Chapter 46: Qing Nu – “Delivery Isn’t a Bad Idea”

Ordinary plum wine carried a raw, mildly sour taste. This plum wine, however, offered a layered experience. Upon the first sip, the acidity was complex: the tang of green plums, the refreshing sharpness of passion fruit, and the zesty kick of lemons intertwined beautifully.

The tang lingered on the tongue before giving way to a subtle sweetness, which was delicately balanced by a faint saltiness. The finishing touch of salted plums and mint left behind a lingering aftertaste that elevated the wine’s depth.

Liang Wei and Zhou Kaizhi exchanged a glance. “Delicious!”

Liang Wei, looking around the table, remarked, “There are only two small jugs of this?”

Zhou Kaizhi replied, “If we want more, we’ll probably need to order separately. These two jugs must be included with the ticket.”

After some thought, Liang Wei said, “I was hesitant about the cost of the ticket, but after seeing the performance and drinking this wine, it’s worth it!”

Zhou Kaizhi added, “I heard food will be served soon as well.”

As they spoke, a maid approached with two triangular slices of cake.

Smiling sweetly, she said, “This is cheesecake from Shengjing Dessert Shop. Please enjoy, gentlemen.”

Liang Wei, confused, asked, “What did she say? ‘Zhizhi’ cake?”

Zhou Kaizhi, equally puzzled, mused, “To know is to know; to not know is to not know… I wonder why they’d name a cake after such a phrase. But now we ‘know’ what it is!”

[“Cheesecake” sounds like “Zhizhi cake” when spoken with certain accents or in fast conversation. “Zhizhi” seems to be a playful or humorous term, suggesting “To know is to know; to not know is to not know”]

Liang Wei laughed. “Let me try it!”

He had only ever tasted the strawberry mousse cake from Shengjing Dessert Shop. This cake, with its caramelized top and tender base, was entirely new to him.

Using the provided thin wooden spoon, he scooped a piece from the top. Though the cheesecake appeared firm, it wobbled delicately as soon as he touched it.

Bringing it to his mouth, Liang Wei noticed it was cool but not icy, having just been removed from the ice cellar.

The moment it touched his tongue, it melted before he could even chew.

The velvety cheesecake dissolved effortlessly, leaving behind the rich, creamy flavor of cheese.

Amazed, Liang Wei exclaimed, “How did it melt before I even started eating it?”

Zhou Kaizhi, eating more gracefully, murmured, “This must be what they call melt-in-your-mouth! Like spring snow quietly melting away… so smooth, so delicate, sweet but not overwhelming.”

Looking down at the small slice of cheesecake—barely the size of his fist—Zhou Kaizhi sighed. This won’t be enough.

Glancing at the other tables, he noticed that some diners hadn’t started eating yet, while others had devoured their portions almost instantly.

Desperate for another slice, Zhou Kaizhi hesitated, knowing that Liang Wei had paid for their tickets and feeling too embarrassed to ask for more.

Seeing through him, Liang Wei said, “Brother Zhou… I’d like another slice of cheesecake. Shall I order one for you too?”

Zhou Kaizhi, initially intending to decline, couldn’t resist the temptation. Blushing, he nodded.

After finishing the cheesecake, a sip of plum wine washed away the lingering sweetness, leaving behind a wonderfully balanced taste.

—–

In a shadowed corner of the hall, a petite figure stood watching.

Yihuan was observing the guests’ reactions to the food. Judging by their expressions, they seemed satisfied… but she wanted to ask a few more people for feedback to see if there was room for improvement.

As she pondered this, a sudden cough startled her.

Turning around, she saw a tall figure in the moonlight, radiating an air of both elegance and aloofness.

Liu Hexiao, raising a brow, asked, “What are you sneaking around for?”

Yihuan replied, “I’m not sneaking—I’m just watching the guests’ reactions.”

Liu Hexiao smirked. “Why don’t you just ask them?”

“I don’t want to disturb their enjoyment of the performance.” She paused before asking, “What brings you out here, young master?”

Liu Hexiao replied, “The performance is dreadfully boring, and the hall is stuffy, so I came out for some fresh air.”

