C19 Bai Ji's Good Cooking Skills!(part II)

Look at those deliciously fried dumplings, the soft and savory scallion meat pastries, and Su Yuxi's favorite shrimp porridge. Aren't they all more appetizing than plain sugar cakes? Yet, Lvqing insists on making a point about them.

"Second Miss, you're here? Have a seat and join us!" Su Yu'an smiled at Su Yuxi without getting up.

"This spread is probably better than what Grandma eats," Su Yuxi remarked, unable to find it amusing.

Every day, she ate whatever came out of the main kitchen—plain porridge with steamed buns or rolls. The buns came with a side of pickles, but the rolls didn’t even have that. Otherwise, why would she crave even a simple sugar cake?

Looking at Su Yu'an's table, even the side dishes were sugar-glazed radishes, which looked appetizing.

"Second Miss, you're joking. Grandma has tasted everything and doesn't care for these. It's just that she's older now and needs to watch her diet," Su Yu'an said, signaling Lvqing to set another place.

Lvqing understood, not only bringing over a set of utensils but also serving Su Yuxi several pieces of sugar cake, saying, "Second Miss, please have some more."

Su Yuxi usually ate lightly, so she often only ate until she was half-full. A few pieces of sugar cake, or even just one, would fill her up.

After reluctantly finishing a small bowl of shrimp porridge, Su Yuxi felt her stomach was completely full. Just then, a young maid approached and said, "Miss, Bai Ji made some butterfly pastries. Would you like to try some?"

Su Yu'an nodded, "I'm quite full, but bring them over anyway. Let my sister have a taste."

Su Yuxi wanted to decline but swallowed her words. That Bai Ji, when she was with me, seemed so clumsy. Now at the Orchid Snow Residence, she’s become quite the cook.

Bai Ji has her own story. She was originally a maid at Su Yuxi's Magnolia Court but wasn't very talkative or good at pleasing people. As a result, she was stuck with the worst chores and often bullied.

One day, Su Yu'an happened to witness this and scolded the maids who were bullying her. Su Yuxi saw this too. Not fond of Bai Ji’s quiet demeanor, she said, "If you like her, you can have her. But I still need someone in my courtyard, so you'll have to give me one in return."

So, Su Yu'an exchanged one of the little maids that Mrs. Lin had sent over for Bai Ji. Because of this, Mrs. Lin was quite harsh with Su Yuxi for a while.

Su Yuxi was completely unaware of the truth. She thought Mrs. Lin was criticizing her for not managing the garden well, so she went all out to spruce up the Magnolia Courtyard. Unfortunately, her efforts missed the mark, leaving everyone grumbling.

Though she felt resentful toward Bai Ji, Su Yuxi was thoroughly enjoying her meal. Afterward, Danzhu brought in some persimmons.

"Wow, you still have persimmons here?" Su Yuxi asked, full of curiosity, considering it was already April.

"My mother runs a dried fruit shop, so we usually have some fresh fruit stored," Su Yu'an replied nonchalantly.

Su Yuxi was filled with envy. Even though the Third Lady came from a merchant family, at least she had money, unlike her own mother, who had nothing and passed away young.

Absentmindedly touching her stomach, Su Yuxi felt she couldn't eat any more snacks, but she could manage another piece of fruit, so she ate another persimmon.

Once they were satisfied, Su Yu'an stood up and said, "It's getting late, Second Sister. Let's head out."

Su Yuxi quickly agreed, already plotting how to have Su Yu'an cover the cost of buying some thread, and if possible, some fabric too, given the Third Branch's wealth.

However, as soon as they stepped out of the courtyard, Su Yuxi's face turned pale, and she couldn't move.