Chapter 22: Croissants – This Man Is Truly a Walking Advertisement!

 

“Croissants?”

 

Lin Yiran and Ah-miao asked in unison.

 

Lin Yiran curiously asked, “Sister, what are croissants?”

 

Yihuan thought for a moment and explained, “Croissants are a type of bread that comes from a place even farther than the Western Regions—from a land called France. Their biggest feature is their crispy outer layer and soft, buttery interior, with a strong milk fragrance.”

 

Lin Yiran, still processing, asked, “So a croissant… is it just a bread, shaped like a horn?”

 

Since eating donuts, Lin Yiran had gained a basic understanding of bread-based foods.

 

Yihuan laughed. “That’s right! A croissant is a type of bread. It can be shaped like a cow’s horn, a ram’s horn, or other forms. However, while croissants can be horn-shaped, not all horn-shaped breads are croissants, as croissants are identified by their ingredients and texture, not just their shape.”

 

Ah-miao looked puzzled and frowned. “It sounds complicated.”

 

Yihuan paused her dough-kneading and said, “It’s not simple. Look—”

 

She pointed at the dough in her hands. “This dough contains milk, yeast, salt, and butter. Incorporating butter into the dough isn’t easy, so I kneaded it quickly earlier. The key is to achieve smoothness: the bowl must be clean, the dough must be smooth, and my hands should also stay clean.”

 

After a brief pause, she added, “The most crucial thing with croissant dough is to avoid over-kneading; otherwise, it ruins the texture. Now that the dough is ready, Ah-miao, open the ice cellar and place this inside.”

 

Ah-miao took the dough, confused. “Why does it need to go into the ice cellar?”

 

Yihuan replied, “It’s for cold fermentation.”

 

Note: Cold fermentation is a technique used to develop flavor and texture in dough, unfamiliar to most people in this traditional Chinese setting. 

 

Not fully understanding, Ah-miao obediently carried the dough downstairs.

 

Yihuan then took out the butter she’d purchased from Qingmu Zhai and retrieved a smooth piece of kraft paper. This kraft paper was different from the usual kind, coated with a special layer that prevented it from absorbing water or oil.

 

Lin Yiran came over curiously and touched the paper. “Sister… this paper feels so smooth…”

 

Yihuan nodded, thinking to herself how miraculous Qingmu Zhai’s goods were. She wondered whether this specially treated paper could handle butter properly.

 

Wrapping the butter in the kraft paper, she grabbed a rolling pin and pressed down hard—

 

The once-square block of butter became significantly flatter.

 

Lin Yiran, wide-eyed and focused, asked, “Sister, why are you flattening it?”

 

Yihuan explained, “Tomorrow, the butter will be used in the croissant dough. Flattening it into a thin sheet makes it easier to combine with the dough.”

 

After several presses, the butter was finally a smooth sheet. She placed it into the ice cellar for storage.

 

Stretching her arms, Yihuan said, “Alright, let’s rest early. Tomorrow morning, we’ll bake croissants!”

 

—

 

At dawn, while the sky was still gray, Yihuan was already up.

 

After quickly dressing, she went to the small kitchen and opened the ice cellar. The icy air made her shiver as she retrieved the dough and butter, rubbing her hands to warm them.

 

The dough, now infused with butter, had a pale yellow color and was dense and firm.

 

Taking out a rolling pin, Yihuan flattened the dough into a sheet. It needed to remain hard and sturdy, and her hands couldn’t linger too long; the warmth could soften the dough too much.

 

Once flattened, she used a special rolling pin with ridges, designed to press out air bubbles. The surface of the dough ended up looking like tire tracks, eliminating every pocket of air.

 

Carefully, she shaped the dough into a large rectangular shape sheet.

 

Next, she retrieved the hardened butter sheet from the kraft paper. It was rigid and cold, resembling a unique kind of letter. Wrapping the butter with the dough, she sealed it carefully.

 

Note: The description linking the dough-wrapped butter to a letter reflects a poetic element often present in Chinese writing, adding a sense of elegance to the mundane task of baking.

 

Temperature control was crucial here. If it were summer, the butter and dough would need frequent chilling to prevent melting.

 

Using the rolling pin again, Yihuan flattened it while blending the butter and dough together. She then folded it into three layers, repeating the process three times, creating delicate, flaky layers within the dough.

 

She then cut the dough into triangles, slicing a small notch at the base of each piece. With deft fingers, she rolled the triangles from the base upward, tucking the bottom edge inside and wrapping the pointed tip around the center to form the horn-like shape.

 

Brushing the shaped croissants with egg wash gave them a shiny coat, making them look much more appetizing.

 

Now, she needed to let the croissants set for about half an hour in a humid environment.

 

—

 

Feeling a bit drowsy, Yihuan leaned against the counter to rest her eyes.

 

A strand of hair fell across her face, her exhaustion mingling with a hint of relaxation.

 

Suddenly, she felt something light being draped over her. Opening her eyes slowly, she found Lin Yiran standing on tiptoe, trying to cover her with a thin outer robe.

 

Touched, Yihuan smiled warmly. “Yiran, why are you up so early?”

 

Lin Yiran, still groggy, asked sheepishly, “Sister, did I wake you?”

 

Yihuan shook her head. “No, I wasn’t sleeping.”

 

Lin Yiran sighed in relief. “That’s good… But Sister, you look so tired.”

