TATSD Chapter 117

The recipe that had just been sold yesterday wasn’t something Ji Wei initially thought he’d be able to buy. It was a stroke of luck—he happened to pass by Fuxing Tower, popped in out of curiosity, and overheard the staff mentioning fresh fried dough sticks. So, he grabbed one to try.

Tasting it, he realized it was quite good. He casually bought a few more and then stopped by Zhang’s shop to pick up some meat floss buns and croissants. As he was about to leave, the shop manager handed him two boxes of coconut tarts, explaining that they were sent from Changliu Town.

These coconut tart gift boxes were marketed as high-end items, from the packaging to the advertising, with prices to match. Comparable to premium mooncakes, they were pricey. Still, as the creator, Ji Wei was entitled to some, and since he wasn’t in Changliu Town, the manager had them sent over.

When Ji Wei returned to the dormitory carrying the food, Lin Tai immediately jumped off his bed barefoot. Ji Wei wrinkled his nose in disdain, gesturing at Lin Tai’s bare feet, prompting him to hop back and put on shoes.

“These coconut tarts are from Changliu Town—only two boxes. I brought them all here for you,” Ji Wei said, placing the items casually on the table.

Liu Yimian, ever meticulous, cleared the ink, brushes, and paper from the desk to make space. Having helped package mooncakes before, he naturally knew how to handle the gift boxes.

The sight of the coconut tarts piqued his curiosity. In this era, with limited transportation and the challenging conditions required to grow coconuts, such items were a rare luxury. Without Ji Wei’s know-how, it would’ve been impossible to produce these coconut tarts for everyone to enjoy.

The aroma of baked coconut milk filled the room, faint but enticing.

All three took a deep breath, their appetites whetted.

Lin Tai’s eyes gleamed with excitement as he grabbed a tart without a word and stuffed it into his mouth. Upon learning that each box cost half a tael of silver, even Lin Tai slowed down his chewing, aware that every bite was worth its weight in silver.

After each of them had one piece, they stopped. Ji Wei didn’t press them but simply mentioned that the tarts would spoil in three or four days if left uneaten and suggested they share them with Ji Baoshan as well.

They then divided the fried dough sticks and meat floss buns to fill their stomachs. With their hunger sated, Lin Tai and Wen Xuan said their goodbyes and returned to their rooms.

“For the next while, I’ll probably be busy. If you’re ever short on money, just go to Zhang’s shop and ask the manager for funds. He’ll take it from my account, so don’t worry too much,” Ji Wei said, pinching Liu Yimian’s fair cheek, leaving a faint red mark.

Liu Yimian twisted his fingers nervously, feeling a bit unsettled.

He knew Ji Ge had important matters to attend to and couldn’t stay in Daxi Town with him every day. Ji Wei had already stayed a few extra days to oversee the opening of a new shop and celebrate Liu Yimian’s birthday. They had even… He shouldn’t be so greedy.

Lowering his gaze, Liu Yimian looked at the jade bracelet on his right wrist. Its translucent surface glimmered as his left index finger brushed it lightly. In a soft, sullen voice, he asked, “When will Ji Ge leave?”

“Unless something else comes up, probably this afternoon,” Ji Wei replied. He still had to finalize the franchise agreement he’d discussed with Lin Yaozu and meet with the elder. Having already spent six or seven days here, he couldn’t afford to delay further, especially with Lin Yaozu nudging him through Lin Tai multiple times.

Ji Wei wasn’t one to neglect his duties for personal matters.

He sighed lightly, stretched out an arm, and pulled Liu Yimian into his embrace. Pressing a kiss to Liu Yimian’s forehead, he rested his chin on Liu Yimian’s head, holding him quietly. “I promise, whenever I have free time, I’ll come to see you. Even if I can’t, you’ll know I’m thinking of you every single day.”

“That’s enough for me,” Liu Yimian murmured, hugging Ji Wei tightly around the waist.

Ever since Liu Yimian began his studies, their time together had been sparse. Even holding each other had become a rare luxury. Neither spoke, simply savoring the moment.

After a while, Liu Yimian said softly, “It’s been over a month since I last visited. I wonder how Aunt Zhou and Ah Qiu are doing.”

Ji Wei’s connection with Ah Qiu revolved mostly around work. After Liu Yimian left, that connection weakened, and when Ah Qiu became pregnant, it faded even more. If Liu Yimian hadn’t mentioned it now, Ji Wei might not have remembered at all. He smacked his forehead in frustration.

“I can’t believe I forgot to tell you!”

“Tell me what?” Liu Yimian asked, looking up curiously.

“It’s about Ah Qiu. Ever since she got pregnant, she’s stopped helping out at the shop. Brother Tian has been handling the odd jobs instead—”

“What!”

Liu Yimian interrupted, his shock evident. It wasn’t entirely his fault for reacting so strongly. While it was known that male omegas could conceive, their fertility rates were much lower than women’s.

This was why omegas were often valued far less than women. Poor families unable to afford a bride or buy a girl often settled for an omega, hoping they might bear a child.

But even conceiving was a challenge, let alone carrying a child to term. That Ah Qiu had managed to get pregnant meant he was truly blessed.

Overcome with emotion, Liu Yimian clutched Ji Wei’s collar, visibly shaken. When he finally calmed down, a tinge of sadness crept into his expression.

“Ah Qiu is so fortunate. He used to say that having enough to eat and wear was more than enough for him. If he could have a child, it would anchor his drifting life and complete him. I wonder if I’ll ever have that kind of luck.”

Even if he didn’t survive the ghost gate of childbirth, he wanted to leave Ji Ge a child that carried their bloodline.

