Chapter 10: The Ancestor Boosts Sales, Reward That Young Lady
Yihuan, with a smile, unintentionally looked up, and across a few zhang’s distance (a zhang is about 3.3 meters), she unexpectedly met his gaze.
Liu Hexiao’s face stiffened, and he quickly turned his head to look out the window.
This guilty feeling—where on earth did it come from? He found his subconscious reaction rather inexplicable.
Yihuan withdrew her gaze and continued focusing on the coffee beans in her hand.
She placed the hand-cranked grinder, bought from Qingmu Zhai, on the table. The grinder had a handle on top connected to a tiny “millstone,” with a wooden box at the bottom.
Yihuan poured an appropriate amount of coffee beans into the grinder all at once.
Sitting upright, one fair hand steadied the wooden box at the base, while the other rested on the handle, gripping it gently but firmly. She began turning it in circles, grinding the beans.
At this time, it was dinnertime—the busiest period for the restaurant. The sound of grinding wasn’t loud, but it still caught the attention of nearby diners.
Some diners turned to look, only to see an extraordinarily beautiful young woman sitting elegantly in a corner, intently turning the device in her hands. It was like a picturesque scene.
The sound of the grinder, though dull, had a certain rhythm to it that wasn’t unpleasant to hear.
A curious child ran over, his big eyes blinking as he loudly asked, “Big sister, what is that?”
Yihuan smiled slightly. “This is a new type of wine, called coffee.”
She deliberately called it “wine” to prevent the child from accidentally drinking it.
The child watched her grind the coffee with great interest, fascinated by the repetitive circular motion.
In one of the private rooms, two individuals with sharp hearing naturally caught this exchange.
Yang Zhaozhi glanced at the young woman grinding coffee and remarked, “Who would’ve thought this new wine is made fresh? That’s unheard of.”
Liu Hexiao also glanced over and commented, “Since it’s made fresh, I doubt it’s anything good.”
Yang Zhaozhi replied, “Is there anything you think is good? Your picky tastes with food are famous, even among the Qiannan Army. Everyone knows you only drink fruit wine that’s seven parts sweet and three parts sour, and even when eating meat, you insist on knowing the sow’s exact age.”
He ended with a disdainful look at Liu Hexiao.
Liu Hexiao nonchalantly replied, “You don’t understand. That’s called taste. If it weren’t for my brother constantly teasing me, this little habit of mine wouldn’t be so well-known.”
After speaking, he suddenly stopped himself. Yang Zhaozhi’s expression also shifted slightly, and he instinctively glanced at him.
The atmosphere grew heavy.
Cheng Lingwei, seated nearby, quietly observed without speaking.
Liu Hexiao normally forbade anyone from mentioning his elder brother, Liu Hehao. But now, he had brought him up himself.
Yang Zhaozhi forced a smile and changed the subject. “Having a little quirk isn’t bad—it makes life more interesting.”
Liu Hexiao tried to ignore his unease and managed a weak smile. “What’s so interesting about it? Today is no different from yesterday.”
It was all just muddling through life.
Yang Zhaozhi fell silent for a moment before asking, “Has your relationship with the prince improved?”
Liu Hexiao chuckled lightly. “I have no relationship with him.”
“Ah-xiao—”
“Enough…” Liu Hexiao waved his hand. “I brought you out for drinks today, so let’s not talk about these vexing things.”
Yang Zhaozhi sighed softly and said no more. He took a sip of tea, feeling a pang of regret.
The once-dashing and free-spirited youth from years ago—how had he become this despondent figure before him?
With nothing more to say, the two fell into silence.
Bored, Liu Hexiao turned his attention back to Yihuan. Watching her crank the grinder repeatedly, he couldn’t figure out what she was doing but found it somewhat amusing.
More and more people gathered around Yihuan to watch her grind coffee beans. A chubby middle-aged man squeezed his way forward, completely blocking her slender figure from view.
Feeling irritated, Liu Hexiao averted his gaze and muttered, “This place is too crowded.”
Cheng Lingwei paused and asked in a low voice, “Does Shizi wants to leave?”
Liu Hexiao replied, “I want them to leave.”
Cheng Lingwei was momentarily stunned, then looked at Yang Zhaozhi with a troubled expression. Yang Zhaozhi could only smile awkwardly and say, “Indeed, it does ruin the ambiance a bit.”
Liu Hexiao gave a soft snort and began counting the peanuts on the table.
Meanwhile, Yihuan finally finished grinding the coffee beans into a fine powder. She carefully poured the powder out and examined it closely.
Note: Hand-ground coffee, unlike machine-ground, can have unevenly ground beans. This can lead to bitterness in the brewed coffee, impacting its taste.
At that moment, a waiter brought over boiling water.
Yihuan accepted the kettle with a polite nod. “Thank you.”
She then pulled out a piece of filter paper, skillfully folding and shaping it into a cone. Placing the filter into a small dripper, she gently poured the hot water over it, rinsing the filter. The water dripped into the lower portion of the dripper, and she quickly discarded it.