He was carrying a jug of plum wine and looked entirely at ease.

Yihuan nodded. “I thought I saw Young Master He earlier… is Young Master Cao not here?”

Smiling faintly, Liu Hexiao said, “He’s probably sulking in the backyard.”

Glancing toward the stage, Yihuan noticed that Miss Ziyan was absent.

She said, “Well then, I’ll leave you to it. I’m off to the kitchen to check if all the food has been served.”

Liu Hexiao nodded slightly. As Yihuan turned to leave, she stumbled over something in the dark and nearly fell, only to be caught by Liu Hexiao.

“You should be more careful,” he said, his tone light.

His hand remained steady, not letting go.

Flustered, Yihuan pulled away, her face burning, and fled without a word.

Watching her retreating figure, Liu Hexiao took a sip of plum wine, his eyes filled with amusement. What a fine wine.

In the back kitchen, most of the staff had gone to the front hall to watch the show.

On the counter sat trays of soup prepared for the performers. With their tight dance schedules, many of the girls hadn’t had time for dinner.

After the first round of performances, the soup would be served to the contestants.

Just then, a thin figure crept into the kitchen.

Huan’er, looking around nervously, quietly lifted the lid off one of the soup bowls and sprinkled something inside.

Her heart pounded as she replaced the lid and tried to slip away unnoticed.

But she immediately bumped into someone.

“Miss Yihuan!” Huan’er, startled, stammered with a forced smile. “What are you doing here?”

Fixing her with a stern gaze, Yihuan replied, “If I weren’t here, I wouldn’t have discovered what you just did.”

Huan’er, guilty but defiant, snapped, “I didn’t do anything! Don’t falsely accuse me!”

Glancing at the tampered soup, she suddenly spun around, intending to knock it to the ground.

But Yihuan was quicker, grabbing the bowl and saying sharply, “Destroying evidence? Aren’t you afraid I’ll report you?”

Terrified, Huan’er pleaded, “Miss Yihuan, please don’t overreact! I-I didn’t mean any harm…”

Yihuan, glaring, said, “You didn’t mean harm? This soup is meant for Miss Yunming. What grudge do you hold against her to warrant such an act?”

“I… It wasn’t me…” Huan’er faltered.

“Then who?” Yihuan, narrowing her eyes, added coldly, “If you don’t speak, I’ll have Madam Tian investigate.”

Huan’er, desperate, said, “Miss Yihuan, this has nothing to do with you! You should mind your own business. It’s not even a dangerous substance—just some croton powder to cause stomach cramps…”

Yihuan retorted, “How can I not intervene? This soup was provided by Shengjing Dessert Shop. If there’s an issue with the food, my business will be ruined! Could it be that Miss Hongyu instructed you to harm Miss Yunming?”

Hearing Yihuan’s stern accusation, Huan’er grew even more terrified, unable to extricate herself from the situation.

Meanwhile, outside the kitchen, Hongyu, having waited anxiously for Huan’er to return, decided to check what was taking so long. Upon entering, she found Huan’er caught red-handed by Yihuan.

Hongyu’s expression immediately changed.

Seeing her, Huan’er clung to her like a lifeline. “Miss, please help me!”

Hongyu, lifting her gaze slightly, looked directly at Yihuan and said, “Must you go against me?”

Yihuan replied calmly, “It’s not that I want to oppose you; it’s that you’re trying to harm someone.”

Holding the soup, Yihuan instinctively stepped back, stopping just a step away from the counter where the knives were kept.

The kitchen was empty, and the noises from the bustling hall drowned out everything else. If these two decided to attack her, she needed to be prepared to defend herself.

Hongyu, however, merely tightened her lips and stared intently at Yihuan. After a tense standoff, she suddenly began coughing violently.

“Cough, cough, cough…”

Huan’er immediately rushed to support her.

As the coughing intensified, Hongyu’s face turned red, and she appeared to struggle for breath.

Sensing something was wrong, Yihuan frowned.

Huan’er pleaded, “Miss Yihuan, please spare us! Our miss is gravely ill!”

Suspicious, Yihuan asked, “What’s going on?”

