"Really!" Grace said. "But, the more I think about it, your identity is a little complicated... You're the Third Princess of the Eastern Luo Empire. My master may be powerful, but he doesn't like to show off, and there's a status gap between you two!"
Shannon didn't say anything.
"If my master were to go to your father and mother to propose marriage, do you think they'd agree?"
"I'm just an insignificant daughter, not like Bianca Whitefan who bears the burden of family alliances," Shannon said.
"Haha! Got it," Grace laughed. "How about we go to Full Moon Manor again tomorrow?"
"If you want to go, I can go with you," Shannon said, covering her face.
Grace pointed at her and burst out laughing. "I want to go! I really want to go!"
The next day, the two of them really did go to Full Moon Manor.
Grace was busy cooking for her master, leaving Shannon to keep him company.
"Divine Lord," Shannon lowered her head, not daring to look at Jun Lionhead. "Grace loves to joke with me. Please don't take her words too seriously."
Jun Lionhead asked, "What did she say?"
"She said... she wants to play matchmaker for you and me." Shannon's face was burning hot.
Jun Lionhead paused for a moment, then asked, "You don't want to marry me?"
Shannon looked up in surprise. "Huh?"
Jun Lionhead smiled. "Did you forget? I can see right through the hearts of you humans."
Shannon's face turned even redder.
"Do you know why I remember you?" Jun Lionhead asked.
"Isn't it because... I'm my master's apprentice?"
"It's because the first time you met me, you fell for me," Jun Lionhead said. "Am I right?"
Shannon fiddled with her fingers and said nothing.
Indeed, that fleeting glance became an everlasting mark.
"You're Master Xuanwei's only apprentice. Taking you as my consort would be all gain and no loss—why wouldn't I do it?" Jun Lionhead said. "Should I... go ask Emperor Henry for your hand?"
Shannon suddenly stood up and said, "Divine Lord, you're joking. I'll take my leave now!"
Jun Lionhead said, "Sit down."
Shannon had no choice but to sit back down.
"Tell me, what's the story with Chloe Zhu?"
"What do you mean, what's the story?"
"She knows my exclusive alchemy technique. Everything about her is like an apprentice I personally trained," Jun Lionhead said. "But in reality, I've never taught her anything."
"Really?" Shannon asked in surprise. "Didn't you teach her medicine?"
"No! I've only taken her as my apprentice for a few days. How could I have taught her to become a ninth-rank Spirit Alchemist?"
Shannon was stunned for a long time. "Then... I have no idea how it happened either..."
Just then, Grace called from the other side, "Master, Shannon, come eat!"
The two of them went over to eat.
The table was filled with all of Jun Lionhead and Shannon's favorite dishes.
"Master, have some Iced Purple Plum Soup. It's perfect for this hot weather!" Grace served Jun Lionhead a bowl of soup.
Jun Lionhead stared at the bowl of clear, purple-red Iced Purple Plum Soup, his gaze deep and mysterious.
Grace served Shannon a bowl too. "Shannon, try it! This is my master's secret recipe, and it's delicious."
Shannon glanced at Jun Lionhead, then picked up her spoon and tasted it.
Sure enough, it was refreshingly cool, perfect for the heat, and left a lingering taste.
"It's really good," Shannon said.
"This soup was my mother's favorite. Whenever it got hot, she'd always make it," Jun Lionhead said.
Grace nodded. "I know, Master. You told me she loved to cook, and her dishes were always creative and delicious. This Iced Purple Plum Soup was her own invention, right?"