Chapter 21 Now you have to apologize to her.

Looking at the vote count in her hand, Lin's mother's face turned red with anger. She craned her neck and stared intently at Shen Qingtang, saying, "Cheating! You must have cheated!" Out of a total of thirty people, her Xiaoyue only got ten votes. How could that be?

Seeing Lin Yumei's hysterical state, Zhang Xining twitched his lips speechlessly and spoke the truth under everyone's gaze: "The staff who provided the plating and tableware were all employees you hired. Mrs. Qin just brought the cake over. How could they cheat? Besides, you even made the rules."

To ensure fairness, the thirty tasters had to be people who had never tried both types of mango crepes before, and they tasted them blindfolded. After thirty seconds, they had to make their choice, leaving them almost no time to think and relying entirely on their sense of taste.

Even if someone were to peek, the mango crepes made by the two people looked almost identical, making it impossible to distinguish them with the naked eye. Not to mention that the two cakes used the same colored and patterned plates, and the plating method was like copy and paste. Only by completely flipping the bottom of the plate could the marked serial numbers be seen.

Zhang Xining is a semi-dessert enthusiast, and to be fair, both of these mango crepes are much tastier than those sold in stores. The first cake has a soft, fluffy filling and an overwhelming mango flavor, while the cream is refreshingly sweet without being cloying—truly a delicacy. These are the best mango crepes she has ever eaten.

But when she ate the second cake, her opinion completely changed.

If eating the first cake was just like eating a delicious mango crepe, then the second cake was like being transported to a world made of mango and cream, with a clever blend of textures that made every bite amazing.

The difference between the two cakes is so great that the inferior one is immediately apparent.

Moreover… Zhang Xining’s eyes flashed with disdain. She really didn’t know how this Mrs. Lin had the confidence to call it cheating. She had just observed carefully and found that most of the people who chose Lin Qianyue’s cake as delicious were Mrs. Lin’s friends, and had all been invited to her home for afternoon tea.

However, since everyone is a decent person, they didn't expose the fact because it didn't affect the fair outcome of the competition. But not saying anything is one thing, and seeing it and understanding it in one's heart is another.

Shen Qingtang looked at Lin Yumei, who was stammering and unable to speak for a long time, and said calmly, "Mrs. Lin, you can try these two cakes yourself." Everyone present was a high-status and cultured member of the upper class. Even if the two cakes were delicious, most people would only take a bite or two. Naturally, they could use new spoons to share them with others.

Hearing this, Lin Yumei hesitated. She had tasted her daughter's mango crepes countless times, and they were undoubtedly delicious. But Shen Qingtang's large number of votes was probably not accidental. What should she do then?

What she didn't realize was that she had already unconsciously accepted in her heart that Shen Qingtang's mango crepes tasted better.

"Let me try it." Shen Qingtang's vision darkened slightly as a man's figure blocked the light.

The handsome man attracted everyone's attention as soon as he entered. He was wearing a brown suit, and his temperament was not dull but rather gave him a mature charm. He wore gold-rimmed glasses, and his platinum watch gleamed with a cold, sharp luster. His face was smiling, as warm as a spring breeze. But if you thought he was approachable, you would immediately sense an unapproachable aloofness about him, like secondhand sunlight shining through thick glass.

Everyone says Qin Rongyun is a noble young master from a wealthy family, but in fact he hasn't learned even a fraction of the demeanor of the person in front of him; he's just a complete imposter.

Noticing Shen Qingtang's questioning gaze, Zhang Xining whispered to her, "This is Yan Yan, the eldest son of the Yan family, and also Lin Qianyue's fiancé."

Shen Qingtang nodded, glancing slightly to the side as she saw Su Rong's somewhat displeased expression, Lin Qianyue's shy face, and the warm expressions of most people who wanted to get close yet dared not.

She surveyed everything without a change in expression, and her tone remained neither humble nor arrogant as she handed over a new spoon, saying, "Young Master Yan, please."

Her demeanor, devoid of any fawning or obsequiousness, made Yan Yan give Shen Qingtang a deep look before taking the spoon and saying softly, "Thank you."

"Can I try some? I smell something really delicious." The strange Chinese pronunciation sounded awkward, with a foreign accent. Before Shen Qingtang could speak, she noticed Su Rong's eyes brighten and her smile become even more radiant.

Seeing Mrs. Lin rolling her eyes in anger, Su Rong felt a surge of satisfaction and immediately invited, "It would be our honor if Master Hite would grace us with his presence."

Zhang Xining was a shrewd person, and since Master Hit was her friend, she immediately led him to her side, coincidentally forming a face-to-face position with the eldest son of the Yan family. She then pushed the mango crepe that she had originally wanted to keep for herself in front of the two of them, a hint of regret flashing in her eyes.