Note: Pre-wetting the filter helps it adhere better to the sides of the dripper and removes any paper taste that might affect the coffee’s flavor.
Next, she poured the coffee powder into the filter with a delicate touch. The coffee-colored powder, meeting the moistened filter, seemed almost poetic in its presentation.
Raising the kettle, she directed a steady stream of water onto the coffee grounds. The sight was akin to a parched desert receiving its first rainfall.
A rich, roasted aroma filled the air.
A child nearby exclaimed with delight, “It smells so good!”
By now, a sizable crowd had gathered around Yihuan. Her elegant demeanor and beauty, coupled with the novelty of the coffee-making tools, drew even more spectators.
As the hot water filtered through the coffee grounds and dripped into the porcelain pot below, the crowd watched, mesmerized. The slow formation of coffee drops evoked a sense of preciousness.
The brewing process continued, with Yihuan occasionally pouring more water in a circular motion over the grounds. As the coffee became darker and more aromatic, the onlookers grew increasingly curious about its taste.
When the coffee was nearly finished, Manager Luo squeezed through the crowd with a smile, his curiosity piqued by the attention Yihuan was receiving.
“Ladies and gentlemen, please make way, make way!” he called out, finally reaching the front.
“Miss Yihuan, is the coffee ready? The customers have been waiting for quite some time!”
He emphasized the word “customers,” and Yihuan understood his meaning.
She nodded. “It’s ready. Let’s go.”
Carrying the tray with the freshly brewed coffee, she confidently walked through the crowd.
Many of the spectators, having watched her meticulous brewing process, were even more intrigued by the coffee. As Yihuan left with the tray, their curiosity reached its peak.
“How much is the coffee?” someone in the crowd couldn’t resist asking.
Manager Luo hesitated and looked to Yihuan for guidance. Yihuan smiled and replied, “Freshly hand-ground coffee, one string of coins per cup.”
[Note: A “string of coins” refers to a unit of currency used in ancient China, where coins were strung together with thread. A string of 1000 Wen was equal in value to one Tael of Silver (a silver ingot).]
The crowd buzzed with debate:
“This tiny cup costs a whole string of coins?!”
“That’s absurd! A large vat of their signature osmanthus wine only costs one tael of silver. Ten cups of coffee wouldn’t even fill half that vat, and it’s already more expensive.”
“This is outrageous. This restaurant is daylight robbery…”
Hearing the murmurs of discontent, Manager Luo’s expression darkened. He had hoped Yihuan’s coffee would boost the restaurant’s reputation, but it seemed to be stirring up trouble instead.
Yihuan turned to the crowd and smiled gently. “Ladies and gentlemen, today’s coffee has already been purchased by a noble customer. Starting tomorrow, it will be available in limited quantities—only twenty cups per day. Pre-orders can be made directly with Manager Luo.”
With that, she calmly carried the tray into the private room of the Prince Qi’s Shizi. Manager Luo quickly followed her.
For a moment, the main hall fell silent.
“Did the Shizi order coffee too?”
“I heard the Shizi, though idle all day, is an expert in tea and food tasting.”
“Let’s see what he thinks!”
—
The private room was much quieter than the bustling main hall.
Yihuan gave a small curtsy and spoke in a warm voice: “This common woman presents this wine to the two gentlemen.”
She placed two cups on the table and, holding a white porcelain pot, elegantly poured the coffee into the cups.
The dark, aromatic liquid flowed smoothly, and Liu Hexiao’s gaze lingered on her. Dressed simply in a cloth dress, her features were bright and striking—truly breathtaking.
Yang Zhaozhi, noticing Liu Hexiao’s gaze, also looked at the young woman. From a distance, she had seemed ordinary, but up close, she was stunning.
Yihuan placed the cups before them and said in a clear, melodious voice: “This is our new wine, called coffee. It has a slightly bitter taste at first, but a lingering sweetness upon careful savoring. Please, take small sips to appreciate its flavor.”
Liu Hexiao looked at the coffee before him. With his keen sense of smell, he had already detected its rich aroma.
Yang Zhaozhi, intrigued, picked up his cup without hesitation. He was used to gulping down drinks in Qiannan, so he tilted his head back and downed the coffee in one go.
“Why is it so bitter?!” Yang Zhaozhi frowned, his handsome face contorting.
Yihuan explained gently, “Sir, coffee must be savored slowly. If you drink it too quickly, you might miss its subtleties.”
Feeling slightly embarrassed, Yang Zhaozhi remarked, “I suppose this coffee isn’t for me. If I can’t drink freely, what’s the point of drinking at all?”
Note: Traditional Chinese drinking culture often emphasizes boldness and indulgence, particularly with alcoholic beverages. Yang Zhaozhi’s frustration reflects this cultural background.
Hand-ground coffee, without added sugar, is naturally quite bitter when consumed in large gulps.
Liu Hexiao, however, remained silent. He picked up his cup and gently pressed it to his lips. The coffee flowed into his mouth, its taste unfurling in stages.
At first, there was a hint of bitterness that caused his brow to furrow slightly. But as he allowed the coffee to linger on his tongue, he began to detect its robust, mellow flavor, the richness of the coffee beans gradually revealing itself.
