Qiao Man had no idea that two different groups of people were already keeping an eye on her.
In front of Happiness Primary School, children sang newly learned nursery rhymes as they lined up to walk toward the school gate. As the early winter sun set, the air grew biting cold. The children were bundled up in thick clothes, looking like a cluster of little penguins. Once they cleared the gate and spotted their parents, the “penguins” broke formation, waving their arms and running in all directions.
When An’an crashed into her arms, Qiao Man laughed, lifting her up to gauge her weight—she definitely felt heavier than before. An’an giggled and reached up to plant a kiss on Qiao Man’s face, but Qiao Man dodged it. “You little messy kid, what did you eat? The corners of your mouth are all black.”
An’an wasn’t upset; she laughed even harder. “Auntie, Yang Zihan gave me a piece of chocolate! She said her dad brought it from abroad! She even asked if I wanted to be her best friend! Auntie, do you know why she wants to be my friend?”
“Why?” Qiao Man set An’an down, wiped her mouth with a tissue, and pulled out a small mask to put on her. “Don’t complain about wearing it. You’ve been chattering all the way, swallowing a belly full of cold wind. Do you still want to eat dinner? We’re going to Grandma Xiong’s today for sauerkraut and lard residue dumplings! Weren’t you asking every day what sauerkraut tastes like and if it’s good?”
When she first brought An’an to Happiness Community, the girl was a sallow, thin little thing, so timid she always hid behind Qiao Man and spoke with extreme caution—as if she were terrified that if she offended Qiao Man, she would be kicked out.
Now, An’an was hitting a growth spurt. She was half a head taller than when she first arrived and had gained some meat on her bones, though her complexion remained sallow and dark. Qiao Man had taken her to the hospital, where the doctor explained it was the result of long-term malnutrition. Her physical constitution was much weaker than that of her peers, requiring slow nurturing and careful attention.
After fixing An’an’s hat and taking her backpack, Qiao Man was about to mention going to the market when she heard someone call her name from the crowd. She turned to see Wang Yuwei squeezing through, followed by Li Shuo. Li Shuo was a walking coat rack: he had his own backpack, a water bottle around his neck, and was clutching a small lady’s handbag—presumably his mother’s.
Wang Yuwei caught up, ruffled An’an’s fuzzy hat, and said, “I saw you just now, but it was too crowded to get your attention. Are you heading to Sister Xiong’s for dinner? My mom already went over to help.”
Qiao Man asked in surprise, “Is your mother’s foot better?”
“It’s fine now, finally! She can help me watch this little monkey every day. His heart went wild staying at his grandma’s. Your brother-in-law and I are never home; it’s a real struggle.”
Wang Yuwei looked at her son with a sigh. Li Shuo and An’an were walking ahead, Li Shuo scuttling sideways like a crab while jabbering at An’an. His backpack strap had slipped to his elbow, and the water bottle and handbag were clattering against him. It was a sight Wang Yuwei couldn’t bear. Then she looked at An’an—clothes neat, shoes on straight. She sighed, “Girls really are less of a headache.”
Qiao Man looked at An’an and said, “Actually, I hope An’an learns a bit from Li Shuo. A girl shouldn’t be too honest and obedient, or she’ll be taken advantage of later.” This was something she knew from personal experience and what Qiao Ya had taught her.
Wang Yuwei glanced at Qiao Man. When Qiao Man asked what was wrong, Wang Yuwei shook her head and smiled. “Nothing, I just think you’re quite special. Anyway, are you going to the market? I’m going too. Whatever you’re making today, I’m buying! Don’t you dare fight me for the bill. You guys have helped me so much; Li Shuo is even more interested in his studies since he’s been hanging around you!”
Qiao Man didn’t stand on ceremony. “Fine, you provide the funds, I’ll provide the labor.”
Wang Yuwei was curious. “What do you plan on making today?”
Qiao Man thought for a moment. “It’s a bit late, so we’ll see what’s good at the market. I’m thinking of a Winter Melon Soup Bowl and maybe Eight-Treasure Stuffed Apples for the kids.”
Wang Yuwei was impressed. “I’ve never even heard of those. Little Qiao, aren’t you originally from Jiang City?”
Qiao Man looked Wang Yuwei in the eye. “My great-grandfather fled here from the north during a famine. My grandfather traveled all over the country when he was young. Strictly speaking, our family isn’t ‘authentic’ Jiang City stock.” Wang Yuwei nodded in realization.
As they left the market, Wang Yuwei listened to Qiao Man describe the process of making the Winter Melon Soup Bowl, her mouth watering. Eventually, she remembered something important: “Wait, from your description, that soup bowl sounds like a lot of work—it’s a major dish. If you’re preparing that as a birthday gift for Sister Xiong, maybe I should buy her a cake!”
