Ch 183: Guide to Running a Shop in Another World

Yu Jixiang, a man in his thirties with a refined, distinguished appearance, wore a dark red robe embroidered with golden osmanthus flowers at the collar and cuffs.

The golden osmanthus, vibrant in color and richly fragrant, was the emblem of Yuguizhai.

Yu Jixiang was the fourth-generation head of Yuguizhai.

The shop had been established by his great-grandfather, firmly rooted by his grandfather, and reached its peak under his father’s management.

Yu Jixiang had held the family business for over twenty years, maintaining the reputation of this century-old store, but unable to take it to new heights.

This lingering feeling of stagnation weighed on him, becoming a source of frustration.

He first heard about the cinema after the second showing of The little chef.

An old friend told him about the play in which a young girl, a skilled chef, showcased her abilities in frying, steaming, and making pastries to perfection.

Yu Jixiang initially doubted how skilled a young girl could be but came to the cinema with a sliver of hope, and that visit left a lasting impression.

In his view, the little chef’s skills were impressive but hardly exceptional.

In the fourth episode, the young chef praised the new essay written by the idle young lord, which was highly lauded by the teacher. To celebrate, she made osmanthus cake for him.

As usual, a portion of the process was shown on screen.

To Yu Jixiang, a veteran pastry chef, her technique was simple and rough, yet the audience response was overwhelmingly positive.

Despite his doubts, he continued to watch each new release of The Little Chef, eventually viewing all the other films in the cinema as well.

He sampled all the cinema’s snacks, with a particular fondness for the popcorn.

The ingredients were simple, and the preparation straightforward. Though the taste was crisp and sweet like any other, the cinema’s popcorn had a unique quality.

The distinctive buttery aroma and a hint of caramelized sweetness created a unique flavor he couldn’t quite replicate despite numerous attempts.

During this time, Yu Jixiang noticed the cinema’s advertisement screen and the short clips promoting popcorn and cola. An idea took root, and he finally decided to visit Lu Yao.

Seated on the sofa, Lu Yao welcomed him, “Please have a seat, Boss Yu.”

It was Yu Jixiang’s first time in the cinema’s break room, and he couldn’t help but glance around. Hearing her voice, he gathered himself, clasping his hands and bowing slightly toward Lu Yao. “Boss Lu.”

Hong Yu served tea to the two and then stepped out.

Barely a moment later, Ye Xiao entered, casually pulled up a chair, sat down, and didn’t leave.

Yu Jixiang secretly exhaled, feeling somewhat more at ease.

Lu Yao picked up her teacup, taking a light sip, “What brings you here today, Boss Yu?”

Yu Jixiang steadied himself, unsure if Lu Yao would accept his request, and cautiously began, “Boss Lu may know that I run a pastry shop.”

Lu Yao nodded, “Yuguizhai’s jujube rolls and osmanthus cakes are exquisite. I especially enjoy them with strong tea.”

A faint tremor crossed Yu Jixiang’s nostrils, his eyes brightening with pride. “I noticed the popcorn video playing on your cinema’s light wall, which gave me an idea. Would you consider creating a similar film for Yuguizhai, to play on that screen? As for the cost, just name your price.”

Lu Yao raised an eyebrow, a bit surprised.

Yu Jixiang, feeling uneasy under her gaze, asked, “Why are you smiling, Boss Lu?”

Momentarily forgetting to control her expression out of delight, Lu Yao quickly shook her head, “Oh, it’s nothing. I just think it’s a great suggestion, and definitely worth trying.”

Yu Jixiang’s heartbeat quickened, and his brows lifted, “You really think so?”

Lu Yao nodded, “I’ve been advertising this spot for some time, and you’re the first to approach me about it—very forward-thinking.”

Receiving such praise, especially from a young woman, made Yu Jixiang feel unexpectedly honored, and he silently scolded himself for his excitement.

“We can film the ad, but I have an even better idea. Would you be interested in hearing it?” Lu Yao asked.

