon, my father comforted me, "Put everything in order and get some rest. As long as you can gradually get permission, you may be able to bring some things in in the future. It would be a big taboo if you appear listless on your first day at work."

"I understand."

Although she was reluctant, Lin Zhiruo still followed her father's advice and put the practical gifts she had chosen back to their original places, leaving only a small and space-saving rouge as her personal belongings.

Among these gifts, there was a cotton-padded jacket of excellent quality with a simple and elegant pattern. It was obviously not something an ordinary woman would wear. It might have been forgotten here by a guest and given to her.

Under the dim light, young Lin Zhiruo looked tenderly at her father who was busy with kitchen chores and adding wood to the fire.

My father moved slowly and with great difficulty, and finally he settled down on the simple bed which was covered with only a thin cloth and a rough straw mat.

The so-called bedding is nothing but some rough fabrics.

"Okay, I'll turn off the lights when you're done cleaning up," my father said softly, holding a candle that smelled faintly of fish oil.

After Lin Zhiruo had tidied everything, she originally planned to walk to her own little world on the other side of the room, but a sudden warmth prompted her to change her mind and drag the simple straw mat to her father's side.

"What's wrong? You haven't done this for a long time. Didn't you say you have grown up?" asked the father with a hint of doubt.

"Uh, it's too cold outside." Lin Zhiruo looked away slightly embarrassedly and moved the quilt to her father's bedside.

In fact, she started sleeping alone since she turned ten.

I can’t remember how many years it has been since I was so close to my father.

Lin Zhiruo gently covered the gifts she had received - those high-quality clothes - between the two of them, then slowly closed her eyes, curled up into a ball, and lay down like a baby.

"The home will return to its former tranquility." Dad still maintained his gentle demeanor and spoke slowly.

"That's not the case. I can come back anytime this time." Lin Zhiruo responded in a calm tone. However, when she turned her back to her father and her arm accidentally touched him, she felt an indescribable warmth.

"Indeed, you can come back whenever you want." Dad stretched out his hands, which were full of traces of time, and gently stroked Lin Zhiruo's head.

Although Lin Zhiruo called him "Dad", his appearance was more like that of a kind old woman, and everyone knew that his personality was as gentle as a mother.

Lin Zhiruo has no mother, she insists so, so there is no need to say more.

But fortunately, she has a loving father, a nagging nanny, and a group of close little sisters.

Under the constant caress of her father's hands, which were as warm as dead wood, Lin Zhiruo gradually fell into a sweet dream.