Chapter 33: A Rainy Night
Ah-miao had a bad feeling. “He what?”
Yihuan’s voice softened slightly. “He’s technically our business partner now. Even if he doesn’t help, at least he won’t deliberately cause trouble.”
Ah-miao sighed in relief. She feared Yihuan might develop even a shred of fondness for that idle and temperamental Liu Shizi.
The night breeze wafted in through the window, carrying with it the faint dampness of summer and a hint of restless heat.
Putting aside her thoughts, Yihuan resumed rolling the little dough balls.
One by one, the round brown pearls tumbled into the tray, lightly dusted with flour so they wouldn’t stick together.
Ah-miao joined in silently. As they worked, the tray slowly filled with pearls.
Not even a quarter of the dough was over when a sudden gale howled outside.
The air grew heavy with moisture, and dark clouds loomed over Shengjing, threatening rain at any moment.
Ah-miao quickly went to the bedroom to close the windows. She checked on Lin Yiran, who was already fast asleep, and then tiptoed back out.
Meanwhile, Yihuan went downstairs to lock the shop’s front door.
As she retrieved the lock, she noticed the bustling scene on Changming Street. People were scurrying home, their hurried movements both chaotic and comical.
In this storm, surely Liu Shizi won’t come today, she thought.
For some reason, despite herself, Yihuan had grown used to thinking about his visits every day, ever since he’d said he would come by regularly.
Annoying, she chided herself.
Resolutely, she clasped the lock shut and turned back upstairs.
—
The wind intensified, and the skies soon opened up with a torrential downpour. Thunder roared, and gusts of wind battered the shutters, their eerie howling unnerving.
Yihuan and Ah-miao ignored the storm, focusing on rolling pearls under the flickering light of a single lamp.
After a while, the noise outside seemed to grow louder.
“Miss…” Ah-miao asked hesitantly, “Do you hear something?”
Yihuan didn’t look up. “The thunder?”
Ah-miao shook her head, uncertain. “No… the thunder’s passed. I think I hear someone banging on the door.”
Startled, Yihuan paused and listened carefully.
The storm momentarily quieted, and the distinct sound of knocking—thud thud thud—rang out from downstairs.
Who could it be at this hour?
Feeling a flicker of unease, Yihuan grabbed a rolling pin for protection and headed downstairs.
As she approached the door, a familiar voice bellowed, “Xie Yihuan! Are you in there or not?!”
Her heart skipped a beat. She dropped the rolling pin and scrambled to find the key.
When she finally opened the door, Liu Hexiao stumbled in, nearly losing his balance. Water sprayed everywhere as he shook himself off.
Yihuan stared in shock. The Liu Shizi stood before her, drenched to the bone, his cold glare sharp enough to freeze the air.
The usually suave and dashing Liu Hexiao now looked completely disheveled. His red robe clung to him, revealing the rise and fall of his chest beneath the soaked fabric.
Forcing composure, Liu Hexiao exhaled deeply. “Are you deaf?”
Yihuan, taken aback by his sorry state, felt a pang of guilt. “Your Highness… I was upstairs. The rain was too loud; I didn’t hear you.”
Liu Hexiao sighed in exasperation. “I said I’d come every day. Did that go in one ear and out the other? Why lock the door so early?”
Embarrassed, Yihuan muttered, “I thought… since it was raining, you wouldn’t come, so I locked up…”
Liu Hexiao’s long, wet hair dripped onto the floor as he walked inside, his tone laced with sarcasm. “I didn’t expect the rain either. I thought I could make it here and take shelter, but no—your locked door left me to get drenched.”
Yihuan felt increasingly apologetic. “Your Highness, please have a seat. I’ll make some hot milk tea to warm you up.”
Liu Hexiao sighed again and sank into his usual spot on the long bench.
Yihuan hesitated, then stepped forward. “Your Highness… the stove in the small kitchen upstairs is lit, so it’s much warmer there. If you don’t mind, perhaps you could join us.”
After wiping the water from his face, Liu Hexiao nodded. “Lead the way.”
The rain had cleansed his features, leaving his eyes bright and crystal clear.
With nowhere else to go in the storm, he followed Yihuan upstairs.
—
The small kitchen was cozy and modest, with just enough space for a stove and a small table.
Ah-miao, diligently rolling pearls, froze when she saw the soaking-wet Liu Hexiao step inside.
“Y-Y-Your Highness?!” she stammered, wide-eyed.
