CHAPTER 438: CHAPTER 438: IT ALL DEPENDS ON PEI SHU’ER’S FAVOR

Prefect Xie was full of confidence, but as soon as he arrived at the Imperial Uncle’s residence in Jingzhou, he was stopped outside.

"The Imperial Uncle has ordered that no one is to enter without permission."

Prefect Xie frowned, "You just tell him that I’m here."

The attendant glanced at Prefect Xie and then gave a slight cough.

"The Imperial Uncle has mentioned that even Lord Xie is on the list of those not allowed to enter."

A flicker of embarrassment flashed across Prefect Xie’s face before he cheerfully looked at Pei Shu’er.

"Let’s go. He’s eccentric, must have failed at something, and is now hiding in his room practicing his cooking skills."

"Don’t worry, I’ll bring you again next time. Once he calms down, he will definitely let us in on my account."

Pei Shu’er couldn’t wait for the next time; Lin Shiyao was like a ticking time bomb. She had to obtain the Heavenly Snow Lotus quickly as it was the only key ingredient still missing.

Moreover, seeing Prefect Xie’s appearance, it was uncertain whether they’d get in this time or next.

After all, the Imperial Uncle had specifically noted that Prefect Xie was not to be allowed entry.

Relying on others was less reliable than relying on oneself. Had Pei Shu’er always depended on others, she would not have gotten to where she is today.

Pei Shu’er smiled and looked at the gatekeeper.

"Could you please inform him that Pei Shu’er from Pei’s Restaurant requests an audience?"

The gatekeeper glanced back at Pei Shu’er, a hint of surprise flashing in his eyes, and his face involuntarily broke into a smile.

Even his voice softened somewhat as he spoke.

"The Imperial Uncle has said that if you come, you’re to be let in directly."

The Imperial Uncle very much admired this Manager Pei.

In the realm of culinary skills, she was the first to let him taste defeat.

Not only did the Imperial Uncle appreciate Pei Shu’er, but they all admired her as well.

Just how good must her culinary skills be to make the Imperial Uncle lose?

Prefect Xie’s expression froze; he suspected he had misheard.

He and Xiao Shen had known each other since childhood, maintaining a friendship for over a decade. Now, Xiao Shen refused to see him and instead wanted to see Pei Shu’er.

Moreover, he had boasted numerous times in front of Pei Shu’er about his influence with Xiao Shen.

All his boasts were for naught, leading only to a closed door.

It would have been fine if only he had been turned away.

The key was that Pei Shu’er was respectfully invited in.

These attendants, when facing him, never showed such a good attitude.

Prefect Xie felt a pang of jealousy as he followed Pei Shu’er, trying to enter, but was stopped again by the gatekeeper.

Prefect Xie ground his teeth, "I am the Imperial Uncle’s old friend."

The gatekeeper remained composed, looking inwardly, until Pei Shu’er smiled and handed him five taels of silver.

"This fellow came with me; perhaps you could let him through."

The gatekeeper looked at Prefect Xie, then at Pei Shu’er’s sweet smile. Blushing slightly, he eventually allowed Prefect Xie in.

However, this made Prefect Xie feel even more bitter.

Having to rely on Pei Shu’er’s influence to enter Xiao Shen’s residence!

Pei Shu’er remained quiet on the way, skeptical that Prefect Xie could help her acquire the Heavenly Snow Lotus.

Prefect Xie seemed to sense her thoughts and cleared his throat.

"Don’t worry, Manager Pei, Xiao Shen is just teasing me. Rest assured, he will still grant me this face for the Heavenly Snow Lotus."

Pei Shu’er sweetly smiled, "Then I shall rely on Lord Xie."

Arriving at the front hall, Xiao Shen was there drinking tea, exuding such a demeanor that nothing around could disturb him.

After Pei Shu’er curtsied and said, "Greetings to the Imperial Uncle,"

Xiao Shen slowly lifted his head.

Sword-like brows, starry eyes, he possessed quite a handsome appearance, with a scrutinizing gaze.

He looked at Pei Shu’er.

"What brings you to seek me, Manager Pei?"

Pei Shu’er smiled and offered the pastry she was carrying.

"These are Lotus Cakes, perhaps the Imperial Uncle would like to try them."

Xiao Shen’s gaze swept over Pei Shu’er; he clearly knew her visit wasn’t just to deliver cakes.

Upon opening the gift box, he saw perfect, bud-like lotus flowers.

About five seconds later, the lotus buds opened, revealing the stamens inside.

Both the buds and the blooming lotuses appeared lifelike.

Even the blooming process was a visual delight.

Truly inventive pastries.

Xiao Shen wasn’t particularly obsessed with other things, but in culinary arts, he was passionately devoted.

Yet typically, such visually appealing foods didn’t taste great.

All efforts seemed to go into aesthetics, leaving little time to refine the flavor.

An attendant handed Xiao Shen chopsticks.

Upon tasting, his eyes immediately brightened.

The flavor surpassed any pastry he had ever tasted.

The perfect blend of appearance, aroma, and taste.

Completely beyond his expectations.

Xiao Shen continued eating for three minutes while Prefect Xie, watching with envy, wished his eyes could stick to the Lotus Cakes.

Xiao Shen glanced at Prefect Xie and then stopped.

He looked up at Pei Shu’er, "How is this pastry made?"

Pei Shu’er shared the method for making that pastry, without reservation, along with the secret of the lotus’s slow bloom.

She was detailed, and Xiao Shen occasionally asked questions.

With those questions, Pei Shu’er shared even more professional knowledge.

Xiao Shen started by memorizing mentally.

Then, realizing Pei Shu’er’s information was novel and useful, he asked, "Wait, don’t say more yet."

He had an attendant bring paper and pen to note down Pei Shu’er’s key points.

Then he looked at Pei Shu’er again.

"Manager Pei, please continue."

His attitude was so earnest and sincere, akin to a keen student.

Pei Shu’er continued sharing insights, occasionally making jokes with Xiao Shen, bringing smiles to his previously serious face.

For the first time, he found the younger Pei Shu’er amusing.

Moreover, compared to her time in the capital, she had changed quite a bit.

But it was understandable. In the capital, without Pei Family’s favor, she had to be sharp-tongued; otherwise, her belongings might have been snatched by her half-sister.

Even now, her possessions were almost all her half-sister’s.

Here she was, after leaving the capital’s circle, showing her real temperament.

Quite endearing, indeed.

Through this conversation, Xiao Shen felt a kinship with Pei Shu’er.

The kind of regret of meeting her too late!

Every idea he had about pastry, Pei Shu’er understood, even offering suggestions.

Ultimately, Xiao Shen gladly invited Pei Shu’er to lunch, to see if his culinary skills still had room for improvement.

Pei Shu’er didn’t dislike this unconventional Imperial Uncle.

His cooking was indeed exceptional.