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At the dinner table, Su Xiaoxiao told Su Cheng about the shop acquisition:: "...Sorry, I didn’t consult with dad beforehand."
Su Cheng waved it off.
"You handle business matters as you see fit. I don’t really understand anyway... How much did the pharmacy cost?"
"Six thousand taels."
Thud!
Su Cheng collapsed!
......
After dinner, Su Xiaoxiao returned to her room.
She didn’t urge Bai Xihe to leave, nor did she ask what Bai Xihe planned to do.
Instead, she simply sat down at the table, took out paper and a brush, and began sketching.
Although the shop didn’t require major renovations, she intended to divide the two rear annex rooms into four smaller ones.
Additionally, the thresholds at the front and back needed some adjustments.
"Thank you for today." Bai Xihe said.
"Huh?" Su Xiaoxiao looked up, puzzled.
"And last time as well." Bai Xihe added.
Including the incident in the peach orchard, Su Xiaoxiao had saved Bai Xihe twice.
Su Xiaoxiao raised her eyes. "Oh, you’re welcome."
Then she returned to her sketching.
Bai Xihe had been in the palace for many years, holding the most noble status yet living like a caged bird.
She had long grown indifferent to everything in the world.
However, this young girl who had inadvertently entered her sight sparked her curiosity.
What kind of person is she really?
Bai Xihe couldn’t help but wonder.
But soon, Bai Xihe realized that she shouldn’t allow herself to grow curious about anyone.
After all……
She lowered her gaze and asked softly, "Can you... take me to Baiyun Tea House on Changliu Street? It's been so long since I left the palace that I can't remember how to get there.."
Changliu Street wasn’t far from Lihua Lane.
Su Xiaoxiao remembered passing by a Baiyun Tea House earlier that day when she went to look at the shop.
"Alright, wait a moment."
Su Xiaoxiao went to Su Cheng to let him know she was taking the patient home.
Father Su was a bit worried about his daughter, but the three little ones were sleepy, and Ergou wasn’t home, so he had to watch over them.
Su Xiaoxiao said, "Don’t worry, Dad. It’s very close, only at Changliu Street."
Changliu Street was pretty safe, and Su Cheng often saw patrolling guards there.
He didn’t object further, only reminding Su Xiaoxiao to return soon.
Bai Xihe put on her cloak’s hood.
Su Xiaoxiao paused and said, "Use my cloak instead."
Bai Xihe’s cloak had been seen by that man.
If they ran into him again, he would recognize it at a glance.
Bai Xihe changed into Su Xiaoxiao’s cloak.
It was a bit oversized and carried the fresh scent of soap, which inexplicably made her feel at ease.
Su Xiaoxiao escorted Bai Xihe to Baiyun Tea House.
Bai Xihe went upstairs and entered the innermost room.
County Princess Lingxi had been anxiously pacing.
When she spotted the familiar face, she sighed in relief and walked forward with a stifled sob, bowing.
"Grand... Madam, are you alright, Madam? I’ve been waiting for you, I was so scared!"
Bai Xihe’s voice regained a trace of the Grand Empress Dowager’s calm demeanor.
"There was a minor incident, but it’s been resolved."
County Princess Lingxi asked guiltily, "What happened? It’s all my fault for not protecting you properly!"
Bai Xihe said, "It wasn’t your fault. I was the one who got separated."
County Princess Lingxi wiped her tears.
"The palace gates will close soon. Let me take you back."
Bai Xihe’s gaze drifted through the window, looking into the dark alley outside.
In the darkness, Su Xiaoxiao silently turned and disappeared into the boundless night.
......
Su Qi and Su Yu didn’t bring Su Ergou back until midnight.
Su Ergou was exhausted and fell asleep as soon as his head hit the pillow.
Su Xiaoxiao said to Su Qi and Su Yu, "I’ll still need you to take Ergou out for dinner tomorrow, but please don’t keep him out so late."
They asked in unison, "Do you have something to do tomorrow night too?"
"Yes." Su Xiaoxiao nodded.
They wouldn't be able to get another free dinner tomorrow?