 

Yihuan put an arm around his shoulders and said gently, “I’m not tired, just a bit sleepy. Making croissants takes a lot of time.”

 

She thought back to yesterday when Liu Hexiao had worn her out with his antics. Internally, she cursed him to choke on water today.

 

Seeing her distracted, Lin Yiran tugged at her hand. “Sister, let me help you!”

 

Yihuan laughed. “You’re so sweet, Yiran. But for now, there’s nothing you can do. Go back to sleep. When the croissants are ready, I’ll call you, and we’ll sell them together. How about that?”

 

Lin Yiran nodded obediently. Having grown used to selling things over the past few days, he was no longer afraid of interacting with strangers. In fact, many women who came to buy breakfast loved chatting with the adorable, polite boy.

 

After tucking Lin Yiran back into bed and adjusting Ah-miao’s blanket, Yihuan returned to the kitchen. The fermentation time was nearly done.

 

She uncovered the croissants and saw they’d doubled in size. Brushing on a second layer of egg wash, she prepared to bake them.

 

She used a small clay oven near the kitchen window, built to mimic a miniature kiln. It was vented to allow airflow and retained heat for slow baking.

 

The first batch didn’t go well—too hot, burning the outside while leaving the inside undercooked.

 

Undeterred, she tried again, tweaking the timing and fire.

 

The third attempt was a success. The golden-brown croissants had a crisp exterior and delicate layers inside. One taste filled her with excitement.

 

She called out, “Ah-miao! Yiran! Wake up, we’re selling croissants today!”

 

Ah-miao sprang out of bed and dashed over barefoot. “Miss, the croissants are ready?”

 

Yihuan nodded. “Hurry and get ready. We’re heading out to the stall!”

 

—

 

As the sun rose, the streets of Changming Street began to bustle with life.

 

Ah-miao removed Yu Laosan’s noodle stall banner and replaced it with a new red flag that read: Shengjing Dessert Shop.

 

Yihuan looked at the fluttering red flag with satisfaction. “Once we officially open, this will be one of our branch shops.”

 

Ah-miao chuckled. “Lately, people have been asking where the main shop is…”

 

The two were laughing when a group of laborers, clearly foremen, approached them.

 

“Young lady, do you have any donuts today?” Over time, they had grown fond of the sweet, oily treats, finding them more filling and flavorful than plain buns.

 

Ah-miao quickly responded, “Yes, we have donuts, but our shop is also launching a new product—croissants. Would you like to try one?”

 

The foremen glanced curiously at the crescent-shaped bread in the box. One of them asked, “This… croissant… how does it compare to donuts? Which is better?”

 

Ah-miao hesitated. If she said croissants were better, would it discourage donut sales? She looked toward Yihuan for help.

 

Unperturbed, Yihuan explained with a smile, “Gentlemen, donuts are sweet, while croissants have a slightly salty flavor with a hint of sweetness. They’re different but equally delicious.”

 

Pointing to the items, she added, “Look at the donut—it’s shaped like a large coin, symbolizing wealth rolling in. The croissant, shaped like a horn, represents strength and unstoppable energy. Both bring good fortune!”

 

Note: Yihuan’s explanation cleverly appeals to the cultural importance of symbolism, where food is often associated with auspicious meanings in Chinese tradition. 

 

Intrigued, one of the foremen laughed and said, “I just got paid yesterday! Alright, I’ll take one of each!”

 

Yihuan swiftly wrapped a donut and a croissant for him. “Thank you, sir!”

 

The foreman paid and immediately took a bite of the croissant. The others hesitated until they heard a loud crunch.

 

Turning toward the sound, they saw the foreman chewing noisily. The crisp outer layer crumbled with every bite, revealing the rich, buttery interior. The layered dough, bursting with a creamy milk aroma, filled his stomach with warmth and satisfaction.

 

After swallowing, he couldn’t stop himself from taking another bite. “This is amazing! Absolutely delicious!”

 

His enthusiasm was infectious. Yihuan seized the moment. “Gentlemen, would you like to try some as well?”

 

“Well… I’ll take one too.”

 

“Me too! And me!”

 

Soon, money pouches were being opened, and several croissants were sold in quick succession.

 

—

 

Yihuan and Ah-miao counted their wens, exchanging a satisfied smile.

 

Clearing her throat, Yihuan announced, “I haven’t been selling here long, but thanks to everyone’s support, business has been good. Tomorrow, our shop at the end of Changming Street—Shengjing Dessert Shop—will officially open! Please join us for the grand opening. We’ll be offering a buy-one-get-one-free special offer!”

 

“That’s fantastic!”

 

“We’ll be there! I’m buying ten donuts!”

 

—

 

While Yihuan was busy with the customers, a carriage at the corner of the street quietly lowered its curtain.

 

The attendant outside, with a sharp face and shifty eyes, spoke confidently. “Young master… it’s her. She’s Liu Hexiao’s latest favorite. I’ve asked around, and it’s true—Liu Hexiao personally escorted her home yesterday.”

 

Inside the carriage, a man’s face darkened with anger. Gritting his teeth, he spat, “That scoundrel Liu Hexiao! He ruined my reputation, yet he carries on as if nothing happened—and now he’s found himself a new toy!?”

 

*****

Translators Note:- Thank you dear Iza for the Ko-fi. The next 4 chapters are sponsored by Iza.

 

Croissants :