Chapter 39: Collaboration – Is the Floss Cake Delicious?

Yihuan smiled knowingly and said, “You’ll find out soon enough!”

With that, she focused back on crafting her seaweed floss cakes.

The egg whites that Ah-miao had whipped were now fluffy peaks of meringue, resembling clouds. Using a spatula, Yihuan scraped the meringue from the bowl.

These soft, cloud-like peaks were carefully folded back into the creamy yolk batter. Though once part of the same egg, their reunion seemed like a bittersweet transformation—they were no longer what they used to be.

As Yihuan stirred, the mixture turned into a silky, pale-yellow batter, soothing and inviting as it rested in the bowl.

She scooped the batter into a cloth piping bag she had crafted herself, threading it into a slender bamboo tube with a small hole at the tip.

Curious, Ah-miao asked, “Miss, what’s that?”

“It’s a piping bag,” Yihuan replied.

Without access to modern piping tools, she had improvised. Using her hands to press the batter through the cloth and bamboo tip, she began piping the mixture onto a baking sheet.

The batter emerged in neat, smooth streams, forming perfectly round lumps like little buns. While the makeshift piping bag wasn’t perfect, it worked well enough to shape the batter.

Ah-miao noticed the spacing between the lumps and asked, “Miss, why don’t you put more on the tray?”

Yihuan chuckled. “They’ll puff up later!”

Blinking in surprise, Ah-miao exclaimed, “They puff up? Like rising dough?”

Yihuan grinned at the rows of little golden mounds, her eyes curving with delight. It had been a long time since she’d made such a detailed dessert. To save costs and cater to market demand, she typically focused on simpler, more popular treats. This seaweed floss cake wasn’t exceptionally difficult, but its refined preparation marked a new level of craftsmanship for her shop.

She placed the tray into the oven. After her previous attempts, she had grown adept at managing the heat.

In less than 30 minutes, the cakes were ready.

Using a cloth to protect her hands, Yihuan pulled the tray out.

The rich aroma of freshly baked milk and eggs filled the air—nothing was as enticing as warm, fresh cake.

Picking up two of the little bun-shaped cakes, she handed one to Ah-miao. “Try it—this is the best part!”

Ah-miao eagerly took one, blowing on it briefly before popping it into her mouth.

The soft cake practically melted on her tongue, its warmth releasing a comforting sweetness. Even though it was a bit hot, she couldn’t bring herself to stop eating, swallowing it all at once.

“This is delicious!” Ah-miao exclaimed, almost choking in her enthusiasm.

Yihuan also took a bite, savoring the flavor. She almost wanted to eat them all herself.

But after finishing one, she stopped herself. “No, I can’t. If I keep eating, there won’t be any left to finish the recipe!”

She brought out a bowl of pre-prepared mayonise. “Ah-miao, help me spread the dressing on these.”

Ah-miao nodded and picked up a spoon.

Yihuan demonstrated, taking one of the dome-shaped cakes. “Take two cakes like this and stick them together with a lump of dressing. The dressing acts like glue to hold them in place.”

She carefully spooned a bit of dressing between two cakes, pressing them together to form a perfect sphere.

Next, she spread a thin layer of mayonise over the outer surface of the cake. The pale-yellow cake looked slightly out of place with its new white coating.

Yihuan then rolled the cake in a plate of seaweed and meat floss. After a few turns, the sticky cake was fully coated in a savory, fluffy exterior, transforming it into a seaweed floss cake.

Ah-miao followed Yihuan’s instructions, successfully creating her own seaweed floss cake. She giggled with pride.

Yihuan smiled. “Ah-miao, do you enjoy making food?”

Ah-miao thought for a moment. “I never used to care for it… but ever since I started learning from you, I’ve grown to like it.”

“Why’s that?” Yihuan asked.

“When I see people eating what we’ve made and smiling, it makes me really happy,” Ah-miao said earnestly.

Yihuan’s lips curved into a gentle smile. “That’s the greatest joy of being a cook.”

As they chatted, the two of them finished assembling the seaweed floss cakes. Yihuan set aside a few for Ah-miao and Lin Yiran, then packed the rest into a food box.

Seeing this, Ah-miao asked, “Miss, where are you going?”

Yihuan smiled mysteriously. “To handle some public relations.”

*****

At Qianjiao Pavilion

It was still early when Madam Tian, the master of Qianjiao Pavilion, finished her morning routine.

A servant knocked at the door. “Madam Tian, Miss Yihuan from Shengjing Dessert Shop is here.”

Madam Tian frowned. “Why is she here so early?”

She added with a hint of pride, “Make her wait.”

Madam Tian was not someone anyone could meet on a whim.

The servant returned moments later. “Miss Yihuan said she’s brought fresh snacks. They won’t taste as good if left too long.”

At this, Madam Tian stood up immediately, cleared her throat, and said, “Fine, let her wait in the front hall. I’ll be right there.”

When Madam Tian entered the front hall, Yihuan was already seated, sipping tea.

