Chapter 32: Pearl Milk Tea

 

Yihuan smiled and replied, “That’s not difficult at all. I’ve been coming by every afternoon lately. Whatever you’d like, you can simply reserve it daily…”

 

Hongyu shook her head. “No, that’s not what I want.”

 

She looked at Yihuan with a penetrating gaze. “I want something better than what the others get. I’d like you to craft a custom menu for me for an entire month, to help me regulate my body. I’m willing to pay three times the usual price! But there’s a condition—you must not supply these custom dishes to anyone else during this month. Deal?”

 

Hongyu’s beautiful eyes sparkled with anticipation as she awaited Yihuan’s response.

 

Yihuan chuckled lightly. “May I ask why you need this for one month?”

 

Hongyu’s smile turned coquettish. “Because in a month’s time, the next flower queen will be selected… and this time, I’m determined to win.”

 

Yihuan instantly understood—Hongyu was scrambling to make a last-minute effort.

 

After some thought, Yihuan concluded that this was entirely feasible. She knew plenty of beauty-enhancing desserts. Based on Hongyu’s needs, she could focus on preparing a few key dishes to help replenish her energy and improve her complexion over the month.

 

As for the other girls, they didn’t have any particular demands, so Yihuan could simply update their menu as she saw fit.

 

As long as the dishes for Hongyu didn’t overlap with those for the others, there would be no issue.

 

She nodded and said, “Alright. For the next month, I’ll focus on creating dishes to help you replenish your vitality and blood.”

 

Yihuan’s keen observation had already noticed that beneath Hongyu’s meticulously applied makeup, her complexion was slightly pale. And even though it was summer, a casual brush of her hand revealed a faint chill on her skin.

 

Satisfied, Hongyu smiled. “Then starting tomorrow, please deliver my dishes to me personally.”

 

Yihuan nodded earnestly. “It’s a deal.”

 

With that, Yihuan bid Hongyu farewell and returned to the bustling main hall.

 

As Yihuan exited the courtyard, Hongyu’s smile faded, and a sudden coughing fit overtook her.

 

She quickly covered her mouth with her fan and hurried back to her room.

 

—

 

In Yunming’s Room

 

A faint fragrance of incense wafted through the air, lending the room a refined elegance.

 

Yunming sat quietly, a book in her hands, though she had only turned a single page in what felt like an eternity.

 

Cui’er approached her from behind. “Miss?”

 

Startled, Yunming blinked and turned. “You frightened me.”

 

Cui’er smiled gently. “With all that noise downstairs, I thought nothing could disturb you.”

 

“I got lost in my reading,” Yunming said softly.

 

Cui’er’s smile deepened, though she didn’t point out the obvious.

 

“Miss, aren’t you going to see what’s happening downstairs? Many of the girls are ordering beauty-enhancing desserts from Shengjing Dessert Shop. They say it makes you more beautiful and keeps you youthful!”

 

Yunming gave a faint smile. “How magical. It sounds like just another sales pitch… but I do remember that girl. She’s very clever, and quite kind.”

 

Cui’er nodded in agreement. She also remembered Yihuan, and thinking of the strawberry mousse cake she’d tried before, couldn’t help but swallow hard.

 

Her mouth watering, she asked tentatively, “Miss… Yihuan hasn’t left yet. Should we go buy something too?”

 

Yunming glanced at her and said, “Greedy little thing. If you want to go, go by yourself. I’d rather sit here a while longer.”

 

Cui’er frowned. “Miss, staying cooped up all the time isn’t good for you. At this rate, you’ll make yourself ill!”

 

Yunming smiled faintly, unconcerned. “So what if I fall ill?”

 

She was tired—tired of it all. 

 

Cui’er’s worry deepened. “Why would you say such a thing, Miss? You’re the most popular girl in Qianjiao Pavilion. All those young masters are utterly captivated by you…”

 

Yunming’s expression froze briefly. “I’d rather they weren’t.”

