Three days ago, Zhu Ming and Liang Dachao met at a coconut shop by the seaside. They enjoyed the humid sea breeze and ordered two refreshing coconut juices.

After the fireworks ended, Zhu Ming managed to obtain three couple vacation photos to deceive Zhu Yingying, at the cost of helping Xi Xianqing with a task.

Personally, he thought this was a better deal.

The favor was to uncover the entangled past between Shen Ying and Ji Rong.

However, Shen Ying refused to talk, and Ji Rong aggressively drove people away. That left only one possible breakthrough: Liang Dachao.

“I’m so embarrassed, Dr. Zhu. Please, let me cover this meal.” Liang Dachao held the coconut as he took two long sips before sighing heavily. “You’ve already been offering free consultations, and not only did I fail to treat you properly the last two times, but you also got dragged into trouble because of us… I really don’t know how to face you.”

Zhu Ming chuckled, fiddling with the straw in his drink. “No problem. So, tell me—what exactly happened to your store manager? When did the fur shedding start?”

“It’s already the third month of A’Rong’s shedding.” Liang Dachao sighed. “At first, it was just a small handful, so we could barely pick them up with the sensor gloves, and the store didn’t look so messy at least.”

“But later ya, it got worse and worse. Now, whenever there are customers, she has to keep her spiritual manifestation hidden most of the time, only occasionally letting it out to relax in the back kitchen.”

Liang Dachao slammed the table in frustration, causing the golden retriever beside him to wag its tail wildly. “But seriously, how can a normal person have to keep their spiritual manifestation hidden all the time? How can you socialize or live like that? Just think of how repressed her inner world must be ya!”

Recalling a certain someone who needed coaxing just to reveal their big green bird with beady eyes reluctantly, Zhu Ming nodded in agreement. “Indeed.”

“Clinically, most cases of spiritual manifestations shedding fur are due to their owner experiencing extreme mental anxiety.” The white fox at his feet narrowed its eyes slightly as Zhu Ming spoke. “If I’m not mistaken, your boss’s source of anxiety is likely related to Miss Shen Ying, right?”

Moments later, he heard Liang Dachao respond with a soft “en,” and the golden retriever at his feet drooped its tail in unison.

Zhu Ming tentatively probed further, “Could it be that the two of them… had a falling out?”

Liang Dachao looked as if he’d just heard something utterly absurd. “A falling out? Quite the opposite! The two of them were practically inseparable, like conjoined twins!”

“A’Ying… Oh, no, I mean Shen Ying—is, strictly speaking, now the representative of District Two.” It was obvious that Liang Dachao wasn’t used to this adjustment in titles, as he awkwardly switched terms. “Two years ago, on a snowy night, she fainted at the back door of the bakery. A’Rong found her and brought her inside.”

“She didn’t talk much, was quiet, and only mentioned that she was looking for work,” Liang Dachao said with a bitter smile. “A’Rong let her stay.”

“A’Ying was diligent and efficient in her work, but her real strength lay in managing the shop. She proposed updating the menu and changing the business model. Combined with A’Rong’s excellent cooking skills, their abilities complemented each other perfectly, and the shop’s business thrived.”

“We all treated A’Ying like family. At the time, we thought she was just a poor, homeless girl drifting through life.” Liang Dachao swallowed hard. “Turns out, she was actually a runaway rich girl, casually descended to experience the diversity of life.”

–1Added this one on my own to switch between ZM and LD’s convo and XX and SY’s convo. Just to avoid confusion, in case.

Meanwhile, Shen Ying, dressed in a white satin cheongsam, exuded a cold and graceful air. With her hands folded neatly on her lap, she sat calmly in the private room.

“Mr. Xi, as a designer of your caliber, you naturally have a far greater understanding of aesthetic design than us laymen.” Shen Ying said in her usual composed tone. “However, the management team of a restaurant is composed of many individuals. While I may be the head manager, it’s difficult for me to oversee every detail personally.”

“Minor details, like the design and management of tableware and napkins, have always been handled by other members of the team.” Her hand brushed lightly over the napkin as she calmly picked up the teapot nearby, pouring tea into Xi Xianqing’s cup. “The pattern looks harmonious, and its symbolism is meaningful, so I decided to use it.”

Her expression remained composed, but Xi Xianqing noticed that the pink spirit snake coiled around her wrist quietly shrank back, slipping further into the sleeve of her cheongsam.

