Chapter 154: You're talking rather strangely today!

You little rascal, why is your mind always set on playing!

Unaware of the real reason, Zhang Xiaolan assumed Xiao Lian was just acting like a child, always eager to go out and roam the streets. She seemed even more fond of shopping than Zhang Xiaolan herself, perhaps having been cooped up in the prince's mansion for too long.

It is not like that at all. I just wanted to see if there was anything I needed to purchase for you, Miss.

Seeing her good intentions misunderstood by Zhang Xiaolan, Xiao Lian quickly blurted out her true purpose, explaining that she was actually looking out for Zhang Xiaolan.

Purchase what? What is there to buy? I lack nothing!

Zhang Xiaolan was rather bewildered by Xiao Lian. What else could she possibly need to buy? In the prince's mansion, her food and clothing were fully provided for, and she even had pocket money. Life here was simply much more carefree than when she was living at home.

Besides, whenever they went out to play every few days, the two of them would buy back plenty of things. At this point, she had no idea what else she could possibly be lacking.

You ought to make a new set of clothes, buy some new ornaments, and see if there is anything that can be used as a gift, and also...

Xiao Lian spread out her hands, counting on her fingers one by one, rattling on endlessly as if they were short of everything. Hearing the word gift stopped Zhang Xiaolan in her tracks.

Wait, Xiao Lian, you are talking rather strangely today! Who are you trying to sell a gift to? Can't you just speak plainly?

Zhang Xiaolan felt as though Xiao Lian was eager to see her grow anxious. After rambling on for so long about buying new clothes and ornaments, and now mentioning a gift—could it be that she wanted Zhang Xiaolan to buy a gift for her?

Hehe! Actually, His Lordship's birthday is coming up in a few days. But His Lordship has no intention of holding a grand birthday banquet. He only said he would eat a bowl of longevity noodles in the mansion himself, and provide a little extra food for us servants to call it a day.

Seeing the puzzled look on Zhang Xiaolan's face, Xiao Lian smiled craftily and revealed the truth. It turned out to be about Li Rui's birthday. Although everyone else knew about it, Zhang Xiaolan surely did not!

Big Brother Li's birthday? Why are you only telling me now? How many days are left?

Hearing Xiao Lian's words, Zhang Xiaolan suddenly woke from a dream. So this little girl was just toying with her! She could have just said so from the beginning!

Instead, she had gone on and on talking about this and that. Yet, Zhang Xiaolan was not angry with Xiao Lian; she hurriedly asked how many days were left until Li Rui's birthday.

About ten days or so! That is why I asked you to go take a look at the market. Didn't His Lordship really like the thumb ring the Miss gave him last time? What do you plan to give him this time?

Xiao Lian rolled her eyes, counted on her fingers, and tilted her head to think. There were roughly ten days left! But preparing early would give them time to look around and choose, or perhaps make something by hand; there was still enough time.

Xiao Lian considered herself quite thoughtful, otherwise, she wouldn't have been helping Zhang Xiaolan like this, urging her to pick out a gift early.

So sudden, how could I possibly think of anything right now? Let's go take a look first and decide.

Dismissing Xiao Lian's words with a twitch of her mouth, Zhang Xiaolan took the initiative and headed toward the market first. Inside, Xiao Lian chuckled to herself; clearly, Zhang Xiaolan cared deeply after hearing her words.

Yet on the surface, she still put on a calm and composed front. Xiao Lian could easily read through those little thoughts, having spent quite some time together after all.

They arrived at the market while it was still relatively early, though many petty merchants were already doing business. Having no preconceived idea of what to buy, Zhang Xiaolan decided to browse and think along the way.

That little girl sings quite nicely. What kind of tune is that?

Walking down the street, Zhang Xiaolan heard the sound of singing from afar. The melody was gentle, and the voice was melodious, clear, and pleasing to the ear. She could not help stopping in her tracks and gazing ahead.