"Xiao Peng, don't be so impatient. Your wages won't be less, so why the rush?" said a prosperous middle-aged man sitting on the other side.
He was the shopkeeper of this establishment, which had a total of five people: one shopkeeper, one shop assistant, two cooks, and one accountant.
Except for one cook, the rest were all their own people.
Yet, this cook who was not their comrade was a key figure. After all, he was brought from the Lin family's old residence, and only he knew how to make those pastries.
"Old Fan, is this about wages? Do I look like someone who cares about a small amount of money!" the young man called Xiao Peng argued.
"Call me shopkeeper. Don't let us slip up in front of outsiders," Old Fan ignored his argument.
"Yes, you don't care about the wages, so shopkeeper, why don't you just not pay him? We can save some expenses,"
another refined-looking man said with a smile. He was the accountant of this shop, dressed in a long gown, adopting the demeanor of a traditional scholar.
"Exactly. Although our budget is ample, every little bit saved is still a saving," another middle-aged man chimed in with a smile.
The room was filled with laughter at his expense, which greatly annoyed the young man named Xiao Peng. His face turned red with anger.
"Alright, stop bullying Xiao Peng," Old Fan spoke up, giving Xiao Peng some respite.
"But this matter truly cannot be rushed. Rushing not only exposes ourselves but also endangers Hongyan. So, you should calm down and wait," Old Fan said earnestly.
They had been at this pastry shop for over half a month, their sole mission being to await Hongyan. They were to operate it like any ordinary pastry shop.
"Got it!" Xiao Peng stretched out his voice. He knew the importance of the matter, but after half a month with no news, he was anxious, which led to his complaints.
Meanwhile, Father Lin was also anxiously waiting at the main base. However, in addition to waiting, he had his own tasks. The medicinal materials and finished products he brought had already been submitted.
Due to a shortage of personnel, he was pushed into taking responsibility for this matter. Although his expertise wasn't a perfect match, he still tried his best. After all, he knew this was an opportunity for him.
Everyone understood the importance of this medicine. Previously, he had been an official on the other side. Although they knew he was with them in body but not in heart, they still had reservations about him.
Furthermore, some of the things he had done were not to be spoken of, which made them suspicious.
The materials and medicines he brought back were his proof, and assigning him this task was also an opportunity for him to earn their acceptance.
Now that they were using those medicines, they had completely accepted him. However, he was still very worried about Lin Yan.
While Lin Yan, with her abilities, should not be mistreated, he remained uneasy without seeing his daughter.
The pastry shop over there had already opened. He had also written to his second sister-in-law, asking them to bring a cook from the Lin family who was no longer actively working.
This cook specialized in making pastries. Lin Yan had grown up by her mother's side, and this cook had always served them. After her mother passed away, the cook was retired.
The cook's son had been assisting him all along, which was why he could be brought along to connect with Lin Yan.
He had given Lin Yan the codename Hongyan, hoping his daughter could quickly relay messages back and, by next spring when flowers bloomed, return to his side like a migrating swan.
The next morning, after sending Lin Yan to work, Sister Wang went out to buy groceries.
Upon arriving at the pastry shop, she conveyed Lin Yan's request to the shop assistant inside.
Xiao Peng's expression turned surprised upon hearing Sister Wang's request.
"What's wrong? Is it not possible?" Sister Wang asked Xiao Peng with a puzzled look.
"No, no, esteemed elder sister. I've been working here for quite some time, and this is the first time I've heard someone make a special request. I can't make this decision. I'll go call our shopkeeper, and you can speak with him," Xiao Peng quickly corrected himself.
Sister Wang was quite pleased that this young man called her "sister" and didn't suspect anything. She waited for Xiao Peng to fetch the shopkeeper.
Xiao Peng hurried to the shopkeeper's side, whispered a few words into his ear, and then the shopkeeper approached.
"Excuse me, did you just make a request? As our shop only sells ready-made pastries, custom orders may take a few days," the shopkeeper said apologetically.
He exchanged a look with Xiao Peng, who then went to busy himself, but his gaze never left Sister Wang.
"That's fine, as long as it can be made," Sister Wang wasn't concerned about time. After all, Miss Lin just wanted to eat it and didn't specify when.
"Could you please repeat the request so I can relay it to the chef?" the shopkeeper asked, smiling at Sister Wang.
"It's these Furong Crisps. Please change the filling to red bean paste and reduce the sweetness by one point. You must make them as soon as possible. Money is not an issue," Sister Wang said generously.
"How many would you like, so we can prepare the filling?" the shopkeeper asked, taking out a pen and paper to note down her words.
Sister Wang's impression of the shop improved as she saw how seriously the shopkeeper took this matter.
"For now, just two packs. If our young lady likes them, I'll come back to buy more. Your shop's products are good. Besides this, I'll also buy other pastries. Don't worry, we won't let you lose out,"
"Then I must thank you for patronizing our business!" the shopkeeper said as he handed the written note to Sister Wang, repeating her request.
"That's right, exactly. I'll come again tomorrow. You must make them quickly, preferably starting the preparation now!"
"Alright, alright, I'll have them buy red beans and make red bean paste right away!" the shopkeeper agreed repeatedly.
Sister Wang, satisfied, prepared to leave the pastry shop.
"Xiao Peng, what are you dawdling for? See our guest out!" the shopkeeper quickly signaled Xiao Peng.
Xiao Peng immediately stepped forward, took the items from Sister Wang's hand, and escorted her to the door. Once outside, he hailed a familiar rickshaw driver, helped Sister Wang in, and watched her leave.
"Shopkeeper!" Xiao Peng's face was filled with excitement.
"Go get busy!" the shopkeeper quickly signaled him to restrain himself.
It wasn't time to be happy yet. Hongyan was still under surveillance, and they couldn't expose their whereabouts.
"Sigh! I'll go have them buy red beans!" Xiao Peng said with a smile and ran towards the backyard.
Watching his energetic demeanor, the shopkeeper couldn't help but shake his head and smile. This Xiao Peng, despite always pretending to be mature and steady, was still a child who hadn't grown up.