 

If they weren’t, maybe her chances of leaving this place would be greater.

 

Cui’er sighed. “Miss…”

 

Yunming shook her head. “Cui’er, don’t try to persuade me. Even if I became the flower queen, what would it change? Who cares about being the flower queen? Youth, beauty, the constant flattery—it all means nothing to me.”

 

Cui’er pressed her lips together, remaining silent.

 

Yunming had often lamented her entrapment before, but ever since meeting that Young Master Pei, her melancholy had only grown deeper.

 

—

 

On their way back to the dessert shop from Qianjiao Pavilion, Yihuan and Ah-miao were elated.

 

Ah-miao beamed. “Miss, business has been so good lately! I’ll go buy more papayas later!”

 

Yihuan smiled. “Good idea. Tomorrow, let’s start selling some of the Papaya Milk Pudding directly in the shop.”

 

Seeing how much the girls at Qianjiao Pavilion had enjoyed the dessert, Yihuan decided it was time to officially launch it for sale.

 

Ah-miao nodded enthusiastically. “Yes, that sounds good.” After a moment’s pause, she added, “Miss, you really can predict things. Those laborers and workers rarely come by now, just as you said.”

 

Indeed, after the two-week buy one-get one free promotion had ended, the low-spending customers had significantly dwindled.

 

Yihuan replied with a smile, “That’s right. But without them, we wouldn’t have had the funds to stock up in the first place. Even if they don’t visit often anymore, we must still treat them well when they do come, even if they buy just a little.”

 

Ah-miao nodded in understanding. “Yes, Miss.”

 

The two walked on, and before they realized it, they had arrived at the Jinxiu Restaurant.

 

At the counter, Yihuan greeted softly, “Manager Luo.”

 

Manager Luo, busy settling accounts, looked up and smiled warmly when he saw her. “Yiran is playing in the backyard with Xiaorui!”

 

Yihuan chuckled. “Thank you for looking after Yiran. I’ll go fetch him home now.”

 

Manager Luo waved dismissively. “It’s no trouble at all! Come, I’ll take you to him.”

 

Since Yihuan had been spending most afternoons at Qianjiao Pavilion lately, it wasn’t convenient to bring Lin Yiran along. She had entrusted him to Manager Luo’s care instead.

 

Manager Luo’s five-year-old daughter, Xiaorui, a chubby and adorable little girl, was at a playful age. Lin Yiran and Xiaorui had quickly become the best of playmates.

 

In the backyard, Xiaorui stared wide-eyed at Lin Yiran. “Yiran-gege, what are you doing?”

 

Lin Yiran, a sheen of sweat on his face, replied, “I’m practicing kung fu.”

 

Xiaorui’s little mouth formed a perfect “O.” “Practicing what?”

 

Lin Yiran, half-squatting for what seemed like an eternity, was already a bit unsteady. But he couldn’t resist talking to Xiaorui. “This is something the Shizi taught me. He said if I can hold this squat for a count of a hundred, he’ll teach me something new!”

 

With that, he resumed silently counting in his head.

 

—

 

“Yiran.” Yihuan arrived in the backyard with Manager Luo.

 

Xiaorui squealed with delight at the sight of her father and ran over, stretching out her arms. “Daddy, hug!”

 

Manager Luo’s face softened as he scooped her up and gave her a kiss, the wrinkles on his face smoothing into a warm smile.

 

Seeing this tender moment between father and daughter, so different from Manager Luo’s usual shrewd demeanor, Yihuan couldn’t help but smile.

 

Turning her attention to Lin Yiran, she noticed that he was still squatting, his legs trembling but stubbornly holding on.

 

She quickly helped him up. “Yiran, what are you doing? Do your legs hurt?”

 

Lin Yiran shook his head, though his voice wavered. “I… I’m fine… I can keep going.”

