Chapter 9: This little girl is so adorable, no wonder you want to be her stepmom! Should you make a move?
Rong Shuang didn’t like people prying into her private life.
But this was a question she wanted to answer—for someone in particular.
She smiled and said, “No, Uncle, I’ve never been in a relationship.”
Did Jiang Feng hear that?
She stole a glance at him as he swiftly folded dumplings at the counter.
Jiang Youyou pressed further: “Do you have someone you like?!”
Rong Shuang’s cheeks flushed slightly. “No.”
But to avoid misunderstandings, she kept it to herself.
Jiang Youyou turned to her father, eyes sparkling.
Did you hear that, Dad?!
Jiang Feng kept his head down, ignoring his daughter’s pointed look.
The elderly customers chuckled at the exchange.
Rong Shuang pulled out her phone to hide her embarrassment.
A message from Tang Hemei popped up: “Off work yet?”
“Are you there already?”
Rong Shuang lifted her phone to take a selfie to send in reply.
Jiang Youyou leaned in. “Teacher, are you taking a picture?”
“Yes, for my roommate.”
“Can I join? I wanna be in it too!”
Rong Shuang bent down, pressing her cheek against the little girl’s.
She snapped the photo, reluctantly straightening up before sending it to Tang Hemei.
The moment Tang Hemei saw it, her attention locked onto Jiang Youyou.
“DAMN! Where’d you find such an adorable little girl?!”
“She’s precious! I wanna squish her too!”
Rong Shuang: “This is my student.”
Tang Hemei: “Your crush’s daughter?! Holy hell! You’d get this cutie as a bonus?! No wonder you’re considering stepmom life!”
“Quick, show me the dad! I need to see how hot this guy is to have you hooked for years!”
Tang Hemei: “Why not?!”
Rong Shuang: “I’d feel awkward taking his picture.”
Tang Hemei: “Tch. You ran away from home but can’t snap a photo of a man?”
“Is this what love does to you?”
Rong Shuang’s cheeks warmed. “Go play your games! Nothing’s even happened yet.”
Tang Hemei: “Fine. But stay cool, okay? I still have reservations about you chasing a divorced guy.”
Rong Shuang set her phone aside just as the shop door opened.
Cui Hao called out: *“Save me 10 fennel-pork, 10 carrot-egg, and 10 leek-egg buns.”*
Soon, the shop filled with more customers.
“Boss, are they ready? Been waiting forever.”
“I’ll take 40—got guests coming over. They gotta try these!”
“Hey, no cutting in line!”
Rong Shuang watched the crowd, surprised. “Youyou, your dad just opened today?”
“But there are so many customers already.”
“Hehe, Dad’s buns are the best! You’ll see, Teacher!”
Rong Shuang nodded curiously.
Could they really be that good?
By 5 p.m., Jiang Feng lifted the steamer lid.
A cloud of fragrant steam billowed out, filling the shop with the rich scent of fresh dough.
“Me first—my grandson’s waiting!”
“Pack 20 for me! My son didn’t get enough this morning.”
“5 leek and 5 carrot—payment sent!”
Jiang Feng worked methodically at the counter, unfazed by the chaos.
Rong Shuang watched, impressed.
Most people would’ve lost track of orders in this frenzy.
Within minutes, 110 buns sold.
Jiang Feng called out: “Youyou.”
“Take these to share with Teacher Rong. Grab two drinks—no soda for you. It affects calcium absorption.”
He’d set aside 10 buns—two of each filling.
Jiang Youyou pouted. “Pleaaase, Dad? Just this once?”
“Teacher, tell him! A little soda won’t hurt!”
Rong Shuang smiled. “How about I share mine with you?”
Jiang Feng chuckled but didn’t object.
A sip wouldn’t hurt—he just didn’t want it becoming a habit.
Rong Shuang took the plate to their table while Jiang Youyou fetched a cola and orange juice.
“Here’s your cup, Teacher!”
“Let me pour for you.”
She filled the little girl’s cup halfway.
Jiang Youyou took a happy sip, beaming.
Rong Shuang handed her chopsticks before examining the buns.
“This one’s beef—try it first!”
She picked one up, noting the perfect texture—soft, evenly thin, snow-white.
Like the ones made by that nationally renowned master chef.
The first bite made her eyes widen.
Better than the imperial banquet chef’s version!
She finished it in five bites.
Jiang Youyou pointed proudly. “This is fennel-pork. Do you like fennel?”
Another burst of flavor.
The pork-scallion was equally amazing!
Only the carrot-egg fell short—but only because she disliked carrots.
“Your dad is incredibly skilled.”
She glanced at Jiang Feng, admiration glinting in her eyes.
Just like in middle school—excellent at everything.
Jiang Youyou nodded. “Super talented! But so strict—no ice cream, no soda.”
She took a mournful sip.
Ah, the bittersweet agony of contraband cola.
Rong Shuang laughed. “Where did he learn to make these?”
“Taught himself, I think. He’s always taken care of me.”
Her respect deepened.
Self-taught to this level? Pure genius.
Casually, she asked: “Why did your parents divorce?”
Jiang Youyou’s expression darkened. “Mom got rich and left. Said we embarrassed her.”
“Dad’s way smarter—he dropped out to raise me because of her and me.”
The girl looked guilty—she’d overheard her grandparents talk about how Jiang Feng had thrown away a brilliant future.
Rong Shuang stroked her hair, her gaze softening as it returned to Jiang Feng.
Every new thing I learn about him makes him more remarkable.
Maybe… I should take the initiative?