But such feelings quickly dissipated; she was more interested in seeing how the two of them would be won over by Shen Qingtang's mango crepes.

Yan Shao was the first to grab a spoon and naturally finished tasting it, his expression a consistent smile, revealing no other emotions. Lin Qianyue gently tugged at Yan Yan's suit sleeve, her eyes full of anticipation, and asked, "Brother Yan, who do you think made the better mango crepe?" As the saying goes, to win a man's heart, you must first win his stomach, and Lin Qianyue was undoubtedly the best practitioner of this saying.

She clearly remembered that at the dinner party, which was actually a blind date, the other party maintained a polite yet distant attitude. But when he tasted the mango crepe she had made herself, he smiled very gently at her and then began to pursue her.

It's safe to say that the other person was won over by her mango crepes. Therefore, she could disregard other people's opinions and views, but she was extremely concerned about Yan Yan's thoughts.

Yan Yan chuckled softly, but didn't give a definite answer. He squinted and patted Lin Qianyue's head, giving an ambiguous answer as if to comfort her: "They're all delicious."

Although that's what she said, Lin Qianyue's heart skipped a beat. Especially when she saw Yan Yan looking at Shen Qingtang with interest, she clearly felt uneasy. She bit her lower lip tightly, and a hint of displeasure flashed in her eyes.

She clearly remembered that if she had asked the other person this question before, the other person would have only said: Xiaoyue's mango crepes are the best in the world.

But now, everything tastes pretty good. She took a deep breath and couldn't help but place her remaining hopes on Master Hit.

The other party really loves her mango crepes. It's no exaggeration to say that without her mango crepes, the other party would never have traveled all the way here to hold an art exhibition and entrusted all related matters to the Lin family.

Unfortunately, Master Hitler was a foreigner and didn't care about the Chinese way of being reserved or saving face for anyone. So he directly announced his answer: "Amazing! I have never eaten such delicious mango crepes. This is simply my number one."

Upon hearing this, Lin Qianyue's face darkened. The other party had used the same words to praise her before, and now they were using the same words on Shen Qingtang, with an added extremely exaggerated interjection.

Amazing! It's incredible that someone as rigid and meticulous as the other person would utter such a compliment.

What Master Hit said next completely humiliated her.

“I believe that anyone with a sense of taste would agree that Miss Shen’s mango crepes are far superior to Miss Lin’s.” Master Hite paused, then looked at Shen Qingtang with great respect. “I wonder if I could invite you to my castle to admire my paintings? It’s such a pity that I didn’t bring my painting ‘Goddess’ for you to appreciate. If we could enjoy a plate of mango crepes like this while admiring them, I believe it would be the most wonderful moment of my life.”

Su Rong's eyes lit up immediately, and she was so excited that her fingers trembled. She couldn't help but nudge Shen Qingtang's shoulder, signaling her to agree. Even she had only seen "Goddess" at an exhibition, let alone been personally invited to enjoy it at home.

The others' gazes fell on Shen Qingtang, and they all showed expressions of envy, jealousy, and hatred.

But Shen Qingtang's answer left everyone present speechless—the other party actually refused!

Shen Qingtang said in a calm tone, "I'm sorry, Master Hite. I have to take care of Brother Qin, so I can't go. Actually, I know nothing about painting." Under Su Rong's frantic winking, she looked directly at Master Hite and said, "I suggest you invite Aunt Su, who is with me, to visit. She is very interested in your work and is a loyal fan of yours. She also wants to offer to buy your famous work, 'Goddess'."

Upon hearing this, many people felt that Shen Qingtang was incredibly bold, while others cast amused glances at Lin Yumei, clearly looking on with amusement.

"Goddess" is an image of a pregnant woman experiencing the pain of childbirth. Her eyes are filled with tears, her face is pale, her hair is disheveled, and her hands are tightly gripping the blanket. She is surrounded by a calm doctor and a flustered maid. In the lower left corner, there is an anxious husband and family.

This painting showcases Hitler's keen ability to capture and evoke emotions, vividly portraying the pregnant woman's fear, apprehension, and cautious anticipation of new life. It unleashes a powerful emotional tension, celebrating the beauty of life, and the title "Goddess" is a direct tribute. Any mother who has experienced childbirth can deeply relate to the emotions of that moment and be captivated by it.

Therefore, many women wanted to buy it at a high price, including Su Rong, but Master Hit refused them all. Previously, Lin Yumei had boasted that Master Hit had decided to sell "The Goddess" to them.