Huan’er explained hurriedly, “Miss Hongyu suffers from a lung disease that has worsened to the point where no medicine can help. The doctor said… at best, she has a few months, and at worst, just a year. That’s why she was dismissed from her previous brothel.”

Yihuan listened quietly and asked, “If that’s the case, why is she trying to harm someone?”

Having caught her breath, Hongyu, now pale and weak, managed to say, “Huan’er already told you… it’s not poison. I just… I just didn’t want Yunming to win the title of Flower Queen.”

Seeing her struggle to speak, Huan’er added, “Our miss just wanted to win the title of Flower Queen once. A single night as Flower Queen is worth a fortune, more than what most girls make in a year. She only wanted to save some money for her younger brother.”

Startled, Yihuan asked, “Hongyu has a younger brother?”

Huan’er nodded. “Her younger brother works here at Qianjiao Pavilion too, but he’s still young. Without her protection, he’d surely be bullied.”

Having calmed down, Hongyu sighed weakly. “You’re right to accuse me of wrongdoing… but I didn’t mean to damage your shop’s reputation.” She paused, then continued, “It was all my idea. If you need to report this to Madam Tian or Yunming, please don’t involve Huan’er or my brother.”

Frowning, Yihuan asked, “Who is your brother?”

With tears in her tired eyes, Hongyu murmured, “My brother… his name is Qing Nu.”

At the mention of her brother, a faint light of affection glimmered in her gaze. “The two of us have depended on each other since childhood. But as a member of the lowest social class, no school would accept him, no matter how talented or hardworking he is. He’s suffered greatly to earn money for my medicine.”

Turning to Yihuan, Hongyu continued, “Miss Yihuan, I know you’re not a ruthless person. I only wanted to leave something behind for my brother before I die—enough for him to start over in a place where no one knows him, running a small business so he wouldn’t have to endure humiliation anymore.”

Hearing this, Yihuan felt a twinge of compassion.

At that moment, Qing Nu entered the kitchen, carrying a sack of supplies. Noticing Yihuan, he politely nodded before turning to see Hongyu slumped nearby. Instantly, his expression turned to concern.

“Sister, are you feeling unwell again?!” He quickly set down the sack and hurried to her side.

Though Hongyu’s striking beauty shone through even in her weakened state, her refined features, mirrored in Qing Nu’s face, gave him an air of youthful vigor and handsomeness.

Yihuan observed them silently.

Forcing a smile, Hongyu said, “Qing Nu, I’m fine… go back to your work.”

She didn’t want her brother to know what had transpired.

But Qing Nu refused to leave. “Should I call a doctor for you, sister?”

Shaking her head repeatedly, Hongyu insisted he go.

Watching their exchange, Yihuan spoke up. “Miss Hongyu.”

Meeting her gaze, Hongyu bit her lip, remaining silent. Her pleading eyes begged Yihuan not to expose her actions in front of her brother.

In a steady tone, Yihuan asked, “Do you admit to what you’ve done?”

Startled, Hongyu hesitated before murmuring, “Yes… it was my fault.”

Yihuan continued, “I’m not one to meddle in others’ affairs, but I can’t ignore right and wrong. Since you’ve admitted your mistake, you need to go to Miss Yunming, confess, and explain everything. If you do that, I’ll let this go.” Staring firmly at Hongyu, she asked, “Do we have a deal?”

Stunned, Hongyu had expected Yihuan to seize the opportunity to extort her. Instead, she was being given a chance. Gratefully, she said, “Thank you, Miss Yihuan!”

Meanwhile, Qing Nu, watching from the side, looked completely confused.

Yihuan added, “As for Qing Nu… if you truly want him to live an ordinary life, you need to get him out of this brothel. Find him honest work elsewhere.”

Bitterly smiling, Hongyu replied, “With me as his sister… what decent family would take him?”

Yihuan sighed inwardly. A connection to the lowest social class could taint an entire family, limiting opportunities even for those with potential.

But Qing Nu spoke up. “Sister, this is our fate… but being lowest social class doesn’t mean we should give up. Tomorrow, I’ll quit my job here at Qianjiao Pavilion and look for work elsewhere. I have my hands and feet—I won’t starve. You, on the other hand, must focus on recovering.”