Qiao Man was stunned. “Today is Sister Xiong’s birthday?”
Wang Yuwei paused. “You didn’t know? Well, that makes sense; I almost forgot myself with how busy work has been. Technically, Sister Xiong is a distant cousin of mine. Don’t let the twenty-year age gap fool you; I have a high seniority because my mom had me in her late thirties… Anyway, why am I rambling? Can you carry all that? Let me help.”
Qiao Man had An’an’s backpack on her arm and both hands full of bags, but she looked perfectly at ease. “No need. You go buy the cake, Sister Yuwei. I’m going back to buy a chicken. I’ll make Crispy Glutinous Rice Chicken.” With that, Qiao Man sped off with her heavy load, walking as if she were flying.
Wang Yuwei watched her back, recalling an earlier scene at the school: Qiao Man had lifted An’an by her armpits with total ease. She’s quite strong—easily as much as an adult man.
During their team meetings about cases, she remembered that the child-abductor dressed as a woman had been beaten down by a “man”… but she also remembered that residents near that alley didn’t usually walk there. Her mother had seen Qiao Man come out of there once and warned her to avoid it because it was dark and lacked surveillance.
I must be spending too much time with Captain Jiang; I’m starting to get paranoid about everyone…
“Mom, what are you mumbling to yourself? When are we getting the cake? The shop will close if we don’t go now!”
That evening, everyone gathered at Xiong Mei’s house. Her forty-square-meter apartment was packed, feeling even more lively than New Year’s. Cheng Xiangdong got a shock when he walked in carrying a fish. “Why are there so many people?!”
Xiong Mei said joyfully, “You don’t know? Today is a double blessing! My breakfast business with Qi Dongmei is finally getting on the right track! Little Qiao—Boss Qiao, haha—is helping us with the rental paperwork. We’ve really leveled up!”
Cheng Xiangdong clapped. “I know about that one. What’s the second blessing?”
Xiong Mei pouted at him, then beamed. “Little Qiao and Yuwei insisted on celebrating my birthday. Look, Yuwei bought me a cake, and Little Qiao is in the kitchen preparing a feast.” She turned to Qi Dongmei. “Sigh, we haven’t lived in vain. Look at these neighbors—they care about me more than my own husband and kids!”
Qi Dongmei agreed repeatedly, and both women started wiping away happy tears. Cheng Xiangdong was baffled. These two used to fight every time they met like mortal enemies; when did they become like sisters? Furthermore, Xiong Mei always said she didn’t want to celebrate her birthday. Every year, the kids would treat them to a meal at a restaurant. This year, she had explicitly told them she was too busy to go out and told them not to come over. How did she end up being “stuck” with the neighbors instead?
Cheng Xiangdong didn’t even know his own birthday and never celebrated it. He had no idea why his wife was getting sentimental, so he quickly carried the fish into the kitchen. “I’m taking the fish to Little Qiao. This Bighead Carp I caught today is excellent.”
Qiao Man had just finished steaming the various grains for the Eight-Treasure Stuffed Apples. She diced honey dates, plums, and preserved fruits, sliced Beijing Hawthorn Cake into fine strips, and mixed them with steamed lotus seeds and sugar. She stuffed this mixture into hollowed-out apples. She had even carved designs into the apples—some looked like Mickey Mouse heads, some like longevity peaches, and others like little goldfish. As she was preparing to steam the stuffed apples and make the rock sugar glaze, Cheng Xiangdong entered with the fish.
Qiao Man was very pleased with the carp. “I heard from Sister Xiong that you went fishing; I knew we’d have fish today. I didn’t worry when I couldn’t find a big one at the market. The head of this carp is perfect for Chopped Chili Fish Head, and I’ll scrape the meat into a paste for the Winter Melon Soup Bowl.”
In truth, Qiao Man had no way of knowing if he’d catch anything, but she knew he never came home empty-handed; he always knew where to buy a big, fresh fish if the fishing failed. Regardless, the compliment made Cheng Xiangdong swell with pride.
He watched in awe as Qiao Man poured the prepared syrup over the carved apples and drizzled them with osmanthus honey. It looked incredibly fresh and beautiful—the translucent, slightly golden sugar shells glistening under the honey. He suddenly remembered a fellow fisherman saying that if you packaged something like this, you could sell it to people in Shanghai for 1,998 yuan apiece!
