Chapter 110: The Best Middleman

Since he still wanted to savor the desserts at Yijiaxuan, Bai Renzong didn’t rush back after lunch. Instead, he sat down and organized his private messages on his phone, taking the opportunity to discuss work matters with Wang Bei and He Guang.

As soon as he opened WeChat, a long string of messages from Yang Hua appeared.

“You need the International Gourmet certification? Why didn’t you tell me? I just need to notify the Lian’gang City International Gourmet Division, and the certificate will be issued immediately! Why force yourself to eat dishes made by that old man?” “If there’s anything else you need, tell me right away! Don’t hesitate!” “Anything I can do, just say the word!”

Bai Renzong’s head ached as he read the relentless barrage.

Though Yang Hua seemed enthusiastic, Bai Renzong sensed an awkwardness in her social skills—she appeared to view interpersonal relationships with a naïve, straightforward simplicity. People don’t just ask outright for things like that.

Of course, this might also be Yang Hua’s strength. She poured all her passion and thought into cooking, which explained her unfamiliarity with social niceties.

This struck a chord with Bai Renzong—he too was somewhat inept at socializing.

After ordering dessert, he confirmed his doubts with Han Jiayi.

“What’s Yang Hua’s background? Why does she speak so boldly?” Bai Renzong asked, holding up his phone in puzzlement.

“I heard she excelled at Le Cordon Bleu; all her teachers held her in high regard,” Han Jiayi replied, placing a slice of red velvet cake in front of him. “Every restaurant she interned at praised her; a prominent French figure even singled her out with compliments after tasting her dishes…”

“No wonder she’s so arrogant…” Bai Renzong mused, resting his chin on his hand before casting Han Jiayi a glance.

“What’s that look supposed to mean?” Han Jiayi narrowed her eyes, displeased. “It’s like you’re saying, ‘Look at her.’”

“I’m just wondering—your culinary skills aren’t any less than hers, so why haven’t you reached that level?” Bai Renzong answered.

“Well…” Han Jiayi blushed, “Back in school, I was a bit... unpredictable.”

“Hmph.” Bai Renzong chuckled, and Han Jiayi scowled at him in mock annoyance.

“I just feel that’s very much your style,” he said with a smile, then eyed the red velvet cake with interest. “Did one of your kitchen chefs make this?”

“Yes,” Han Jiayi said, suddenly intrigued. “Guess who.”

“Is there a prize for guessing right?” Bai Renzong asked with a sideways glance.

“N-no…” Han Jiayi became shy, turning away with a mumbled protest.

Bai Renzong shook his head and took a bite of the cake.

“Why didn’t you let your chefs make it? Afraid they’d be intimidated by me?” he asked curiously.

“How do you know I made it?” Han Jiayi tilted her head, eyes wide.

Bai Renzong leisurely ate the cake. “The biggest difference between red velvet and ordinary cakes lies in its texture—it must be dense, moist, and delicate. So the batter can’t be too dry or too runny.”

Turning to Han Jiayi, he continued, “This cake’s texture is just right, and the cream on top is whipped so lightly there’s hardly any flaw. I think you’re the only one in this restaurant capable of that level.”

“Hehe, you’re quite the judge,” Han Jiayi laughed shyly.

“Just one thing,” Bai Renzong glanced at her. “It’s slightly too sweet. If you cut back just a tiny bit on the sugar, this red velvet cake would be perfect.”

“Got it,” Han Jiayi muttered, fiddling with her fingers. “People aren’t machines—you can’t expect perfection every time.”

“True enough,” Bai Renzong nodded. “That’s just nitpicking; don’t take it to heart.”

“Not at all,” Han Jiayi smiled contentedly. “Next time try the red velvet chocolate roll. It’s delicious too.”

“Alright,” Bai Renzong agreed, finishing the last bite, then sipping his black tea. “I’ll head back now.”

“Okay!” Han Jiayi replied cheerfully. “See you tonight!”

After watching Bai Renzong leave, Han Jiayi’s bright eyes sparkled with an idea. She pulled out her phone and began contacting Wang Bei.

Once home, Bai Renzong checked the reviews for the Licorne business collaboration video posted yesterday.

The public’s response to Licorne was as he expected:

“To be honest, it doesn’t have the upscale vibe of Lanwafang at all.”

“The portions are bigger than Lanwafang’s, but with an average price of over 800 yuan per person, I just can’t accept it.”

“Exactly. If I have that kind of money, I’d rather go to Yijiaxuan. One meal there is worth two here.”

Bai Renzong frowned, deep in thought. This was indeed a difficult problem.

The key was that Beichang City already had two well-established restaurants, Yijiaxuan and Lanwafang, which had essentially divided the Western-style cake market between them. Other Western restaurants struggled to compete.

