Chapter Seventy-Seven: Steamed Buns

Only then did Tian Huashan understand—so this was what they had been waiting for him about. He had long known that this little girl was someone of utmost importance to Mo Bai, and responded at once, “How could I neglect such a request? Though my family’s wealth cannot compare to Yuntian Sect or Guihai City, if it’s to let Miss Nalan Xing’er experience Guihai’s customs and special delicacies, I assure you, that’s no problem at all.”

Nalan Xing’er licked her lips and said, “Master Tian, tell me, what specialties do you have? Don’t mention any lavish meats or fish—we had quite enough of those yesterday.”

Tian Huashan smiled, knowing he had found this little girl’s weakness. “Three miles east of Guihai Pavilion, there’s a bun shop.”

Nalan Xing’er frowned, “What’s so special about buns? They’re everywhere—you can find them at any breakfast stall.”

But Tian Huashan wore an expression as if recalling the most exquisite taste in the world. “Not so. The buns there are all freshly made. Only when a customer orders does the owner wrap and steam them on the spot. They’re nothing like the ordinary buns made early in the morning and left sitting until who knows when before you eat them.”

Upon hearing of such a special snack, Nalan Xing’er was immediately intrigued and cried, “Then what are we waiting for?”

Suddenly, a voice interrupted, “Thinking of leaving? It won’t be that easy.”

The little witch was dumbfounded for a moment. When she saw who had spoken, her face reddened with anger until it resembled a steamed bun. She shouted, “How dare you try to scare me! Why aren’t you keeping Sweet Sister company? What are you doing here?”

The speaker was none other than Wu Luohua. He replied, “I caught a whiff of something delicious just now and couldn’t help rushing out. Coincidentally, your Sweet Sister was hungry too.” As everyone turned, they saw Gan Yu had already emerged from Guihai Pavilion.

Nalan Xing’er immediately pulled Gan Yu aside and whispered, “Sister, did this lecher do anything to you?”

Gan Yu’s cheeks flushed crimson and she whispered back, “He hasn’t even held my hand yet.”

Nalan Xing’er gave a subtle thumbs-up. “Right, we can’t let him get what he wants so easily. Otherwise, he’ll never learn to cherish you.”

Gan Yu gave a wry smile. Even she wasn’t certain if Wu Luohua was destined to be her other half.

By this time, the quick-witted Zhang Biao had brought the carriage around. Though he had looked quite imposing outside Guihai City, within the city he was nothing more than an ordinary carriage driver. “Please, everyone, get in.”

“No need. We spent all night indoors—why not stretch our legs a bit?” Gan Yu suggested.

“Walking sounds good, walking sounds good!” Wu Luohua immediately echoed.

Under Tian Huashan’s guidance, the group set off toward the beloved bun shop.

—

Suddenly, a gentle breeze blew, seeming to sweep away the biting cold. The dark-faced old man slowly opened his eyes, stood up at once, and bowed deeply to the newcomer. Just as he was about to speak, the newcomer waved a hand to silence him.

The newcomer drew a letter from his robe, his face expressionless. “Take it.”

The old man respectfully received the letter and solemnly opened it; his expression shifted through several shades before he bowed again. Before he could utter a word of thanks, the other man had vanished.

The cold wind by the cliff swept past once more, still cutting to the bone, but the old man felt as though he were basking in spring sunshine. Collecting himself, his eyes flashed, and with a swish, he too disappeared.

On the way, the little witch hopped and skipped, delighted with everything she saw. After all, Guihai City was renowned as one of the Three Exquisite Cities, far surpassing small places like Yunxia Village or Gan Family Fortress. The little tiger cap atop Nalan Xing’er’s head became more vibrant and colorful than ever. At some point, she had acquired a jade hairpin, which she had stuck into the tiger’s tail, making it sway behind her head and adding to her playful, irresistible charm.

Soon, a savory aroma wafted toward them. Nalan Xing’er cried out, “What a giant ‘Bun’ character!”

Wu Luohua asked in confusion, “I only smell something delicious and already think it’s remarkable. You can actually see the buns? Amazing! Xing’er, could it be you’re so hungry you’re hallucinating?”

The little witch shot Wu Luohua a glare, “I said the ‘Bun’ character, not the buns themselves.”

Wu Luohua scratched his head, “Aren’t they the same? A few buns are still buns, aren’t they?”

Lines of exasperation appeared on the little witch’s face. As they walked several more paces, she waved her hand and pointed to a sign fluttering in the wind. “See? It’s the character ‘Bun.’” Sure enough, emblazoned on the sign was a single, bold “Bun.”

Wu Luohua finally understood. “Ah, so it’s the written ‘Bun,’ not the edible kind.”

Listening to their banter, everyone burst out laughing. Nalan Xing’er couldn’t be bothered with their nonsense; in a few bounds, she reached the door of the bun shop and shouted before even entering, “Ten baskets of buns, please! I want to try them all!” She hadn’t bothered to ask how many buns were in a basket or how big they were, nor did she expect that no one would come out to greet her.

Tian Huashan came over at once. “This place is so popular that neither the owner nor the waiters come out to serve customers. If you want buns, you have to go inside, take a number, choose your filling, and then wait a while for the fresh ones to be served.”

“You could have said so earlier!” Nalan Xing’er retorted. As soon as she entered, the little witch stood in a daze, while Wu Luohua followed and asked, “Why aren’t you shouting now?”

Mo Bai was equally puzzled. With Nalan Xing’er’s personality, she was never at a loss for words. But now she looked bewildered and muttered, “There are just… so many fillings.” She swallowed involuntarily.

Everyone looked around. The shop was crowded with diners, and above them hung countless signs, each bearing a number and the name of a signature filling.

“Crab, fresh shrimp, pork ribs—wait, there’s even frog filling! Which one should I try first?” The little witch had completely forgotten about her earlier demand for ten baskets.

Wu Luohua had managed to secure a clean table and sat down grandly, taking his time to choose, his demeanor relaxed and unhurried. “Mo Bai, there’s a seat over here.”

Mo Bai chuckled, and together with Gan Yu and the others, headed for the table, leaving the little witch to wander in a daze, a pair of chopsticks she’d found somewhere clamped between her teeth.

“Buns are poisonous! Owner, get out here!” Just as everyone was sitting down, a sudden, commanding shout rang out.