Chapter 25: Strawberry Mousse Cake

 

 

Yihuan froze. “Why?”

 

Liu Hexiao smirked teasingly, “Because, apart from me, no other man is worth trusting.”

 

Cheng Lingwei immediately wiped his sweat.

 

Yihuan was speechless.  You’re the most dangerous one, aren’t you?!

 

Liu Hexiao turned to leave, throwing out a single sentence, “Tomorrow afternoon, I’ll send someone to pick you up.”

 

And with that, he was gone.

 

Ah-miao sneaked out after him and said, “Miss, it’s a good thing that today Shizi didn’t cause us any trouble… He even left this when he departed.”

 

Yihuan turned to see what was in Ah-miao’s hand—a finely crafted pixiu figurine.

 

“Miss, isn’t the pixiu a symbol of wealth and prosperity?”

 

Yihuan was slightly stunned and didn’t answer, instead looking back at Liu Hexiao. But he had already disappeared into the dusk.

 

—

 

Night fell, and the evening market came alive.

 

The restaurants and eateries on Changming Street were bustling with activity, brightly lit, with a constant flow of people and lively chatter ringing out amidst the clinking of glasses.

 

However, the liveliest place at night wasn’t Changming Street—it was Tianshui Alley.

 

Tianshui Alley was lined with long red lanterns stretching endlessly into the unknown distance. As the breeze passed by, the glowing neon swayed gently.

 

The women leaning against doorways to sell their charms used every ounce of effort to attract customers, their playful laughter filling the air.

 

Upstairs in the Qianjiao Pavilion, Yunming sat silently on the second floor, gazing out at the familiar scene below, her heart heavy with melancholy.

 

Her maidservant, Cui’er, spoke, “Miss, it’s getting late. Should I help you get ready?”

 

Yunming snapped out of her daze and sighed, “Cui’er, go and tell Madam Tian that I’m not feeling well today… I can’t take any guests.”

 

Alarmed, Cui’er asked, “Miss, what’s wrong?”

 

Yunming shook her head. “It’s nothing… just a heavy feeling in my chest.”

 

Cui’er, knowing her mistress was still upset about the rude woman earlier in the day, tried to comfort her. “Miss, don’t take that woman’s words to heart. She’s just a bitter woman jealous of your youth and beauty.”

 

Yunming smiled bitterly. “What’s there to be jealous of…”

 

Her family had fallen from grace. If not for her looks, she wouldn’t have been sold into Qianjiao Pavilion. At best, she might have been a maidservant in a wealthy household—lowly but at least pure.

 

Today, her sorrow stemmed from another cause—today was her mother’s death anniversary.

 

Yet, she couldn’t even light incense for her mother. She had to beg Madam Tian for an hour’s leave earlier in the day, just to catch her breath.

 

As they were speaking, the door suddenly opened.

 

Madam Tian waddled in, her plump figure filling the room. Seeing Yunming’s pale and tired face, she hurriedly said, “My dear girl, what’s wrong? Why haven’t you gotten ready?”

 

Cui’er answered on her behalf, “Miss said she’s not feeling well…”

 

Yunming spoke softly, “Madam Tian, could I rest for tonight?”

 

Madam Tian’s face stiffened, her earlier gentleness vanishing. “Tonight, both Young Master Li and Young Master Wang have specifically requested you. While they’re not here yet, their servants are already quarreling outside. If you don’t go, how can this be resolved?”

 

Yunming’s expression froze. Neither of the two men were easy to deal with.

 

She lowered her head silently, suppressing her frustration. She knew even Madam Tian couldn’t easily turn away such prominent guests.

 

Seeing her compliance, Madam Tian let out a sigh of relief. “Good girl, get ready quickly and make sure to perform well tonight…”

 

The emphasis on the word “perform” made Yunming’s heart ache.

 

Cui’er, equally helpless, said, “Madam Tian, Miss hasn’t eaten yet. I’ll help her eat something while doing her hair.”

 

Madam Tian smiled again. “Fine, fine. Let her eat whatever she wants.”

 

Someone outside called for Madam Tian just then, and she hurried out.

 

Yunming let out a deep sigh.

