Lily Evans smiled and said to Lola, "Pick whatever you like here. If you fancy something, just take it—put it on my tab."
Lola, still a young girl, was powerless against the allure of jewelry. Her cheeks flushed, and she nodded in agreement.
Lily followed Uncle Arthur and Aunt Charlotte Evans upstairs, while Lola disguised herself as a page and browsed items on the first floor.
Once inside the shop owner's room, the three finally dropped the formal pretense they put on for outsiders.
Mrs. Charlotte Evans poured Lily some tea and said directly, "Lily, we owe it all to your clever ideas. Look at our shop now—the business is booming! I reckon this one shop's income matches the sales of several shops in other cities!"
Lily grinned, "Seeing Uncle Arthur's family thriving and living well makes me truly happy."
Arthur Evans asked, "Lily, you just got back from the Academy, right? How's Ryan Evans doing lately? Is he working hard at his studies?"
Lily nodded, "I checked with Ryan's tutor—they speak very highly of him. They said once spring comes, he'll get a chance to try out for the exams. With his skills, passing the first scholar exam is a sure thing. He just hasn't sat for the test yet; spring will be for the initial exam, and fall for the next level."
Arthur Evans and Mrs. Charlotte Evans both let out a relieved sigh. "If Lily says it's good, then it's good. That kid Ryan is determined to earn a title, just to back up his cousin Lily. We can rest easy about him."
Lily nodded, "Yes, Ryan is truly dedicated to his studies. Smart and hardworking—he's bound for great things."
Uncle Arthur and Aunt Charlotte Evans were overjoyed. Aunt Charlotte said, "Lily, I just designed a new set of hand gestures this year. They aren't for sale yet—why don't you pick some first?"
With that, Aunt Charlotte stepped out for a moment and returned with an exquisite box filled with her latest designs.
Lily helped herself without hesitation, picking out a set for herself and selecting a few for Mrs. Wang as well.
Aunt Charlotte was thorough as always. She'd prepared a box for each of Lily's maids and young attendants—every box was different, chosen to suit each girl's preferences.
"I've already given Belle her set," Mrs. Charlotte Evans added. Belle, who'd married Uncle Arthur's housekeeper's son, was now considered part of the family, so Mrs. Charlotte made sure to look after her first.
"Great! Why don't we grab a bite across the street and deliver some jewelry to Bella Bell while we're at it?" Lily suggested.
Arthur Evans and his wife immediately agreed—they hadn't had a proper meal together in ages. Downstairs, Lola picked out a few trinkets, all small and delicate.
Lily laughed, patting Lola's head. "Saving me money, are you?"
Lola blushed and nodded, which made Lily burst out laughing. "Your teacher is rich, you don't have to pinch pennies. Come on, let's go eat at the Eight Treasures Bistro across the street."
Eight Treasures Bistro was so close that they could just walk over—no need for a carriage.
Lily led Lola, along with Arthur Evans and Mrs. Charlotte Evans, into the Eight Treasures Bistro. To outsiders, it looked just like a family dining out with their child's teacher—perfectly normal.
But for those who paid attention, things weren't quite so simple.
Charles Chu's spy quickly reported, "Professor Jade Evans just entered Eight Treasures Bistro, together with Lily Evans's family!"
Charles Chu's eyes lit up. So, Professor Jade Evans really was connected to Lily Evans. Whether there was more to it, time would tell.