Liu Hexiao glanced at her and quipped, “Despite my current state, you still recognize me. Impressive.”
—
Ah-miao: “…”
Yihuan picked up a light blanket and said, “Shizi, why not take off your outer robe? Cover yourself with this blanket and warm up by the fire—it might be more comfortable.”
Liu Hexiao hesitated for a moment before replying, “No need.”
Seeing his slightly distant demeanor, Yihuan chose not to press further.
She said, “In that case, I’ll prepare the pearl milk tea we plan to deliver to Qianjiao Pavilion tomorrow. You can sample it later.”
Liu Hexiao gave a slight nod, and Yihuan returned to arranging the pearls on the table.
He himself didn’t know why he kept coming here every day.
This little dessert shop had a soothing sweetness that enveloped him the moment he entered, making him forget everything else.
He gazed at the girl meticulously working on the small pearls. Her eyebrows arched softly, her focus absolute, as if she were guarding a little world of her own.
Watching her, Liu Hexiao felt an unusual calm, a sense of déjà vu.
Yihuan picked up the kneaded pearls and carefully rolled them in dry flour once more. The brown pearls were now coated in a layer of white, their surfaces smooth and dry, cleanly separated from one another.
“What is this?”
Sitting silently nearby, Liu Hexiao suddenly broke the silence.
“Pearls,” Yihuan replied softly.
“Oh.”
She glanced at him and saw him sitting obediently by the stove, warming his clothes in the heat. Steam seemed to rise faintly above his head, and the sight made her want to laugh.
“Is Shizi hungry?” she teased.
By this point, Ah-miao had retreated to the back room, leaving only Yihuan and Liu Hexiao in the small kitchen.
Liu Hexiao turned his head slightly. “No.”
Yihuan murmured to herself, “I’ll hurry then.”
She scooped up the prepared pearls and moved to the stove.
In no time, she brought a pot of water to a boil and poured in a bowl of the small pearls.
The flour-coated pearls turned white as soon as they entered the boiling water. The white coating washed away, revealing their natural brown hue. Yihuan stirred with a large ladle to prevent them from sticking to the pot.
Gradually, the brown pearls swelled, like tiny balls rising to the surface of the water.
At this point, the pearls appeared ready, but their centers were still undercooked. Yihuan covered the pot with a lid and left them to simmer for the time it takes to smoke a pipe. [Note: a traditional unit of time often used in storytelling for its familiarity in daily life. Roughly equivalent to 5-10 minutes.)
Liu Hexiao stared at the pearls in the pot, lost in thought.
Noticing his uncharacteristic quietness, Yihuan couldn’t help but glance at him. Something about him seemed unusual today.
He was fixated on the fire beneath the stove, his mind wandering far away.
“Ah-xiao, go outside and play with your brother. There are too many things in the kitchen—you might hurt yourself!”
The gentle and serene Princess Consort Qi (Qi Wangfei) pulled her youngest son’s hand and led him out of the small kitchen.
“Mother, I want to stay with you… When the cakes are done, I want to be the first to taste them!”
The young Liu Hexiao, with his chubby cheeks and lively demeanor, loved to cling to Princess Consort Qi.
“You little glutton,” she said with fond indulgence.
Tang Momo (a senior maidservant) hurried over to take Liu Hexiao’s hand. “Princess Consort is cooking again? Your grace, you are of noble birth—how can you spend all day in the kitchen?”
Princess Consort Qi smiled without concern. “When there’s nothing else to do in the Mansion, making treats for Ah-hao and Ah-xiao, is what I like the most.”
Her soft laughter and kind eyes made her seem approachable to anyone who saw her.
Tang Momo sighed. She knew the Princess Consort, despite her quiet demeanor, had a stubborn streak.
Princess Consort Qi often made snacks for her sons, and watching them grow day by day brought her the greatest comfort.
Liu Hexiao’s earliest memories of food came from his mother.
He would watch her intently—Every time she bent her head to lift the lid, strands of her hair falling gently; Her lips curling slightly with delight at the fragrance; And her warm reminder when the food was ready, steaming and fresh: “Careful, don’t burn yourself…”
It was likely during those moments that Liu Hexiao’s picky taste for food was born.
After Princess Consort Qi’s passing, he went through a long period where nothing he ate seemed to interest him, as though everything was missing that special something.
The bubbling sound from the pot brought Liu Hexiao back to the present.
Yihuan lifted the lid. The pearls had cooked thoroughly, their surfaces smooth and glistening, emitting a faint, sweet aroma.