 

Cui’er, seeing this, brought out the strawberry mousse cake she had bought earlier. “Miss, have some cake first.”

 

She opened the delicate paper box. The quality of the white paper alone wasn’t cheap, let alone the sturdy design.

 

Peeling back the wrapper revealed a pink strawberry mousse cake.

(T/N:- Its similar to either of the above)

 

A large strawberry sat at the center, surrounded by intricately piped waves of cream. It was exquisite.

 

The cream underneath was a smooth pink, as if carved from a single piece of pink marble.

 

Inside the box was even a simple wooden fork.

 

Cui’er handed the fork to Yunming, saying, “Miss, please eat a little.”

 

Yunming nodded reluctantly. She pinched the small wooden fork delicately and scooped up a bit of cream.

 

Looking gloomy, she silently brought it to her lips.

 

The pink cream melted on her tongue, its subtle strawberry tang blending perfectly with the sweetness of the cream. She froze for a moment.

 

The mousse was soft and silky, dissolving instantly in her mouth. Its smoothness soothed her troubled heart.

 

She looked at the cake with surprise. It was almost unbelievable.

 

Cui’er noticed her reaction. “Miss, what is it?”

 

“This strawberry mousse cake… it’s incredible!” Yunming exclaimed.

 

Having grown up surrounded by luxury, even after her fall from grace, she had tasted countless delicacies. Yet, this was her first time encountering something like this.

 

Despite her hardship, she was still a young woman, and the simple joy of delicious food brought a smile to her face.

 

“Cui’er, you have to try this!” Yunming said, her affection for her maid evident as she handed her a piece with the wooden fork.

 

Cui’er, taken aback by the generosity, quickly accepted. “Thank you, Miss.”

 

Having lived a difficult life in Qianjiao Pavilion, Cui’er cherished the kindness of her mistress, who had never mistreated her.

 

Yunming then picked up the largest strawberry on top. Its freshness suggested it had just been plucked. Without hesitation, she ate it gracefully.

 

The strawberry’s sweet-and-sour flavor, with a hint of honey, complemented the mousse’s creaminess, creating a perfect balance.

 

Feeling a rare sense of contentment, Yunming examined the packaging. The white paper box had elegant script that read: Shengjing Dessert Shop.

 

Cui’er commented, “The handwriting is lovely.”

 

Yunming noted, “The Manager is clever. Normally, packaging like this is thrown away. But with this script, anyone who sees it will know where it’s from. A smart marketing strategy.”

 

Cui’er nodded in agreement. “Indeed.”

 

Yunming added, “Did you notice? That shop’s decor was different from other places. The owner clearly has a unique vision.”

 

Her tone carried a tinge of envy. If only she could have such a shop—self-reliant and free.

 

Cui’er hesitated. “Miss, I also saw someone there today… He looked like…”

 

“Who?” Yunming asked curiously.

 

“Liu Shizi!”

 

Yunming was startled. “He was there?”

 

“Yes, I’m almost certain,” Cui’er said.

 

Yunming thought to herself: If even the Crown Prince frequents this place, the food must indeed be remarkable. 

 

Cui’er nodded and asked hesitantly, “Miss, do you think he went there because he likes the shop owner?”

 

Yunming covered her mouth to stifle a laugh and said, “That’s not necessarily the case. When the Crown Prince has come to our Qianjiao Pavilion in the past, it’s usually to accompany his friends. I’ve never seen him request any specific girl. It doesn’t seem like he’s a lecherous person. Besides, someone of his status is more likely to wait for the Emperor to arrange a marriage for him rather than fall for someone randomly.”

 

Cui’er seemed half-understanding and nodded.

 

Yunming chuckled softly and resumed eating the strawberry mousse cake. Her movements were graceful, making even a simple act like eating a delight to watch.

 

Just as she was about to finish the cake, a commotion erupted outside. A sharp voice called out, “Where is Yunming? Come out!”

 

Cui’er froze and whispered, “That sounds like Hongyu!”

 

Yunming’s expression faltered slightly, and her delicate brows furrowed. This visitor clearly had ill intentions.

 

She had no intention of responding, but Hongyu kicked the door open forcefully and barged in.

