Chapter Fifty-Four: Attracting Customers

Song Waning had been in a rather good mood, and seeing that her customer was a child, she asked, “Are you sure you want to buy ten?”

The little girl nodded firmly.

“All right, I’ll make them for you right away. What would you like added inside?”

Unexpectedly, the girl waved her small hand and declared, “Give me the most expensive!”

At that moment, Song Waning recognized her—wasn’t this the girl in the red dress she’d helped during yesterday’s competition?

It seemed fate truly had a hand in things.

Yesterday, she had helped the girl; today, the girl had become her very first customer.

What Song Waning didn’t realize was that this little girl was actually a fan of hers, who had come to support her after watching her livestream.

It was fair to say that most people who came here to play lacked for nothing, and the little girl was no exception.

Seeing her so decisive, Song Waning began spreading out the batter. Since the girl was an acquaintance and had ordered so much, she made the pancakes a bit bigger.

To be honest, the show’s producers not only gave Song Waning a challenge, but they also left her to handle things on her own. They’d simply explained the process to her, without any hands-on instruction.

Fortunately, Song Waning had mastered the skill of making pancakes in her previous life; otherwise, she probably wouldn’t have managed a single intact pancake.

As the little girl waited, she hadn’t expected much from the taste—she was there simply to support Song Waning.

But as the aroma drifted out, she found herself tempted.

Gradually, other vacationers gathered around, standing in front of Song Waning’s stall to watch her work.

One of the resort’s unique features was the row of vendors by the beach.

They didn’t sell high-end dishes, only street food from all over the country, so all kinds of earthy, authentic snacks could be found here.

Soon, a voice called out from the crowd, “I’ll take one—make mine with purple sweet potato!”

With someone breaking the ice, more voices followed.

“I’ll have one too.”

“I want to try one as well.”

“I’ll take three.”

…

Some were drawn by the delicious scent of Song Waning’s pancakes; others were still amazed by her skillful moves from earlier. They couldn’t help but wonder what kind of flavor a pancake made by such a woman would have.

The hat vendor, seeing the brisk business at Song Waning’s stall while his own remained deserted, decided to pack up and head over. “You look busy—let me give you a hand!” he offered.

Not waiting for her approval, he grabbed a brush and began spreading sauce.

However, their lack of coordination soon became apparent, and Song Waning dispatched him to handle the cash and prepare ingredients instead.

By the time the two finally had a chance to eat, it was already after two in the afternoon.

Song Waning counted the money. In just one morning, not counting the cost of ingredients, she’d made over four thousand.

“Business is really good! I actually made so much. What do you want to eat? My treat.”

The uncle gave a simple, honest grin. “I don’t want anything else—I just want to taste your pancakes. The aroma’s been torturing me all morning, and I’m starving!”

“That’s fine, too. I’ll treat you tonight then!”

“Great!”

After the uncle agreed, Song Waning suddenly remembered she had promised to have dinner with Wen Jingxing. Would it be awkward to bring someone else along?

Maybe she should go with Wen Jingxing another day?

She’d already seen the restaurant when he’d driven her by—it was clear at a glance that it was extravagant.

Chances were, the money she’d just earned wouldn’t even cover the meal.

But the wine was only complimentary today, for the grand opening.

Song Waning was conflicted. Maybe she’d try talking to Wen Jingxing and see if he minded?

That afternoon, she and the uncle got busy again, but eventually, they ran out of ingredients, having sold everything the production crew had prepared. They were forced to close early.

Li Weiwei, who received the news, was stunned.

She had supplied enough ingredients for Song Waning to sell for three days, yet they were gone in a single day!?

With an unexpected break, Song Waning grew bored and decided to sneak off to find Wen Jingxing.

The uncle, who was halfway through packing up, told Song Waning to go ahead—he’d meet them at Blue Charm Bar at five.

Song Waning nodded. Since she couldn’t drive, the uncle took her car and dropped her off at the bar.

That morning, Wen Jingxing had played a trick on her, so now Song Waning was in the mood for a little mischief herself. She decided to sneak up on him and see what he was up to.

Ideally, she’d even manage to startle him—that would be perfect.

With the money she’d made, Song Waning bought herself a new outfit, planning to completely change her appearance and blend in as an ordinary customer.

She tied her hair into a high ponytail, put on a pair of silver tassel earrings, and donned a large pair of dark sunglasses that covered half her face.

Her top was a sheer, black, long-sleeved blouse over a fitted black tank, paired with a tight red miniskirt and black high heels.

The moment she stepped into the bar, she blended in perfectly.

Upon entering, Song Waning was immediately noticed by Wen Jingxing, who was behind the bar mixing drinks.

But she, curious about how modern bars differed from ancient taverns, was busy looking around, completely unaware that his expression was growing darker by the second.

Wen Jingxing shook the cocktail shaker with increasing force, so much so that it looked like he might fling the bottle at any moment.

Sitting at the bar was a young woman, watching intently as the veins stood out on Wen Jingxing’s hand from the effort.

The girl was so absorbed she didn’t notice Song Waning frowning at her from behind.

Like the mantis stalking the cicada, never noticing the oriole behind.

Wen Jingxing paid no attention to the girl’s gaze—he’d been at the bar all day, and looks like that were nothing new.

He’d even taken to wearing a hat and mask by now.

Yet these women seemed to have a sixth sense; even if they couldn’t recognize Wen Jingxing outright, one look at his eyes and they knew he was a strikingly handsome man.

But Wen Jingxing never spared them a second glance. He just found it odd—why did they all paint their eyes so heavily in black?

Song Waning decided to drop the act, walked straight over, and sat down next to the young woman. “Miss, do you like that handsome guy over there?”

Only when spoken to did the girl snap out of her daze. Her cheeks flushed bright red and she stammered shyly, “N-no, you’re mistaken.”

But Song Waning leaned in, lowering her voice conspiratorially. “No? Well, that’s for the best. Let me tell you, I know him…”

She drew closer and whispered, “His name is Chen Weiran. He used to be notorious in our neighborhood—for scamming women for money and love, always mooching off others. Not only that, he even drove his wife away.”

“What?!” The girl saw how serious Song Waning was, convinced she wasn’t lying. Her face turned pale, and she fled in fright.