Although Su Rong was pleased that Shen Qingtang had given her the opportunity to tour the exhibition and expressed her desire to purchase "The Goddess," she felt it was far too offensive. It's well known that artists typically pride themselves on their aloofness and dislike associating their work with money.

He quickly coughed and scolded, "Qingtang, you're being very rude! Apologize to Master Hit!" To his surprise, Master Hit waved his hand first, giving Shen Qingtang a rare smile and saying, "Tang, I appreciate your honesty and trust your character." He paused, then looked at Su Rong and said, "Madam, would you mind visiting my castle? Perhaps I can find a very satisfactory home for my 'Goddess' this time."

The implication in those words made Su Rong's eyes light up with excitement. She asked incredulously, "Master Hite, are you really willing to sell me 'The Goddess'?" She had visited him many times before, but had been rejected each time.

Master Hit raised his champagne glass and downed it in the air, saying, "Of course, for the sake of Mango Crepe, no, for Tang's sake." He even extended a special invitation: "Tang, would you be willing to be the model for my next work? You have a special quality that inspires me; you are simply my goddess muse."

Upon hearing this, Su Rong's heart skipped a beat. After all, this was a tremendous honor and a rare opportunity, and she would have agreed if she were in her shoes. However, Shen Qingtang quickly declined again, citing the need to take care of Guan'er, leaving Master Hit with a regretful expression.

Seeing Su Rong being the object of everyone's praise, Lin Yumei's eyes flashed with displeasure, but she quickly put on a smile and said, "Master Hite, have you forgotten our previous agreement?"

Seeing the puzzled look on the other person's face, she gently reminded her, "You said that you were going to sell the painting 'Goddess' to me."

Master Hit shook his head and said firmly, "No, you must have misheard. I only agreed to let you hold an exhibition here once." Lin Yumei's face immediately turned ugly. Master Hit's voice was not low, so many people heard it.

Soon, whispers and jeers could be heard from those around them.

"I never expected that Mrs. Lin would have hearing problems at such a young age."

"Speaking of which, her shamelessness is really getting better and better."

"I think the reason Master Hitler was able to come here to hold an exhibition was because he couldn't stand being pestered by them anymore."

"She's got some nerve, trying to get Master Hitler to sell her his painting after just a few words."

"Mrs. Lin isn't from an art academy, so she can't understand paintings at all."

"That's right, that's right. Unlike Mrs. Qin, who is a true fan."

"It's so enviable that she was invited to visit Hitler's castle and see his paintings."

......

Qin Yuan, who had expected to have to deal with his difficult wife again, was surprised to hear such words. His anger vanished without a trace, and he even smiled, taking Su Rong's arm and saying sweetly, "Little Su, I'll go with you then."

Her overly solicitous demeanor contrasted sharply with her earlier cold and reprimanding attitude. Su Rong retorted without any politeness, "Master Hit invited me, not you."

Qin Yuan's expression changed slightly, and his smile faded. He said, "Xiao Su, don't always be so arrogant. Give me some face." He paused for a moment and then added, "We're husband and wife."

Su Rong snorted coldly, "When you were scolding me just now, did you forget that we're husband and wife?" Her anger was partly due to Qin Yuan. As husband and wife, they were supposed to be a community of shared interests, yet he had betrayed her.

Upon hearing this, Qin Yuan was speechless and could only slink away.

Shen Qingtang stood aside and quietly observed Qin Yuan, who was Qin Guanlan's biological father.

Although he was middle-aged, his body was very well-proportioned, unlike some pot-bellied male guests. He was dressed in a well-fitting black suit and, upon closer inspection, even looked like a handsome middle-aged man. It was just a pity that his eyes were swollen and his under-eye area was dark, which showed that he had indulged in too much sex and his vital energy was being depleted, ruining his otherwise refined temperament. In particular, his eyes, which were gleaming with a shrewdness, made people wary of him.

Shen Qingtang quickly gave his assessment: this person is all bark and no bite, like a paper shell that can be punctured at the slightest touch.

A flash of disdain and disgust crossed Qi Yi's eyes. As if noticing Shen Qingtang's questioning gaze, he muttered under his breath, "Since Brother Qin's accident, the Master has never come to visit him. Before, when he was working at the company, he often dumped his work on Brother Qin and brazenly took credit for his achievements."

Although he was an outsider, he saw things clearly. If it weren't for Brother Qin, the First Master would have been kicked out of the house by the Second Master long ago, given his competence. Not only that, the man was still obsessed with a life of debauchery at his age, and even keeping mistresses wasn't enough; he frequently went to karaoke bars.

When Su Rong first married him, she did harbor the idea of ​​a long and lasting relationship, but Qin Yuan's repeated infidelity made her see the truth clearly. Although she couldn't divorce him due to conflicts of interest, she chose to focus all her attention on herself and raising her child.

