Chapter 72: Tan Han’s First Experience at the Baking House
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 72: Tan Han’s First Experience at the Baking House
Just as I was wondering how to strike up another conversation with this aloof Academic God, I noticed Tan Han starting to wander around the shop on her own.
That wouldn't have been enough to make me lose my composure, but Tan Han’s target wasn't a normal pastry, nor was it one of the finished products in the display case.
It was the "good stuff" Senior Sister Tang Yihan had deliberately left out for Senior Sister Ying Shiqian!
Every single one of Tang Yihan’s experimental batches was a "dark cuisine" masterpiece capable of traumatizing one's taste buds. I couldn't even imagine the look of pure agony that would contort Tan Han’s face once she tasted it!
"Hmm? What’s wrong?" Tan Han looked at my reaction with slight surprise, her hand pausing mid-motion. "Didn't Shopkeeper Xia Li say I could sample things freely?"
"Well, yes, but that cake in your hand... it’s one of Senior Sister Tang Yihan’s experiments. The flavor isn't exactly... good..."
"So that means I can try it?" Tan Han clearly missed the point of my warning. She proceeded to use her fork to pick off a tiny bit of cream and pop it into her mouth.
"Uh... I mean, technically you can... haha... never mind..." I breathed a sigh of relief seeing her only take a tiny bit of cream. At least she wasn't seeking death.
"The texture of the cream is quite nice." Tan Han savored the flavor for a moment before giving it a positive review and a literal thumbs-up.
Then, she immediately dug a spoon deep into the slice. She moved so fast I didn't even have time to react. I thought she was going to stop there, but she went for the kill!
By the time I realized what was happening, Tan Han had already shoved a mouthful of cake and filling into her mouth.
In an instant, my habit of feeling secondhand embarrassment flared up. Then, I watched as Tan Han’s perpetually calm expression finally broke.
I could tell she was trying her best to restrain herself, but she still couldn't stop a look of sheer distress from washing over her face.
"Ah... Hey! Sorry, I thought you weren't going to eat any more. Spit it out! Don't force yourself!" I hurriedly grabbed some tissues from the side and handed them over. "Do you want me to get you a glass of water?"
"Mmph... mm..."
After the initial shock of the flavor hit her, Tan Han instinctively took the tissues I offered. However, she ultimately forced herself to swallow. I could practically see tiny, glistening "pearls" forming in the corners of her eyes.
"Sorry... please, a glass of water..."
She finally couldn't hold out any longer and accepted my offer.
"Right, hold on..."
I rushed over, filled a paper cup with water, and handed it to her. With the water to wash it down, Tan Han finally seemed to recover.
"Thank you."
"It’s fine. It’s mostly my fault for not stopping you... I’m sorry."
I was being sincere. Tan Han was essentially a guest here, and for her to be subjected to that... if the Shopkeeper found out, would she dock my pay?
"There’s no need to apologize. I didn't expect... Senior Sister Tang’s experiment to be quite so... unique..." Tan Han set the cup down and pulled out a few more tissues to wipe the moisture from the corners of her mouth.
"I’m really sorry. Senior Sister Tang Yihan is always trying out new recipes, and the last few haven't gone very well. That one was probably meant for Senior Sister Ying Shiqian to test, and she just didn't have time to dispose of it yet," I explained quickly, hoping Tan Han wouldn't get the wrong idea.
"Phew... forget it. Xiao Han... I can call you Xiao Han, right?" Tan Han sighed and spoke directly. She seemed to realize the nickname might be a bit too forward, so she added tentatively, "Is that alright?"
"Yes, of course," I nodded quickly. I was used to people calling me by that nickname anyway.
"Then you can call me Xiao Tan. Actually, everyone usually calls me Xiao Tan. It felt a bit strange when the Shopkeeper called me Xiao Han."
"Got it."
I nodded vigorously. Regardless of whether Tan Han was telling the truth, it was better to have a way to distinguish us. It would be awkward if someone called out and we both answered.
Besides, given the massive gap in status between me and Tan Han, it would be embarrassing if I answered when someone was actually talking to her. I have my pride, too.
"Xiao Han, could I have a serving of the shop's Red Velvet Cake? My journey to the Witch Academy began because of that Red Velvet Cake, but unfortunately, I didn't get a chance to taste it back then."
"Oh... okay."
I looked at Tan Han with slight surprise. I hadn't expected her to bring that up herself. I had been deliberately avoiding the topic of the Witch Academy; since she’d basically been abducted to come here, I didn't want to trigger her.
Even though she looked stable now and seemed to have accepted her situation, her words suggested her level of acceptance was even higher than I’d imagined.
Just how did the Academy pacify her? An Academic God like her should be the arrogant, prideful type, right?
Even if she was the quiet type, this seemed a bit much.
But since she asked for the Red Velvet Cake, I had to get to work. The Red Velvet Cake was our shop's flagship product. Every Delivery Miss who came here to pick up an order was picking up a Red Velvet Cake.
The reason behind it was quite heartwarming—mostly because the online Red Velvet Bakery only sold that one item.
Since it was Tan Han’s request, I didn't hesitate to bring out a whole, uncut Red Velvet Cake.
A layer of bright red, silky cream coated the deep red sponge inside. Although the taste was actually quite ordinary, our Shopkeeper had given it a special significance.
"The whole thing?"
Tan Han asked as she looked at the entire cake I’d brought over. Her meaning was clear: she couldn't finish all of that.
"I’ll slice it for you."
As I spoke, I picked up the specialized cake-cutting tool. I loved cutting these; the feeling of the blade sinking in without any resistance was fantastic. It had a great tactile feel. It was just a shame we didn't get many customers, so I rarely got the chance to enjoy it.
I quickly handed her a small plate with a slice of cake. As I wiped the crimson cream off the blade with a cloth, it felt a bit like I was cleaning a murder weapon.
"Enjoy."
I warmly handed her a small fork and went back to being busy—specifically, taking away the cake that had just distressed Tan Han. I wasn't sure if the Senior Sister still wanted it; if not, I was throwing it out.
It was definitely another "dark cuisine" creation, even if it didn't smell bad when I got close to it.
As for the taste, I’d have to ask Tan Han, but I didn't have the guts to do that. I was mostly afraid of getting hit.
After taking the cake to the back, I returned to find Tan Han had put her plate down after only a few bites. She didn't seem to have any intention of continuing.
"What’s wrong? Is it not to your taste?" I asked, holding the rest of the sliced cake. It wasn't suitable for the display case anymore, so I figured I’d just finish slicing it.
"It’s nothing. It just feels... even more ordinary than I imagined."
"It is pretty ordinary," I agreed. However, even I wouldn't stop halfway just because a cake was ordinary. I wasn't picky like that.
I guess my thought process really is different from most girls. Or maybe Tan Han is on a diet and shouldn't eat too much?
Girls are supposed to love sweets, and Tan Han didn't look like she needed to lose weight at all.
Well, this little bit of waste was nothing compared to the amount the Senior Sister wasted during her experiments.