Yu Jixiang came back to his senses, “Please, go on.”

With Mid-Autumn Festival approaching, Lu Yao had been considering whether the cinema should release its own line of mooncakes.

The cinema was still in its development phase, and without skilled pastry chefs on staff, Lu Yao had been considering the possibility of a partnership.

Having tried Yuguizhai’s pastries, she knew they weren’t flashy but had a solid quality, intricate craftsmanship, and a rustic, traditional flavor.

Collaborating with Yuguizhai to create a co-branded mooncake set for the cinema and the century-old store, and packaging it alongside mooncakes from her other shops, could produce an ultra-luxurious “Five-Store Cross-Era Mooncake Gift Set.”

Yu Jixiang took a moment to process Lu Yao’s idea. “A co-branded mooncake gift set? Does the cinema have a pastry chef?”

Lu Yao nodded. “Indeed, we have a pastry chef. If Boss Yu agrees to the proposal, I can introduce you, and you can discuss the details together.”

Yu Jixiang’s interest piqued, “Please, I’d like to meet her.”

Lu Yao’s plan for the mooncake gift set was clear: to launch a Mid-Autumn Festival co-branded mooncake set with Yuguizhai, along with a “Five-Store Mooncake Gift Set,” aiming to release the ad two days before the festival and start offering samples and pre-orders.

Yu Jixiang readily agreed and prepared to meet Lu Yao’s pastry chef.

After he left, Lu Yao took out her phone and messaged Zhou Su in their small group chat, asking her to come by the cinema during her lunch break. She also instructed Xiao Ji to inform staff from other stores to start preparing mooncakes, which could be delivered when Zhou Su arrived.

Early that morning, Zhou Su had seen the message Lu Yao sent around 3 a.m. She hurried to the shopping street without a second thought.

After discussing with Lu Yao, Zhou Su learned that the cinema planned to collaborate with local shops in a joint event and involve other stores on the shopping street. The idea filled her with enthusiasm.

Since leaving a large company, many of Zhou Su’s relatives had felt sorry for her, and even those who once offered matchmaking connections had fallen silent. Yet, she was increasingly satisfied with her current work at the little shop, fulfilling a long-held dream, enjoying her work environment, and finding the work meaningful. Now, she could join new projects, balancing challenges with satisfaction.

…

Yuzhu Street, Yuguizhai.

Yu Jixiang called his most senior pastry chef, Feng Yong, and his son, Yu Zhinen. “Close up shop early this afternoon. We’re heading to the cinema to meet Boss Lu.”

Feng Yong, in his fifties with graying hair, was a pastry enthusiast.

He had been an apprentice under Yu Jixiang’s father when he managed Yuguizhai.

With nearly forty years of experience, Feng Yong’s mind remained focused solely on pastry-making, unaware of the morning visit to the cinema or the purpose of this trip.

Yu Zhinen, however, knew a little. His father had returned home in deep thought, and though he hadn’t dared to ask many questions, he now ventured, “Did you not reach an agreement this morning?”

Yu Jixiang shook his head. “We did, but Boss Lu proposed a more intricate partnership. I want to meet her pastry chef before deciding.”

The cinema was an attractive partner, and many were eyeing a chance to collaborate.

Yu Jixiang was the first to test the waters with a legitimate approach, and to his surprise, the cinema sought his influence as well.

As the heir of a century-old business, he was cautious, ensuring any partnership was with a worthy party.

…

In the evening, Yu Jixiang left with Feng Yong and Yu Zhinen, bringing along several of Yuguizhai’s best-selling pastries.

The three entered the cinema just as Zhou Su arrived.

Ji Feiming, following behind, pulled out the mooncake gift set from a ring.

As dusk fell, the setting sun painted the sky in fiery reds, casting a warm glow over half the horizon.

The cinema was playing the final show of the day, and in the break area, a few guests from the previous showing were still discussing the storyline. Suddenly, one of them fell silent, his gaze fixed on something nearby.