His teeth ached just looking at the sweetness. He loved sugar, but his health markers were all through the roof, and he’d been warned by doctors. He could only look at such treats. However, he’d heard mention of a Winter Melon Soup Bowl with fish balls. He rubbed his hands and asked, “Little Qiao, what exactly is this Winter Melon Soup Bowl you mentioned?”
Before Qiao Man could explain, an argument broke out outside. Li Shuo ran in and said to Cheng Xiangdong, “You better go look! My aunt and my cousin are fighting!”
It took a few seconds for Cheng Xiangdong and Qiao Man to realize that the “aunt” was Xiong Mei and the “cousin” was their daughter. “Didn’t we tell them not to come? Why didn’t she call?” Cheng Xiangdong frowned as he walked out, flicking Li Shuo’s head on the way. “You and your confusing titles; you’ve got me all mixed up.”
Li Shuo rubbed his forehead. “Go complain to my grandma then; she’s the one who made me call them that.”
The drama outside had nothing to do with Qiao Man. She continued scraping the fish meat, asking Li Shuo with a laugh, “So, does An’an have to call you ‘Uncle’ and I have to call you ‘Brother’ now?”
Li Shuo waved a hand grandly. “We’ll each have our own titles. An’an calls me ‘Uncle,’ and I call you ‘Auntie’.” Qiao Man laughed at his cheekiness, but Li Shuo suddenly went quiet. She turned to see him staring wide-eyed at the apples on the counter—the little fruit were exquisite and glistening, their fragrance filling his nose. He swallowed hard. “Auntie… what are these?”
Qiao Man shooed him out before he could sneak a bite. “Eight-Treasure Stuffed Apples. The kids get one each later. An’an is out there alone; go keep an eye on her for me.” Li Shuo obeyed, looking back three times with every step.
In the living room, Xiong Mei was crying on the sofa. Qi Dongmei and Grandma Li were comforting her—one handing her a warm towel, the other patting her back. “The child meant well,” they urged. “You’ve only been in business for two days and your temper has grown.”
Grandma Li sighed. “It’s such a happy day, your birthday. Don’t cry; you shouldn’t be unhappy on your birthday.”
Xiong Mei’s lips trembled. “She knows it’s my birthday and still ruins it! She only comes back a few times a year, and now she walks in and calls Little Qiao a fraud! Do I look like I wouldn’t know if someone was a fraud?”
Standing at the door was a middle-aged woman about the same age as Wang Yuwei. Her hair was neat and professional, but she had more wrinkles than Wang Yuwei and was quite thin. She looked busy and her life didn’t seem particularly prosperous. She felt wronged herself, too tired to even cry as she complained to Wang Yuwei: “Sister, you’re family, so I won’t hide it. My work is exhausting, and my kid is at a critical point for school. I really can’t be here for my mom all the time. My brother and sister-in-law are like your family—one in the military, one a nurse—they have no time for her either.
When I heard my mom and Auntie Qi were doing business together, I was actually glad. They made up, and neighbors should look out for each other. It was just a small thing, no big deal. It gives the seniors something to do so they don’t get depressed. But I only heard yesterday that there’s a new tenant involved—a young woman. And this young woman is making them start a company! I couldn’t sit still when I heard that! Sister, you’re a cop, you know better than me—scammers these days are bolder than you can imagine. They target seniors while the kids aren’t home. You must see cases like this all the time! I’m afraid my mom will be tricked by that girl into taking out a loan or something, and we’ll lose everything—not just their pensions, but our whole family’s savings!”
Wang Yuwei finally understood the source of the misunderstanding. “Xiao Ling, calm down. You don’t realize that this business was actually started by Little Qiao.”
“How would I not know!” Cheng Ling grew even angrier. “My mom keeps boasting about how amazing this Little Qiao is and how good the buns are. I don’t believe it. No matter how good they are, it’s just a bun! Why would a company like Qiwei Technology take notice?”
At that moment, Cheng Xiangdong came out. He’d overheard enough and scolded his daughter: “Xiao Ling, what nonsense are you talking! Little Qiao’s skill is superb. You haven’t tasted it; once you do, you’ll understand! Besides, she was kind enough to come over today and cook several major dishes for your mom’s birthday…”
“That’s exactly what makes me angry! Have you and Mom lost your minds? My own mother’s birthday, and I, her daughter, can’t come, but an outsider can! A young, unmarried woman claiming she’s some master chef? Who are you kidding!” Cheng Ling cried in frustration, missing her father’s hint that the “scammer Little Qiao” was currently in their house.
In fact, even if she had noticed, Cheng Ling wasn’t afraid. She had come here today specifically to vent her pent-up frustration.
