052, Mold, Subtle Atmosphere

"What are you doing?" Gao Shen leaned against the mud wall, curiosity in his voice.

Jing Qingxin smiled warmly. "I'm making cake models."

"Cake models?" Gao Shen looked puzzled. He had never heard of cakes needing models, but coming from her, nothing seemed strange anymore.

"Yes. Actually, cakes can take many different shapes, not just squares or circles," Jing Qingxin explained softly, her hands still busy kneading the dough.

"Oh? I've never seen cakes in other shapes. Let me knead the dough for you," Gao Shen offered, watching Jing Qingxin’s slender arms work with effort, worried she might tire herself.

Jing Qingxin hesitated. "But your leg can't stand for long, especially your left foot. You shouldn’t put too much weight on it yet."

"It's fine. I'll prop my left foot up on a small wooden block, no strain," Gao Shen reassured her.

"Alright," Jing Qingxin agreed with a bright smile, not insisting any further. Truthfully, her arms lacked the strength for kneading, and besides, it was more fun for everyone to join in. She didn’t want Gao Shen cooped up indoors all the time.

Gao Shen’s leg was improving now; as long as he didn’t move too much, it wouldn’t be a problem. Thinking this, Jing Qingxin felt at ease.

Gao Shen found two small blocks, washed his hands, and took the dough from Jing Qingxin. Only then did he notice its faint pink hue.

He couldn’t help but ask, "Why is the dough pink?"

For people of this era, colors were scarce—just a handful of muted tones. Still, things were better than in the famine years; at least now there were trees and flowers, and people could see vibrant colors. Back in those days, even grass was hard to come by.

Jing Qingxin grinned, mysterious and proud. "Of course I added something. Smell it."

Gao Shen leaned in and inhaled gently. Suddenly, a subtle floral fragrance drifted into his nose. He looked up, surprised. "Peach blossom?"

His expression was curious, though uncertain, his eyes seeking confirmation from Jing Qingxin.

She laughed. "You have quite the nose. Yes, it’s peach blossom. I’m making Peach Blossom Cake."

"Peach blossoms can be made into cake?" Gao Shen asked, fascinated. He’d never heard of such a thing.

Jing Qingxin pressed the dough she’d prepared earlier, replying, "Of course. Many fresh flowers can be used in cakes."

"Did you go up the mountain?" Gao Shen asked loudly. It was April, the season of blossoms; the mountains should be full of wild fruit trees in bloom. But he wondered when she’d managed to pick them.

Before Jing Qingxin could answer, Gao Shen sternly cautioned, "There may not be fierce animals in the mountains now, but there are still large wild boars and such. You girls shouldn’t go up there—it’s dangerous!"

Jing Qingxin was momentarily taken aback; it was the first time she’d seen Gao Shen so serious. Yet she could hear the concern in his words. She smiled. "Don’t worry. We didn’t go to the mountain."

"Then where did you get the peach blossoms?" Gao Shen pressed.

"I brought them with me. Where I come from, petals can be purified to make peach blossom extract. I brought a little, mixed it into the flour just now, so naturally the dough has that peach blossom scent," Jing Qingxin replied matter-of-factly, as if it were the most ordinary thing.

"Oh. Still, remember—don’t go up the mountain," Gao Shen said, relief settling in his heart.

To Gao Shen, if Jing Qingxin claimed she could perform magic, he’d believe her. She was so extraordinary in his mind; no matter what strange tales she told or unusual things she did, he found he could accept them with ease.

"Mm, got it," Jing Qingxin answered absently, head bowed, pressing and patting the dough. Instantly, a flower-shaped piece appeared.

"Gao Shen, look—isn’t it pretty?" Jing Qingxin’s brows lifted, her face bright and playful.

Gao Shen looked up—not at the dough on the table, but at Jing Qingxin’s smiling face. His heart tightened for a moment.

Suppressing his feelings, he gazed at her delicate features dusted with white flour. A smile tugged at his lips, and his right hand reached out naturally, gently brushing her cheek. His fingertips felt the soft, smooth skin.

Jing Qingxin’s smile froze. She looked up at Gao Shen, who stood a head taller, seeing his gentle expression and focused gaze, his fingers delicate on her face.

The sudden gesture left Jing Qingxin uncertain, her heart beating faster. The two had already been close as they worked on the cakes, but now she felt they were even nearer. Gao Shen’s masculine energy seemed to envelop her, making her heart race all the more.

Jing Qingxin felt she could hear her own heartbeat, thumping loudly in her chest. She swallowed, finding the sensation strange yet somehow delightful.

Gao Shen wiped away the flour, suddenly noticing Jing Qingxin’s bewildered expression. Only then did he realize what he’d done, his own expression turning awkward. He hurriedly explained, "You had flour on your face."

"Oh," Jing Qingxin replied, her cheeks flushed, especially where Gao Shen had touched.

Then Gao Shen turned his gaze to the peach blossom dough on the table. His eyes brightened with surprise. "How did you do this? It really looks like a flower!"

The earlier tension vanished with Gao Shen’s amazement, and Jing Qingxin’s attention shifted immediately.

She waved the mold in her hand, proud. "With this—molds! It’s simple: find a piece of wood, carve it into a flower shape, hollow out the center, deepen it, then press the dough inside. It holds the shape."

"That’s all?" Gao Shen exclaimed, astonished by the simplicity.

"Yes! Want to try?" Jing Qingxin offered with a smile.

"Mm," Gao Shen replied, eager and excited.

Jing Qingxin watched Gao Shen’s movements with amusement. It was only natural for him to be amazed—people of this era weren’t lacking in intelligence, but with daily life just recently stable, all that mattered was being able to eat. Few bothered with fancy food. In a few years, once conditions improved, people would start seeking more in life.

——— Extra ———

Dear readers, enjoy your weekend!

This book was first published by Xiaoxiang Library. Please do not repost!