Yijiaxuan took the affordable route—delicious, generous portions satisfying those seeking value and good food. Lanwafang offered luxury, catering to those chasing prestige and social media bragging rights.

Licorne, caught in the middle, naturally had little business. At this rate, it wouldn’t last long.

“Forget it, why am I worrying about this? It’s not even my restaurant,” Bai Renzong shook his head.

Then he noticed a conspicuous comment: “Old Bai, don’t just eat Western food. Try visiting Chinese restaurants too. There are many upscale Chinese restaurants. We want to see you explore them.”

Bai Renzong sighed deeply. He had his reasons, dear viewers.

Because of the Illusory World Group’s influence, it was very difficult to visit restaurants in Beichang City, especially upscale Chinese ones. To explore those, he’d have to go out of town, which wouldn’t be possible until next month at the earliest.

But he could still choose middle and lower-end Chinese restaurants.

“Next food video, I’ll explore a Chinese restaurant,” Bai Renzong decided.

Around that time, it was almost time for Han Jiayi to head home. Bai Renzong went to the staircase and was surprised to find Wang Bei still hadn’t returned.

“Aren’t you going home for dinner today?” he asked, surprised.

“My parents went out, so I decided to stay and mooch a meal,” Wang Bei smiled softly.

Thus, dinner shifted from two people to three. Afterward, Bai Renzong washed the dishes while the two girls chatted in the living room.

“He didn’t sing, did he?” Wang Bei peeked from the kitchen, whispering as she watched Bai Renzong wash the dishes.

“He only sings when no one’s home,” Han Jiayi frowned. “I’m telling you, he sings beautifully.”

“Old Bai’s voice is unique; he just doesn’t realize it himself,” Wang Bei said, then turned to Han Jiayi. “So, what do you need me to do?”

“I planned to ask him to go karaoke with me this week during our blind date,” Han Jiayi explained, “but he refused. Can you help convince him? You know me—I’m not as good with words as he is.”

“Alright, I’ll try,” Wang Bei nodded, then teased, “Jiayi, you and Old Bai have had a few blind dates now. How do you feel about him? Are you satisfied?”

“I…” Han Jiayi hesitated for two seconds, then brushed her hair back. “He’s… okay. He’s got no bad habits as far as I can see, so we can keep going. But if you want me to date him seriously, well… hmm.”

“Hmm?” Wang Bei raised her eyebrows, smirking.

Han Jiayi flushed and frowned. “Ah! Hurry up and help me come up with a plan!”

“Got it, leave it to your little Bei sister,” Wang Bei said cheerfully and went into the kitchen.

“Old Bai!” Wang Bei greeted Bai Renzong as he washed dishes.

“Want some help?” Bai Renzong glanced at her.

“You’re almost done; no need,” Wang Bei said with a smile, then asked mysteriously, “Can I ask you something?”

“No idea,” Bai Renzong replied flatly. “Judging by your expression, it’s probably trouble, so… no idea.”

“Hey, I’m serious,” Wang Bei pouted playfully. “How do you feel about blind dating Jiayi?”

“…” Bai Renzong gave her a sidelong glance. Thinking about it, Wang Bei was the best go-between for him and Han Jiayi.

Having followed Han Jiayi for years, Wang Bei knew her well. To win Jiayi’s heart, all he needed was to use Wang Bei wisely.

“She’s pretty, her personality is lovely. No reason not to like her,” Bai Renzong answered.

“Really?” Wang Bei raised an eyebrow. “But I heard Jiayi said you refused to go karaoke with her this week. She’s worried you dislike her but hold back because you’re studio partners.”

“No, it’s not that,” Bai Renzong frowned. “I just can’t sing karaoke, and it would be awkward for everyone.”

“No worries, Jiayi won’t laugh at you,” Wang Bei smiled. Then, seriously, she said, “You better work hard. From what I know of Jiayi, she’s interested in you. She usually rejects guys after a few words, but she agreed to go out with you a second time! Think about that, really think.”

Bai Renzong looked at Wang Bei with a mixture of doubt and contemplation. If what she said was true, this blind date might be a good opportunity.

They’d known each other for a long time; maybe it was time to take things further.

After all, whether making videos or at the restaurant, everyone assumed they were a couple, and neither had denied it.

Partly because such rumors boosted popularity like celebrity scandals, and partly perhaps because they truly liked each other.

Pondering this, Bai Renzong grew more certain. Decided—after this blind date, he’d lay everything out honestly.

“I understand,” Bai Renzong said firmly, nodding. “I’ll go.”

Wang Bei nodded with satisfaction, then left the kitchen and gave Han Jiayi an “OK” sign in the living room.

“Hehe, Little Bei, you’re amazing!” Han Jiayi exclaimed, clenching her fist in delight.