She scooped the pearls out and placed them in cold water.
The hot pearls immediately cooled, the cold water helping them retain their shape and preventing them from sticking together.
Next, she needed to prepare the syrup.
Yihuan poured fresh water into the pot again, adding a scoop of black sugar powder. The powder quickly dissolved, sinking to the bottom.
As the water heated, the sweetness of the black sugar infused into the liquid. The pearls were returned to the pot, absorbing the syrup’s sweetness.
The sugar water enveloped the pearls, giving them a glossy, almost translucent finish, rich and enticing.
[Notes: Black sugar pearls: This specific preparation process is similar to what modern bubble tea enthusiasts know as “boba,” with roots in traditional Chinese sweet-making.]
Liu Hexiao’s sharp sense of smell brought him back to his senses.
“Is it ready?” he asked in a muffled tone.
Yihuan replied, “The pearls are almost done, but the milk tea still needs to simmer.”
Noticing that Liu Hexiao seemed a bit disinterested, she suggested, “Shizi, why don’t you try the pearls first?”
Liu Hexiao hesitated briefly. “They look a bit like glutinous rice balls (jiuniang yuanzi).”
Yihuan smiled. “They do resemble them a little, but the taste is very different. I love glutinous rice balls too—do you?”
What seemed like a casual question caused Liu Hexiao to pause slightly.
“I do… My mother made excellent glutinous rice balls.”
Yihuan glanced up at him. “The Princess Consort would personally cook for you?”
Liu Hexiao nodded silently.
Yihuan gave a faint smile. “She must have been a wonderful mother.”
After a moment’s quiet, Liu Hexiao softly replied, “She was.”
Yihuan said no more, sensing something unusual about Liu Hexiao today. He seemed different from the arrogant and domineering man she had come to know.
At this moment, he sat upright by the fire, his refined features illuminated by its glow, but there was an unmistakable air of loneliness about him.
Yihuan paused inwardly but maintained her composure, continuing to scoop the cooked pearls from the pot.
One by one, she ladled them out, leaving none behind. Under the light, they glistened, each one a glossy, jet-black orb, as radiant as gemstones.
Satisfied, she smiled and said, “The pearls are ready.”
Curious, Liu Hexiao stood up and leaned closer to the lamp for a better look. “They look quite unique.”
“They are,” Yihuan replied. “Shizi, please try some.” She handed him a small spoon and gently reminded him, “Be careful not to burn yourself.”
Liu Hexiao froze for a moment, then glanced at her before replying softly, “Alright.”
He picked up a pearl with the spoon and put it in his mouth— The pearl was coated in a layer of sugar syrup, its rich black sugar sweetness spreading across his palate. As he bit into it, the pearl was delightfully chewy, its elasticity perfect. The subtle sweetness of the starch wasn’t overpowered, and the more he chewed, the more flavorful it became.
“It’s good,” Liu Hexiao said bluntly, showing none of his usual nitpicking demeanor.
Yihuan was surprised but smiled brightly at his praise.
“I’ll start making the milk tea,” she said, setting the pearls aside and returning to the stove.
She switched to a clean pot, pouring in fresh milk and lighting the fire.
As the milk warmed, its creamy fragrance filled the room. Yihuan tossed in a homemade tea bag—a small bundle of red tea leaves wrapped in gauze.
She added a spoonful of condensed milk and adjusted the flame to a gentle simmer.
Sitting at the table, Liu Hexiao watched her work with growing interest, his anticipation for the milk tea increasing.
The simmering tea gradually turned the milk a delicate reddish-brown, deepening its aroma.
As the fragrance reached Liu Hexiao, his tension eased. He smiled faintly. “The milk tea smells wonderful.”
Yihuan returned his smile. “It’ll be ready soon. Once the pearls are added, it’ll be perfect.”
She poured the finished milk tea into a large bowl, setting it aside.
“Here you go,” she said, turning to fetch the pearls—only to find Liu Hexiao handing them to her.
His slender, pale fingers, defined by sharp joints, gripped the bowl containing the dark pearls. The contrast between his hands and the pearls was striking.
Yihuan looked up, meeting Liu Hexiao’s gaze.
For a brief moment, their eyes locked before they both instinctively looked away.
“Thank you, Shizi,” Yihuan murmured, accepting the bowl and quietly looking for a spoon.
She felt her cheeks flush, suddenly too self-conscious to glance back.