Nearby, a male attendant poured more tea, smiling warmly. “Miss Yihuan, how’s the tea? Does it suit your taste?”

Yihuan smiled graciously. “It’s excellent. Thank you, Brother!”

The Male Attendant chuckled bashfully. “You always treat us to your delicious treats. It’s only fair we serve you tea today.”

Yihuan replied with a polite laugh. “You’re too kind, Brother.”

Frequenting Qianjiao Pavilion for business had made Yihuan well-acquainted with its staff. Her charm and sweet words naturally won their favor.

Standing at the door, Madam Tian cleared her throat deliberately.

The Male Attendant quickly straightened up and said, “Madam Tian, Miss Yihuan is here.”

Waving dismissively, Madam Tian said, “I know, you can go now.”

When Yihuan saw her, she greeted with a sweet smile, “Good morning, Madam Tian.”

Madam Tian snorted. “You’re aware it’s morning, huh? Don’t you usually come in the afternoons to do business? Why are you here so early—can’t you leave us alone even in the mornings?”

Her mood soured at the sight of Yihuan, as it reminded her of the time Liu Hexiao had treated her coldly. That memory still left a bitter taste.

Yihuan smiled politely. “Oh, Madam Tian, you misunderstand me. I’m here to honor you!”

With that, she placed a food box on the table and slowly opened it in front of Madam Tian.

Inside the square box were six fist-sized seaweed floss cakes, their surfaces fluffy with meat floss, interspersed with dark specks.

Madam Tian leaned in curiously. “What on earth is this? It’s all hairy and has black bits stuck in it.”

She frowned, unimpressed by its appearance—it certainly didn’t seem as appealing as the usual sweets.

“This is seaweed meat floss cake,” Yihuan explained. “The fluff on the outside is meat floss. Look closely…”

She took a pair of chopsticks and gently brushed aside some floss. The meat floss quivered slightly, causing the soft cake beneath to jiggle.

“And the little black specks? Those are seaweed,” Yihuan continued. “They add a savory, umami flavor.”

Madam Tian huffed. “I don’t want it.”

Yihuan frowned slightly. “Why not?”

“The sweets I usually eat look much better than this. This doesn’t even look appetizing!” Madam Tian declared.

“I’m not interested—I have things to do.” She rose, ready to leave.

Yihuan quickly held her back. “Madam Tian, don’t rush off! This is a dessert I’ve just developed, and you’re the first person I’ve brought it to. Please, just try one. For me?”

Madam Tian saw the sincerity in Yihuan’s smile and raised an eyebrow. “You’re being so thoughtful? That’s unusual.”

Yihuan laughed softly. “I’ve been doing business at Qianjiao Pavilion for so long, all thanks to your care. If I don’t show my appreciation to you, who else deserves it more?”

Flattery always works wonders. Hearing this, Madam Tian’s expression softened.

“Well, since you’re so considerate, I suppose I’ll force myself to try one,” she relented.

“Thank you, Madam Tian!” Yihuan exclaimed, quickly handing her the chopsticks.

Madam Tian picked up one of the cakes with an air of indifference, examining it. It was about the size of an egg.

After a moment’s hesitation, she took a cautious bite.

The meat floss was slightly salty and chewy, with a delicate balance of umami. Slowly, she began to savor the subtle savory flavor, her frown easing.

Unexpectedly, the cake wasn’t as bad as she’d assumed.

She took another small bite without realizing it.

This cake had been meticulously crafted by Yihuan, with an extra-thick layer of meat floss. The second bite revealed the soft cake beneath, mingling with the floss in her mouth.

The rich, salty flavor of the meat floss gave way to the creamy, buttery sweetness of the cake. Soft and airy, the cake had a delicate bounce that made it feel like it was resisting her teeth just slightly before yielding.

Madam Tian was surprised. She glanced at the seemingly unremarkable little cake—its flavor and texture were unexpectedly complex!

Yihuan, watching her expression change from doubt to enjoyment, smiled and said, “Madam Tian, there’s also a sauce inside. Please try that, too!”

Madam Tian nodded eagerly. Her curiosity piqued, she took a big bite.

The next moment, a gush of tangy and sweet flavor burst onto her tongue, blending seamlessly with the salty floss and soft cake. The combination of flavors—savory, sweet, and tangy—filled her mouth and delighted her senses.

She couldn’t help but let out a satisfied hum, her face lighting up.

Yihuan, grinning, asked playfully, “So, Madam Tian, how’s the seaweed meat floss cake?”

“Delicious! So delicious!” Madam Tian declared without hesitation.

She immediately stuffed the remaining half of the cake into her mouth.

“I’m so glad you like it, Madam Tian,” Yihuan replied warmly.

Even as she enjoyed the treat, Madam Tian’s shrewd mind was at work. She glanced at Yihuan and asked pointedly, “You brought something this good—don’t tell me it’s just to flatter me?”

Yihuan smiled mischievously. “Madam Tian, there’s no fooling you. I do have something I’d like to discuss with you…”

*****

Translators Note:- seaweed floss cake:-