Chapter 152

The flame on the stove is lively, a small purple-clay pot is simmering a duck soup, which is enticingly aromatic. Eliza added some garlic into it, tasted the soup, then covered the lid, untied her apron, and walked into the living room. Sam, who hasn't left yet, is in the living room helping her change the lock, which he had prised open earlier so that she could enter. After he finished installing the new lock and putting away his tools, he admired his handiwork by the door. "See, I'm pretty capable, right, Eliza?" "Have some water." Eliza handed him a glass of water, speaking in a soft voice. "Stop wearing that long face. You wouldn't want your skin to sag prematurely." Sam teased, but Eliza wasn't amused. She sat on the sofa, silent for a long moment before asking, "She didn't fall too hard, right?" Sam was taken aback for a moment, realizing she was talking about Christina. He walked over, sat next to her, and gently replied, "Not hard, just some superficial injuries." "When did you