Ten

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"It's not as easy as it looks," Jerald replied with a gruff tone.

Ixora couldn't help but smile at his crankiness. She held up her own bag triumphantly. "See this? I'm already done with my groceries, and I've been here less than twenty minutes," she said, sounding a bit smug.

Jerald's frown deepened. "Well, good for you," he muttered, turning to go with Berezira.

But Ixora wasn't ready to let them off the hook so easily. "Wait, I can help you with yours. You look like you could use some assistance."

Jerald hesitated for a moment. He didn't want to spend any more time than necessary with this woman who seemed like trouble, but he also realized that he might not get through his shopping list without help from someone more experienced.

"Alright, thanks," he finally replied.

Ixora grinned widely. "You're welcome. Let me have that..." She took the shopping list from him, and he handed her a bundle of money. She quickly scanned the list. "Looks like there are three items here that you've