Chapter 46: Trouble in a Paper Bag
Su Yanyue was just settling into her courtyard with a fresh cup of tea when the triplets burst in like a storm of wind and flour.
"Auntie! Auntie!" Su Lin shouted. "There's a scary uncle outside!"
"He said our buns are fake!" Su Rui cried indignantly.
"He even threw one on the ground!" Su Zhi gasped. "A whole pastry—wasted!"
Yanyue blinked, setting her cup down. "Start from the beginning."
"We were giving out samples at the village entrance," Su Lin explained, panting. "People love them!"
"But then this man shows up with fancy boots and a crooked mustache," Su Rui added, crossing his arms. "He said we copied his Osmanthus Cloud Cakes!"
"That sounds made-up," muttered Su Zhi.
Yu Shiming stepped out from the rear hall, his expression already cool. "Let's meet this 'scary uncle.'"
Outside, a small crowd had gathered—curious villagers, nosy aunties, and a few children still licking crumbs from their fingers. In the middle stood a stout man with an embroidered apron, holding a wooden box under one arm.
"I am Master Feng of the Cloud Garden Bakery in Riverbend," the man declared pompously. "And you, little lady, are clearly riding the coattails of my legacy!"
Yanyue raised a brow. "Excuse me?"
"These so-called phoenix buns—floral, sweet, flaky?" He huffed. "Exactly like my cloud cakes!"
Su Lin tugged her sleeve. "Auntie, he's a pastry pirate."
"Young lady," Feng continued, pointing a stubby finger, "stop selling these or I'll report you to the county magistrate for theft of culinary secrets!"
Yanyue folded her arms. "Did your cloud cakes involve rose petals, orange peel, and a honey glaze?"
"W-Well, no," he stammered.
"And are yours shaped like a phoenix tail?"
"Not exactly…"
Yu Shiming stepped forward then, towering calmly. "Then perhaps you're accusing us because your sales have dropped?"
Gasps echoed through the crowd.
Feng turned red. "Nonsense! Our bakery is famous! We have a painted sign!"
"A painted sign doesn't make a good bun," Su Zhi muttered loudly.
The villagers began whispering.
"I tasted hers—much better than anything from Riverbend."
"My niece said Feng's cakes taste like old soap."
Feng bristled. "This isn't over!"
He turned on his heel and stormed off, nearly tripping over a curious chicken.
Yanyue sighed. "Well, that was dramatic."
"But you won!" Su Rui grinned. "You totally squashed him like a soggy bun!"
Su Lin looked serious. "We'll need better marketing. What if he comes back with pamphlets?"
Yu Shiming rubbed his temples. "No pamphlets. Just good pastries."
Back in the courtyard, they gathered around the worktable again, ideas flying.
"Limited-time Phoenix Bloom gift boxes!"
"Stamps for loyal customers!"
"Buy five, get one shaped like a dragon!"
Yanyue shook her head in disbelief—but her heart was warm.
Yes, fame was attracting attention. Not all of it good. But as long as they stayed true to their flavors and to each other, she had nothing to fear.
Let the Riverbend baker complain. The Phoenix Bloom wasn't just a pastry anymore—it was becoming a village legend.
And her three tiny business partners?
They were just getting started.