Xi Xianqing didn’t say anything and nodded, “I see.”

“The last time we met, you mentioned your father several times.” His fingertips brushed the slightly warm rim of the teacup. “Mr. Shen owns multiple resort properties in District Two, as well as several restaurant branches. He has been elected as the representative multiple times, making him a legendary figure in District Two.”

“Of course, as the heir you are equally outstanding.” Xi Xianqing’s gaze met Shen Ying’s eyes. “But taking over your father’s business at such a young age must come with no small amount of external pressure and expectations.”

Shen Cherry was somewhat surprised that Xi Xianqing would make a sudden change in topic.

After a brief pause, she nodded lightly and responded with the familiar, well-rehearsed words: “That’s true. My father has been strict in his teachings since I was a child. As a result, even on my own, I’ve learned to face pressure from all sides with composure.”

She had recited these lines countless times to the media, reporters, and in magazine interviews.

In the beginning, she would feel a little nervous, but over time, it became almost like muscle memory, flowing effortlessly and mechanically from her lips.

The fine, green-brown tea leaves in the cup slowly sank to the bottom.

“I have one last question.”

Xi Xianqing nodded slightly, his calm gaze fixed on Shen Ying’s eyes. He asked, “Miss Shen, have you ever thought about what your life would be like if you weren’t Mr. Shen’s daughter?”

Shen Ying suddenly froze, “What?”

“Following your heart completely, without considering your identity or the constraints that might exist.”

She heard Xi Xianqing ask, “What would your dream life look like?”

–

“That year, A’Ying and A’Rong worked together to develop a new menu. They designed a new totem and remodeled the shop.”

Under a beach umbrella by the seaside, Liang Dachao gazed out at the ocean and sighed wistfully. “Business was better than ever, so A’Ying suggested we try entering the representative election that year.

“She said that even though we were just a small seaside business, we had strong support from the public. Maybe we could become a dark horse.”

“But if you take a closer look at the backgrounds of the representatives over the last decade or so, you’ll notice something. They all come from the mountains—luxury hotels, resort restaurants—these places exude elegance and exclusivity like they were made for a different world.”

“A humble bakery in a coastal town simply can’t compete with those extravagant, high-end establishments. Sure, people love eating baked goods, but when it comes to naming their ‘favorite restaurant,’ who would ever think of a bakery?”

“So we never had much hope.”

Liang Dachao said, “But A’Rong was different. She trusted A’Ying completely, and her attachment to the shop was the deepest among us. That year, they worked really hard.”

Zhu Ming thought for a moment. “If I recall correctly, the system in District Two doesn’t elect individuals as representatives, but rather the restaurants themselves, right?”

Liang Dachao nodded and let out a bitter smile. “This means that someone from the mountains, backed by powerful financial conglomerates. If they have many restaurants under their names with stellar ratings, then–”

Zhu Ming added thoughtfully, “He could serve as a representative for multiple terms.”

“Not just multiple terms—he could even serve consecutively,” Liang Dachao nodded. “The longest-serving representative in District Two’s history was re-elected five consecutive times.”

Zhu Ming had a vague premonition.

“That person’s name is Shen Zhaoshan. He was also our opponent that year.”

Liang Dachao said dejectedly. Behind him, the golden retriever slumped to the ground, looking disheartened. “A renowned chef, entrepreneur, and philanthropist—he’s from a completely different world than ours.”

Zhu Ming’s vague premonition grew stronger. “That surname…”

Liang Dachao looked at him and nodded. “Unfortunately, that year, the title of representative still went to Shen Zhaoshan.”

“After all, his new restaurant was famed for its use of luxurious ingredients, and he had the backing and publicity of countless elites from other districts. The attention he garnered was on an entirely different scale than ours.”

Liang Dachao scratched his head. “While there was some regret, we were quite satisfied with achieving second place.”

“A’Rong was a little disappointed, which we had expected.”

Liang Dachao paused, “but A’Ying seemed especially devastated. She was so disheartened that it was as if… her spirit had left her body.”

Zhu Ming sensed the story was approaching its critical turning point. “And then?”

“Then she suddenly disappeared.”

Liang Dachao pursed his lips. “One morning, after the results were announced, she vanished without any warning or note. It was as if she had completely… disappeared from the face of the earth.”

