Chapter 53: Mango Sago with Pomelo

By afternoon, Shengjing Dessert Shop grew even busier.

Plenty came to enjoy the desserts, but even more came to witness the most extraordinary sight in Shengjing—the Shizi, Liu Hexiao, washing dishes.

He Ye and Cao Shixun rushed over after hearing the news. Seeing Liu Hexiao standing by the dessert shop’s kitchen with his sleeves rolled up, they were so shocked their eyes nearly popped out.

He Ye burst into laughter. “Shixun, ten taels of silver, hand it over! I win!”

Cao Shixun grumpily dug out the silver and begrudgingly said, “Ah-xiao, have you lost your mind? Giving up your life as a noble heir to wash dishes here!?”

Standing nearby, Yihuan couldn’t suppress a laugh but quickly calmed her expression.

Liu Hexiao’s face clouded over. Earlier, he had broken two dishes and was scolded by Yihuan, making him particularly glum. Hearing Cao Shixun’s remark, he snatched the silver from his hand. “I wanted to. Got a problem with that?”

He Ye interjected hurriedly, “But that’s my winnings! We bet on this!”

Liu Hexiao rolled his eyes. “You two came all this way to watch the show. Shouldn’t you at least pay an entrance fee?” He handed the silver to Yihuan without hesitation. “You keep this.”

Yihuan blinked in surprise as she was handed the ingot.

He Ye and Cao Shixun exchanged baffled looks. Something about these two… seemed off.

Cao Shixun teased, “Ah-Xiao, you’re really pulling out all the stops just to make a lady smile, huh?”

Still wiping a plate, Liu Hexiao retorted, “If you’ve got time to hang around here, why aren’t you off chasing after your Miss Ziyan?”

Cao Shixun froze in his tracks.

He Ye chimed in, “Ah-Xiao, yesterday’s ruckus at the Prince Qi’s manor has spread like wildfire. I heard your father cut off all your support and barred you from returning. Is that true?”

Yihuan’s curious gaze drifted toward Liu Hexiao.

Liu Hexiao met her eyes and casually replied, “It’s true.”

Caught off guard, Yihuan quickly turned away.

He Ye pressed on, “So, what’s your plan? Need some silver to tide you over? When the Prince Qi calms down, you can go back…”

Liu Hexiao shook his head. “I’m tired of that place. I quite like it here. I’ll just stick around with Yihuan and make do.”

Yihuan’s internal monologue: Who’s sticking around with you!?

He Ye raised an eyebrow. “And you and Miss Yihuan… are now?”

Yihuan smiled faintly. “An employer-employee relationship.”

He Ye and Cao Shixun were intrigued. “Employee?”

Yihuan nodded. “The Liu Shizi is now Shengjing Dessert Shop’s dishwashing attendant.” She couldn’t help but laugh a little herself.

She had thought this would annoy Liu Hexiao enough to make him quit. Instead, he laughed heartily and said, “Yihuan, you’ve finally acknowledged me!”

Yihuan froze and then scolded, “How are you this shameless!?”

Liu Hexiao grinned. “You’re starting to understand me better.”

Yihuan: “…”

He Ye laughed at the bickering pair but then grew serious. “Ah-Xiao, this will likely reach your grandmother and Noble Consort Ning. They’ll probably come looking for you.”

Liu Hexiao’s expression didn’t waver. “Let them. I’m not going back anyway.”

He gestured toward He Ye and Cao Shixun. “You two should head back. Next time you visit, bring more silver… Oh, and one more thing…”

He whispered something to them.

He Ye’s face shifted slightly. “Rest assured, we’ll handle it.”

After they left, Yihuan asked curiously, “What did you say to them?”

Liu Hexiao smirked. “Come closer, and I’ll tell you.”

Yihuan leaned in slightly. Liu Hexiao’s lips curved mischievously, and he suddenly leaned forward to plant a soft kiss on her cheek.

Yihuan froze, jumping back as if struck by lightning. “You! You!?”

Liu Hexiao smiled calmly. “Don’t tell anyone.”

Yihuan’s face turned scarlet. “Liu Hexiao!!!”

—-

A few days later, a new scandal overshadowed even the story of the shizi washing dishes, becoming the hottest topic of gossip in the city.

The son of the Grand Secretary, Zhang Luan, had gone mad.

Customers sat in Shengjing Dessert Shop, enjoying their treats while eagerly sharing the latest rumors.

“Did you hear? That Young Master Zhang is possessed! They say he sees ghosts every night!”

“Really? Maybe it’s karma for all the wicked things he’s done!”

“Who knows? That man’s a scoundrel—harassing decent women, gambling, drinking, and visiting brothels. Someone like that deserved it!”

“My uncle dabbles in exorcism, and he was invited to the Grand Secretary’s estate. Young Master Zhang keeps mumbling crazy things, like, ‘It wasn’t me! It’s not my fault!’ Sounds like guilt for harming someone!”

The crowd’s words were filled with satisfaction, as if Zhang Luan had wronged them all personally.

Yihuan glanced at Liu Hexiao and asked in a low voice, “Was this… your doing, Shizi?”

Liu Hexiao smiled faintly. “I’m just a commoner now. Call me Ah-Xiao.”

Yihuan hesitated before mumbling, “Alright.”

Recently, the shop’s business had been booming. Thanks to Liu Hexiao, who now helped with accounting as well as dishwashing, Yihuan found herself with more free time. Previously, it would take her and Ah-miao an hour to settle the accounts, but Liu Hexiao could do it in the time it few minutes.

With the shop thriving, Yihuan decided it was time to introduce some new items to keep customers returning.