With such a commotion outside, Qiao Man couldn’t have missed it. Once the Winter Melon Soup Bowl was in the steamer for its final round, she set the timer, washed her hands, and walked out of the kitchen.
The living room went silent. The neighbors who had been comforting the family grew awkward. Cheng Ling’s eyes were red as she glared at Qiao Man. Qiao Man took off her apron, patted An’an’s head as the girl ran to hug her leg, and met Cheng Ling’s gaze calmly.
It was a strange sight: the bystanders were awkward enough to want to hide, while the two main parties remained perfectly composed.
Qiao Man spoke calmly to Xiong Mei: “Sister Xiong, it’s your birthday, and I really shouldn’t be saying this today. But since your daughter has misunderstood, let’s forget about the partnership. In truth, our contract should have ended already. We’ll split the money as originally agreed. Including the initial ten thousand or so, you should have fifty or sixty thousand yuan by now. If you’re not at ease, we can find a lawyer to witness the final settlement. Also, Auntie Qi, do you want to settle your share too? I’m still going to register the business; I’ll just find someone else to cooperate with.”
When Qiao Man finished, the room fell dead silent. The children didn’t understand the situation and just watched the adults’ faces, not daring to speak. Except for Xiong Mei and Qi Dongmei, everyone else nearly bit their tongues in shock.
How much? How much did she say?!
By their reckoning, this business had only been running for about a month!
Wang Yuwei knew they delivered breakfast to other companies, but she had no idea about Qiwei Technology! She opened her mouth to mediate, but thinking of her own salary from last month, she closed it again. She looked at her mother; she knew the old lady was definitely interested!
Cheng Xiangdong knew his wife had made money—Xiong Mei counted it every day at home and rambled about her earnings until his ears were calloused, though he still loved to hear it. He sighed and gave his daughter a reproachful look.
Cheng Ling was stunned, tears still on her face. What had she just heard? Her mom made how much? Fifty thousand?! She worked herself to death all year to make sixty thousand! Her mom made fifty thousand in a month?! She secretly pinched the back of her hand. Ouch, that’s real pain.
Finally, Xiong Mei snapped out of it. She stood up abruptly. “Little Qiao, don’t listen to her nonsense! She doesn’t speak for this house! We’re continuing just as before! I won’t be controlled by my child; I’m a citizen with full legal capacity! Little Qiao, if you’re worried, we’ll sign a formal agreement with a lawyer. I’ll keep them in line from now on; I guarantee they won’t make a scene in front of you again!”
Qi Dongmei also reacted quickly. “Yes, yes! I’m not quitting either! Qiao Man, don’t be angry, don’t lower yourself to Xiao Ling’s level. She barely visits her parents a few times a year. When Old Cheng fainted from high blood pressure once, it was our Old Zhao who took him to the hospital. What does she know? If she really cared about the seniors, she would have come to see us when we started. I don’t believe she’d say that after tasting the buns. Let Old Cheng set her straight and give you a written guarantee; today’s incident will never happen again.”
Qi Dongmei was blunt and hot-tempered. Zhao Jianguo kept pulling at her sleeve, but she wouldn’t stop!
“Yes, yes, I’ll make her apologize to you!” Cheng Xiangdong added hurriedly.
Qi Dongmei’s words made Cheng Ling’s face burn with shame. She had indeed felt that her parents couldn’t help her and were only a burden, which was why she rarely visited. When she first heard about the business, she didn’t think much of it, but someone told her they were registering a company and gave her a whole analysis of the risks, which was why she rushed over. She hadn’t expected Qi Dongmei to be so blunt.
Before Cheng Ling could process her shame and resentment, she felt a few pats on her shoulder. Everyone had rushed over to surround the young girl named Qiao, even the children were crowding her with chirping comforts. How had the atmosphere shifted so completely?!
The kitchen alarm suddenly went off. Qiao Man pushed her way through the crowd with a helpless smile. “The Winter Melon Soup Bowl is ready. I’m going to check the kitchen.”
In truth, she didn’t want to change partners. Sister Xiong was experienced, and they worked well together. Moreover, Sister Xiong was truly talented in the kitchen; she caught on to new recipes almost instantly. Finding someone as reliable and trustworthy as her was difficult.
Qiao Man entered the kitchen, leaving the door ajar. A few seconds later, an incredible aroma drifted out—the Winter Melon Soup Bowl was done! The living room went silent as everyone involuntarily inhaled deeply. Even Cheng Ling, standing by the door, couldn’t help but crane her neck. It smells amazing—I’ve never smelled anything like this!