“What are you thinking about?” Ji Wei asked, noticing Liu Yimian’s sudden silence and the fading joy in his expression. He tightened his embrace, holding Liu Yimian close to his chest. “I love seeing you smile, seeing you blush with shyness. If something’s bothering you, don’t keep it to yourself. You have me.”

Liu Yimian shook his head firmly, unwilling to share his thoughts. His voice was muffled as he said, “I can’t congratulate Ah Qiu in person, so please bring a gift from me when you return.”

“Alright, what should we send?” Ji Wei asked, his straightforward mind already leaning toward simply giving a big red envelope. But Ah Qiu was Liu Yimian’s only close friend, so something that perfunctory wouldn’t suffice.

After some thought, Liu Yimian decided to buy a longevity lock from a shop. He attempted to get up, but Ji Wei, holding him tightly, stopped him. “Stay for a bit longer. I haven’t hugged you enough.”

Ji Wei leaned against the bedhead, legs crossed on the mattress, and Liu Yimian sat naturally on his lap. Their closeness made certain movements inevitable.

Noticing something, Liu Yimian’s face flushed bright red. He pressed against Ji Wei’s chest, his voice soft and scolding, “Let me get up…”

What young man isn’t full of vigor, especially after tasting the sweetness of intimacy for the first time? Such desires are not easily restrained.

Ji Wei leaned in close, his breath warm against Liu Yimian’s ear. “You cried so much last night. Are you made of water? I held back for your sake, but it’s unbearable. Touch it—it aches from missing you.” His voice dropped to a whisper, audible only because of their proximity.

The suggestive tone made Liu Yimian blush even more, his face burning like a sunset. Before he could react, Ji Wei guided his hand forward. Liu Yimian instinctively tried to pull back, but his wrist was held firm.

“Be good. Just take pity on me,” Ji Wei said, his usual assertive demeanor replaced by a rare softness. The sight of him like this melted Liu Yimian’s heart. With his face buried in Ji Wei’s shoulder, his ears burned bright red, practically glowing.

As for what happened next… how they ended up back in bed… Ji Wei couldn’t quite recall, and Liu Yimian likely didn’t want to. Exhausted, Liu Yimian lay sprawled out, too tired to do anything but breathe. He draped an arm over his eyes to block out the light—and the sight of the man beside him, smug with satisfaction.

“I’ll fetch some water for you,” Ji Wei said, tugging the blanket over Liu Yimian’s bare body. Before he could leave, Liu Yimian kicked him, nearly sending him tumbling off the bed.

Rubbing his nose sheepishly, Ji Wei tucked the offending foot under the blanket. “Careful not to catch a cold,” he murmured.

Like the night before, Ji Wei got up, dressed, fetched water, and returned to the room to help Liu Yimian clean up. But this time, Liu Yimian was wide awake. The thought of Ji Wei using a towel on him while he lay there was far too embarrassing.

“I’ll do it myself. You go shopping,” Liu Yimian muttered, gripping the blanket tightly and avoiding Ji Wei’s gaze.

“Are you sure you don’t need my help?” Ji Wei teased, smirking. “I’m worried you’re too weak to manage.”

Liu Yimian slapped the bed in frustration, his voice rising. “I can still lift my arms! Just go!”

Shrugging, Ji Wei stood. “Alright, as you wish.”

Setting aside his playful mood, Ji Wei left, carefully closing the door behind him. Though he wasn’t too familiar with Daxi Town, he knew Yong’an Street well, having visited it several times. The bustling street had everything, including two gold and jade shops. Ji Wei picked the closest one and walked in, immediately asking the shopkeeper for a longevity lock.

Items like longevity locks were standard offerings at gold and jade shops. The shopkeeper quickly presented three options, each more ornate than the last, with price tags to match.

Money wasn’t an issue for Ji Wei. A child-bearing ge’er, coupled with Ah Qiu’s friendship with Liu Yimian, warranted the most expensive, exquisite gold lock. Though pricey, it was worth it.

Ji Wei pointed to the finest piece, prompting the shopkeeper to smile broadly as he packed it in an intricately carved wooden box and slid it over to him.

The small item cost a hefty four taels of silver, but Ji Wei paid without hesitation. He tucked the box into his robes and made a stop at a stationery store, purchasing a set of high-quality writing supplies. With everything in hand, he headed back to Liu Yimian.

When Ji Wei returned, he found Liu Yimian fast asleep, wrapped in a blanket. His breathing was steady, his delicate face peaceful. A basin of murky water and a towel on the floor indicated he had cleaned himself and even changed clothes.

Ji Wei placed the new writing set on the table, poured out the dirty water, tidied up the room, and opened the window to let in fresh air. Then he sat by the bed, gently taking Liu Yimian’s slender wrist adorned with a deep green jade bracelet. He brought it to his lips and lingered there, as if reluctant to let go.

He didn’t want to leave, but he had to.

This was what they called an iron-willed man’s tender heart.

Had someone told Ji Wei in the past that he would one day prioritize a man over his ambitions, he would’ve laughed and dismissed them as insane.

But only after experiencing it could he understand the joy of occasional indulgence.

Ji Wei tucked Liu Yimian’s hand back under the blanket, taking one last, lingering look at him before leaving without turning back.

The morning was still young. Ji Wei went to the stables, fetched his donkey, and stopped by his shop to give some instructions. Then, he set out for Changliu Town.

The matter of franchise partnerships was critical.

The concept didn’t yet exist in this era.

If Ji Wei could successfully implement it, Western pastries would spread like wildfire.

Before long, he believed, the entire nation could embrace them.

With his collection of secret recipes, Ji Wei was confident he could captivate both the elite and the common people alike.

With fame secured, how could wealth not follow?