"Miss Grace, please don't blame her," Rosalind frowned. "She once received great kindness from Sophie Shang, so toward you... She's actually a grateful and loyal girl! From now on, I won't let her come to the front again. I hope you, Miss Grace, can be generous and not hold it against her."
Grace smiled and said, "Of course not."
Rosalind breathed a sigh of relief, served Grace the finest celestial tea, and fussed over her with all sorts of care—asking if her cottage lacked anything, and telling her to let Rosalind know if she needed anything so she could prepare it and send it over.
Just as she was speaking, Evan Xiao returned.
Rosalind tactfully excused herself and even closed the door behind her as she left.
Grace thought, if Rosalind were in one of those imperial harems, she'd definitely be a master at palace intrigue.
That Sylvia Yin must have made her feel threatened somehow.
She used Grace as leverage to quietly push Sylvia Yin out, and at the same time managed to cozy up to Grace.
After all, Rosalind looked like she was about to hit the big time...
Evan Xiao asked, "What brings you here?"
"Sigh!" Grace let out a breath. "There are so many people coming to the cottage every day. Could you help me find somewhere quiet? I want to study my medical books in peace."
"Somewhere quiet?"
Grace nodded.
Evan Xiao thought for a moment, then stood up and took her by the arm. "Come on!"
"Where are we going—"
Before she could finish, she was already standing in a beautiful garden.
Exotic flowers and rare herbs were arranged in perfect order, creating a scene of breathtaking beauty.
Grandpa Gene the High Saint suddenly appeared, beaming. "I was just about to tell His Highness the garden was ready, and here you are!"
"Thank you, High Saint," Evan Xiao replied with a smile.
"It was all His Highness's idea. I just helped with the garden," Grandpa Gene said, bowing. "I'll take my leave now!"
Evan Xiao nodded slightly.
"Where is this place?" Grace asked.
Evan Xiao led her a few steps to the edge of the garden, where Grace saw the endless sea and a winding path stretching from the land into the water.
"Wait, isn't this your estate?" Grace asked. "Did you build a mansion on a deserted island?"
"Come on," Evan Xiao said, leading her further inside. They passed through the beautiful garden and entered a series of brand-new houses, filled with the faint scent of fresh wood.
Once inside, everything was already set up—everyday essentials, food, and entertainment were all provided.
Perfectly suited for humans to live in.
She even spotted a huge wardrobe; when she opened it, it was packed with gorgeous Celestial Robes—complete outfits from head to toe!
"Is this quiet enough for you?" Evan Xiao asked.
"Quiet! Ha! It's absolutely peaceful!"
"Ray can train in the water here," Evan Xiao said. "He's got a bit too much fire energy—practicing some water techniques will help balance him out."
"Alright."
"There are Fairy Fruit trees behind the island. If you get hungry, just pick some to eat."
"Hmm? I didn't see any last time I was here. Don't tell me you planted them just for me?" Grace teased.
"Last time you came, there wasn't even a house." Evan Xiao said, expressionless. "Was that built for you too?"
Grace glanced around at the elegant, beautiful decor—so different from his usual dark style—then strolled up to him, tilting her head. "Wasn't it?"
Evan Xiao said, "No. I have other things to do. I'm leaving."
With that, he disappeared.
Grace pursed her lips and shook her head.
She let Ray and Benny out to play.
The waters here were a vast sea, so much bigger than the little lake in Grace's sanctum.
And in the depths of that sea, there were mysterious creatures.
Ray and Benny were obsessed with exploring all day, so they didn't bother Grace at all.