 

Yihuan, worried, said gently, “ Liu Shizi told you to practice, but he didn’t say to overdo it, did he? Why don’t you take a break?”

 

Not wanting to dampen his enthusiasm, she tried to balance encouragement with concern. Lin Yiran was a sensitive and persistent child.

 

“I’ll hold on for twenty more counts,” Lin Yiran said determinedly.

 

Yihuan sighed and decided to let him finish.

 

—

 

Standing up, she turned to Manager Luo. A thought struck her.

 

“Manager Luo, how’s your sour plum soup been selling lately?”

 

Manager Luo smiled broadly. “The closer we get to summer, the better it sells… though we’re starting to run short.”

 

He hesitated, clearly wanting to say more but holding back.

 

Every morning, Ah-miao would brew a large pot of sour plum soup to supply the restauramt for the day.

 

Yihuan nodded thoughtfully. “That’s certainly a challenge.”

 

Looking up at him, she continued, “But my dessert shop’s business is picking up, and I’m afraid I won’t have much time to brew sour plum soup anymore.”

 

Manager Luo frowned. “What will we do? Many customers specifically ask for it now!”

 

His tone revealed his distress.

 

Yihuan smiled gently. “Manager Luo, how about this: I’ll give you the recipe for the sour plum soup.”

 

Manager Luo froze, stunned. “What? Give it to me?” He quickly added, “Miss Yihuan, you’re not joking, are you?”

 

Yihuan laughed. “Do I look like I’m joking?”

 

Both Manager Luo and Ah-miao, who stood nearby, were taken aback.

 

In the food business, recipes were closely guarded secrets—rarely sold, let alone given away.

 

Manager Luo hesitated. “Miss Yihuan, this… I can’t accept something for nothing. Why are you doing this?”

 

Yihuan’s eyes twinkled. “You’ve helped me out so much. Now that my dessert shop is doing well, I truly don’t have time to make large quantities of sour plum soup. I’d hate for this to disrupt your business. So why not do a good deed and make a friend in the process?”

 

Her explanation was straightforward yet considerate, putting no pressure on him while expressing her gratitude.

 

Manager Luo’s eyes flickered with genuine emotion. He was overjoyed.

 

“Miss Yihuan, your generosity is unmatched. I am deeply grateful!” He spoke from the heart.

 

Though his restaurant seemed grand, its operating costs were enormous. Balancing profits was no easy feat.

 

The sour plum soup had been a game-changer, doubling the sales of spicy dishes and easing his financial burden.

 

Now, with Yihuan freely offering the recipe, he felt an overwhelming sense of gratitude.

 

Yihuan smiled. “No need to thank me, Manager Luo. I’m new here, and I’ll likely need your help in the future.”

 

Manager Luo quickly replied, “Miss Yihuan, if there’s anything I can do, just say the word. I’ll do my best to help!”

 

“Thank you, Manager Luo,” Yihuan said with a polite nod.

 

Manager Luo saw the three of them off with profuse thanks, feeling a newfound respect for her.

 

——–

 

Ah-miao couldn’t help but ask, “Miss, why did you suddenly decide to give Manager Luo the sour plum soup recipe?”

 

Yihuan, holding Lin Yiran’s hand, gently said to him, “Yiran, why don’t you head to your room for a nap?”

 

Lin Yiran nodded obediently and left for his room.

 

Once he was gone, Yihuan finally answered Ah-miao’s question. “For Yiran.”

 

Ah-miao was puzzled. “For the young master?”

 

Yihuan nodded. “Yes.” She slowly sat at the counter, her gaze drifting toward the Jinxiu Restaurant across the street, where business was steadily picking up. “When we walked into the restaurant earlier, did you notice what the customers were eating?”

 

Ah-miao paused, trying to recall. “I didn’t really pay attention…”

 

Yihuan chuckled. “There were five tables of customers in the hall. Four of them ordered sour plum soup, and on their tables were plenty of spicy dishes.”

