The next day, Pei Yuening woke up earlier than the sun.

Because he had neither a cell phone nor any novels, he had no entertainment at night and went to bed early.

Gao Gao is still sleeping.

She curled up into a golden ball, her wings completely wrapped around her, and lay on the pillow snoring softly.

Pei Yuening couldn't bear to wake her. Instead, she quietly got out of bed, changed her clothes, and went out the door.

The corridor was empty; the servants had not yet begun their work, and the light from the wall lamps flickered gently in the morning breeze.

He stretched, went into the kitchen, rolled up his sleeves, and began preparing dough.

Making flower cakes is a bit complicated, but not difficult at all.

First, prepare one portion of water-oil dough and one portion of oil-based dough.

He skillfully sifted the flour and cut the butter into pieces.

The ratio of sugar to water is especially crucial; it cannot be wrong even slightly, otherwise the flavor will be greatly diminished.

He kneaded the two types of dough separately, covered them with a damp cloth, and set them aside to rest.

He had done these things countless times in his past life; he could do them with his eyes closed without making a mistake.

During this time, Pei Yuening closed the kitchen door, walked through the corridor, and headed towards the back garden.

The morning mist hadn't completely dissipated, the stone path was damp, and the air smelled of a mixture of earth and grass.

The Rhodes roses in the deepest part of the garden are in full bloom.

The vibrant colors and dew-laden petals amidst the lush greenery exude a rich, fragrant aroma.

Pei Yuening felt much better after smelling the fragrance of the flowers.

He slowly squatted down and began to pick the flower buds.

The best roses for making flower cakes are the ripe ones with thick petals, because they have the strongest fragrance and the best taste.

Dew dampened his cuffs, and droplets of water from the flower petals dripped down between his fingers, feeling cool and refreshing.

"Owner?"

"Hmm?" Pei Yuening turned around.

Gao Gao flew over at some point.

She flailed around a few times before finally sitting on Pei Yuening's shoulders.

Her soft hair was messy, and her eyes were half-open, clearly not fully awake yet.

"You're awake?" Pei Yuening continued picking flowers. "Not so fast, you can sleep a little longer."

Gao Gao rubbed her eyes and yawned: "It's okay...no need, I'll stay with you."

As she spoke, she flew from Pei Yuening's shoulder into his basket.

She plunged into the roses, looked at the glistening water droplets on the petals, and licked them with her tongue.

Her eyes lit up immediately: "Sweet!"

Pei Yuening glanced at her, her hands still busy: "You like to drink dew?"

"I like it. I used to live on dew and fruit." Gao Gao smiled.

Pei Yuening stood up: "Alright, I'll treat you to something good today."

"good!"

The two returned to the kitchen together.

Gao Gao flew around the kitchen, sometimes picking flower petals for Pei Yuening, sometimes helping him with cleaning.

She was very attentive, eager to get a taste of it as soon as possible.

After draining the water from the petals, Pei Yuening began to prepare the filling.

A layer of flower petals, a layer of honey, a layer of sugar.

Repeat this process, layering three times.

Gao Gao squatted down and watched for a while, then couldn't resist sticking out a finger, dipping it in, and tasting it.

"sweet!"

Pei Yuening smiled and ignored her.

After chilling the filling with the magic stone for a while, Pei Yuening washed her hands and began kneading the filling.

By the time he finished kneading, the dough had risen properly.

Wrap the oil-based dough with the water-oil dough, roll it out, roll it up, and let it rest.

Every step of the process must be completed in a timely manner.

Pei Yuening worked at a leisurely pace, leaving a thin layer of flour on the countertop, which stuck to his fingertips and cuffs.

The sky began to brighten.

Sunlight streamed in through the window, and the sounds of servants talking could be heard outside.

The birdsong in the garden grew louder and louder, and Gao Gao had already obediently hidden herself in Pei Yuening's pocket.

Pei Yuening took out the relaxed dough and began to wrap the filling.

Roll out the puff pastry into a round sheet and wrap it around the rose filling.

With the opening facing down, gently flatten it.

Then brush with egg wash, sprinkle with sesame seeds, and arrange them neatly one by one on a baking tray.