Shen Qingtang nodded and said, "I understand."

On the other side, after the crowd had mostly dispersed, Lin Qianyue took out a spoon and ate a bite of the mango crepe made by Shen Qingtang with a lonely expression. As soon as she took the bite, tears instantly streamed down her face.

As a pastry chef, she naturally has a keen sense of taste and could easily tell that Shen Qingtang's mango crepe was far better than hers.

Song Yun handed over a handkerchief and said, "Sister Lin, don't cry."

While wiping away her tears, Lin Qianyue looked at her fiancé with admiration as he gazed at Shen Qingtang and sobbed aggrievedly, "But Shen Qingtang's mango crepes are tastier than mine."

When Song Yun thought of the grudge she had with Shen Qingtang that day, a hint of hatred flashed in her eyes, but she blinked and said, "Sister Lin, I don't think so."

"Everyone knows your dessert-making skills; perhaps you've lost to high technology."

"High-tech?" Lin Qianyue was a little confused when she heard this.

Song Yun's eyes lit up as she said, "It's like poppy in hot pot, it makes you want to keep eating it. Maybe Shen Qingtang's mango crepe has that ingredient in it."

Upon hearing this, a glint flashed in Lin Qianyue's eyes, and she muttered, "So that's how it is. So I didn't lose after all."

After saying that, she immediately stood in front of Shen Qingtang and said with a mocking smile, "Shen Qingtang, of course your mango crepes are tastier than mine, because you added something extra."

As soon as these words were spoken, everyone's eyes lingered on Shen Qingtang and Lin Qianyue.

Shen Qingtang replied indifferently, "Miss Lin should be based on evidence when she speaks and acts, rather than slandering others with mere words."

Yan Yan frowned and looked at Shen Qingtang to explain, "I'm sorry, the mango crepe cake has always been her masterpiece. Today yours..." Lin Qianyue hurriedly interrupted, "Brother Yan, you don't need to apologize for me. She added something, so it's an unfair victory. This kind of ingredient will affect your health, you just can't taste it."

Her voice was shrill and sharp, and she looked at Shen Qingtang with fury in her eyes, trying to get a response from others.

However, they failed to notice the utterly speechless expressions on the faces of the others.

This art exhibition brought together high-society figures, so food safety was naturally a top priority, and all the food served had been tested. In other words, Shen Qingtang's mango crepes were perfectly safe.

Furthermore, if there was something wrong with the mango crepe, wouldn't so many people present have noticed?

Lin Qianyue never expected that her hysterical behavior would not only fail to raise questions about Shen Qingtang, but would also completely shatter her previous image as a gentle and easily bullied little white rabbit.

Many people associate her with the words "unreasonable and argumentative."

Yan Yan's smile vanished completely, his usually smiling eyes now carrying a hint of warning. He said, using his full name, "Lin Qianyue, I can testify that Shen Qingtang's mango crepe is perfectly fine."

"Now, you have to apologize to her."

Lin Qianyue bit her lip and stubbornly refused to speak, which made Lin Yumei anxious and she kept giving Lin Qianyue meaningful glances. What if she offended Lin Qianyue and the engagement was called off?

Although they took the initiative to break off the engagement the first time, if they break off the engagement twice, Lin Qianyue will really have a hard time finding a good husband in the future.

Finally, under the stern urging of her parents, Lin Qianyue reluctantly said to Shen Qingtang, "I'm sorry."

The sound was barely audible, almost like a mosquito's buzz. Shen Qingtang had already achieved her goal of causing trouble, so she naturally wouldn't bother with such trivial matters. She nodded and said, "It's alright. Actually, your mango crepes are also very delicious, but Aunt Su prefers mine. I won't trouble you in the future."

Although he said that, his gaze was fixed on Mrs. Lin, Lin Yumei, who immediately lowered her head and dared not meet his eyes.

Yan Yan sensed something amiss from those words, and his gaze toward Shen Qingtang became more amused. He took the initiative and said, "Miss Shen, can we exchange contact information? I'd like to try your mango crepes again."

Upon hearing this, Lin Qianyue trembled violently, her face turning ashen and her lips losing their color. How familiar that pickup line was! Wasn't this the same excuse he used to get her number and then pursue her?

Shen Qingtang glanced at Yan Yan indifferently and said, "I'm sorry, I have to take care of Brother Qin and don't have time to make desserts for you." After speaking, she glanced at him and paused before saying, "I think you need this Qi-replenishing pill more than desserts."

"Long-term insomnia will only lead to physical depletion and insufficient essence and blood."

Upon hearing this, a hint of surprise flashed across Yan Yan's eyes: "How did you know?"