Following his line of sight, the others saw Zhou Su and the captivating box she was holding.

Zhou Su was dressed in a white T-shirt and a denim suspender skirt, wearing chunky, lace-up sandals that exposed her slender, fair ankles. Her long hair was tied back and secured with a hairnet, and in her hand, she carried a sparkling, elegant box.

Her style was strikingly similar to that of the young cinema owner, Lu Yao, and though surprising at first, the resemblance seemed acceptable upon closer look.

Even more eye-catching than her was the exquisite box—shaped like a golden birdcage, adorned with flowers, shimmering gemstones, and round, lustrous pearls. Inside were several smaller boxes of various shapes, their contents unknown but clearly luxurious and fascinating at a glance.

Noticing the stir behind him, Yu Jixiang initially paid it no mind. However, seeing that all the guests in the break area were staring wide-eyed, he couldn’t help but feel curious himself.

Yu Zhinen, unable to resist, turned around and was also surprised by the sight of Zhou Su.

Having visited the cinema a few times, he had seen Lu Yao, Fu Chi, and the popcorn advertisements, making him somewhat accustomed to this exotic style. Still, he too found his attention drawn to the birdcage box.

While the contents of the small boxes were unknown to most, Yu Zhinen spotted a hollow wooden box holding small, white, round objects that resembled pastries. He couldn’t help but guess, his gaze shifting back to Zhou Su.

Yu Jixiang and Feng Yong turned as well, their eyes resting on Zhou Su.

Zhou Su, who had repeatedly told Ji Zixin she wanted to visit the cinema, had never managed to do so—this was her first time in the Great Wu Dynasty.

While the locals observed her, she was also observing them.

Just as Fu Chi had said, the area outside the cinema looked like a movie set, and the patrons resembled extras in period costumes.

The sudden shift in time and place was a refreshingly new experience.

She barely had time to take it all in when Fu Chi approached, “The manager is waiting in the break room; I’ll take you there.”

Following Fu Chi, Zhou Su passed by Yu Jixiang and his group, heading directly toward the break room.

Hong Yu emerged from the break room, crossing paths with Zhou Su. Her gaze swept over the birdcage pastry stand, and she was clearly impressed. Noticing Yu Jixiang and the others standing there, momentarily stunned, she stepped up to greet them, “The young boss is waiting inside. Please, come with me.”

The guests in the break area exchanged glances, eyes filled with curiosity: What big event was the cinema planning this time? What treasures lay within that golden birdcage?

Inside the break room, Yu Jixiang saw Zhou Su sitting beside Lu Yao and realized that this young lady was indeed the cinema’s pastry chef.

After a brief, courteous exchange of introductions, Lu Yao made the introductions, and both sides were polite.

Yuguizhai’s three signature pastries were wrapped in oiled paper and bound with plain twine, a humble contrast beside the cinema’s opulent birdcage stand.

Yu Jixiang felt a tinge of embarrassment, his ears warming as he sensed he had been outshined.

Feng Yong and Yu Zhinen lowered their heads, visibly uncomfortable.

Lu Yao pushed the Yuguizhai pastries toward Zhou Su, praising them, “These are truly authentic traditional flavors, no—genuine classics. You can’t find anything like them anywhere else. Yuguizhai’s osmanthus cake, jujube rolls, and Eight Treasure cakes are the finest in Liangjing, and there’s nothing better. Go on, give them a try.”

Zhou Su, a pastry enthusiast, beamed at the praise, carefully picking up a piece of osmanthus cake. The sweet fragrance filled her senses, and upon tasting it, the soft, chewy exterior released a burst of rice aroma. The filling, a mixture of fruit paste, osmanthus syrup, and honey, offered a perfectly balanced sweet and floral flavor that wasn’t overly sugary.

There were no complex flavors, only the essence of the ingredients, yet the proportions and baking were mastered to perfection. Paired with a cup of tea, it was a true delight.