No one had time for Cheng Ling anymore. Only Wang Yuwei, as if remembering something, walked over to her and whispered, “Xiao Ling, you said you heard from someone that Sister Xiong was registering a company. Who exactly told you that?”
Cheng Ling froze, meeting Wang Yuwei’s eyes. Only then did she begin to realize something was off.
The next day, Wang Yuwei made a point of coming to the office early. She said irritably to Old Zhang, “You and your suspicions. A young girl raising a child—what could possibly be the problem?”
Old Zhang smiled and poured her a cup of water. “I was just looking out for everyone. I also agree that Boss Qiao seems fine. Is she still setting up her stall?”
Wang Yuwei took a large gulp of water. “Yes, but not as early. Starting today, she sets up at ten and goes home once she picks up the kid.”
Old Zhang was a bit regretful. “If only it were twenty-four hours. That way, whenever we’re out on a mission, we could get a hot meal.”
Wang Yuwei laughed at him. “Keep dreaming! But honestly, Little Qiao’s skill is undeniable. Yesterday was supposed to be a simple dumpling meal, then Old Cheng brought back a fish. We thought it’d be a simple dinner, but Little Qiao turned it into a high-end banquet.”
Old Zhang pulled up a chair, his face full of anticipation. “You had a big feast last night! What was on the menu?”
Wang Yuwei didn’t mention the drama with Cheng Ling. She had told Qiao Man about Cheng Ling being incited by someone with hidden motives; although that person seemingly had no connection to Qiao Man, she warned her to stay alert. Fortunately, the night ended well. Cheng Ling apologized to Qiao Man, took an Eight-Treasure Stuffed Apple and a small bag of buns, and left with a red face, saying she was confused and would offer a formal apology later. She was someone who could admit a mistake, even giving Qiao Man a bow that startled her.
Recalling the food from yesterday, Wang Yuwei smacked her lips. “You wouldn’t believe it!” she boasted. “First, the dessert she made for the kids—Eight-Treasure Stuffed Apples. You know my Li Shuo hates apples; yesterday he was fighting the other kids for them. Look at this—”
Wang Yuwei pulled out her phone. On the screen were little peeled apples carved into various shapes, coated in a sugar glaze like Tanghulu—translucent, cute, and delicious. Old Zhang didn’t like sweets, but the photo made his mouth water.
“Sweet and tart. It was the perfect palate cleanser after a meal,” Wang Yuwei said, scrolling to the next photo. “See this Winter Melon Soup Bowl? It has ham, chicken, dried shrimp… even the broth is a rich pork and chicken bone stock. Those white spheres are fish balls, scraped fresh by Little Qiao’s own hands. A huge fish only produced those few balls. The ingredients were stir-fried and then steamed; it’s incredibly complex. I think even a state banquet would be like this. The flavor—I’ve never had soup so fresh in my life!”
Slurp!
This time it wasn’t Wang Yuwei; it was the sound from Old Zhang.
Wang Yuwei wasn’t finished. she showed him another photo. “And this Crispy Glutinous Rice Chicken. The skin was thin and incredibly crisp—so delicious. It looks ordinary on the outside, but the inside is packed with ingredients! Dried mushrooms, bamboo shoots, cured meat, ham, dried scallops, shrimp… all stir-fried and mixed with glutinous rice, then stuffed through a small opening in the chicken’s neck. Then it’s steamed, scalded with boiling water, and finally basted with hot oil until the skin is golden and crisp… Hey, where are you going?”
Old Zhang couldn’t listen anymore. He grabbed his coat and headed for the door. “Doesn’t Little Liu’s anti-fraud campaign need more people? I’m going to help out!”
At that moment, Wang Yuwei smiled and pulled out a lunch box. Opening the lid, she revealed leftovers from last night: Crispy Glutinous Rice Chicken—the stuffing was gone, leaving a few pieces of chicken—and several pieces of Sweet and Sour Ribs. Though cold, the ribs still looked enticingly glazed, making Old Zhang drool. The lunch box was large; one half held the side dishes, and the other half was filled with dumplings.
“Sauerkraut and lard residue dumplings. Sister Xiong pickled the sauerkraut herself, and Little Qiao fried the lard residue…”
Wang Yuwei pushed the box over. Old Zhang’s eyes lit up, and he sat down to grab it. But as he reached for it, he suddenly paused. An old detective’s intuition told him something was wrong. He closed the lid, trying not to look at the food, and looked up to see Wang Yuwei smiling with a “hidden motive.”
Old Zhang grew wary. “What do you want?”
Wang Yuwei chuckled. “As expected of a veteran; you catch on quick! I remember your neighborhood is right next to Cheng Ling’s. Help me look into something, would you?”