 

Ah-miao was still confused. “What does that have to do with giving away the recipe?”

 

Yihuan gently guided her. “Do you know the current price of fanjiao?”

 

(Fanjiao refers to chili peppers, a rare and expensive ingredient during this time, as most people used Sichuan peppercorns before chilies became widespread in the region.) 

 

Ah-miao nodded quickly. “Of course! Fanjiao is really expensive! Any dish with chili at Jinxiu Restaurant costs a lot more!”

 

Yihuan smiled. “Exactly. Those dishes are among the restaurant’s most profitable. But most people in Shengjing prefer mild flavors and can only handle the spicy dishes when paired with sour plum soup.”

 

She took a sip of tea and continued. “The sour plum soup is already in high demand. Soon, it will become a bottleneck for Jinxiu Restaurant’s ability to increase its profits. Unfortunately, with our current resources, we can’t solve this problem for them.”

 

Ah-miao thought for a moment and added, “So… if we can’t meet their demand, Manager Luo might become dissatisfied with us. And if the young master is staying there…”

 

He might not be treated well. 

 

Yihuan nodded. “Exactly. So rather than let things sour between us, it’s better to take the initiative. The sour plum soup isn’t our main product anyway, so giving away the recipe doesn’t hurt us much. Plus, it earns us goodwill. If Yiran stays there often, we won’t have to worry about him being treated poorly.”

 

Yihuan planned to spend the next few weeks focusing on expanding her reach in Tianshui Alley, so she would continue to rely on Manager Luo to help watch over Lin Yiran.

 

Ah-miao suddenly understood. “Miss, you really think of everything!”

 

Yihuan smiled. “You’re getting sharper too, Ah-miao.”

 

Ah-miao blushed, laughing bashfully. “I’ve just been learning from you, Miss.”

 

Over the past weeks, Ah-miao had picked up many dessert-making techniques. Her diligence and hard work had significantly lightened Yihuan’s workload.

 

—

 

As dusk fell and the lanterns of Changming Street began to glow, the streets filled with bustling people—some heading home for dinner, others out searching for food.

 

One lone figure lingered at the end of the street.

 

The young man was strikingly handsome, his blue robe neat and refined, exuding a gentle and elegant aura.

 

Ah-miao noticed him standing in front of Shengjing Dessert Shop for quite some time. She approached him warmly. “Young master, are you here to buy something?”

 

Pei Yin seemed startled, his expression slightly uneasy.

 

“Oh… I was just passing by,” he said, his gaze briefly flicking to the shop’s signboard. After a moment of hesitation, he asked, “Do you… happen to have coffee here?”

 

Ah-miao’s face lit up. “We do! Please come in and have a look. Besides coffee, we also have fresh cakes!”

 

Pei Yin managed a polite smile. “Alright.”

 

His every move exuded a scholarly charm, making him quite pleasant to watch.

 

He entered the shop slowly, pausing at the menu posted near the entrance. “I heard… coffee can help keep you awake. Is that true?”

 

Ah-miao nodded eagerly. “For most people, yes! It’s perfect for late-night studying or office work.”

 

Pei Yin nodded thoughtfully. “In that case, I’ll have a cup, please.”

 

Liang Wei hadn’t been able to keep the news about coffee to himself and had told Pei Yin all about it. Intrigued by its rumored ability to boost alertness, Pei Yin had walked two streets just to find the shop.

 

As Ah-miao prepared his hand-ground coffee, she remarked, “We’ve had quite a few scholars coming in for coffee recently. I suppose many are here in Shengjing for the imperial examinations?”

 

Pei Yin nodded. “Yes. This year’s exams seem particularly crowded.”

 

Ah-miao grinned. “It’s a good thing they added an extra round of imperial exams this year.”

 

Pei Yin murmured, “That’s thanks to Prime Minister Lin’s efforts.”

