Chapter 76: The Heart of the Prairie

During the day, Bai Renzong finished editing the film "Killing Life," then recorded the narration and sent all the materials to He Guang for post-production, reminding him that another video would be coming in the next couple of days.

That evening, after Han Jiayi got off work, Bai Renzong took her to Lanwa House.

Yang Hua personally greeted them at the entrance.

"Ah! Little Bai!" Yang Hua came forward warmly, embracing Bai Renzong before shaking his hand.

We’re not that close, Bai Renzong thought, expressionless, but swallowed the words—after all, they were now business partners, and the partnership had come at just the right time.

"Welcome! Ever since I developed this new dessert, I’ve been looking forward to your visit day and night—I could hardly eat or sleep!" Yang Hua gripped Bai Renzong’s hand excitedly, then glanced sidelong at Han Jiayi, a hint of arrogance curling his lips. "I’m sure this dessert will satisfy you."

After several rounds of praise from Bai Renzong, Han Jiayi was visibly more confident than before. She responded with a slight, composed smile.

Yang Hua merely snorted calmly at this, waved them in, and said, "Come in, I saved you a table."

It was already past eight, yet Lanwa House was still bustling with guests.

The biggest difference between Lanwa House and Yijia Pavilion was that Lanwa House attracted many visitors from other cities—even other countries—while Yijia Pavilion’s clientele was mostly local.

To Bai Renzong, however, the cuisine at Lanwa House wasn’t necessarily better than Yijia Pavilion’s—they simply had different styles.

"Please, have a seat," Yang Hua said, personally guiding the three to a quiet corner. "Wait a moment."

With that, he lifted the hem of his chef’s coat in grand fashion and strode into the kitchen, radiating the air of an emperor.

"I really don’t like him..." Han Jiayi muttered under her breath.

"I actually think it’s not a bad thing," Bai Renzong replied lazily, propping his chin on his hand. For a girl like her, having someone to spur her on might just bring out her best.

"Sis, the only reason he invited us is because he’s jealous of you," Wang Bei observed bluntly.

"Really?" Han Jiayi arched her brows, her eyes suddenly sparkling.

"I think so, too," Bai Renzong added. "That’s why, after I posted the appreciation video for ‘Cloud Veil,’ he couldn’t wait to invite us here to sample his new dessert. He’s not convinced—he thinks he can outdo you."

"Heh, so he can be jealous of me too..." Han Jiayi giggled behind her hand, but then grew serious, collecting herself. "Alright, let’s get ready to film."

As Wang Bei set up the camera and found the right angle, Yang Hua soon returned, carrying a tray. He set it confidently before them, then smiled. "Alright, prepare to experience a true dessert."

He lifted the lid from the tray with deliberate slowness, heightening the anticipation.

Meanwhile, Bai Renzong was already thinking: A special effect here, like in 'Cooking Master Boy,' would really dazzle the viewers...

When the tray was fully revealed, three small bowls appeared, each brimming with flowers—mainly a deep ink green, topped with petals and stamens in various colors for garnish, creating a visually appetizing display.

Each bowl held three brown “maple leaves,” as thin as real ones, with clear, delicate veins. These edible “maple leaves” were the true dessert; the flowers were mere decoration.

It must be said, Yang Hua’s dishes always amazed visually. Unlike Han Jiayi’s, his creations were made purely for enjoyment, not simply to fill the stomach.

Han Jiayi’s cooking, on the other hand, brought both satisfaction and pleasure.

"Please, enjoy." Yang Hua lifted his hand elegantly in invitation.

Wang Bei filmed from every angle with a second camera, while Bai Renzong picked up a “maple leaf” and tasted it. In that instant, he felt as if he were standing on a vast grassland, a breeze carrying the fresh scents of grass and subtle floral notes.

He closed his eyes, savoring the scene in his mind, a slight smile curving his lips.

Yang Hua wore a triumphant smile. "Well? Little Bai, does this dessert meet your expectations?"

"This ‘maple leaf’..." Bai Renzong picked up a second leaf, explaining as he tasted it, "is made from a blend of flour, walnut powder, and almond powder. The water used for the dough was infused with rose petals."

"I knew you’d catch that," Yang Hua replied, arms crossed and smiling. "But that’s not its only secret."

"The key to this crisp is the thickness," Bai Renzong frowned thoughtfully. "To make a biscuit this thin is no easy feat—the proportions must be exact. Too much water, and it won’t form; too little, and it’s just powder in your mouth. The difficulty level... is every bit as high as Jiayi’s Cloud Veil."

Next to him, Han Jiayi pouted in protest, but then tasted one herself. She instantly covered her mouth in astonishment, clearly impressed.

"It’s so thin," Bai Renzong marveled, "that just resting it atop these decorative flowers, it absorbs their fragrance. When you eat it, the crisp melts in your mouth, and the fresh, grassy and floral notes spread gently. Remarkable."

"Ah..." Yang Hua closed his eyes, frowning in exaggerated relief as if finally unburdened. "I’m moved..."

He stepped forward and clasped Bai Renzong’s hand. "Little Bai, I knew you’d understand the effort and passion I poured into this dessert. You’re truly my kindred spirit. Join me! You appreciate my work, and I see your worth!"

But Bai Renzong ignored this, still studying the last leaf with a frown. "This dessert is more than it seems... It isn’t meant as a standalone dish, but rather as the finale to a set—a single element in a grand menu."

"Exactly," Yang Hua beamed. "It’s the dessert in my ultimate tasting menu! I’ve poured my heart, skill, inspiration, even my soul into it, in pursuit of a perfect set. This dessert is the final note—the ‘Heart of the Grassland.’"

He extended his hand to Bai Renzong. "Come! Help me complete it! Let’s create a menu so extraordinary it will shock everyone who tastes it! Your talent belongs here!"

Bai Renzong ignored his invitation again, propping his chin on his hand. "Personally, I prefer osmanthus to rose petals. But the execution here is nearly flawless—almost perfect in my eyes."

Yang Hua shot Han Jiayi a triumphant look, as if asking whether she admitted defeat.

But Bai Renzong soon added, "However, to say it surpasses ‘Cloud Veil’—I wouldn’t go that far."

With that, he turned to Han Jiayi. "Since we’re here, why not let Chef Yang have a taste as well?"