 

Hongyu was strikingly beautiful, her looks further enhanced by heavy makeup, as if her ambition was painted onto her face.

 

Her face was livid with anger, and the moment she entered, she saw Yunming sitting calmly at the table, enjoying her dessert. This sight only fueled her fury.

 

“How dare you, Yunming! Hoarding all the best customers for yourself—are you trying to leave no room for the rest of us to live?”

 

Although Yunming was kind-hearted, no one in Qianjiao Pavilion dared to speak to her so rudely. She raised her gaze slightly, meeting Hongyu’s eyes, and said in an even tone, “I don’t know what you’re talking about. Please leave.”

 

Hongyu’s face stiffened for a moment before she gritted her teeth and barked, “Don’t play dumb with me! Tonight, both Young Master Wang and Young Master Li are fighting over you. You’ve kept them waiting for so long. What’s your intention—teasing them and not letting them have what they want?”

 

Yunming understood.

 

Young Master Wang and Young Master Li were both known for their frivolity and wealth. Now, because of their bickering over her, neither wanted to lose face by backing down and choosing another girl.

 

Hongyu clearly hoped to benefit from their argument. Yunming’s delayed appearance had cut off Hongyu’s chances of getting picked, and it had infuriated her.

 

Yunming didn’t appreciate Hongyu’s brazenness and said, “Whether I go or not is none of your concern.” Turning to Cui’er, she instructed, “Continue helping me with my hair. No matter what happens, I’ll finish my cake first.”

 

Cui’er nodded, and the two resumed their tasks, completely ignoring Hongyu.

 

This deliberate dismissal only further enraged Hongyu. “Fine, you just wait!” she shouted before storming out.

 

Outside, her maid, Huan’er, quickly followed. “Miss, what happened? Yunming still hasn’t come out?”

 

Hongyu’s face was flushed with anger. “She’s just putting on airs because she’s been the top courtesan for three consecutive months. What’s so great about her?”

 

The position of the “Flower Queen” was determined every month by the votes of the guests, and Yunming had won it three times in a row. For Hongyu, who was still new and hadn’t built a strong client source, this was an unbearable humiliation.

 

In Qianjiao Pavilion, the more beautiful and prestigious the courtesan, the better the clients she could attract. Ordinary girls were left to serve less notable or unsavory customers.

 

Hongyu’s ambition to rise above the others had even led her to take the bold step of trying to entice the heir of Prince Qi, Liu Hexiao.

 

However, Liu Hexiao had rejected her outright, causing her to become the laughingstock of the other girls for weeks.

 

But that wasn’t the worst of it. After painstakingly attracting the attention of Zhang Luan, the son of the Grand Secretary Zhang, she finally seemed to be making progress—until Liu Hexiao intervened again. He had humiliated Zhang Luan, kicking him out of the Pavilion without a stitch of clothing. The incident became a joke that spread far and wide, leaving Zhang Luan too embarrassed to return.

 

All of Hongyu’s efforts had been wasted, and the memory still made her grind her teeth in frustration.

 

Seeing her expression, Huan’er tried to console her. “Miss, don’t be upset. Why don’t we go downstairs and check on the other customers? Otherwise, the best ones might all be taken.”

 

But Hongyu wasn’t in a hurry. She narrowed her eyes thoughtfully and said, “Did you know… Yunming went out earlier today?”

 

Huan’er nodded. “Yes, I saw Cui’er come back with a white box.”

 

“That white box,” Hongyu said, lowering her voice. “It had food inside, didn’t it?”

 

Huan’er thought for a moment before replying, “I think so. Why? Is something wrong?”

 

Hongyu’s expression turned sharp. “There’s definitely something strange about it. Yunming is insisting on finishing her food before seeing her guests. What if the food has some beauty-enhancing or even enchanting effects?”

 

Huan’er’s eyes widened in realization. “Miss, you’re brilliant! I didn’t even think about that…”

 

Hongyu smirked. “Find a chance to chat with Cui’er. Ask her what Yunming was eating and from where she bought it.”

 

Huan’er nodded but hesitated. “And then, Miss? What are you planning to do?”

 

 

*****

 

Translators Note:- Strawberry Mousse Cake:-