 

At the mention of Prime Minister Lin, Ah-miao’s hands faltered slightly. Her complexion paled, but she forced a smile and said nothing.

 

Pei Yin noticed her sudden silence and decided to explore the shop while waiting for his coffee.

 

He wandered to a shelf displaying various pastries. Many of the items looked unfamiliar to him—some shaped like rings, others soft and fluffy.

 

Thankfully, each item had a small sign listing its name and price. Without the labels, he wouldn’t have known what half of them were.

 

As he examined the display, he felt a twinge of regret at his own ignorance. Despite being in Shengjing, he couldn’t even identify common desserts.

 

Suddenly, his gaze landed on a small sign that read: Strawberry Mousse Cake.

 

His movements paused.

 

Why did the name of this dessert seem so familiar? It felt like he had heard it somewhere before. 

 

Ah-miao noticed Pei Yin standing lost in thought and said, “Young master, the strawberry mousse cake is sold out today. Would you like to try something else?”

 

Pei Yin paused before murmuring, “This strawberry mousse cake… what does it taste like?”

 

Ah-miao considered the question. “It’s sweet with a slight tartness. The outside is as soft as a cloud, and the inside melts in your mouth like snow…”

 

For some reason, Pei Yin’s cheeks flushed. “Ah… no wonder the ladies like it. Thank you for explaining.”

 

Ah-miao smiled as she gestured toward the counter. “Young master, your coffee is ready.”

 

Pei Yin turned, carefully handed over his payment with both hands, and accepted the coffee.

 

Ah-miao observed his courteous demeanor. Despite his slightly reserved manner, he was undeniably a gentleman, maintaining a respectful distance throughout the transaction.

 

Pei Yin took his coffee and exited the shop.

 

Watching him walk away, Ah-miao had a hunch he’d return someday.

 

Pei Yin reached Changming Street, stopping briefly to glance back.

 

Beyond the street’s end lay Tianshui Alley, a realm of revelry where shadowed lanterns swayed and hedonistic indulgence reigned nightly.

 

Yet here he stood on Changming Street, clutching a warm bamboo flask, with old books tucked in his bag—a solitary figure in a simple blue robe.

 

A few steps away was a world so vastly different from his own.

 

Lost in his musings, he was startled by a familiar voice calling out to him.

 

“Brother Pei! Brother Pei!”

 

Snapping back to reality, he turned toward the sound.

 

“Oh, it’s Brother Liang and Brother Zhou,” Pei Yin greeted them with a polite smile.

 

Liang Wei grinned mischievously. “Brother Pei, don’t tell me you’re sneaking off to Tianshui Alley without us?”

 

Pei Yin stiffened. “Impossible… I was merely out to buy coffee for studying.”

 

Liang Wei raised a skeptical eyebrow. “Really?”

 

Zhou Kaizhi, noticing the coffee flask in Pei Yin’s hand, grew slightly anxious. “Brother Liang, why don’t we get some coffee for ourselves too? We can visit Qianjiao Pavilion after the exams.”

 

Liang Wei pouted. “I spent all afternoon convincing you to come, and now that you’ve seen Brother Pei, you’re changing your mind?”

 

Zhou Kaizhi hesitated before replying awkwardly, “Well, the exams are near…”

 

Liang Wei rolled his eyes. “You two are no fun! Last time we went to Qianjiao Pavilion, I practically dragged you both there. And what did we do after spending a fortune to meet the flower queen? Recite poetry!”

 

Pei Yin and Zhou Kaizhi exchanged awkward glances, saying nothing.

 

Liang Wei continued his rant. “You’re both so talented with words, especially Brother Pei. You even earned a drink from the flower queen! But me? I couldn’t even get a word in! This time, I’ll make up for it!”

 

Zhou Kaizhi sighed. “Brother Liang, Yunming only suggested drinking games because she heard we were candidates for the imperial exams. You can’t blame us.”