Pulling out some sago purchased from Qingmu Zhai, she murmured, “How about making Mango Sago with Pomelo…?”

Liu Hexiao tilted his head. “Mango Sago with Pomelo?” He smiled slightly. “It sounds beautiful.”

His gentle gaze lingered on Yihuan.

Caught off guard, Yihuan stammered, “I… I’m going upstairs to make desserts.”

Liu Hexiao closed the ledger. “I’ll help you.”

“No need…” Yihuan declined quickly.

As she brushed past him, her hand accidentally touched his right arm. He frowned slightly but quickly masked the reaction.

Yihuan paused. “Did I touch a wound?”

Liu Hexiao replied evenly, “It’s nothing.”

Yihuan frowned. “Let me see.”

Liu Hexiao shook his head and sighed. “Don’t bother looking.”

Yihuan, puzzled, pulled his hand over and lifted his sleeve.

The bandages had already been removed, but the wound had slightly reopened, faint traces of blood seeping out intermittently.

Yihuan frowned slightly. “Why haven’t you changed the dressing?”

In a low voice, Liu Hexiao replied, “This isn’t the royal estate… Where would I find a doctor or fresh medicine here?”

Yihuan glanced at him and gently said, “Let me help you.”

Liu Hexiao put on a stoic expression. “There’s no need. A man like me doesn’t fuss over such small injuries.”

Yihuan gave him a light scolding glare. “You’re this injured and still went to wash dishes? How foolish can you be?”

Despite her words, Yihuan felt a twinge of guilt for not noticing his condition earlier.

Liu Hexiao wore a slightly aggrieved expression. “I was afraid you wouldn’t let me stay… I didn’t want to cause you trouble.”

Yihuan shot him a mild glare and hurried off to find fresh bandages.

Watching her carefully attend to him, Liu Hexiao nearly burst out laughing several times.

By now, he had figured her out—a mix of persistence and playful teasing was the most effective way to deal with her.

After re-bandaging the wound, Liu Hexiao followed Yihuan upstairs.

To make Mango Sago with Pomelo, cooking the sago was the most crucial step.

The large pot sat atop the fire. Once the water came to a rolling boil, Yihuan poured in the translucent sago pearls.

The tiny grains sank soundlessly into the water, beginning their transformation.

Liu Hexiao initially thought the sago looked no different from ordinary rice. However, as Yihuan stirred the pot, the sago gradually turned translucent.

“This is the sago you mentioned?”

While stirring, Yihuan replied, “That’s right. Sago can be used to make mango sago, coconut milk with sago, or even added to bubble tea—it’s delicious in all of them.”

Liu Hexiao nodded with interest and continued watching.

Yihuan scooped out a few pearls to check. Most had become translucent, but a small white core remained in the center, indicating they were not fully cooked.

She covered the pot with a lid, letting it simmer for a while longer.

During the simmering process, Yihuan began preparing the mangoes.

With deft hands, she sliced the fruit open, turning it into a small bowl in her palm. Then, using a small knife, she delicately carved out the vibrant yellow flesh.

Slices of golden mango fell into the porcelain bowl, bright and fragrant.

Liu Hexiao sipped his tea silently, observing her graceful movements.

The scene was truly pleasing to the eye.

Next, Yihuan took out a mortar and pestle, though the pestle appeared quite peculiar. It had several sharp blades affixed to it, giving it an intimidating look.

Liu Hexiao raised an eyebrow. “What are you planning to do with that?”

Yihuan chuckled. “Juice the mango.”

She placed the mango, milk, and a bit of coconut milk into the mortar. Using the bladed pestle, she began grinding.

As she rotated the pestle with both hands, the blades spun, chopping the mango into smaller pieces. Juice began to seep out, blending with the milk and coconut milk.

This unique pestle had been custom-made by the blacksmith next door. Though effective for its first use, the mortar shifted easily, making it unstable.

Liu Hexiao noticed this and offered, “Let me hold the mortar for you.”

Yihuan nodded. “Alright.”

He stepped behind her, towering over her petite frame.

Leaning slightly, Liu Hexiao reached around her to steady the mortar. His hands braced it securely, encircling her in what looked like an intimate embrace.

Yihuan froze. Glancing sideways, she realized his warm breath hovered near her ear, making her heart race wildly.

She quickly turned her head back, feeling as though her heart might leap out of her chest.

What is this Liu Hexiao doing!?

Her face flushed as she whispered, “Um… you…”

In a soft voice, Liu Hexiao urged, “Go on, keep grinding.”

Yihuan thought to herself, How am I supposed to focus with you like this?

Although Liu Hexiao’s arms loosely surrounded her, he maintained a respectful distance, refraining from pressing too closely. Still, his playful chuckles left her mind blank.

Awkwardly, Yihuan resumed grinding. Before long, the vibrant yellow mango juice blended seamlessly with the milk, forming a creamy and smooth mixture.

The air between them filled with a sweet, tempting aroma.

Finally, Yihuan stammered, “It’s ready… Liu shizi, you can let go now.”

Liu Hexiao didn’t move. Instead, in a low voice, he asked, “What did you call me?”

Yihuan’s face turned crimson. “Liu shizi…”

Unsatisfied, Liu Hexiao’s long arms tightened slightly, half embracing her as he murmured into her ear, “How many times must I remind you?”

Yihuan froze, her voice barely audible: “Ah-Xiao…”

 

Cultural Notes:-

1. “Mango Sago with Pomelo (楊枝甘露)”:A popular dessert originating in Hong Kong, known for its refreshing blend of mango, pomelo, sago, and coconut milk. Its name, “Yang Zhi Gan Lu,” references “nectar of Bodhi trees,” connecting it to Buddhist imagery of purity and sweetness.