Zhu Ming froze. “…What?”

“The next time we saw her was three months ago when she appeared on television as Shen Ying, the newest representative of District Two.”

Liang Dachao: “That’s when we realized—she wasn’t A’Ying. She was Shen Ying.”

–

“Mr. Xi, I’m here to assist you in completing your assessment.”

The smile on Shen Ying’s face stiffened slightly. “Technically, shouldn’t we be discussing topics related to jewelry and accessories? I don’t see how these current questions are of any help to your assessment.”

Xi Xianqing’s expression remained unchanged. “Apologies. A client’s visions for their life are often part of where I draw inspiration for my creations. Plus, during our earlier conversation, you spoke a lot about your father, so I might have unintentionally overstepped.”

He glanced back, and Ye Lu immediately understood, beginning to pack up the sketches and jewelry on the table.

This was their second meeting. According to the assessment regulations, only one more communication opportunity remained.

Logically, their next meeting should be when Xi Xianqing presented the preliminary design sketches.

Shen Ying had assumed Xi Xianqing would have many questions, but she hadn’t expected him to wrap up the conversation so quickly.

She was surprised, “You… you’re leaving so soon?”

Xi Xianqing nodded and stood up. “I’ve already gathered most of the information I need. There’s no need to delay you any longer.”

Shen Ying subconsciously exhaled in relief, quickly adjusting her expression before responding warmly, “At least stay for dinner before you go. We’ve just updated the seasonal menu.”

Xi Xianqing shook his head, politely declining. “That won’t be necessary. The services and meals at the resort you arranged have already been excellent.”

Seeing his insistence, Shen Ying didn’t push further and stood as well. “That’s my responsibility.”

As they reached the restaurant entrance, Xi Xianqing suddenly turned around. “By the way, the white jade bayberries from last time—my… family member loved them.”

When he said “family member,” Xi Xianqing paused almost imperceptibly. “He wanted me to convey his gratitude to you. He also prepared a small gift in return, which I’ve already asked someone to leave at the restaurant’s front desk.”

Shen Ying froze for a moment before smiling. “Your partner is too thoughtful. Thank you.”

Xi Xianqing nodded and got into the car.

Shen Ying maintained her flawless smile, watching as the car disappeared at the end of the road. After a moment, her smile gradually faded, leaving her expression blank as she turned around.

The restaurant was eerily quiet, so quiet it made her feel a little dazed. The only sounds were the faint whispers of the two steaming teacups still sitting on the table in the lounge.

This was supposed to be her restaurant. The walls were covered with medals and group photos taken when she was elected as a representative. Yet, she only felt an empty, unfamiliar detachment.

After all, the luxurious marble countertops, tables, chairs, décor, porcelain, and even the menu designs within the restaurant were all decisions made under Shen Zhaoshan’s direction and requirements while he was alive.

Aside from the cherry blossom tree in the courtyard and the small totem embroidered on the napkins, there wasn’t a single corner of the restaurant that truly belonged to her.

Guests and media always came because of the reputation of being “Shen Zhaoshan’s daughter.” Every word of praise she received was always tied to the saying, “Like father, like daughter.”

They commended her skills, praised her dishes, complimented her knife work, and exalted her abilities—but all of it remained shrouded under the halo of Shen Zhaoshan’s legacy.

It’s not that she hasn’t thought about escaping, but ultimately found it futile. Even though Shen Zhaoshan was no longer alive, her life remained confined within the small, inescapable shadow he had left behind.

The corner of Shen Ying’s mouth moved slightly as she turned away.

Her gaze casually swept over the front desk, but in the next instant, her pupils silently contracted.

She saw a paper bag, the “gift” Xi Xianqing had mentioned.

The bag was coarse and poorly made, its contents unclear. A faint grease stain had seeped into one corner.

A small totem was printed right in the center of the paper bag.

Shen Ying blinked silently, and in that fleeting moment, it was as if she had been transported back to that night by the hearth—her cheeks dusted with flour, sitting next to someone as they worked on designing that very totem together.

“Do you even know how to draw ah… Why does mine look like a fat cloud?”

“Because your fur is just so curly and fluffy ya.”

Printed on the edge of the bag were four small words:

Ji Family Pastry Shop

Author’s Notes:

When small birds and foxes are of one heart, their strength can cut through gold! ψ(｀∇´)ψ