Chapter 14: Strawberry Yogurt – Sweet Circles?

 

Cheng Lingwei was momentarily stunned. His delicate face showed a trace of surprise: “For… for me?”

 

Yihuan said, “Yes. Let’s consider what happened before settled. If you have time in the future, please do come and support our business.”

 

After all, having scammed the master and servant once before, Yihuan still felt a slight twinge of guilt in her heart.

 

Cheng Lingwei said, “This…”

 

Yihuan stuffed the donut into his hand. “That’s decided, then.”

 

After saying that, she called Ah-miao and Lin Yiran over to pack up and leave.

 

Cheng Lingwei stared blankly at the food in his hand. It felt both firm and soft, and he had no idea what it was made of. Originally, it was fine not having any food, but now that he had some, he felt even hungrier.

 

He gently opened the paper bag to take a look. Inside was a golden circle, fried until puffed up, with a layer of white frost that was undoubtedly powdered sugar.

 

Excitedly, Cheng Lingwei tore open the bag and was about to take a bite when he suddenly felt a cold gaze.

 

The chill was piercing, but there was also a hint of familiarity. Cheng Lingwei awkwardly put down the donut and forced an uneasy smile. “Your Highness…”

 

Liu Hexiao stood with arms crossed, his exact time of arrival unclear. He said coldly, “Have you found the jade whistle?”

 

Cheng Lingwei was slightly startled. “No…”

 

Liu Hexiao’s expression darkened with anger. “And yet you still have the leisure to eat!?”

 

Cheng Lingwei hastily waved his hands. “No, no! Your Highness, this was just given to me by a young lady!”

 

Liu Hexiao crossed his arms and snorted lightly. “Now you’re learning to flirt with girls!?”

 

Cheng Lingwei was both crying and laughing as he explained, “Your Highness, it’s that girl from before—the one you nearly ran over on horseback! She was setting up a stall here earlier, and we happened to meet, so she gave me this donut.”

 

Liu Hexiao raised an eyebrow slightly. “Donut?”

 

In his mind, the image of those lively, beautiful eyes surfaced once more. Why is it her again?

 

Cheng Lingwei saw that Liu Hexiao still looked displeased, so he held out the donut. “Here, this is the donut. She really gave it to me! I didn’t do anything on purpose!”

 

Liu Hexiao glanced at it—a golden hue, perfectly round, emitting a faint, enticing aroma. It was clearly no ordinary item.

 

There’s actually a kind of food in Shengjing that Liu Hexiao hasn’t seen before!? Liu Hexiao instantly felt that his authority was being challenged.

 

With a grim face, he snatched it away. “Confiscated!”

 

Cheng Lingwei was dumbfounded. “Ah… but…”

 

Liu Hexiao glared at him. “You dare linger here eating when you haven’t found the jade whistle? It’s a mercy I’m not punishing you!”

 

With that, he strode off with long, firm steps.

 

Cheng Lingwei felt like crying but had no tears. Helplessly, he followed behind in silence to continue searching for the jade whistle.

 

—

 

Meanwhile, Yihuan and her companions returned to their shop. She counted today’s earnings and was quite satisfied.

 

For now, serving breakfast was just a temporary measure. First, it was to attract customers to the shop, and second, to ensure a steady daily cash flow so they wouldn’t burn through their savings too quickly.

 

However, this shop truly needed repairs.

 

Yihuan took out the reward money she had earned from grinding coffee beans the previous day and said to Ah-miao, “Go find a carpenter. Over the next few days, we’ll make some renovations to the ground floor and the storefront. Once it’s ready, we’ll formally open for business.”

 

Ah-miao nodded and left to carry out the task.

 

Lin Yiran stood nearby, hesitating as he looked at Yihuan.

 

Yihuan asked, “Yiran, what’s the matter?”

 

Lin Yiran said softly, “Sister… is there anything I can help with?”

 

Yihuan was taken aback. “You… want to help?”

 

Lin Yiran pursed his lips. “I see you busy with so many things… but I can’t do anything to help. It feels like… I’m just a burden.”

 

Yihuan smiled. “You’re so young, and yet you know what ‘burden’ means?”

 

Lin Yiran remained silent, his long eyelashes drooping, looking rather forlorn.

 

Seeing this, Yihuan suddenly felt a pang of pity for this six-year-old child.

 

The Prime Minister’s residence had fallen from grace overnight, and he had gone from being a pampered young master to a destitute orphan.

 

Yihuan pulled him close and said, “Yiran is not a burden. You are my little brother, my family.”

