While she waited anxiously in the small inn, the buns she had made arrived safely at the guesthouse.
In a finely appointed room upstairs, a man of about thirty sat at a desk, leafing through a book. He wore a blue silk long robe, and his demeanor was gentle—not like an ordinary merchant, but more like a refined scholar.
A soft knock came at the door.
“Boss,” came Manager Zhang’s voice.
“Come in,” Fang Qian replied, setting down his book. “Uncle Zhang, what is it?”
Manager Zhang wore a look of mild exasperation, muttering, “Boss, it’s already supper time, and you’ve forgotten again. Traveling for business is tiring enough; if you keep skipping meals like this, your health will suffer.”
As he spoke, he gestured for the young apprentice behind him to take the dishes from the food box and set them on the table one by one.
“When I’m on the road, I can’t be as particular as I am at home,” Fang Qian said with a chuckle. “I hear you went to great lengths over hiring this cook. Has it gotten people outside gossiping that my palate has become impossibly fussy? That would be a great injustice.”
Manager Zhang smiled and shook his head. “Boss, don’t listen to that lad Xiao Zhao’s nonsense. He’s been restless these past few days, scurrying about with no end. Once the caravan sets off tomorrow, he’ll settle down soon enough.”
Xiao Zhao quickly chimed in, “Hey, Boss, I admit I was wrong this time! But after Manager Zhang’s thorough screening, we actually found a gem!”
As he spoke, he set a basket of steamed buns in front of Fang Qian.
The buns were plump and round, snowy white and fluffy, still steaming hot.
Xiao Zhao couldn’t help but remark, “These buns—and I’m not exaggerating—are the absolute best!”
Fang Qian couldn’t help but smile. “I thought it might be some rare delicacy. It seems these past few days I’ve been putting you all through hardship with the food, if even plain buns have become ‘the absolute best.’”
His tone was warm, laced with gentle teasing, as he casually picked up a meat bun and took a bite.
He chewed slowly. “Hmm, the dough indeed rises just right—soft yet chewy.”
When he tasted the filling, he nodded. “The filling is well seasoned, smooth and juicy. Not bad. At last, something palatable.”
That said, he finished just one and set it down, wiping his hands with a cloth. “The skill is good, but this all-meat filling gets a bit greasy after two bites.”
“Boss, try this one with the golden spots!” Xiao Zhao urged eagerly from the side. “This one’s sure to suit your taste!”
Manager Zhang gave him a sideways glance and lightly scolded, “You talk too much! Since when do you get to comment while the boss is eating?”
Fang Qian, however, was intrigued. He chuckled and teased, “Don’t tell me this cook is a relative of yours, given how hard you’re vouching for her.”
“Boss, you’re doing me a great injustice!” Xiao Zhao protested quickly.
Fang Qian smiled and, as instructed, picked up a sweet bun and took a bite. “Oh? It’s sweet?” He raised an eyebrow slightly as the natural fragrance of chestnuts and a gentle sweetness melted in his mouth—neither cloying nor harsh, just right.
“Chestnut filling—that takes a bit of cleverness.” He said little but quickly finished the entire sweet bun. Then his gaze swept over the other dishes on the table—the slightly oily preserved fish and the oven-roasted chicken.
“Were these two also made by the bun-making cook?” He lifted his chopsticks and gave them a tentative taste, but frowned almost immediately.
“No, they weren’t. The woman who makes the buns seems to specialize in noodles and breads. These two were made by another cook,” Manager Zhang replied.
Fang Qian set down his chopsticks and picked up another sweet bun. “It seems this cook truly has a remarkable talent for flour-based dishes.”
Manager Zhang seized the moment to mention that Lin Wu needed to travel with her young daughter.
“Such a trifling matter—handle it as you see fit,” Fang Qian said with a dismissive wave, his gaze returning to the sweet bun in his hand. “Though I suppose I have the child to thank. Such soft, agreeable sweets were likely carefully refined by the cook for her little girl.”
Just as she finished washing and putting away the clay pot and bowls, Lin Wu stepped out of the courtyard and spotted the young apprentice from the transport depot that afternoon walking into the inn.
“Ah, sister, I finally found you!” Xiao Zhao’s eyes lit up. He had been about to ask the innkeeper when he saw Lin Wu coming from the back courtyard carrying the clay pot, and he hurried forward a few steps.
“Young man, have you brought good news?” Lin Wu, seeing him, guessed that things had likely worked out. The weight on her heart eased, and she felt genuinely glad.
“Yes indeed! Sister, you truly have remarkable skill!” Xiao Zhao couldn’t help praising her again. “Our boss tasted your buns, especially the sweet ones—he praised them highly!”
His gaze fell on the empty pot in her hands, and he remembered the main point, speaking a bit faster: “Sister, the caravan’s schedule is set. We depart tomorrow at noon. For you, that’s rather tight—if there’s anything you need to buy, you’d best hurry. Tomorrow morning, just come straight to the warehouse on the west side of town and tell them you’re looking for Xiao Zhao of Jincheng Travel. I figure Manager Zhang might even have Uncle Hu from the kitchen accompany you to the market to see if you need to stock up on any ingredients.”
He relayed everything in one breath.
“Tomorrow at noon? Then I really must hurry,” Lin Wu said, her speech picking up pace as well. “Thank you, young man, for coming all the way to tell me. I’m truly grateful.”
“Don’t worry too much,” Xiao Zhao said, seeing how anxious she looked. “The caravan is fully equipped. Even if you’re missing some odds and ends, the crew can help sort it out. Just make sure to pack your most important luggage.”
“You’ve thought of everything. Thank you so much.”
“Don’t mention it. Get to your tasks now—I need to report back!” Xiao Zhao smiled, waved, and hurried off.
Lin Wu let out a soft sigh of relief. The worry that had lingered for so long finally settled, and a smile crept into her eyes.
This crucial first step had finally been taken.
“So it’s the Jincheng Travel that’s hired you, is it?” The innkeeper, fiddling with his abacus, raised his head to chat. “That’s a fine caravan. The managers are generous-hearted, and though there are many hands beneath them, the rules are strict. The road is peaceful, and there’s little trouble with the kind who bully newcomers or stir up mischief.”
“I still have you to thank, manager, for pointing me to the notice board that day. Otherwise, how would a country woman like me have found such good work?” Lin Wu turned and thanked the innkeeper sincerely.
The innkeeper waved his hand and smiled. “You’re too kind, madam. With skill like yours, you’ll never go hungry. Safe journey to Lingzhou.”
“May your kind words come true,” Lin Wu said, thanking him once more.
Without further delay, she hurried back to the small, cramped room.
They were to set out the very next day, and with time so tight, she needed to go through her luggage one more time. There were also a few small but essential items she still had to buy and get in order. Fortunately, she had planned ahead and already knew exactly what to do, so she wasn't in a fluster now.
