High-class maid

Chapter 252 The Kitchen Almost Burned Down

"I knew Mom's vegetables would sell like hotcakes! But when did we agree to deliver them? I don't know if it will be in time?" Shen Xing'er asked.

"If the vegetables are pickled before today, they can be delivered in five days," said Madam Wang.

"Then Mother, hurry back and get busy. If you can't manage, ask our neighbors to lend a hand. You can pay them for their work later," Shen Xing'er said.

"Okay, I understand. You'll have to work hard these next few days." Mrs. Wang patted her daughter's shoulder and then went to the market to buy groceries.

This time she plans to pickle two kinds of vegetables, one spicy and one non-spicy. When she delivers the pickles to the nobles five days later, she will send a jar of the spicy pickles to each household.

If some distinguished guest happens to enjoy the spicy food, wouldn't that be considered opening up another business opportunity?

It was six days later when Wang finished delivering the pickled vegetables to the mansion.

That day, while Wang was looking after the shop, Shen Xing'er finally had a chance to sleep in at home. She had just gotten up when she heard a knock on the door.

"Xing'er, Xing'er, are you home?" Song Wenyang's voice came from outside the door, and Shen Xing'er felt like she was dreaming.

"Wen Yang, how did you know I was home today? Come in quickly!" Shen Xing'er asked in surprise.

“I pass by the shop every day, and I pass by Jinxiufang several times a day. How do you think I knew you were home?” Song Wenyang stepped into the house, carrying some things in his hands.

"Oh, so you're spying on me. Hurry up and coax me, or I won't stand for it." Shen Xing'er closed the door behind her, pretending to be angry.

"Good Xing'er, you're so magnanimous, don't hold it against me. Look what delicious treats I brought you!" Song Wenyang waved the things in his hand, coaxing a child as if he were doing so.

"Hmph, you knew I didn't eat lunch? So you came all this way to coax me with delicious food? Let me tell you, if it suits my taste, I'll forgive you for now. But if it doesn't suit my taste? Hmph, you know what I mean."

Shen Xing'er crossed her arms, looking like she was hard to coax.

"Yes, yes, Miss Shen, you are very generous. Please try it quickly, it won't taste good when it gets cold."

Song Wenyan opened the oil paper wrapping of the cakes, revealing cakes the size of teacups inside. Some were topped with dried roses, others with peach blossoms, a sight that was pleasing to the eye.

"What kind of cake is this? It smells so good!" Shen Xing'er's mouth watered, and she unconsciously swallowed.

Song Wenyang was amused by her gluttonous appearance, but still patiently explained.

“This is a wife cake. It was made by an old woman who retired from the imperial kitchen. It’s very popular in the capital now, and I went out of my way to queue up to buy it for you,” Song Wenyang said.

Wife cake. Shen Xing'er's heart skipped a beat. Could this also be something that a fellow countryman from another time travel came up with? You know, there was no such thing as a wife in ancient times.

Never mind, I'm just an ordinary city dweller anyway, as long as it tastes good.

"Here, let me feed you." Song Wenyang picked up a peach-flavored wife cake and gently placed it in Shen Xing'er's mouth, his eyes so tender they could melt your heart.

Shen Xing'er didn't hesitate and took a bite.

"It's really good. It melts in your mouth. Although it has an oily aroma, it's not greasy at all. It also has a faint peach blossom flavor. No wonder it's so popular in the city."

Shen Xing'er was captivated by the delicious food and praised it generously.

"It's good as long as it's delicious. I'll buy it for you again next time. You can eat here slowly while I go make you lunch," Song Wenyang said.

"You? Can you do that?" Shen Xing'er asked suspiciously.

No matter how much no one cares about Song Wenyang, he is still a noble young master. It is always others who rush to cook for him, not him.

Hurt by Shen Xing'er's suspicious gaze, Song Wenyang rolled up his sleeves and said confidently.

"Don't worry, Xing'er. I've loved cooking since I was a child, but I haven't had the chance to show off my skills because the people around me are watching me closely. Just wait here, the food will be ready in a little while."

Good grief, so they're using me as a guinea pig.

Shen Xing'er had a bad feeling, but she didn't show it on her face. She smiled and said...

"It's kind of you to have this kind heart, then I'll help you out."

"I'm watching him. Surely he won't blow up the kitchen?" Shen Xing'er thought to herself.

"No need, no need. The kitchen is full of smoke, what if it bothers you? I'll do it myself," Song Wenyang said.

"No need, no need. This is your first time cooking, I must stay by your side. How can I let you be all flustered and overwhelmed?"

"No need, no need. Practice makes perfect. Once I learn, I'll cook for you every day and make sure you're well-fed."

"No need, no need~"

After some polite refusals, Song Wenyang finally couldn't refuse Shen Xing'er and had to let her help cook in the kitchen. However, Song Wenyang's condition was...

Shen Xing'er was only allowed to stand aside and watch; she was not allowed to do anything.

However, it turned out that Shen Xing'er's decision to go to the kitchen with him was the right one. When Song Wenyang failed to light the fire for the sixth time, Shen Xing'er finally couldn't hold back anymore.

"I'll do it." Shen Xing'er rolled up her sleeves and, without waiting for his consent, picked up a tinderbox and started a fire.

"Wow, that's so simple, Xing'er, you're amazing!" Song Wenyang's eyes widened as if he had witnessed some incredible magic trick.

Shen Xing'er rolled her eyes at him and then asked

"Then let me start the fire? You can't manage it all by yourself."

"Alright, but you're only allowed to tend the fire. I don't want you to do any other work," Song Wenyang finally compromised, giving in a step.

Shen Xing'er sat there and skillfully started a fire. Song Wenyang felt that the girl in front of him was incredibly capable, as she actually knew how to start a fire!

"Xing'er, should we put the eggs or the chili peppers in first?" Song Wenyang asked, holding up an uncut chili pepper.

Shen Xing'er sensed something was wrong, but in order not to damage his confidence, she still said...

"egg."

Song Wenyang put the eggs into the pot, and instantly black smoke filled the room, choking Shen Xing'er and causing her to cough violently.

"Xing'er, what's going on? Why is there so much black smoke? Why is it burnt?"

In the thick black mist, Shen Xing'er could only hear Song Wenyang's voice, but could not see his face.

"Did you put in the oil?" Shen Xing'er covered her nose and ran out.

"You want to add oil? You didn't say so." Song Wenyang scooped the eggs out of the pan and said apologetically.

"You have to put oil in before cooking any dish, that's common sense. Fine, I won't blame you for not knowing, let me cook it." Shen Xing'er said, taking the spatula from Song Wenyang.

"I'll do it, I'll do it, I understand this time."

"You just leave the chili pepper there? Is this how you usually eat chili peppers?" Shen Xing'er looked at the whole chili pepper and felt her head was about to explode.

"Of course not, I just need to wash the pot first," Song Wenyang said hurriedly without looking up.

"Never mind, I'll cut it for you."

Resigned, Shen Xing'er picked up the kitchen knife on the table and chopped the chili peppers in a few strokes.