Chapter 372

Confident due to her proximity and the scent of her perfume, she smiled. "You speak Westwood?"

Alexander, surprised by her knowledge, replied, "A little."

She didn't elaborate; the shop itself held far greater interest. "It's fascinating here," she observed.

Alexander, sensing her reluctance to discuss her linguistic abilities, changed the subject. "Then guess the material of this," he said, indicating an item.

The clerk started to speak, but Alexander subtly silenced him with a look. Amusingly confident, Lily replied, "Southbank soap. Did you think I couldn't?"

Alexander's smile faltered briefly. He hadn't expected such a quick, accurate answer. "You've seen this before?" he asked.

"No, but I guessed based on our route," she explained. "It's characteristic of this region. Greenfields is famous for lavender, and a related industry has developed. Southbank soap is unique; it's primarily olive oil, giving it that color and scent." She paused. "Unlike other soaps."

After a pause, he said slowly, a hint of disappointment in his tone. This was the first time Lily had seen such an expression; a carefully laid plan, seemingly thwarted. It was both funny and heartwarming. He was, undeniably, kind.

She took his arm, leaning against him. "I just know; I haven't seen it before. I read about Southbank soap while researching the area. That's how I guessed. This is my first time seeing it, especially this unique shape!"

This wasn't just to comfort him. She'd never seen Southbank soap crafted into such ingenious trinkets and handicrafts—ornaments and pendants meticulously carved from the soap itself. Despite being soap, the detail was remarkable. A pen holder and a toy bear with lifelike eyes, for example, captivated her instantly. Touching them, however, was forbidden, as it could damage their appearance or cause the soap to melt slightly from body heat. She hadn't noticed the multilingual "Do Not Touch" signs until now.

Alexander picked up a piece, explaining, "Southbank soap isn't uncommon here, but this shop is different. It's handmade."

Before the clerk could intervene, Alexander already held the soap. Lily quickly said, "Let's buy it," to the clerk.

The clerk disapproved. "Everyone has said it is forbidden to touch!"

Alexander smiled. "Didn't you just say we should buy it?"

"Sure" the clerk mumbled.

Suddenly, a man burst in. "Mr. Russell, I've been waiting for you!" he exclaimed, approaching Alexander with outstretched hands.