Finding a suitable round spoon, she scooped some pearls into a deep porcelain cup.
The process was deliberate—letting the syrup-coated pearls cling to the cup walls as she swirled it slightly, ensuring even distribution.
She filtered the milk tea, leaving it silky smooth, then slowly poured it into the cup with the pearls. The stream of tea naturally blended with the black sugar syrup along the walls, creating a harmonious mix.
Placing the steaming cup of milk tea in front of Liu Hexiao, Yihuan said, “Please enjoy, Shizi.”
The rich aroma of the tea and milk was irresistible. Liu Hexiao leaned in to take a deep breath, his expression softening with delight.
He lifted the cup and took a sip— The milk tea was luxuriously smooth, its creamy sweetness balanced by the mellow depth of red tea.
[Pearl Milk Tea]
With a spoon, he stirred gently, causing the pearls to rise. Taking a few with the tea, he tasted them together.
The once-chewy pearls now seemed playful, their sweet, soft texture perfectly complemented by the milk tea. Each bite left him wanting more.
In no time, the cup was empty.
Yihuan blinked, stunned. She hadn’t expected him to finish it in just three sips!
Liu Hexiao licked his lips slightly, the lingering sweetness on his tongue refusing to fade.
He smiled, his white teeth strikingly handsome.
“Another cup.”
Yihuan was briefly startled but quickly poured him another. Liu Hexiao couldn’t help but add, “Ahem… add more pearls this time.”
Yihuan stifled a laugh. “Alright.”
Outside, the wind still howled, and rain continued to pour. Inside, however, it was warm and dry. Liu Hexiao held the warm porcelain cup, his clothes partially dry now, and felt much more at ease.
He suddenly thought this small kitchen was somehow cozier than his grand residence in Shuiyue Courtyard.
Seeing how much he enjoyed the pearl milk tea, Yihuan felt a sense of accomplishment. She sipped her own tea with a soft smile.
Just then, a clap of thunder startled her, and she froze for a moment.
Soon after, there was a noise from her bedroom.
Yihuan exchanged a look with Liu Hexiao and said, “I’ll go check.”
Liu Hexiao hesitated briefly before quietly following her.
Yihuan nervously pushed open the door to her bedroom and saw that a window latch had come loose. The window had opened slightly, letting rainwater seep inside and soak the floor.
“What happened here?” Yihuan muttered, bewildered.
“Move aside,” Liu Hexiao said.
Yihuan was momentarily stunned but obediently stepped aside.
Liu Hexiao inspected the window. “It seems the window wasn’t properly latched. The heavy wind and rain must’ve slammed it against the frame, damaging it. It’ll need repairs.”
He grabbed the window frame with one hand and forced it back into place, using his strength to hold it steady. However, rain continued to drip through, soaking his arm.
After just a moment by the window, his sleeve was wet again.
Yihuan sighed. “I’ll call a carpenter tomorrow to fix it.”
Liu Hexiao glanced at her. “And what will you do tonight? Sleep in a puddle?”
Yihuan: “…”
Liu Hexiao raised his head, his voice cold. “Find a hammer.”
Yihuan hesitated. “Shizi?”
Liu Hexiao turned to her. “Don’t tell me you don’t know what a hammer is?”
Yihuan stammered, “Ah… I do…”
“Then go get it.”
Yihuan quickly ran to the small kitchen, rummaged around for a while, and finally found a small hammer.
When she returned, she saw Liu Hexiao standing in the water, his robe’s hem soaked.
Hurriedly, she lit a lamp and handed him the hammer. “Shizi, this is all I could find. Will it work?”
Liu Hexiao glanced back, took the hammer, and began working on the window frame.
“Bring the lamp closer,” he said softly.
Yihuan complied, holding the oil lamp closer to him.
Under the dim, warm light, Liu Hexiao’s peach-blossom-shaped eyes lacked their usual arrogance. His expression was serious as he studied the damaged frame.
Yihuan couldn’t help but observe him carefully. His sleeve was half-soaked, but he didn’t seem to mind. He kept his grip firm on the frame to prevent more rain from seeping in.
Feeling a pang of emotion, Yihuan said, “Shizi… if it can’t be fixed, don’t bother. I can sleep downstairs for one night.”
Liu Hexiao shot her a sideways glance. “You think I can’t fix a window?”
Yihuan quickly corrected herself. “No, no, that’s not it. I just don’t want to trouble you… You’re already wet, and if you catch a cold—”
Without looking up, Liu Hexiao said, “If I get sick, you’ll have to take responsibility.”