He had thoroughly mastered the temperature of the magic stone furnace and was very skilled at it.

He put the baking pan into the oven, set the timer, and waited by the counter.

The entire kitchen was gradually filled with a rich, sweet, rose-scented aroma.

When the baking tray was taken out of the oven, Gao Gao delivered an epic-level lung-like experience.

She took a deep breath and almost fell off the plane—it smelled so good!

It was already broad daylight.

Under the sunlight, plump and oily flower cakes lay quietly on the baking tray.

The golden-yellow crust puffs up slightly, the egg mixture on the surface is baked to a beautiful caramel color, and sesame seeds are sprinkled on top.

The freshly baked steam escaped from the crack, carrying the unique, sweet but not cloying aroma of the rose filling.

Pei Yuening reached out and broke off a small piece, handing it to Gao Gao: "Try it."

Gao Gao's saliva had already flowed like a river.

She immediately opened her arms to take it and took a big gulp.

In an instant, she froze completely.

Warm rose filling oozes out from the cracked flaky pastry, soft, chewy, and with the sticky texture unique to honey.

There was also a refreshing, clean sweetness, carrying the scent of morning dew.

The petals melted on the tip of my tongue, and the fragrance traveled up my nose and all the way to my brow.

Her eyes widened, and her wings suddenly spread out fully: "Awoooooo!!!"

Gao Gao dove into the rose cake without saying a word and started to burrow into it.

Wherever they went, it was like a locust swarm passing through, leaving not a single crumb of crispy pastry behind.

too! good! eat! Got it!

Pei Yuening tried one herself.

The taste was good, and the cooking skills hadn't declined.

He ate the last bite and washed his hands.

He picked out the four that looked best and packed them all into an exquisite food box.

The cake in the plate had been completely eaten and was now burping while rubbing its round belly.

Although Pei Yuening didn't know how she could eat such a small thing.

He reached out and poked the lifeless Gao Gao: "Hey, you're full, time to get back to work, right?"

Gao Gao sat up with a swift movement: "No problem!"

When you're enjoying a good meal, it's easier to talk to you.

Gao Gao chuckled and readily picked up the food box.

Pei Yuening opened the window, turned around and chuckled, then flapped her wings and squeezed out.

Golden fireflies traced an arc in the morning light, flying over the garden and over the wall.

Pei Yuening stood by the window for a while, watching until she completely disappeared, before turning around.

There were still a few flower cakes left on the baking tray. He picked out a few, put them in a food box, closed the lid, and carried them to Ye Jiyun's room.

Ye Jiyun has already gotten up. It's still early, and he'll go to work later.

We're having morning tea at a small restaurant right now.

He was wearing a simple morning robe. When he saw Pei Yuening come in, he raised an eyebrow in surprise: "Why are you up so early? Are you feeling better?"

"I feel much better, brother."

Pei Yuening placed the food box on the table and opened the lid: "I had nothing to do this morning, so I tried making something. Please try it."

The flower cakes lay quietly on the plate, their aroma mingling with the scent of black tea, spreading throughout the small restaurant.

Ye Jiyun's eyebrows twitched slightly.

He put down his teacup, picked up a flower cake, and took a bite.

The sound of the pastry cracking was crisp and subtle.

The rose filling melts between your teeth, sweet but not cloying, and the floral fragrance instantly fills your mouth.

He lowered his head, took another bite, and then a third.

Ye Jiyun always eats elegantly and properly, and never behaves rudely at the dinner table.

But at that moment, the way he ate that flower cake was no different from a three-year-old child eating candy.

He finished one, picked up his teacup, took a sip of tea, and then picked up the second one.

"Brother, slow down, be careful it's hot—"

Ye Jiyun then realized her lapse in composure.

He coughed lightly twice, then put it down and couldn't help but ask, "Ningning, what's this?"

"Flower cakes".

"What is it made of?"

"Rose in the garden."

Ye Jiyun exclaimed in surprise, "Roses can actually be used as food?"

Pei Yuening nodded: "If handled properly, it's possible."

After saying that, he tentatively asked, "Brother, what do you think...?"

Ye Jiyun wiped her mouth with a handkerchief and exclaimed sincerely, "I can't find anything more delicious than this in the entire empire."

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