Chapter 122: The Crispy Yellow Dumpling

Chapter 122: The Crispy Yellow Dumpling

Xin You was both excited and composed.

She was excited because she might have encountered Aunt Xia's sister, but no matter how much excitement she felt, it had to be kept hidden in her heart.

She did not know what kind of person Aunt Xia's sister was, what experiences she had gone through, or whether she still thought about her younger sister.

Even if all the answers were positive, she could not reveal her identity.

The tumultuous emotions burned like lava inside Xin You’s heart, yet her voice was as clear as autumn spring water, betraying no trace of anxiety: "Aunt Gui."

Hearing the sweet and soft voice of the young girl, Aunt Gui felt inexplicably moved and quickly responded.

"I don't know why, but I felt an instant connection when I saw Aunt Gui," Xin You said with a smile.

Even though she could not reveal her identity, she had to confirm whether this woman was indeed Aunt Xia's sister.

"I feel the same. When I met Miss Kou, I felt an instant connection," Aunt Gui looked at Xin You, her gaze intense.

This could very well be Lord Marquis's future bride.

She feared people would laugh at her for overstepping, having never been married herself, but in her heart, she regarded Lord Marquis as her own child.

"If Aunt Gui isn’t in a hurry, would you like to have a cup of tea and rest?" Xin You asked tentatively.

Aunt Gui was eager to learn more about this Miss Kou and readily agreed.

Xin You pondered.

By being so proactive, she wanted to probe the identity of the woman before her, but why was the other party also so proactive?

Even if they truly connected, they were not children; it was unlikely they would become so close at first sight.

Xin You invited Aunt Gui into the guest room and poured her a cup of hot tea.

It was already October, and the coolness of autumn had turned into the chill of early winter. A sip of hot tea instantly dispelled the cold.

"Is this your first time visiting our Bookstore, Aunt Gui?" Xin You asked naturally.

"Yes." Aunt Gui surveyed the small guest room, where a pot of golden orchids by the window added a touch of elegance to the otherwise ordinary space.

"No wonder I haven’t seen Aunt Gui before."

Xin You pushed the food box toward Aunt Gui: "Does Aunt Gui prefer dried fruits or candied fruits?"

"I prefer candied fruits; they make my heart feel sweet."

Xin You smiled: "These candied fruits were made by my wet nurse. Would Aunt Gui like to try them?"

Without any pretense, Aunt Gui picked up a candied jujube and ate it, praising: "These jujubes are well-soaked, sweet but not cloying."

"Then Aunt Gui should have more."

"What does Miss Kou like?" Aunt Gui asked casually.

Xin You glanced at the food box and smiled: "I like both dried fruits and candied fruits, but I prefer pastries."

Aunt Gui's eyes lit up: "What kind of pastries does Miss Kou like?"

Back then, she was assigned to Lord Marquis by the Empress due to her culinary skills, and her specialty was making pastries.

Xin You looked at Aunt Gui and said: "The Crispy Yellow Dumpling. My favorite pastry is the Crispy Yellow Dumpling."

There is a poem that says: Snowflakes turn into jade under the night bowl, and spring turns cold butter into gold.

Steamed taro is sliced thinly, coated with flour mixed with chopped hazelnuts, almond pieces, and seasoned with salt and sauce, then fried until golden brown. The crispy outer shell encases the soft and fragrant taro, making each bite a heavenly delight.

Aunt Gui's eyes shone even brighter, her tone filled with excitement: "To be honest, Miss Kou, I am most skilled at making the Crispy Yellow Dumpling."

Miss Kou's favorite and her specialty, this must be fate!

Xin You's heart settled.

Resembling Aunt Xia, skilled at making the Crispy Yellow Dumpling, and with a name containing the character 'Gui,' if this woman was not Aunt Xia's sister, it would be too coincidental.

Since it was their first meeting, Xin You decided to stop probing and not ask any more indirect questions.

She could see that Aunt Gui, for some reason, also wanted to get closer to her. If so, there would be more opportunities to meet in the future.

Sure enough, Aunt Gui said: "Will Miss Kou be free tomorrow? I can bring some Crispy Yellow Dumplings for you to taste."

"It might be too much trouble—" Xin You was delighted to taste them and see if they matched her memories, but she couldn't help being polite.

Aunt Gui laughed: "Not at all. I have nothing much to do all day, and making food helps pass the time. I would be happy if Miss Kou is willing to taste my pastries."

"Then thank you in advance, Aunt Gui."

They agreed to meet again the next day. Xin You escorted Aunt Gui out and, upon returning, instructed Stone: "When Aunt Gui comes tomorrow, remember to inform me promptly."

Liu Zhou curiously asked: "Boss, who is Aunt Gui?"

"I don't know. But Aunt Gui said she will bring some pastries for me to taste tomorrow. Don't neglect her," Xin You finished her instructions and returned to the eastern courtyard to write.

After Xin You left, Liu Zhou couldn't help but marvel to Manager Hu: "Boss really knows how to deal with people."

Meeting someone for the first time and already getting pastries from them.

Manager Hu, being experienced, sensed that things were not so simple.

This woman’s gaze on the boss is off.

Could it be that some lady is looking for a bride for her son or nephew?

Mr. Hu sighed deeply.

He had always supported the idea of marriage when one came of age, especially when it came to the young master. Every day, he wished a young mistress would come and manage him; otherwise, their bookstore would go under.

Back then, he never imagined this day would come.

Aunt Gui returned to Changle Marquis Mansion in high spirits.

She had met the girl smoothly, who was cheerful, warm, and considerate. Now she could finally rest easy.

Moreover, the girl’s favorite pastry was the very one Aunt Gui excelled at making—Suhuangdu.

Such a wonderful coincidence undoubtedly lifted her spirits.

Suhuangdu, a fried pastry, tastes best when freshly made. When Aunt Gui prepared dinner, she fried a batch, which happened to be ready just as He Qingxiao returned. She served it on the table.

"Suhuangdu?" He Qingxiao picked up a piece and savored it, the fragrance lingering in his mouth. "Aunt Gui hasn’t made this pastry in a long time."

He loved Suhuangdu, but Aunt Gui said fried foods should be eaten sparingly, so this dish only appeared on the table occasionally.

"Does Lord Marquis find it tasty?"

"Of course, anything made by Aunt Gui is delicious."

Aunt Gui felt relieved. "That’s good."

It had been a while since she last made this pastry. Today, she practiced her hand, and it seemed her skills hadn’t declined.

The next day, Aunt Gui made fresh Suhuangdu and brought a pot of osmanthus lychee wine to Qingsong Bookstore.

Xin You took a bite and lowered her eyes.

It tasted just like she remembered.

"Does Miss Kou like it?" Aunt Gui asked hopefully.

Xin You nodded. "It’s the best Suhuangdu I’ve ever tasted."

Modesty might be a natural trait, but Aunt Gui smiled upon hearing this. "Miss Kou flatters me; there are many who can make better Suhuangdu than I can."

"How could that be? I can’t imagine anyone making Suhuangdu better than Aunt Gui."

Aunt Gui’s eyes filled with nostalgia. "My sister makes even better Suhuangdu than I do."

"I’d love to have the chance to taste hers." Xin You looked forward to it.

Aunt Gui’s smile turned bittersweet. "Unfortunately, she has married far away and won’t come to the capital city anymore."

At this point, Xin You was almost certain that the woman before her was Aunt Xia’s sister.

Aunt Xia indeed wouldn’t come to the capital city anymore. Like her mother, she remained forever in that picturesque place.