Fu Yi couldn’t forget why he had gotten close to Bai Qingqing in the first place, unable to face the love he had for her. At the same time, he found himself caught between his mother’s relationship with Bai Qingqing. It was his own incompetence that led to Bai Qingqing’s tragedy in her past life.
“I... I will definitely help the Bai family...”
Fu Yi’s voice was hoarse, the words thick with resolve. This was the only way he could make up for his past failures. “I swear, I will never disappoint you again.”
He couldn’t stay in front of Bai Qingqing any longer, and hurriedly left Yanlai Tower.
Bai Qingqing leaned against the window, watching Fu Yi’s figure disappear. She gently rested her head against the window ledge, closing her eyes and remaining silent for a long while.
It wasn’t until the door to the private room was knocked that she heard Qi Yue’s voice from outside. “Miss Qingqing, may I come in?”
Bai Qingqing responded, and Qi Yue pushed the door open, holding a tray in her hands. She walked over slowly and placed it in front of her.
“The restaurant has recently hired a new chef who is especially skilled at making savory pastries. I heard you were here, so I brought some for you to try. I’d also like you to help taste them and give your opinion.”
On the tray, several pieces of pastry were neatly arranged on a lotus-shaped porcelain plate, each with a different shape, still steaming, the aroma wafting through the air.
Bai Qingqing’s worries were lifted by the fragrant pastries. With Qi Yue by her side talking, her mood instantly brightened, and they began to taste the treats together.
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The crispy outer layer gave way to a tender filling, the balance of salty and sweet just right. Paired with the jasmine tea from Yanlai Tower, Bai Qingqing’s eyes narrowed in contentment.
"By the way," Qi Yue said with a smile, taking out a thin ledger. "This is the sales record for your sachets at Suiyun Pavilion. Please have a look."
Bai Qingqing took it curiously and flipped through the pages, feeling a jolt of surprise. Truly, Suiyun Pavilion lived up to its reputation! Compared to it, her Qingxin Pavilion seemed like nothing more than a small child's play.
"Once the payment is received, it will be delivered to your residence. And also..."
Qi Yue's smile deepened. "I wonder if you would still be willing to continue your collaboration with Suiyun Pavilion?"
Bai Qingqing was puzzled, so she listened as Qi Yue explained, "The response to the sachets has been very good. Their calming and focusing effects have been of great help to those who travel the jianghu. As a result, some people have inquired with Suiyun Pavilion to find out who the incense maker is, hoping to request some sachets with special effects."
Seeing that Bai Qingqing didn’t fully understand, Qi Yue further explained, "It’s not just about casual sales. I know your concerns, and Suiyun Pavilion is selective about its clients. Life is full of times when one feels powerless, and people will grasp any shred of hope they can get... Do you understand what I mean?"
Bai Qingqing... how could she not understand? The incense she made for Princess Huai Fu was for the same purpose.
If her incense could help people, she would be more than happy, but what if it was used for malicious purposes?
"Can Suiyun Pavilion really guarantee that no one will use the incense for ill deeds? Lord Ning once fell into a trap, and someone like him almost got ensnared. If someone has ulterior motives..."
"You can rest assured," Qi Yue reassured her. "Suiyun Pavilion has earned its position today, and I’m not being modest when I say we are not without our means of judgment. Nothing like what you’re worried about will happen."
Bai Qingqing thought about it. After all, it was Suiyun Pavilion. Her father had once mentioned that many people in the court sometimes had to rely on the influence of Suiyun Pavilion. "In that case..."
She and Qi Yue continued to discuss the matter while enjoying the pastries. Suiyun Pavilion didn’t require her formula for the sachets. Whenever needed, they would notify Bai Qingqing, and the required ingredients would be provided as well. The terms were undeniably generous.