Chapter 255

"What kind of nonsense are you spouting?" Lily poked Olivia's forehead, pushing her back into her seat.

"Hey! There are just some things we can't explain in this world!" Olivia settled back, defending herself. "I think God is helping you punish him for all his bad deeds!"

Lily shook her head. "That's enough. I'm getting the bill. Wait for me, gossip girl!"

"You'll be bored without my gossip!" Olivia retorted.

As Lily stood, she saw Olivia's phone displaying pictures of the accident. She thought, Is this really karma for Nathaniel?

After parting ways with Olivia, Lily went to Collectors Street, spending her rare free time browsing antiques—both authentic and fake. Buyers were responsible for determining authenticity.

A shop without a banner caught her eye. Though small, the items were neatly arranged, showcasing the owner's aesthetic sense. A delicate, fresh fragrance—neither too strong nor overpowering—wafted from within, complementing the shop's ambiance. The shop appeared empty.

Lily carefully examined the mostly wooden items. The carvings varied depending on the wood, and while the craftsmanship wasn't exceptional, each piece possessed a unique quality. The shop felt different from the others.

She lingered, but didn't touch anything. After a while, a man's bright voice broke the silence. "What are you looking for?"

His voice revealed his presence; he had been sitting unnoticed in a shadowed corner. He now looked at her silently, his gaze as calm as the shop's contents.

"Nothing in particular. I'm just looking around," Lily smiled. "Sir, the smell in your shop is a mixture of everything!"

"You're an interesting one, young lady. Why are you concerned with the smell instead of the items?" He was slightly harsh. Lily raised an eyebrow at the man, who appeared to be in his twenties. He called me "young lady"? She noticed him carving something unfinished.

"Did you carve all the items in this shop?" she asked.

"Buy them if you want, or leave. Why do you care who carved them? Do you care which chef prepares your food at a restaurant?" He seemed impatient, starting to sit down.

Lily retorted, "Of course I do! I won't eat food made by a chef I dislike. I'd buy these if you carved them, but apparently not, so I won't."

"Why you!" He tightened his grip on his carving tool. "Are you here to argue with me?"

"What? You're alone. I can entertain you, then," Lily joked.