The inner study of the residence was far more refined than the courtyard outside.
Chun Cao remained waiting at the door.
The moment Xie Qingyan stepped inside, she caught the faint scent of ink and sandalwood.
The furnishings of the study were exquisitely chosen, all made of huanghuali wood, understated and dignified. It stood in stark contrast to the ostentatious, nouveau riche style displayed outside.
At the center of the room hung a heavy gauze curtain, dividing the space cleanly into two halves.
The curtain was embroidered with misty distant mountains, and under the candlelight, only the faint outline of a tall figure could be seen seated on the other side, blending with the scenery stitched upon the fabric.
He still refused to show his true face.
This, however, lay beyond Xie Qingyan’s expectations.
If he were merely a proper merchant, why maintain such an air of mystery?
“Miss Xie, please sit,” came the hoarse voice from behind the curtain.
Xie Qingyan composed herself and took a seat on the armchair before the curtain. She removed her veil, as there was no need for it now.
“May I ask why the Master has summoned me so late at night?”
“To discuss the future of Curio Pavilion, naturally,” Zhao Chengze replied leisurely from behind the curtain.
Xie Qingyan gave a soft acknowledgement and drew out a small account book from her sleeve.
She had come prepared.
“Master, since the opening of Curio Pavilion, a total of three thousand four hundred and seventy-two mystery boxes have been sold. Of these, five hundred belong to the Heavenly Craft series, one thousand two hundred to the Earthly Treasures series, and one thousand seven hundred and seventy-two to the Human Harmony series.”
“Our costs were recovered swiftly, and within three days we have already earned a net profit of eighty thousand taels of silver. Customer feedback has been highly positive…”
Her voice was calm and professional as she clearly reported operational data, customer experience, and even preliminary plans for opening branches in neighboring counties.
Behind the curtain, Zhao Chengze listened quietly.
Before she could finish, he let out a soft chuckle.
“Miss Xie,” his voice carried an unmistakable smile, “for the detailed matters that follow, you may simply discuss them with Thirteen.”
“I have always trusted your work.”
Xie Qingyan’s report came to an abrupt halt. She could not quite grasp his intentions. If he wished to discuss the future, why interrupt her?
Zhao Chengze turned his head slightly and instructed toward the shadows, “Thirteen, bring the refreshments prepared for Miss Xie.”
“Yes.”
Moments later, Thirteen lifted the curtain and stepped forward, presenting a delicate white jade plate.
Upon it lay several neat, snow-white squares of pastry, dotted with bits of red and green dried fruit and golden crumbs of nuts, layered with crisp wafers and nougat.
Xie Qingyan cast a casual glance, then suddenly froze.
Snowflake crisps.
They were her former self Xie Qingyin’s favorite treat.
“What… what is this?” Her voice turned dry, losing its usual composure for the first time. “Master Zhou, why have you prepared this for me?”
She could not allow herself to appear unrestrained before him.
But was this merely coincidence?
In her understanding, desserts in this era were things like osmanthus cakes or lotus pastries. She had always believed snowflake crisps were a modern invention.
Did they already exist in ancient times? And with such coincidence, presented to her at this exact moment, even claimed to be prepared for her?
First the business plan, now a modern snack…
Could this Master Zhou also be someone who had crossed over?
But even if he had, he could not possibly know this was Xie Qingyin’s favorite.
It must be a coincidence. It had to be.
Yet curiosity stirred strongly within her. This man was clearly unlike others of this era.
Behind the curtain, Zhao Chengze lounged lazily, watching the faint silhouette hesitate and puzzle. He found it immensely entertaining.
Feigning indifference, he lifted his teacup. “Oh? Miss Xie, this should be your first time seeing such a pastry.”
“I had the cooks experiment with it in my spare time. Nothing remarkable. I simply gave it a name, snowflake crisp. When bitten, its layers resemble the sound of stepping on snow.”
His tone was steady, as though introducing a casual invention.
“You have worked hard these past days and appear somewhat thinner. Consider it a small refreshment.”
Then he tested her lightly. “Do you… like it?”
Xie Qingyan paused. She had been about to reach out, but his words made her hesitate.
“It is indeed my first time seeing such a pastry. I am quite curious. Thank you for your hospitality, Master.”
Carefully, she picked up a piece and took a small bite.
The familiar taste…
Sweet milk, crisp biscuits, tangy dried fruit…
In an instant, buried memories surged forth.
Back in the office, she would secretly snack on these, becoming so addicted at one point that she gained weight rapidly, forcing herself to quit. In later years, she avoided sweets altogether for the sake of her health.
She could not even remember the last time she had eaten one.
Her eyes grew warm, and the tension in her body melted away. She quickly finished the piece, even letting out a faint, unconscious sigh.
Behind the curtain, Zhao Chengze stared intently at her blurred silhouette.
He saw the slight tremor of her hand, her hesitation, the way she lowered her head, the subtle movement of her lips.
And when that almost inaudible sigh reached him…
He clenched his fists tightly, a surge of overwhelming joy rising within him.
He nearly lost control, nearly tore aside the curtain to see her expression with his own eyes.
But he forced himself to remain still.
“Playing to her tastes… success,” he thought with satisfaction. “Her favorability should have risen quite a bit now.”
After eating two or three pieces, Xie Qingyan stopped and quickly regained her composure.
She stood, smoothing her expression. “Thank you for the treat, Master. I… like it very much.”
“It is late. I shall take my leave.”
“Safe travels, Miss Xie,” Zhao Chengze replied evenly.
Xie Qingyan withdrew from the study.
Just as she reached the doorway, Thirteen hurried after her, carrying a brocade box.
“Miss Xie, the Master has instructed,” he said expressionlessly, handing it over. “Since you like it, please take the rest with you.”
Xie Qingyan accepted it in surprise.
It was heavy, filled entirely with snowflake crisps.
For a moment, she did not know whether to laugh or cry.
Had he made nothing else?
Still, it did not matter.
She had already resolved to continue observing him.
The carriage slowly departed from Tingyu Pavilion.
Zhao Chengze stood silently, watching it fade into the distance, thinking to himself: I was never interested in discussing the future of Curio Pavilion, but rather the future of you and me.
Inside the carriage, Chun Cao stared at Xie Qingyan for quite some time.
“Miss, what did Master Zhou talk to you about today?”
“Oh, just some matters of business,” Xie Qingyan replied gently.
“Really… I thought you were secretly enjoying something. I saw something on your lips—”
As Chun Cao reached out to wipe it away, Xie Qingyan suddenly grew flustered.
Why did eating a piece of pastry make her feel so guilty?