As she ate, Zhou Su couldn’t help but squint with pleasure, “boss, this is truly delicious—it’s exactly that authentic, rustic flavor I’ve been searching for!”

The three from Yuguizhai couldn’t help but feel proud as they watched Zhou Su enjoy their pastries with such enthusiasm. Yet, hearing her and the young cinema boss repeatedly describe their pastries as “rustic” and “authentic” left them slightly uncomfortable.

Yuguizhai had been a cherished establishment in Liangjing for centuries, with a unique and irreplaceable flavor that their loyal patrons adored. Could such pastries really be called “rustic” or “authentic”?

There were indeed other popular pastry shops in Liangjing, but Yuguizhai undoubtedly ranked among the top three.

Still, they were curious about what new and rare flavors the cinema’s pastries might offer.

Zhou Su tried all three types of pastries and praised each one.

Seeing that the time was right, Lu Yao gestured toward the birdcage pastry stand. “My pastry chef is a true enthusiast who can’t stop once she finds something delicious. Please forgive her. Here are four mooncake gift sets, each crafted with unique flavors and textures. Please, give them a try.”

As the praise continued, the two generations of Yuguizhai chefs felt their tension melt away, nearly forgetting their purpose in coming. They snapped back to attention upon seeing the birdcage stand.

The packaging was undeniably luxurious—hopefully, the taste would live up to it as well.

Yu Zhinen, who had been eyeing the stand for a while, eagerly picked up the black lacquered wooden box on the lowest layer, drawn by its intricate openwork design that allowed glimpses of the pastries inside.

Lifting the lid, they found twelve round, white mooncakes lying in the black box, each adorned with a well-preserved dried flower—a white pear blossom, a pink peach blossom, a blue hydrangea, a golden osmanthus, and a crimson plum blossom, each mooncake unique.

Feng Yong’s wrinkled face softened, his eyes narrowing with delight. “These mooncakes are beautifully made.”

Zhou Su nodded in agreement, “They’re not only beautiful but also exceptionally flavorful. Please, try one.”

Yu Jixiang chose the plum blossom mooncake, Feng Yong took the pear blossom, and Yu Zhinen carefully selected one with an osmanthus branch.

As they tasted the “Obsession with the Wind and Moon” mooncake, the flavor was subtly light, but it stirred an intense emotion within them, bringing vivid images to mind.

After a cup of tea, Yu Zhinen suddenly snapped back to reality, a look of wonder in his eyes. “These mooncakes…”

Yu Jixiang and Feng Yong had awoken moments earlier, sensing the unusual quality of the mooncakes yet unable to resist their allure.

Noticing their confused expressions, Lu Yao calmly said, “You must have felt the unique charm of these mooncakes. Try the others for a full comparison.”

This time, Yu Zhinen selected the second layer’s box, shaped like a treasure chest and adorned with eye-catching gemstones. Upon opening the lid, the three of them were struck speechless again.

Inside were ten colorful, intricately shaped pastries, unlike any they had ever seen.

Yu Jixiang picked the most “normal” one, a human-themed mooncake, while Feng Yong selected a whimsical twin fairy mooncake, and Yu Zhinen finally chose one depicting three small dragons.

They gathered around a low table, examining the pastries for a long moment before picking up silver spoons to eat. As soon as the mooncakes touched their tongues, they understood why Zhou Su had called Yuguizhai’s pastries “rustic” and “authentic.”

They exchanged their mooncakes, tasting each one. Each had a distinct flavor, layered and complex, with a sweetness that was deep and varied.

Unable to hold back, Yu Jixiang exclaimed, “Delicious!”

Unable to resist, Yu Jixiang and Yu Zhinen each picked up a box, opening the “Compass Mooncakes” and “Seafood Mooncakes” simultaneously.

The intricate, puzzle-like Compass Mooncake and the adorable Seafood Mooncake were eye-opening. The three of them first sampled the Compass Mooncake, then turned their focus to the Seafood Mooncake.

