Chapter 5

Su Qianqian steadied her racing heart, put on a gentle smile, and spoke to the dejected old man. "Old Sir… I believe I know a way to turn these two buckets — this cow’s and goat’s milk — into something everyone will be eager to buy." Old Li halted in his steps. Dim eyes flickered with doubt — then sank deeper into weariness. He waved a hand and sighed. "Miss… do not jest. Everyone finds this stuff too rank and fishy. What could possibly be done? I have sold milk half my life — I know well enough." "I speak in earnest, Old Sir." Su Qianqian stepped forward, meeting his gaze clearly and steadily. "I hold a family recipe that can transform this milk into something soft, sweet, and utterly delicious. Think — right now these buckets are worth nothing unless thrown away or given away. Is that not true?" Old Li stared — and nodded slowly. She spoke plain truth. Su Qianqian pressed on — calm and persuasive. "Then why not take a chance with me? Come to Prosperity Hall. I shall offer my recipe. If they accept it — they will need great quantities of fresh milk exactly like yours. You will not only sell today’s delivery — you may find yourself unable to keep up with future orders! You lose nothing — and stand to gain everything. What say you?" Her reasoning was clear — and that final promise — *demand beyond supply* — shone like a beacon through his gloom. He studied her — travel-worn and plainly dressed, yet carrying herself with poise and speaking with quiet certainty. She did not sound like someone making empty boasts. And truly — what worse fate could befall milk already unwanted? Lines deepened on his face as he wrestled with doubt — then he set his jaw. "Very well! You speak sense! I have nothing to lose! I shall trust you this once — and we shall see!" "Wise decision, Old Sir!" Su Qianqian’s heart lightened — her smile turning genuine. --- They soon arrived before **Prosperity Hall** — an imposing three-storey building with carved beams, red lacquered doors, and gleaming gilded signboards. The street bustled with carriages and finely dressed patrons. Servers wove through the entrance carrying exquisite dishes and wine. The scent of fine food and faint music drifted outward — a picture of wealth and prestige. A sharp-eyed doorman noticed the oddly mismatched pair — a lovely young woman in simple clothes, and an old labourer hauling two buckets. He did not turn them away outright — but eyed them warily. "Miss — are you dining here… or seeking someone?" "I wish to speak with your Manager," Su Qianqian said clearly. "I carry an heirloom recipe that might greatly enhance Prosperity Hall’s confections. I would discuss it with him." The manager had instructed them to watch for novelties — with reward promised. The doorman’s expression warmed. "Please — wait here." He showed them to a table near the entrance — and even gestured kindly toward a corner where Old Li might set down his buckets. Moments later, a middle-aged man in silk robes approached — sharp-eyed, with a neat goatee and the practiced smile of an astute merchant. "I am Manager Qian," he said warmly. "I hear you possess a recipe that might elevate our pastries? What manner of dish is it?" His gaze swept quickly over Su Qianqian, Old Li, and most especially — the buckets. Su Qianqian stood and bowed respectfully. "Manager Qian — it is called **Baked Cream Delight**." "Baked Cream Delight?" Manager Qian stroked his beard — eyes gleaming. He had never heard the name. "What is it made of? Do tell me more." --- # Chapter 5: A Remarkable New Recipe — Part 2 Su Qianqian smiled — but kept her secret for now. "Manager Qian — words are less trustworthy than sight — and taste tells the full truth. If you are willing — might I use your kitchen? The chief ingredients are the milk from these buckets — plus common seasonings. Let me prepare it. Then you shall see — and judge for yourself." Bold — yet compelling. The proposal dissolved doubt and showed confidence. Manager Qian leaned forward — delighted. "Excellent! Straightforward! Please — step into our kitchen — and show me what you can do!" The kitchen was superbly equipped. Su Qianqian poured fresh goat’s milk and cow’s milk separately into heavy earthenware pots — and brought them slowly to a gentle simmer. Just before boiling, she skimmed the foam — added a pinch of fine salt — stirred evenly — and cooked until reduced by half. She removed them from heat — and when warm rather than hot — slowly poured in filtered clear rice wine — stirring gently all the while. She let them rest. Within moments the milk separated — clear whey above — and thick white cream curds beneath. She spread clean cloth over a basin — poured in the curds — gathered the corners tight — and pressed out excess moisture. Once firm, she turned them out — cut them into neat little squares — brushed lightly with diluted honey — and set them over low charcoal fire. She baked them slowly until each side darkened to a warm golden amber — edges crisp and caramelized. When she brought the finished dish forth — a wondrous scent filled the room — rich milk, warm caramel, and delicate sweetness intertwined. Upon the porcelain plate sat neat little squares — golden and slightly toasted — glistening softly. Manager Qian could wait no longer. He took up chopsticks — lifted a piece — and tasted. The outer crust carried a whisper of honey and warmth. Inside — soft, dense, creamy — pure richness lingering on the tongue. No fishiness. No rankness. The goat’s milk version was deeper and richer; the cow’s milk version sweeter and lighter. Both carried a faint enchanting hint of wine. "Magnificent!" Manager Qian exclaimed — tasting one after another — utterly astounded. "I have travelled far and tasted countless delicacies — yet nothing like this exists! Truly magnificent!" His eyes shone. He rubbed his hands together — mind racing through calculations. Ingredients were ordinary. Cost reasonable. Appearance and flavour — extraordinary! Once introduced — it would become Prosperity Hall’s signature — drawing every noble household in the city! This was no mere recipe — it was a gold mine! "Miss!" Manager Qian spoke with intense urgency. "I must acquire this recipe! Name your price!" Su Qianqian drew a breath — knowing the critical moment had arrived. She had no precise measure of market value — yet she understood negotiation. One must start high — leaving room to bargain. If her asking price seemed steep — he would not cast her away — only haggle. She paused thoughtfully — as though weighing the decision gravely. Then she slowly extended three fingers. Her voice was soft yet clear. "**Three hundred taels.**" Silence fell across the room. Manager Qian’s smile froze. He stared at those three fingers — astonishment shifting into bewilderment — settling into an expression utterly impossible to read. Su Qianqian’s heart sank. *Too high. I have frightened him.* Her fingers trembled almost imperceptibly. She softened her tone — and offered a way down. "If… if that sum seems too great, Manager… we may certainly discuss it…"