Chapter 21 Learning to Make Cake

“From now on, seriously learn how to make this cake from me.” Seeing that he was about to refuse again, Shen Xiuyan changed the topic. “Don’t you want my cousin to go to school too?”

Uncle: “……”

His eldest nephew really dared to dream.

His son was just like him—honest and a bit slow—not cut out for studying at all.

Wouldn’t sending him to school just be a waste of money…

But as a father, how could he not hope for the best for his son? He was a little tempted.

Even if the kid wasn’t too bright, learning a few characters would still be good. People who came out of a proper school were naturally a step above others.

When it came time to marry or find work, it would all be much easier—definitely better than scraping a living from the fields like the two of them.

He never dared hope before because the family was too poor.

But now his nephew was putting the opportunity right in front of him—if he didn’t seize it, he’d be letting himself and his son down.

He said firmly, “I’ll learn! But I won’t learn for nothing—once I’ve got it down, I’ll split half of the profit from each cake sold with you!”

Shen Xiuyan: “Let’s not talk about that yet. Just focus on learning first.”

From that moment on, the uncle was all in.

He watched carefully and paid close attention.

Maybe he really had a knack for cooking, because after watching once, he was already getting it nearly perfect.

He made several batches in a row before Shen Xiuyan was finally satisfied.

He put some of the less-than-perfect pieces in front of the others waiting outside. “Try them.”

Zhou Shi and Shen Yuanming weren’t surprised—they’d already tasted this delicious and novel cake.

But the aunt hadn’t. From the moment she smelled the sweet aroma, she’d been staring at the cake without blinking.

The cousin was also watching it while gulping down drool.

But even though he was clearly craving it, the obedient and well-mannered boy didn’t reach out for any, not even asking if he could eat it.

The more Shen Xiuyan watched, the more his heart ached.

He picked up a piece and shoved it into the cousin’s hand. “Da Hu, eat.”

Da Hu looked timidly at his mother, and only after she nodded did he obediently take it, flashing a sweet smile. “Thank you, cousin.”

“Good boy.” Shen Xiuyan couldn’t resist patting his furry little head again.

Then he casually said, “Mom, I’ll take Uncle and Aunt to the county town later. Don’t wait for us at lunch. Make meat for Da Hu.”

Zhou Shi, hearing her son give the word, nodded with a smile. “Alright, I’ll make meat for Da Hu for lunch. Lots and lots of meat.”

Da Hu munched happily, then quietly glanced at Zhou Shi upon hearing there would be meat at lunch. Seeing she wasn’t upset, he broke into a smile.

Auntie is so kind! Cousin is so kind!

With Da Hu settled, Shen Xiuyan took his not-so-bright uncle and even-less-bright aunt and hurried to the county.

With how honest and naive the two were, he was genuinely afraid they’d get sold and still help count the money.

As the saying goes, teach a man to fish rather than give him a fish. He’d already taught them how to fish, but to prevent them from getting scammed later, he might as well see this through.

He brought them to the Su residence and said to the gatekeeper, “I am Shen Xiuyan. I have an important matter to discuss with Master Su.”

The servant had a good eye—seeing Shen Xiuyan’s impressive bearing, he quickly replied, “Please wait a moment, I’ll report this right away.”

Afraid of delaying things, he rushed inside and found Master Su and the young lady chatting in the front hall.

“Master, there’s a gentleman outside named Shen Xiuyan asking to see you.”

“What!” two voices rang out at once.

Father and daughter looked at each other, both seeing confusion in the other’s eyes.

Miss Su spoke first. “Father, did Young Master Shen come to see you?”

“He didn’t say anything to me beforehand, but I suppose it’s me he’s looking for.”

Master Su chuckled. “Who else would he be looking for—certainly not you?”

Su Mingyue: “……”

Alright, maybe she was overthinking it.

She thought her dear Shen couldn’t wait anymore and had come to propose marriage, but it looked like he was just here to talk business with her father.

She sighed inwardly.

Ugh, so frustrating. When will I finally get to marry Shen Lang?

“Then Father, go invite him in quickly.” As she spoke, she straightened her posture, smoothed her hairpin, and adjusted her clothes, determined to greet Shen Xiuyan in her best form.

Just thinking about seeing her sweetheart soon made her cheeks flush red.

Master Su: “……”

She wants me to personally go receive him?

Is that really necessary???

And daughter, why aren’t you going back to your room after hearing the guest’s name? What are you still doing in the front hall?

The way she perked up after freshening up—it was like night and day compared to earlier. No need for all this, really. All he did was say a couple of nice things…

At this point, the simple-minded Master Su didn’t think much of it.

Behind the young lady, Cui Cui was staring expressionlessly at Master Su’s back.

Hah~

Foolish Master.

You’re the closest to the truth you’ve ever been.

If you miss this chance, who knows how long it’ll take for you to catch on.

Before her inner complaints were done, Su Mingyue was already asking, “Cui Cui, do you think I should avoid suspicion?”

“Either way is fine.”

Cui Cui looked a bit helpless. As if what she said ever mattered—if she said avoid, would the young lady really return to her room?

Sure enough, the young lady cheerfully said, “Right? What’s there to avoid?”

Cui Cui was speechless. Didn’t she just say “either way”?

Young lady, since when did you start twisting words like that?

Outside, Shen Xiuyan hadn’t waited long before Master Su came out with the servant.

He was confused.

Why was he being received personally?

Was this really necessary???

Perfect—Shen Xiuyan’s thoughts and Master Su’s were completely in sync.

Master Su burst into hearty laughter when he saw him. “Hahaha, I was startled when the gatekeeper reported it—turns out it really is you, Young Master Shen! What wind blew you here today?”

Shen Xiuyan gave a faint smile. “Naturally, I’m here to discuss a good opportunity with you.”

Upon hearing that, Master Su’s eyes lit up. “Please, come in quickly. By the way, may I ask who these two are?”

The two people beside Shen Xiuyan clearly looked like simple and honest country folk, completely unlike the poised and elegant Shen Xiuyan.

However, if one looked closely, the man’s face did bear a slight resemblance to Shen Xiuyan’s.

So Master Su remained warm and courteous in his demeanor.

From the moment Shen Xiuyan led them to the Su residence to seek someone, the uncle and aunt had already been scared stiff.

When had their eldest nephew gotten acquainted with such an important figure?

This was one of the top families in the entire county!

Their nephew had boldly come to call on them—what if they got kicked out?

With these thoughts in mind, the two were terrified, shrinking behind Shen Xiuyan like two trembling little quails.

But what they hadn’t expected was not only were they not driven away, but Master Su had personally come out with the servant boy.

And he was happily conversing with Shen Xiuyan.

Amazing, our eldest nephew…

Only now did the two finally feel at ease.