 

Lin Yiran lowered his eyes and whispered, “But I’m so useless…”

 

Yihuan smiled warmly. “Who said you’re useless? This morning, didn’t you sell a donut? That’s already the first step, and it’s very impressive.”

 

Lin Yiran raised his eyes upon hearing this. “Really?”

 

Yihuan gently patted his shoulder. “Really! Yiran, by saying these things, it shows that you’ve already started to understand responsibility and accountability. That’s very good… Sister believes that if we work hard together, our days will only get better and better… As long as we keep going, we’ll have a chance to reunite with Father and Big Brother, right?”

 

Lin Yiran’s eyes filled with tears at these words, but he held them back and said seriously, “Yes! I’ll help Sister build up the shop!”

 

Yihuan smiled, gently touching his face. “Yiran is so good.”

 

She squatted down in front of him. The siblings stood in the empty shop, but it felt as though they already held a beautiful future in their hands.

 

—

 

Meanwhile, Ah-miao had sought out Master Zhang, a well-known carpenter, to help renovate the shop.

 

Ah-miao had heard that most of the shops on Changming Street were repaired by Master Zhang and his team, so she ran several miles to bring him over.

 

Master Zhang arrived with a young apprentice, standing at the doorway with a proud expression. He didn’t enter the shop.

 

Ah-miao found this odd and asked, “Master Zhang, aren’t you coming in to take a look?”

 

Master Zhang glanced at the storefront and then pointed to the building opposite. “You said the shop was across from the Jinxiu Restaurant, so I thought it would be something impressive. Turns out it’s just a little no-name place.”

 

Ah-miao was annoyed. “Master Zhang, what kind of words are that?”

 

Master Zhang arrogantly replied, “Just being honest.”

 

Ah-miao was furious. “You! You’re too much!”

 

At this moment, Yihuan slowly descended from the second floor and called out softly, “Ah-miao, don’t be rude.”

 

She wore simple clothes and silver hairpins. Her bright eyes sparkled like stars, and her lips, unpainted, were naturally red. Just one look from her made both Master Zhang and his apprentice momentarily dazed.

 

“Who is this?” Master Zhang asked.

 

Ah-miao said loudly, “This is my mistress and the owner of the shop.”

 

Master Zhang chuckled lightly. “So, it’s a young lady.”

 

Note: The phrase “young lady” (姑娘, guniang) is often used in a slightly dismissive or condescending way, especially when directed at someone in a position of authority. 

 

Yihuan smiled and didn’t take offense at his tone. Instead, she asked, “You are Master Zhang?”

 

Master Zhang puffed up with pride. “Indeed.”

 

Yihuan gestured to the chairs on the ground floor. “Please, have a seat, Master Zhang.”

 

Master Zhang strode in confidently and sat down heavily.

 

Yihuan sat across from him and asked, “I’ve heard that most of the well-known shops on Changming Street were repaired by you?”

 

Master Zhang said, “That’s correct.” He pointed to the opposite side of the street. “The Jinxiu Restaurant over there was our work, as well as Qingmu Zhai in the Western Market and Qianjiao Pavilion on Tianshui Alley…”

 

Yihuan listened attentively, her expression one of respect and admiration. “Oh… that’s very impressive.”

 

Master Zhang, believing he had impressed her, continued boasting. “You wouldn’t know, but even shops in neighboring counties drive over to hire us!”

 

Yihuan nodded patiently.

 

After letting him talk for a full quarter-hour, Yihuan smiled slightly and stood up. “Thank you for the introduction, Master Zhang.”

 

She turned to Ah-miao and said, “Ah-miao, see the guests out.”

 

Master Zhang was taken aback. He had been basking in his own pride, and the sudden shift caught him off guard. Standing up angrily, he asked, “What’s the meaning of this? Didn’t you invite me here to renovate the shop?”

 

Yihuan sighed lightly. “That was the intention, but after hearing your introduction, I feel you may not meet my requirements. I wouldn’t want to trouble you unnecessarily.”

 

Master Zhang was stunned. “What!?” He quickly retorted, “You haven’t even told me your requirements. How do you know I can’t meet them?”

 

Master Zhang prided himself on his reputation as a master craftsman. Being questioned about his abilities struck at his ego.

 

Yihuan hesitated, then explained, “From what you’ve shared, most of your work has been for large shops. I’ve been to those places—while they are well-built, they lack creativity. They all feel the same, and that’s not what I’m looking for.”

 

Master Zhang’s face turned pale. “The same!? What do you mean, the same?”

 

Yihuan spoke softly but firmly. “Yes… every restaurant feels quite similar once you step inside.”

 

Master Zhang’s expression darkened.

