Has Someone Caught Her Eye
On the second floor of the Eight Treasures Bistro, Lily Evans sat by the window, watching indifferently as Lana Evans's rented carriage rolled away downstairs.
Beside her, Bella Bell asked, "Master, are we just letting Lana Evans leave like that?"
Lily Evans smiled, "Let her go. What good days could she possibly have at the Cheng Family? Jasper Cheng and his family are all snobs, and the only reason they married her was for her family background. Too bad Lana Evans never appreciated her own family and has broken her father's heart. Now that she has no one to rely on, even if she returns to the Cheng Family, what difference does it make?"
"As for the Cheng Family—tsk, they're just a bunch of petty country squires, yet they think they can go up against the Prince of Qin's Estate? They must be tired of living! Soon enough, their business will go bust. I'll let them see what happens when you dare to scheme against the Prince of Qin!"
Bella Bell silently looked at Lily Evans and nodded. Both Lana Evans and Jasper Cheng had brought this upon themselves—let them stew in their own mess.
These little people aren't worth worrying about. Bella Bell blushed, quickly denying any romantic interest, "Master, it's not like that! I don't have anyone in mind!"
"Soon, they'll be here tomorrow. I'll send someone to the docks to unload, and have our bistro's share delivered separately. The rest will go to the spice shop for sale," Lily Evans said.
Bella Bell hummed, "Master, you know, all our diners have gotten spoiled by our spices! Now, if they eat anything made without them, it just doesn't taste right. They're so used to our spice-blended dishes, if you give them something plain, their mouths won't know what to do!"
Lily Evans chuckled, "Exactly! The other day, Zhang Mu and Cai Wei came by and gossiped that loads of people have been running to the spice shop, asking if we sell retail—wanting to take some home for their own cooking."
"Ah! So all those diners have started flocking to the spice shop!" Bella Bell clicked her tongue, clearly impressed.
"That's right. Never underestimate the power of foodies," Lily Evans said with a smile. "I've told Zhang Mu that since we don't have enough spices just yet, no retail for now—let's focus on our big clients first. When we have enough stock, we'll sell to individuals too."
"Oh, by the way, Master, Third Master Sam Evans sent someone back home to fetch his concubines to the capital. Looks like he really wants to have a few more daughters," Bella Bell gossiped.
Lily Evans laughed, "If I had a daughter as ungrateful as Lana Evans, I'd just pretend she was never born and hurry to have a few more instead."
Bella Bell nodded vigorously, "Right? If I had a daughter as clueless and ungrateful as Lana Evans, I'd just act like she never existed and make sure to have a few more!"
Lily Evans shot Bella Bell a look, "Bella, you haven't even married yet and you're already thinking about having kids? Tsk, which family's young man has caught your eye?"
Bella Bell leaned in, eyes sparkling with curiosity, "Come on, Master, don't keep me guessing!"
Lily Evans burst out laughing, "Bella Bell, you're not so young anymore! As your master, I should start keeping an eye out for a suitable match for you."
"Master!!" Bella Bell cried, covering her face and running off in embarrassment. Lily Evans and Lola exchanged glances—Bella Bell's reaction was a bit much! Could it be she really has someone in mind?
Lily Evans reflected that she'd been so busy she'd neglected her apprentice's future. Bella Bell had taken on big responsibilities managing the Eight Treasures Bistro at such a young age—she couldn't let the girl's lifelong happiness slip by.
So Lily Evans decided to take the matter seriously. She called in one of the senior apprentice chefs from the Eight Treasures Bistro, making casual conversation while secretly probing to see if Bella Bell had any close male friends—or perhaps a secret crush.