Lu Yao smiled, “This variety is a meat mooncake—not only with meat but with raw meat. Please, give it a try.”

“Raw meat?” Yu Zhinen stood up, visibly disturbed at the thought. “How could that be edible?”

Yu Jixiang looked at Feng Yong, his expression serious.

Lu Yao nodded, “Ordinary meat shouldn’t be eaten raw. Our meat mooncake, however, is specially treated, sterile, and safe for consumption.”

Zhou Su chimed in, “This set of meat mooncakes was designed by my colleague and me, and it’s been a best-seller.”

Neither Yu Jixiang nor Yu Zhinen moved, but Feng Yong took the plunge, picking up a mooncake, sniffing it cautiously, and taking a tentative bite.

He chewed slowly, hesitant to bite down fully. His eyes lit up as he tasted its soft texture, free of any strange flavors. The delicate sweetness of the fruit blended with the tender, refined meat, creating a surprisingly delicious experience.

If Lu Yao hadn’t mentioned the raw meat, it would have gone unnoticed—the meat was so expertly prepared that it had a subtly sweet flavor.

Feng Yong looked at the Yu family father and son, stunned. “Delicious.”

Yu Zhinen was skeptical, “Uncle Feng, you’re not lying, are you? How could raw meat be used in a mooncake?”

Feng Yong was just as puzzled, “I don’t know how they did it, but it’s genuinely delicious.”

Yu Jixiang picked up a squid-flavored mooncake. “The only way to know is to try it yourself.”

Despite his reluctance, Yu Zhinen watched as his father took a bite, his face lighting up in surprise. “It’s truly good—fresh, tender, and springy, without a hint of rawness.”

“Really?” Yu Zhinen, trembling with curiosity, took a sea urchin-flavored mooncake and tasted it, exclaiming, “It’s sweet!”

Lu Yao reminded them, “Others shouldn’t try this type of mooncake lightly. Ordinary raw meat doesn’t meet sterile standards, and consuming it can lead to illness.”

Yu Jixiang, regaining composure, tried to follow Lu Yao’s explanation. “May I ask, what is ‘sterile’?”

Lu Yao gave a brief overview of hygiene standards before formally discussing the collaboration.

After sampling the products, Yuguizhai had gained a thorough understanding of the cinema’s pastries, leaving them both impressed and enlightened.

The collaboration involved a unique co-branded mooncake gift box that showcased the cinema’s innovative flavors alongside Yuguizhai’s traditional expertise. The cinema would handle promotion, while Yuguizhai would provide the mooncakes, with both stores selling the final product.

If time permitted, additional perks or small gifts would accompany the gift box.

Though unfamiliar with the concept of “perks,” the team from Yuguizhai was thoroughly captivated by the cinema’s pastry creations, choosing to leave the planning to Lu Yao.

The cinema would incorporate this set into its series, while Yuguizhai would offer it as a standalone co-branded product.

After much discussion with Feng Yong, Yu Jixiang admitted to Lu Yao that they were out of ideas.

The cinema already offered many novel mooncake types, and they couldn’t think of any further surprises.

Lu Yao had already shared her ideas with Zhou Su, who organized them and brainstormed with the three pastry masters from Yuguizhai. Together, they finalized the prototype for the Cinema × Yuguizhai mooncake.

With only four days left until Mid-Autumn Festival, the cinema planned to release the promotional video on the fourteenth of August, making the timeline tight.

The three masters worked around the clock, with Yuguizhai even closing for two days to complete the mooncake gift box before the promotional deadline.

When the finished product reached Lu Yao, she had Zhou Su and Fu Chi taste it. Both found it flawless.

Fu Chi immediately filmed the promotional shots for the mooncake gift box, editing the video overnight.

By dawn on the fourteenth of August, he handed the backup data to Lu Yao.

Everything was ready, awaiting the Mid-Autumn Festival.

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