Guan Xiyue made her way to Dongkang Tower with ease, planning to sell them two more recipes to earn some money first.
However, the shopkeeper at Dongkang Tower seemed a bit awkward this time.
Before Guan Xiyue left the Zhou family, she had caused quite a scene. Although Madame Wan had strictly forbidden gossip, it was impossible to stop the servants from talking. The dramatic event spread quickly.
In ancient times, there wasn’t much entertainment, so explosive gossip naturally traveled far and wide. The He family also heard about it: the person who sold them the braised pork recipe was, in fact, a concubine from the Zhou household.
Their first thought was whether there was some hidden scheme. Upon learning that the concubine had been “sold off” by the Zhou family due to the incident, they felt a little awkward.
Although they were just buyers and not responsible for the situation, they were still involved.
It was said that this concubine had entered the Zhou household in no ordinary way—she had revived the young master, Zhou Fuda, who had been unresponsive to all treatments, effectively saving his life.
Yet the Zhou family, for the sake of silver, had sold away their lifesaver.
Because of all the rumors, the Zhou mansion had been closed for several days; even Old Master Zhou hadn’t appeared.
Strangely, if she was a concubine of the Zhou family, why hadn’t she provided her recipes to Fulin Tower?
They didn’t know that Guan Xiyue had no idea Fulin Tower belonged to the Zhou family. Even if she had, she would have sold the recipes elsewhere rather than handing them over for free. This was just perfect.
As a result, her departure from the Zhou family happened naturally.
Wu, the shopkeeper at Dongkang Tower, didn’t expect to see Guan Xiyue again. Hadn’t she been “sold off”? Yet she greeted him cheerfully: “Shopkeeper Wu, I have a new recipe. Are you interested?”
Wu froze. Another visit? Now that she was free, no one could control her. Yet, politely, he refused.
Guan Xiyue was momentarily stunned—she had been refused! Such a good business opportunity, just turned away.
What she didn’t know was that upon hearing the various colorful rumors, Young Master He Ziming had laughed until he could barely breathe. His classmate Zhou Zhengye had actually sold their lifesaver!
However, Old Master He had already scolded him severely. In business, it’s wise to keep things amicable—competition is one thing, but slapping someone’s face could come back to haunt you.
This incident started because Wu bought the braised pork recipe and got reprimanded. Now, Wu didn’t dare purchase another recipe from Guan Xiyue.
Guan Xiyue left the tavern lightly, though she felt a little frustrated. Without selling the recipe, where would she get quick cash?
Suddenly, she remembered the piece of ink jade belonging to Ling Jingran in her space. It was high-quality and should be valuable.
She discreetly pressed the mole on her temple with her finger and, using her intention, pulled the jade out, slipping it into her small pouch to take to a pawnshop—just to check its value, not necessarily to pawn it.
Walking along, she was suddenly bumped. Rubbing her shoulder, she saw the person rush past.
Then a horse galloped by, and the rider shouted: “Thief!”
Guan Xiyue quickly checked her sleeve—her pouch was gone. The thief had snatched it. She ran after him, shouting: “Stop the thief!”
Alas, she was overweight in this body and couldn’t run far before stopping, gasping for breath.
She saw the two far ahead separating: the rider leapt down, kicked the thief, and retrieved her pouch. Guan Xiyue checked—her jade was safe—and thanked him repeatedly.
This heroic young man was very handsome. Unlike Ling Jingran’s brooding beauty, he had a refined, gentle elegance.
Guan Xiyue, having been surrounded by handsome men in her past life, took it in stride.
She took her pouch and thanked him naturally: “Thank you for your help in recovering my pouch. I have little to offer in return. If you don’t mind, may I treat you to a meal? I am Guan Xiyue—may I know your name?”
Tang Yan smiled at her straightforwardness and ease: “I am Tang Yan. It was nothing. As for the meal, I insist on treating you.”
Guan Xiyue protested. How could she let her helper pay?
Tang Yan led her to a nearby inn, Tai’an Tower. Guan Xiyue worried about her three taels of silver—would it be enough? She blurted out: “This tavern is expensive… I’m afraid I don’t have enough money.”
The refined Tang Yan laughed softly, restraining himself: “I said I would treat you, don’t worry.”
The innkeeper hurried to greet him: “Young Master, you’ve finally arrived.”
Guan Xiyue widened her eyes—another wealthy young master from a tavern! What strange coincidences!
The innkeeper arranged a table of fine dishes. Guan Xiyue found the flavors decent but not extraordinary, commenting lightly.
Tang Yan didn’t mind: “It’s fine, we don’t live by these meals. A little profit is enough.”
“Oh,” Guan Xiyue replied, realizing he was truly wealthy, unconcerned with small businesses.
But she, needing money, saw an opportunity: “Young Master, though you don’t care about this tavern’s business, I think it’s a pity. I have two new recipes that could bring success. Since you helped me recover my pouch and treated me to a meal, how about a deal: two recipes for the price of one?”
Tang Yan looked at her round, earnest face. Not classically beautiful, but with long lashes and deep eyes full of expectation—how could he refuse? Always courteous and gentle, he nodded.
Excited, Guan Xiyue stood up and explained to the innkeeper, eager to enter the kitchen and see what she could create. Scanning the ingredients, she decided: “I’ll start with a pickled fish dish.”
The head chef frowned: “We already know how to make pickled fish. No need for you to worry.”
But Guan Xiyue, confident in her expertise, remarked without hesitation: “I know. The pickled fish on our previous table inspired me to let everyone experience something new.”