 

Liang Wei huffed, remembering how that night had ended with him drunk and incoherent, being carried home by Pei Yin and Zhou Kaizhi. He had regretted it ever since.

 

Pei Yin, his lips tightening, said, “Then Brother Liang, go ahead. I’ll head back to study.”

 

Liang Wei called after him. “You’re really not coming?”

 

Zhou Kaizhi tugged at Liang Wei’s sleeve. “Let him be, Brother Liang. Brother Pei isn’t like us.”

 

“Why not?” Liang Wei asked, puzzled.

 

Zhou Kaizhi hesitated before answering, “Because Brother Pei is different. He has a brilliant mind and a bright future ahead.”

 

Liang Wei didn’t quite understand but chose not to press further.

 

“Fine, let’s go then!” Liang Wei said, pulling Zhou Kaizhi toward Tianshui Alley.

 

—

 

Upstairs at Shengjing Dessert Shop 

 

The air filled with a distinct aroma—sweet and earthy.

 

A lump of brown sugar dissolved in a pot of water, sending ripples of dark red across the surface. Slowly, the entire pot turned a deep crimson.

 

Yihuan stirred the mixture with a wooden ladle, the simple scent of caramelized sweetness oddly enticing.

 

Once the sugar water began to boil, she added a touch of tapioca starch.

 

The white starch floated like fresh snow settling over molten lava, gradually transforming into a cohesive mixture.

 

Yihuan patiently stirred in a clockwise motion, ensuring the starch dissolved evenly.

 

Before long, the liquid thickened into a smooth, reddish-brown paste. She added another round of tapioca starch, this time turning the paste into a pliable dough.

 

Satisfied with the consistency, she poured the dough onto a clean countertop.

 

Her slender fingers pressed and kneaded the warm dough rhythmically until it became smooth and elastic.

 

Ah-miao, having finished tidying up the shop downstairs, entered the small kitchen. Seeing Yihuan still at work, she asked, “Miss, let me help you.”

 

Yihuan smiled without pausing. “You’ve been busy all day. Take a break. I just had a sudden idea to make some pearls.”

 

“Pearls?” Ah-miao echoed, confused.

 

Yihuan laughed. “Yes, for pearl milk tea. I thought I’d make some to see if the girls like it tomorrow.”

 

Ah-miao’s curiosity piqued. “Pearls in tea? Won’t they get stuck in the throat?”

 

Yihuan chuckled. “Not those kinds of pearls. Look, these—black pearls.”

 

Ah-miao peered at the dough, which was brown and carried a sweet aroma.

 

Yihuan quickly kneaded it, capitalizing on the remaining heat to ensure a pliable texture.

 

Once the dough reached the desired elasticity, she stretched it out effortlessly. A small grin spread across her lips. “Perfect.”

 

She sprinkled dry flour over the dough, cut it into sections, and wrapped them in cloth to prevent moisture loss—essential for shaping the pearls later.

 

Taking a small piece of dough, Yihuan rolled it into a long strip, then used a knife to cut it into tiny pieces.

 

Each strip yielded 18 to 20 pieces, which soon formed a small mountain of dough bits.

 

Ah-miao watched intently. “Are these the pearls?”

 

“Not yet,” Yihuan explained. “We need to roll each piece into a smooth ball.”

 

Ah-miao was shocked. “But this is just one strip! There are so many left… Miss, won’t this make over 500 pearls?”

 

Yihuan smiled wryly. “I didn’t realize it’d be this much when I started. But pearls are the heart of milk tea. Once you try them, you won’t think it’s too many.”

 

Ah-miao groaned. “At this rate, we’ll be rolling pearls until dawn.”

 

Yihuan laughed. “If Liu Shizi were here, we could at least count on Brother Cheng to help.”

 

Ah-miao shook her head. “But Brother Cheng works for Liu Shizi. Why would he help us?”

 

Yihuan thought for a moment and said, “Even though Liu Shizi seems temperamental… he…”