Taking another look at Qing Nu, Yihuan saw that despite his youth, he was mature and composed. Based on his work ethic during the delivery earlier, it was clear he was dependable.

“Hardworking and dependable…”

After some thought, Yihuan said, “I’ll be hiring at my shop soon. I’ll need someone to run errands. The pay isn’t much, but it includes meals and lodging. If Qing Nu is interested, he can come give it a try.”

Upon hearing this, both Hongyu and Qing Nu were overjoyed!

Hongyu immediately nudged Qing Nu, urging, “Hurry and thank Miss Yihuan!”

Startled, Qing Nu quickly said, “Thank you, Miss Yihuan!”

Yihuan smiled softly and placed the soup bowl back down.

Hongyu, visibly moved, said, “Miss Yihuan, giving him this opportunity is already a huge help… I’ll fulfill the promise I made to you.”

With that, she turned and left the kitchen.

—-

After a lively evening, the title of Flower Queen unsurprisingly went to Miss Yunming.

While the evening’s performances were not particularly novel, the food had everyone talking enthusiastically.

The highlight of the night? The limited portions. Once the plum wine and cheesecake were gone, there was no more to be had.

When asked about the food, the servers directed curious patrons to Shengjing Dessert Shop for more.

By midnight, Yihuan was still in the kitchen cleaning up food boxes and other items. Ah-miao had stayed back at the shop to look after Lin Yiran, so Yihuan planned to finish tidying and have the items transported the next morning.

Having finished his tasks, Qing Nu noticed she was still there and walked into the small kitchen.

“Miss Yihuan, is there anything else I can help with?” he asked, a touch of youthful awkwardness in his tone. He clearly wanted to assist but wasn’t sure how.

His demeanor suggested he already saw Yihuan as his new employer.

Smiling, Yihuan said, “Sure, could you load these empty wine jars back onto the cart for me?”

Qing Nu nodded. “Of course!”

He swiftly grabbed two empty jars in each hand and began stacking them onto the cart.

Impressed by his efficiency, Yihuan felt a sense of relief. Expanding the shop’s operations in Tianshui Alley would be a daunting task for her and Ah-miao alone, but with Qing Nu handling deliveries, he would certainly be a valuable addition.

Once the wine jars were neatly placed on the cart, Qing Nu tied them securely with a rope, ensuring nothing would shift during transport.

Wiping the sweat from his brow, he asked, “Miss Yihuan, is there anything else I can do?”

Yihuan, smiling, replied, “No, that’s all for now. Thank you.”

Gripping the hem of his shirt nervously, Qing Nu said softly, “I should be the one thanking you… To be honest, even though no one mentioned it, I guessed what happened when I saw my sister go to Miss Yunming’s room.” Looking up, he added earnestly, “My sister isn’t a bad person… Thank you for believing in us.”

Yihuan said, “It’s nothing… Your sister did it for your sake, though she went about it the wrong way.”

Qing Nu nodded. “I’ll try to talk some sense into her. But… she doesn’t have much time left. I just want her to be happy while she still can. Losing a loved one forever… it’s a terrible pain.”

Startled, Yihuan froze for a moment, and her thoughts drifted to her parents before she transmigrated. She rarely dwelled on her life before, but now, memories from her original body flooded her mind.

Her heart stirred as she remembered her father and older brother, far away in Qiannan. Her father had always adored her, and her brother had cared for her deeply. If they hadn’t been exiled, they would still be a warm and united family.

This sudden emotional surge felt unfamiliar, yet it pierced her deeply. It was as though her original self was mourning.

Noticing her pale expression, Qing Nu asked, “Miss Yihuan, are you all right?”

Forcing a smile, Yihuan replied, “I’m fine…”

Sensing she didn’t want to elaborate, Qing Nu didn’t press further.

After a brief hesitation, he said shyly, “I’ll go speak to Madam Tian tomorrow about quitting my job here. Then I’ll head to Shengjing Dessert Shop to help… Is that all right?”