 

Yihuan added, “I don’t want my shop to look like anyone else’s. After all, this is Shengjing’s first dessert shop, and in the future, I plan to open more branches.”

 

Master Zhang blinked. “Dessert shop? Branches?”

 

Yihuan nodded earnestly. “Yes, a dessert shop that focuses on selling drinks and sweets, with other foods as supplementary items. Our target customers are nobles and refined ladies. Shops like this require a particular aesthetic for the storefront, an elegant arrangement inside, and even a carefully crafted atmosphere. Ordinary craftsmen can’t manage such details.”

 

Master Zhang was dumbfounded.

 

Yihuan continued, “Master Zhang, if I were to sell desserts here, how would you recommend arranging the lighting?”

 

Master Zhang hesitated. “Lighting?”

 

In his mind, lighting was just a matter of putting up a lamp or a candleholder.

 

Yihuan sighed inwardly, knowing he couldn’t answer. She explained, “Do you know that warm lighting, combined with orange-red tones, can stimulate appetite?”

 

Master Zhang was at a loss. “Lighting… can stimulate appetite?”

 

Yihuan nodded. “Yes, colors like orange-red or golden-yellow evoke feelings of warmth and hunger, encouraging guests to spend more.”

 

Master Zhang stared blankly. This was the first time he’d heard such an idea—it felt like his understanding of craftsmanship had been turned upside down.

 

Yihuan feigned a sigh and said, “Forget it… explaining this might be too complicated. If the dessert shop does well, I’ll open more branches in the future. Naturally, the branch designs would follow the main shop’s style, so this renovation is especially critical.”

 

She glanced at Master Zhang and added apologetically, “I’m afraid this project might not suit you. Thank you for coming all this way, though.”

 

Turning away, she signaled the conversation was over, her demeanor radiating quiet confidence.

 

Ah-miao, standing to the side, was inwardly amazed. How could their penniless mistress exude such self-assuredness?

 

Now it was Master Zhang’s turn to feel awkward. He stood there, neither sitting nor leaving.

 

Finally, suppressing some of his pride, he spoke in a louder voice. “Young lady, in all of Shengjing, there isn’t a single job I’m unwilling or unable to take on!”

 

Yihuan didn’t even turn around. “Oh?”

 

The light, dismissive tone only fueled Master Zhang’s resolve. Feeling both insulted and challenged, he added, “Go ahead, tell me your requirements. I refuse to believe I can’t renovate a little shop like yours!”

 

His young apprentice whispered, “Master, didn’t you say this job wouldn’t be worth the effort?”

 

Master Zhang glared at him. “You fool! Didn’t you hear her say she plans to open branches? And besides, she mentioned ideas I’ve never heard of before. As a craftsman, how can I stay stagnant, always doing the same repetitive work?”

 

The apprentice nodded quickly in agreement.

 

Seeing that Master Zhang was now fully engaged, Yihuan turned back and calmly sat down again. “Since Master Zhang is willing to put in the effort, let’s discuss.”

 

She brought out pre-drawn sketches and explained her ideas and requirements in detail.

 

At first, Master Zhang still seemed defensive, but as the conversation progressed, even he began to look forward to how the shop might turn out.

 

After some time, Yihuan stood up and said, “Please wait a moment.”

 

She disappeared briefly into the kitchen and returned with two small bowls, placing them on the table.

 

Pointing to the bowls, she said, “This is my homemade strawberry yogurt. Please try it. It’s a new product we’ll soon launch. While tasting, imagine the kind of environment that would enhance the experience for customers.”

 

Master Zhang looked down at the bowls, surprised. The contents were pink and smooth, resembling a kind of porridge.

 

Curious but cautious, he stirred it with a spoon. The pink yogurt rippled and settled back smoothly, exuding a calming effect.

 

“It’s delicious!” exclaimed his apprentice, already halfway through his portion.

 

Master Zhang shot him a disapproving look but couldn’t resist trying it himself.

 

The yogurt was slightly cool, soft and creamy on the tongue. The balance of sweet and sour danced on his palate, leaving him feeling refreshed.

 

As he savored it, the natural sweetness of the strawberries deepened the flavor, making him want to take another bite.

 

Master Zhang marveled, “This is remarkable! What did you call it again?”

 

Yihuan smiled. “Strawberry yogurt. It’s neither a meal to satisfy hunger nor tea to quench thirst. It’s something to make people feel comforted and happy.”

 

Master Zhang felt inspired. He glanced at his apprentice, who was eagerly scraping the bottom of his bowl, then at his own nearly empty bowl. Somehow, even his mood felt lighter.

 

Finally, Master Zhang grinned and said, “Alright! I’ll make sure your shop is renovated to be truly one of a kind!”