Even he paused after saying this, glancing at her briefly.
Yihuan blushed slightly and replied, “Shizi is blessed and won’t fall ill.”
Liu Hexiao chuckled lightly and said nothing more.
Outside, the storm raged on. In the dimly lit room, the two of them stood close together.
Under the soft glow of the lamp, Liu Hexiao furrowed his brows in concentration, thinking of how to fix the frame. Meanwhile, Yihuan quietly watched him.
For the first time, they had a quite moment for themselves.
After a series of light hammering sounds, the window frame was almost back in place. Liu Hexiao carefully repositioned it. Although there was still a slight gap, no more rain could seep through.
Both of them sighed in relief.
“Thank you, Shizi,” Yihuan said sincerely.
Liu Hexiao smirked slightly, a hint of pride in his expression.
Yihuan looked down at his soaked sleeves and suggested, “Shizi, why don’t you warm yourself by the fire again? Your clothes…”
Liu Hexiao shook his head and left the bedroom.
He placed a silver ingot on the table and said, “For the tea.”
Yihuan was startled. “That’s not necessary… You’ve already helped introduce me to Qianjiao Pavilion’s business. Making food for you is my pleasure.”
Liu Hexiao glanced at her. “Take it. Do you think hiring a carpenter to fix the window is free?”
Yihuan paused, then smiled. “Thank you, Shizi.”
Liu Hexiao waved dismissively. “I’m leaving.”
“Leaving?” Yihuan blurted.
Liu Hexiao turned back with a slight smile. “What, reluctant to let me go?”
Yihuan straightened her expression. “Shizi, the rain hasn’t stopped. Why not wait a little longer?”
He had already been drenched twice today. If he got wet again, it might take a toll on his health.
Liu Hexiao chuckled. “It’s late. If I stay any longer… and word gets out, what will happen to your reputation? A young, unmarried girl—do you still want to get married?”
Yihuan was at a loss for words.
Liu Hexiao laughed softly. “Hopelessly naive.”
With that, he headed downstairs. Yihuan hesitated for a moment before hurrying after him.
She grabbed his sleeve and said softly, “Shizi… at least take an umbrella.”
Liu Hexiao stopped and turned back to look at her.
Her eyes were bright, reflecting his image like rippling autumn water.
A clean oil-paper umbrella was pressed into his hand, still carrying a trace of her warmth.
Liu Hexiao smiled faintly. “I like this umbrella. I won’t return it.”
With that, he stepped outside into the rain.
Yihuan watched his figure fade into the downpour, an indescribable feeling stirring in her heart.
The rain continued through the night, its gentle sound lulling everyone into dreams.
—
The next morning.
Yihuan was still sound asleep, nestled snugly in her bedding. She had enjoyed a sweet and restful night’s sleep. Just as she was deep in her dreams, Ah-miao’s knocking woke her.
“Miss! Miss!” Ah-miao’s voice had been calling out for quite a while before it finally stirred Yihuan from her slumber.
Yihuan opened her drowsy eyes, still feeling quite fatigued, and lazily asked, “What is it?”
“Miss, are you awake?” Ah-miao asked.
Yihuan glanced at the time. It was already late morning, and she was surprised at how deeply she had slept.
“I just woke up. What’s the matter?”
Standing outside the door, Ah-miao replied, “Miss, there’s a group of people outside… they say they’re here to see you.”
Yihuan sat up in bed, puzzled. “Who are they?”
Ah-miao sounded equally confused. “I don’t know… They only said they were sent by the Prince Qi’s Mansion.”
—
T/Notes:
- Oil-paper umbrella: A traditional Chinese umbrella often associated with elegance and romantic symbolism, frequently appearing in historical literature as a gesture of care or affection.
- Jiuniang yuanzi: A traditional Chinese dessert of glutinous rice balls served in a sweet, mildly alcoholic rice wine broth. It’s known for its comforting warmth and cultural association with family.
- Tea bag: Red tea is a term used in Chinese for what is known as black tea in the West. Yihuan’s handmade tea bag reflects a meticulous and traditional approach.
- Black sugar syrup: Common in Asian desserts, it adds a rich, caramel-like sweetness, elevating the flavor of the pearls and milk tea.
Translator’s Note: Hey guys , I will upload 1 chapter each on Mon, Wed, Fri on the regular schedule time. Thank you!!
Pearl Milk Tea [Bubble or boba milk tea]:
