Yuyang City, Guiyu Dessert Shop.
A black Bentley came to a slow halt at the curb. The door opened, and Wu Yan stepped out. He spoke a few quiet words to the driver before turning to walk inside.
It was early morning, and the shop had only a few scattered customers buying breakfast. Staff in aprons were busy packaging pastries, while Jiang Xiaoxiao stood at the register, processing payments.
Wu Yan watched her work with a slight flicker of emotion in his eyes. He didn’t rush to speak to her; instead, he wandered through the shop. His previous visit had been too rushed to notice the details, but now he saw that the variety of desserts and pastries was extensive. The array of choices was enough to cause a bout of indecision.
He paused to search his memory for Pei Jin’s preferences. Combining the data he had found online with the information Xu Yike had provided, he knew only that the man liked grape-flavored things and posted pictures of mountain climbing and the moon on social media.
“Boss.” Jiang Xiaoxiao’s voice suddenly rang in his ear, snapping him out of his daze. The shop had just sent off its last morning customer.
“Mhm,” he responded calmly.
“Why the sudden visit today?” Jiang Xiaoxiao tilted her head, her curiosity unconcealed.
“Just checking in. Also, I wanted to bake some cookies to take back,” Wu Yan replied softly.
“Eh? You know how to bake, Boss?” Jiang Xiaoxiao was shocked. In her mind, Wu Yan was a pampered young master born with a silver spoon, the type who never touched chores. Given his frail health, she assumed he’d never even stepped into a kitchen.
“I know a bit…” Wu Yan almost boasted about being in his university’s pastry club before remembering this wasn’t his original world. He kept his answer vague.
Jiang Xiaoxiao remained skeptical but led him to the back. “Come with me. It’s Tuesday, so the traffic is light and the baking room is empty.”
The Baking Room
The air in the baking room was thick with the sweet scent of cream and wheat. Wu Yan put on an apron and took in the orderly arrangement of tools and recipes pinned to the walls.
Jiang Xiaoxiao laid out the ingredients: flour, butter, eggs. She watched him closely, prepared to step in. However, Wu Yan moved with practiced ease. He creamed the butter and sugar, added the egg wash, and mixed until the dough reached the perfect consistency.
Baking cookies was relatively simple for him. He looked over the molds and picked several marine animals, pressing them into the flattened dough.
“Boss, you really do know how to do this…” Jiang Xiaoxiao’s tone was full of genuine admiration as she watched his fluid movements.
Once the trays were in the oven and the temperature set, a warm yellow light illuminated the space. Wu Yan discarded his gloves. “I know a few other things, too. I’ll come back when I have time.”
“Also, don’t call me Boss. Call me Wu Yan,” he added.
“How could I… alright, you’re two years younger than me, so I’ll use your name,” she conceded after meeting his gaze.
As the scent of baking butter filled the air, the oven timer dinged. Jiang Xiaoxiao put on heat-resistant mitts and pulled the golden, fragrant tray out.
“Try one,” Wu Yan said. “Don’t mind if I do!” She took a sea turtle cookie, blew on it, and took a bite. It was crisp, sweet, and melted in her mouth.
Wu Yan put on new gloves and picked out several fish-shaped cookies to place in exquisite packaging.
“You should take more if you’re bringing them home,” Jiang Xiaoxiao suggested. Wu Yan shook his head. “No need. If I bring too many, he won’t eat them.”
“Is it for your fiancé?” Jiang Xiaoxiao asked, noting the slight smile on his lips. She didn’t know who the man was, but seeing Wu Yan like this, she assumed they had a good relationship.
“He says it ‘doesn’t count’ yet.” Wu Yan felt a spark of irritation at the memory of Pei Jin’s cold tone. But then again, they had kissed yesterday; acceptance was only a matter of time.
“Maybe because there hasn’t been a ceremony? When is the engagement party, anyway?”
Wu Yan thought for a moment. “I think in February.” It was currently late December. Two months to go.
“That’s soon! Many people hold them during the Lunar New Year for good luck,” Jiang Xiaoxiao noted, checking her phone calendar. “The most auspicious day in February looks like the 1st—the fourth day of the New Year.”
“I hope nothing goes wrong,” Wu Yan murmured.
The Assistant’s Choice
Wu Yan left the shop at noon and went to a nearby restaurant for a light, healthy meal. Halfway through, the sound of hurried footsteps reached him. He swallowed his food and took a sip of water before looking up.
“Something wrong?” he asked flatly.
Xu Yike stood there, his lips trembling as if he wanted to say something but couldn’t find the words. As an assistant, he was supposed to be inseparable from Wu Yan, but ever since the parents went on a business trip, Wu Yan had become a “wild horse,” moving out and losing his temper whenever he was crossed.
Wu Yan smirked. “Sit.”
Xu Yike was stunned. He sat down stiffly, his back straight and hands on his knees.
“Have you considered what I said last time?” Wu Yan asked. “What?” Xu Yike tried to play dumb, but his eyes betrayed him.
“I said, I’ll give you a chance to make up for your mistake by helping me chase Pei Jin,” Wu Yan said concisely.
Xu Yike gripped the hem of his shirt. “Young Master…”
“I remember the past, Xu Yike. You shouldn’t hate me just because of some childish nonsense I said years ago.” Wu Yan feigned a distressed expression. “We used to get along well. If you help me with Pei Jin, I’ll let it go and even give you a raise. What do you think?”
The temptation worked. Xu Yike’s brow furrowed. “Are you serious? Why go this far for him?”
“Of course. I may have a temper, but I keep my word. You know that better than anyone.” Wu Yan wiped his hands with a tissue, his movements slow and deliberate.
After a long, heavy silence, Xu Yike finally compromised. “Alright. I agree.”
“I knew Brother Yike wouldn’t be angry with me,” Wu Yan smiled, though the warmth didn’t reach his eyes.
The Night Visit
That evening, back at the Bauhinia Hotel, Wu Yan was watching cartoons when he saw it was 5:30 PM—Pei Jin’s wrap time. He headed across the hall and knocked.
The door opened to reveal Pei Jin’s tall frame. He looked like he had just returned, still wearing his dark overcoat.
“Brother, is there anyone else in your room?” Wu Yan asked. “No,” Pei Jin replied shortly, turning to walk inside.
Wu Yan followed him in and closed the door. “Great! It’s a late-night date for two lonely men!”
Pei Jin ignored the comment. He walked to the sofa, picked up the sapphire cufflink from the table, and handed it to Wu Yan. Wu Yan took it and placed his own paper bag on the table.
“What is this?” Pei Jin asked.
“Cookies. I made them myself,” Wu Yan said, stepping closer. “You have to try them.”
“You bake?” Pei Jin was surprised. It wasn’t a skill he associated with Wu Yan.
Wu Yan tilted his head and stood on his tiptoes. “The scent of the baking room is probably still on me. Smell it.”
It had been hours; any scent would have long faded, but he wanted to tease the man. As expected, Pei Jin took several steps back.
“No need. Thank you,” Pei Jin said, glancing at the bag.
“You’re welcome. If you like them, I’ll make more,” Wu Yan said with a wheedling tone. Seeing the exhaustion in the man’s eyes, he didn’t linger. “I’m heading back then. Goodnight.”