 

——————-

 

Meanwhile, Liu Hexiao returned to Prince Qi’s Residance, his face a picture of irritation.

 

Cheng Lingwei, sensing his bad mood, didn’t dare provoke him and silently followed behind.

 

Upon arriving at his courtyard in Shuiyue Pavilion, another guard, Cheng Lingyun, greeted him. “Your Highness, have you eaten yet?”

 

Cheng Lingyun, unlike his martial brother Cheng Lingwei, was perceptive and adept at reading moods.

 

With an air of frustration, Liu Hexiao muttered, “Mm,” before heading straight to his bedroom, slamming the door shut with a resounding bang!

 

Cheng Lingyun and Cheng Lingwei exchanged helpless glances.

 

“What happened?” Cheng Lingyun inquired.

 

With a sigh, Cheng Lingwei explained, “The jade whistle is missing…”

 

Cheng Lingyun froze. “The jade whistle? No wonder his mood’s so foul!”

 

Cheng Lingwei elaborated, “He realized it was gone last night and spent all morning searching for it, but still couldn’t find it by noon.”

 

A tinge of melancholy crossed Cheng Lingyun’s face. “Our lord may seem carefree, but he values brotherhood deeply. Among all the things that happened to the eldest young master, the whistle is one of the few things he’s never been able to let go of.”

 

Cheng Lingwei’s gaze also drifted to the closed door of the bedroom.

 

Not only had Liu Hexiao shut himself inside physically, but it seemed as though his heart was also locked away.

 

Inside the room, Liu Hexiao sat silently at his desk, his face clouded with gloom.

 

He closed his eyes, and his mind involuntarily drifted to memories of the past…

 

On an expansive racecourse, a young Liu Hexiao stood awkwardly at the sidelines, unsure of what to do. 

 

Other boys galloped past on horseback, kicking up clouds of dust that made him cough violently. 

 

The boys’ departing figures were accompanied by mocking laughter that rang in his ears. 

 

Just then, a dashing youth on horseback appeared, his brows sharp and his hair flowing in the wind, exuding confidence and grace. 

 

Liu Hexiao glanced up, his gaze locking onto the brilliant figure of his older brother, Liu Hehao, who seemed as radiant and unyielding as the sun itself. 

 

“Ah-xiao!” Liu Hehao called, his voice brimming with vitality. 

 

Riding up to him with ease, Liu Hehao pulled the reins of his horse and extended a hand to his younger brother. “Come on up!” 

 

Nine-year-old Liu Hexiao hesitated, his cheeks reddening. “I… I don’t know how to ride a horse.” 

 

Liu Hehao laughed heartily. “What’s there to be afraid of? You’ve got me!” 

 

Encouraged by his older brother’s words, Liu Hexiao tentatively reached out his hand. Without hesitation, Liu Hehao grabbed it and effortlessly hoisted him onto the saddle. 

 

With Liu Hexiao seated in front of him, Liu Hehao guided the horse into a gallop. 

 

It was Liu Hexiao’s first taste of the thrill of speed. Though he wobbled and clung tightly to his brother, his face lit up with excitement. “This is amazing! Let’s go faster!” 

 

Smiling, Liu Hehao cracked the whip, expertly urging the horse to race even faster. Before long, the two brothers had outpaced the other riders. 

 

“Ah-Xiao,” Liu Hehao called over the rushing wind, “do you want to learn how to ride?” 

 

Liu Hexiao turned to look at him, his eyes sparkling. “Yes!” 

 

“Good,” Liu Hehao replied. “If you can master horseback riding within ten days, I’ll give you my jade whistle.” 

 

Liu Hexiao’s eyes widened in surprise. “The one that summons the army’s horses?” 

 

“That’s right.” 

 

Determined, Liu Hexiao nodded. “I’ll do it! Just wait and see, Brother—I’ll prove I can do it!” 

 

Liu Hehao laughed heartily. “Good. I can’t wait to see just how capable you are, Ah-xiao.” 

 

The two brothers raced forward, their laughter carrying far into the distance… 

 

Back in the present, Liu Hexiao’s chest felt heavy with emotion. Abruptly, he stood up, accidentally brushing against something.

 

It was a paper bag.

 

Without much thought, he opened it, and a sweet, faintly greasy aroma wafted out. The golden appearance of the contents hinted at an irresistible flavor.

 

Looking down, he realized it was the food he’d taken from Cheng Lingwei earlier.

 

His brow furrowed in thought. “What was it called again? Sweet circles?”

 

*****

 

Translators Note:-

• Video link for strawberry yogurt :-
• Video link for English readers: