Seeing Jian Xiu’s expression, Rong Zhihe immediately explained his purpose.

He didn’t want to be mistaken for a frivolous playboy.

“The aroma of pastries?” Jian Xiu widened her eyes in disbelief.

Internally, she was secretly thinking—does he have a dog’s nose or what?

She had only made the pastries in the morning, and now, even though it was already noon, he could still smell them?

If that wasn’t a dog’s nose, then what was it?

However, despite her thoughts, she maintained a calm expression and looked at Rong Zhihe. “So, what brings you to me, Young Master?”

Although she asked, Jian Xiu already had a good idea of what he wanted.

It was nothing more than trying to buy the recipe for her pastries.

After all, a good pastry recipe could be the foundation of a successful shop.

But this time, Jian Xiu wasn’t just thinking about selling the recipe.

This time, she wanted more.

“Young Lady Jian, why don’t we move to Caifang Zhai to discuss this further?” Rong Zhihe suggested.

Hearing this, Jian Xiu didn’t stand on ceremony.

She followed Rong Zhihe towards Caifang Zhai.

There wasn’t much distance between Yuexiang Lou and Caifang Zhai. If they walked, it would take no more than fifteen minutes.

On the way, Rong Zhihe engaged in casual conversation with Jian Xiu, learning a bit about her background.

“If you’re considering an academy, I would recommend Xuewen Academy,” Rong Zhihe said.

“Oh, I already went to Xuewen Academy this morning.”

“Oh? How did the entrance test go?”

“Smoothly. Thank you for your concern.”

When they arrived at Caifang Zhai, Rong Zhihe led Jian Xiu directly to the backyard.

Jian Xiu had assumed it would just be an ordinary backyard.

But upon seeing its unique layout, she finally understood what it meant to be “a hidden paradise.”

This didn’t look like the backyard of a pastry shop at all.

It was more like a small garden!

“Young Master Rong, do you live here?” Jian Xiu asked curiously.

Just by looking at this backyard, it was exactly what a grand residence should have.

Aside from being a little smaller, it exuded a sense of refinement and elegance.

“I occasionally stay here for a few days. Please, have a seat.” Rong Zhihe gestured to the chair across the table.

Jian Xiu sat down and got straight to the point. “Young Master Rong, let’s be frank. You sought me out because you know I can make pastries, correct?”

“To be honest, my shop, Caifang Zhai, has been lacking new ideas lately. Running into you just now—it must be fate.”

“Since you put it that way, I’ll be direct. The pastries are indeed quite good. Even Shopkeeper Wu and Dean Mo have tasted them and both agreed they were excellent.”

“Oh? Then, would the young lady be willing to let me have a taste?” Rong Zhihe asked excitedly.

Even if Jian Xiu hadn’t mentioned it, just from the lingering fragrance of pastries on her, Rong Zhihe knew the taste wouldn’t be bad.

Moreover, if even Wu Mingtang and Mo Shanhua—both known for their discerning tastes—had praised them, then there was no doubt about the quality.

However, upon hearing this, Jian Xiu felt a little embarrassed.

Not just embarrassed—she also felt a bit awkward.

When she left earlier, she had wanted to bring the last piece of cake with her.

But Wu Mingtang had guarded it like a treasure and refused to let her take it.

With no other choice, She had only managed to pinch off a tiny piece.

Seeing Rong Zhihe’s expectant gaze, Jian Xiu hesitated.

But after a moment, she figured he wouldn’t mind.

So she straightforwardly took out the small piece of cake, handed it to Rong Zhihe, and said, “This is all I have. You can try it.”

Rong Zhihe looked at the tiny piece of pastry in her hand and was speechless.

He didn’t need to ask to know what had happened.

On second thought, maybe this was actually a good sign—it at least meant the pastry was incredibly delicious.

If it weren’t something truly special, there was no way the finicky Wu Mingtang and Mo Shanhua would have been so protective of it.

Thinking this, Rong Zhihe took the piece from Jian Xiu and slowly put it in his mouth.

With just one bite, his expression changed dramatically.

“Young Lady, did you really make this? What ingredients did you use? Is the process very complicated? And…”

As he spoke, he suddenly realized he had been asking too many questions.

A recipe this good—why would she just hand it over so easily?

So, Rong Zhihe subtly adjusted his posture and sat up straighter.

Then, he continued, “Apologies for my excitement just now. It’s just that this pastry is so delicious that I—”

“It’s fine,” Jian Xiu interrupted, “but I’m afraid I’ll have to disappoint you, Young Master Rong. I don’t plan on selling the recipe.”

As soon as he heard this, Rong Zhihe stood up abruptly.

“Why? Why won’t you sell it? Don’t worry, money is not an issue!”

“To be honest, I have many recipes like this.”

“Many? How many?”

At this moment, words couldn’t express Rong Zhihe’s shock.

More than shock—he felt thrilled and excited.

If he could obtain those pastry recipes, then Caifang Zhai would never lack new products again.

“At least several dozen.” Jian Xiu replied calmly.

“How many?”

“I believe you heard me correctly. Trust your ears—you didn’t mishear.” Jian Xiu said nonchalantly.

“You mean to say you have dozens of such recipes? All as good as this one, but with different flavors?”

“Of course.”

“Young Lady, may I ask your full name, where you live, and how I should address you—”

“Alright, alright, just call me Jian Xiu.” Jian Xiu quickly cut him off.

Hearing his tone, which sounded like he was about to conduct a household registration check, she hurried to stop him.

If she let him continue, who knew how long he would keep asking questions?

“So, Jian Xiu… name your price. What would it take for you to sell those recipes to me? Don’t worry about the money—I’ll pay whatever it takes!” Rong Zhihe said excitedly.

As if worried she might refuse, he quickly added:

“If you really don’t want to sell them all, just selling me the recipe for this pastry would be enough. It’s entirely up to you.”

“Young Master Rong, I think you misunderstood my meaning.”

“What do you mean?” Rong Zhihe asked curiously.

In his mind, wasn’t Jian Xiu here to sell the recipes in the first place?