Over the following period of time...
Firefly returned to her daily part-time routine. In her spare time, she would ask for advice on the essentials of food preparation. Several employees were also unsparing in their explanations of the key points.
However, at this moment, no one could view Firefly as a mere part-timer anymore. A part-timer who casually has fifty thousand yuan in pocket money—who would believe that if you told them?
The proprietress had no objection to this either. After all, Firefly didn't know how to do anything herself to begin with. The point of keeping her around was to serve as a mascot.
A pure and cute cosplay girl—who wouldn't stop for a few moments upon seeing her?
In this way, business naturally saw an improvement. Firefly, completely unaware of this, was now contentedly acting as eye candy.
Ding!
Accompanied by a sound from the oven, the fragrant cupcakes were successfully baked. Firefly excitedly took out the fruits of her labor and enthusiastically shared them with several colleagues.
Facing this gentle and shy young girl, the others had long since shed their initial awkwardness and unease. Firefly was empathetic and treated others like a spring breeze; being around her always made people feel relaxed and at ease. Consequently, everyone was happy to be on good terms with her, even proactively sharing interesting stories.
As they grew closer, their friendship deepened day by day.
After everyone took a bite of the cupcakes together, their eyes lit up a moment later, and they offered their praise one after another.
"Mmm, the taste is really good!"
"Yeah, Firefly, you've made great progress!"
"Thank you, but this is also thanks to everyone's help."
Hearing everyone's undisguised praise, Firefly lowered her head slightly, her ears gradually turning red. Seeing this, everyone couldn't help but burst into laughter.
Just then, someone suddenly noticed that among the finished products, there seemed to be one cupcake that was different from the rest. Not only was the color of the base different, but it also seemed to have some extra things added on top.
"Firefly, what's this?"
Seeing the other person's hand reaching out, Firefly was quick and nimble, grabbing it into her hand first.
"Ah? I'm sorry, I thought this..."
Although the person was puzzled by Firefly's swift movement, seeing how agitated she was, they still apologized honestly.
Seeing this, Firefly hurriedly waved her hands and explained.
"No, no, although I'm very grateful for everyone's help, I still wanted to make one personally to give to my partner."
"Oh, I see! No wonder we have no memory of this one!"
Once those words were out, everyone understood instantly. So this portion was made by her independently from start to finish.
"Alright then, but... Firefly, you didn't add anything strange, did you?"
At this time, a careful girl spoke up and asked. Hearing this, the others all gazed at Firefly with strange looks.
Because not long ago...
When Firefly was a complete novice, in order to thank everyone for being willing to help her, she enthusiastically shared her favorite pastries with everyone. Facing such a novelty, plus with Firefly's endorsement, everyone couldn't wait to take a bite.
And then...
Firefly: (⁄ ⁄•⁄ω⁄•⁄ ⁄)
"Don't worry, it's just some fruit and stuff like that."
Hearing this, everyone breathed a sigh of relief. After all, in this process, they were the ones who helped, and the item was a gift from Firefly. If something really went wrong, wouldn't they become accomplices?
Recalling the situation back then... if it weren't for the fact that Firefly herself ate them often, they would have truly thought it was her prank.
"Ahem, sorry, Firefly... uh, what we mean is... in the future, try to cater more to popular tastes. It's better to give less of that 'ahead of its time' taste to others."
As one person took the initiative to speak, the remaining few also nodded in unison. Listening to the suggestion, Firefly, feeling herself in the wrong, didn't offer any rebuttal and just nodded awkwardly...
"As expected, it's for that little girl!"
"Isn't that obvious? I really envy her; after all, this is a cupcake Firefly poured her heart and soul into, making it by hand."
"No, brother, why are you smiling so lecherously?"
"Nothing, I'm just lamenting that beautiful girls sticking together is truly the best!"
"Oh boy, I really didn't expect you were this kind of person, brother?!! Say no more, from now on we're bros!"
Ignoring the sounds of everyone's discussion, Firefly's gaze glanced at Silver Wolf, who was currently immersed in her game. She hesitated for a moment, ultimately deciding not to disturb her.
She would give it to Silver Wolf after the game ended.
Thinking this, Firefly carefully boxed and sealed the cupcake in her hands, her movements as gentle as if she were protecting a treasure.
Just then, the shop door opened as usual.
Firefly, situated at the front desk, caught a glimpse of a figure in front of her with her peripheral vision and subconsciously spoke to greet them.
"Hello, how can I help you?"
However, when she clearly saw the person's full appearance, Firefly's willow-like brows furrowed, and the mood that had originally risen also cooled down.
A young man about 1.8 meters tall entered the shop. His face was handsome, his features as regular as if finely carved. His white shirt was ironed impeccably, and his dark trousers were sharply tailored. Though his clothing was simple and plain, he seemed like a clear stream, making the aura around him exceptionally unique.
As soon as his figure appeared, it was like a pebble thrown into still water, stirring up ripples. The other shop assistants looked over one after another, and several young girls even quietly exchanged glances, their eyes trembling over him like butterfly wings.
However, Firefly was not interested in this at all.
The young man clearly noticed this too, so he wore a faint smile and greeted her.
"Hello, Miss Firefly, we meet again."
"Hello, Ye Chen, what would you like?"
Firefly responded politely.
Seeing this, Ye Chen was already accustomed to it and looked at the products on the counter in a performative manner. Then, acting as if it were inadvertent, he raised his question.
"Eh? Why does it seem like I don't see the kind of pastry you gave me before?"
"I'm sorry, that oak cake roll is not a product of this shop."
"No way? Could you be mistaken? You sold it to me personally back then!"
Seeing that the other party seemed determined not to stop until his goal was reached, Firefly had no choice but to tell the truth.
"This oak cake roll is my own pastry. It's not on the shop's sales list, and I don't want to sell it. So, Ye Chen, if you're here for this, please just let it drop."
After learning this, Ye Chen's expression froze instantly, and he was stunned for a moment. However, he quickly restrained his expression, and a sincere smile blossomed on his face again.
"That's really a pity; after all, that taste back then has stayed with me for a long time!"
"...Speaking of which, we've known each other for a little while now. I wonder if Miss Firefly would be willing to be friends."
Before his voice had even faded, Ye Chen pulled out his phone; the intended meaning was obvious.
This scene caused everyone watching to sigh incessantly. Especially the other employees staying in the back—the expressions on their faces were even more spectacular.
Everyone (•᷄ࡇ•᷅): Heh, that taste is indeed unforgettable in a certain sense. But brother, you're really going all out just to pick up a girl. We respect you as a real man.