As he swallowed, the aftertaste clung to his palate, a lingering fragrance that refused to dissipate, like a note of defiance.
Yihuan carefully observed Liu Hexiao’s expression, her heart filled with both nervousness and anticipation.
Her purpose in offering the coffee was twofold: to help Manager Luo manage the situation and to test whether coffee could gain acceptance among the public. After hearing that Liu Hexiao was known for his refined palate, she had pinned her hopes on his feedback.
After a pause, Liu Hexiao finally spoke, his tone unhurried: “Not bad.”
Yihuan’s eyes lit up with delight.
Yang Zhaozhi, confused, asked, “What’s ‘not bad’ about it? It’s so bitter.”
Liu Hexiao chuckled lightly. “Don’t you think this coffee resembles life itself? At first, you think life is sweet and take it in eagerly, only to find it unexpectedly bitter. Yet you cannot spit it out.”
Yang Zhaozhi froze, momentarily taken aback.
Liu Hexiao continued, “But when the bitterness lingers, you can find a hint of sweetness amidst the numbness.”
His long, slender fingers toyed with the cup, his voice carrying a playful tone tinged with a faint wistfulness.
Yang Zhaozhi stared at him for a moment before responding, “Ah-xiao, are you describing yourself?”
Liu Hexiao quickly shook off the mood, smirking. “I was merely rescuing you from embarrassing the lady by not appreciating her effort. A gentleman always knows how to smooth things over.”
As he glanced casually at Yihuan, he noticed her clear, sparkling eyes fixed on him, brimming with interest.
Caught off guard, Liu Hexiao coughed lightly, averting his gaze. “Zhaozhi, you live far too roughly.”
Unable to retort, Yang Zhaozhi turned to Yihuan. “Miss, may I have another cup? I’d like to give it another try.”
Yihuan quickly regained her composure and moved to pour him another cup of coffee.
Manager Luo, standing quietly in the background, felt like a mere prop in the scene.
This was the first time he had seen Liu Hexiao speak so calmly, an unusual sight indeed!
He thought to himself, “After all, who doesn’t appreciate beauty? With Miss Yihuan’s looks, who would dare criticize her?”
While these thoughts swirled in his mind, Liu Hexiao and Yang Zhaozhi finished their coffee.
Liu Hexiao lazily stretched and said, “Let’s go.”
Yang Zhaozhi nodded, grabbed his sword, and left the private room with him.
As they reached the restaurant’s entrance, Liu Hexiao casually took an item from his pocket and tossed it behind him without looking.
The object struck Manager Luo squarely, making him wince. But when he glanced down and saw what it was, his eyes widened in shock. “Gold!”
Overjoyed, Manager Luo bowed repeatedly, exclaiming, “Thank you for your generosity, Young Master! Please visit us again soon!”
As Liu Hexiao walked out the door, he threw out a parting remark: “Give it to that young lady.”
Manager Luo froze in place, stunned.
Trailing behind, Cheng Lingwei shot him a glare. Only then did Manager Luo reluctantly hand the gold to Yihuan.
Though he coveted the gold, he wouldn’t dare offend such a high-ranking “ancestor.”
Yihuan accepted the gold with a smile, her demeanor calm. “Manager Luo, since I’ve managed to please your ancestor, don’t you think you should thank me?”
Manager Luo forced a grin that looked more like a grimace. “You’re another ancestor of mine, I suppose.”
Yihuan tilted her head and smiled. “I wouldn’t dare.”
Though she joked, Yihuan understood that someone like Manager Luo needed incentives.
“Don’t worry,” she said. “With the Shizi’s endorsement, if coffee sells well, it will naturally bring more business to your restaurant.”
Manager Luo looked doubtful. “And how do you know that?”
At that moment, customers began to crowd around.
“Shopkeeper, that coffee looks special. I have a meeting tomorrow—can I reserve a private room here? I’ll pre-order two cups of coffee, along with some snacks!”
“Me too! It’s my mother’s 50th birthday. Book a full banquet for me, and I want ten cups of coffee as well!”
“I want coffee just like the Shizi’s!”
Manager Luo, initially stunned, quickly snapped into business mode, his face alight with smiles. “No rush! Please, one at a time!”
Yihuan smiled to herself and returned to her shop.
On the second floor, her first priority was to check on Lin Yiran and Ah-miao.
The second floor had two small rooms. Ah-miao had tidied up the larger one for Yihuan, while the smaller room was for Lin Yiran. Ah-miao herself had cobbled together a makeshift bed in a corner of Lin Yiran’s room so she could cover him with blankets at night.
When Yihuan arrived, she saw they were already asleep. Smiling softly, she left quietly.
She turned to the small kitchen, intending to prepare donuts for the next day’s stall.
However, when she lifted the lid of the dough bowl, she exclaimed—
“Ah!”
T/N:- Sorry for the late update. As a compensation, Here’s double update. Enjoy!!
Thank you so much for this wonderful translation of yours!❤️❤️❤️