Chapter 55
“Not at all, I’m actually complimenting you,” Aivina said with a slight smile. “In Ansu City, the highest praise for a chef is to suspect they aren’t from Ansu.”
“Ansu chefs can’t do anything but stew, fry potatoes, make salads, and whip up terrible stews. We usually hire chefs from neighboring countries.”
“True,” Xia Er nodded, fully agreeing. “Liqi took me to a restaurant twice, and after those two meals, we never went back.”
“Wise choice,” Aivina echoed, not even realizing she was smiling in agreement.
Once Xia Er finished her soup, Aivina pulled out two bags and handed them to her.
“The black bag contains potions from the church, an upgrade for the ‘Avenger’ path, the second tier ‘Judicator.’ The yellow bag is a special mask from the Redemption Society; wearing it prevents the spread of germs.”
“However, the church has a rule: potions cannot be resold. If you’re giving them to the organization, make sure they don’t pass it on. Each potion has a special mark, and if it leaks and gets traced back, they’ll know who spilled the beans and might come after me.”
“Got it, thanks.” Xia Er took the potions and the bag with the mask, asking, “With this mask, I won’t have to worry about spreading germs to others?”
The potions were meant for her own use, and Xia Er had no intention of selling them.
“Yes,” Aivina confirmed with a nod.
Xia Er took a deep breath, looking at Aivina as she asked, “Where is my sister now?”
After receiving the specific address, Xia Er set the potions down, put on the mask, and said, “I’ll be back later,” before dashing out.
Once Xia Er’s figure disappeared completely, Aivina stared at the empty dishes in front of her, feeling a pang of loss.
Would she ever have the chance to taste Xia Er’s cooking again? Sooner or later, she would have to go to Ansu.
Ansu...
Aivina pulled out the necklace around her neck, tracing the family crest with her fingers, her expression gradually turning distant.
...
In the jewelry district, outside the “Crystal Clear” jewelry store.
Xia Er stood breathless at the door.
She wore a black hard mask that covered her mouth and nose, featuring several breathable holes sealed with special silk and adorned with red inscriptions. From a distance, it resembled a black version of Jason’s mask, looking somewhat eerie.
Perhaps due to rumors and gossip, the usually bustling jewelry district was nearly deserted. Through the exquisite glass window, Xia Er spotted a blonde woman inside, lost in thought, wearing a glamorous mask embellished with beautiful feathers.
Xia Er pushed the door open and rushed inside, startling the woman. Before she could comprehend what was happening, a familiar figure crashed into her arms.
“Xia Er?”
Liqi reached out, ruffling Xia Er’s hair, then pulled the girl into a tight embrace.
---
“Uh... so you’re recovering at her place now?”
“Yeah, it’s my sister’s job, and I asked her to arrange it.”
“No wonder... When the factory owner told me I got promoted, I was shocked. But after seeing your letter, I went along. But it’s so quiet here, and the pay is really high, it makes me a bit uneasy...”
“It’s fine, sister. Miss Aivina doesn’t care at all; her family is loaded. She wouldn’t even bother to pick up a hundred su pounds if it fell on the ground.”
“...Xia Er, you have to tell me honestly, is Aivina bullying you? Or is she... I saw her this morning, and she seemed really fierce...”
Liqi sat on a stool, hesitating, ultimately unable to voice her concerns.
Though she didn’t know who that noble lady Aivina was, Xia Er’s words made it sound like she was being supported by her!
The one in the thick of it is often confused, while the observer sees clearly; Aivina must be thinking about Xia Er!
“Xia Er, what do you think of her?” Liqi asked hesitantly.
“How to put it? Poker face, likes to hide her feelings, lacks life experience,” Xia Er recalled how Aivina had jumped in to stop Xie Lun from escaping, adding, “But she’s a bit kind-hearted.”
When Xia Er finished reminiscing and looked up at Liqi, she found her sister gazing at her with a comforting smile.
“What’s up?” Xia Er touched her mask and asked, “Is the mask too ugly?”
“It’s fine,” Liqi chuckled, ruffling Xia Er’s hair again. “If she’s a good person, then just keep getting along.”
Then, as if remembering something, Liqi added, “But you two have a huge gap in status. You can’t neglect your studies; you must go to university, okay? If we start saving now, we can gather enough for the first term’s tuition.”
Xia Er: “?”
Xia Er couldn’t shake the feeling that her sister’s words sounded a bit off, but she couldn’t quite put her finger on it.
“It’s okay; I’ll save enough money too, and we can go to Ansu together,” Xia Er continued. “We could open a flower shop or something; you can be the manager, and I’ll come help after class.”
At this, Liqi’s hand on Xia Er’s head paused for a moment before she nodded in agreement, “Mm-hmm...”
The two chatted in the store for nearly three hours, and Xia Er only left when it was almost closing time.
Liqi lived right above the jewelry store, so she didn’t even have to step outside to get home.
But there was only one bed up there, and wearing the mask made it hard to breathe, making it impossible to sleep. To avoid infection, Xia Er chose to return to Aivina’s place.
All the way back, Xia Er felt an overwhelming sense of relaxation.
It seemed that the calm routine was about to return.
But to protect this peace, she needed to gain stronger power to resist the dangers that could arrive at any moment.
After all, this wasn’t a peaceful world.
Back at the manor, Aivina found a guest room for Xia Er and even lent her a few sets of clothes.
After washing up, Xia Er lay on the bed, contemplating how to approach Adele the next day.
With such a major incident involving Adele’s teacher, it was impossible for Adele not to be investigated. She probably wouldn’t be seen for a while.
After hearing about the nature of the Dedun Manor last night, Xia Er felt that High Priest Yulis was unlikely to be a member of Dedun Manor.
With no leads, Xia Er could only go to sleep. The next morning, she was awakened by Aivina, who urged her to change clothes.
Once Xia Er was dressed and washed up, she donned the mask and joined Aivina in the carriage.
They arrived at the bustling central street, where the carriage stopped in front of an exquisite little building. A long line of about a dozen people had already formed at the entrance.
“Xia Er, please help me see if I’m doing anything wrong,” Aivina said, clearly nervous as she looked at the crowd. She pulled Xia Er along as they walked, “These are all patients recommended by the Redemption Society.”
Xia Er curiously observed the people in line, following Aivina into the building.
In this era, psychologists weren’t a common profession, and people had little understanding of psychological and mental issues. Many came here simply out of curiosity, willing to give it a try.
The consultation fee was incredibly cheap, just 5 pence, and many were intrigued, especially when they heard a beautiful young lady was the one consulting.
Aivina entered a large office, while Xia Er sat at a small desk behind her, flipping through some notes on “psychologists” that Aivina had given her.
Aivina had already reviewed these materials; now it was her time to practice.
As the first patient was brought in by a nurse, Xia Er perked up, all ears.
But as one patient after another entered, talked, and left, Xia Er’s expression behind the mask began to grow increasingly strange.
Patient A: “I think my husband left me because I’m too ugly...”
Aivina: “No, you’re not ugly; you’re just rather average.”
Patient B: “I’m never coming back to you as a psychologist! How dare you tell me I need to lose weight!”
Aivina: “Uh... based on your weight?”
Patient B: “Screw you! What kind of psychologist tells their patient they’re fat!”
Aivina: “One with good eyesight.”
As more and more patients stormed out, Xia Er finally couldn’t sit still. She walked up behind Aivina, grabbing her white coat and lifting her up.
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