The Overbearing CEO Turned Into a Sweet Puppy

Chapter 6: A Sweet Encounter Behind the Lens

Unbeknownst to Lin Lai, the events unfolding by the window were unbeknownst to her; her entire focus was firmly placed on the delicate desserts before her. With a camera in hand, she eagerly began snapping pictures, captivated by their impeccable presentation. As for the taste, she had modest expectations, for the aesthetics of the desserts alone were enough to warrant her attention.

First, Lin Lai picked up a charming Miffy puff, marveling at the artisan craftsmanship that went into its creation. The dessert’s puff pastry was carefully sliced open, filled with rich cream, and adorned with a cute expression and dainty rabbit ears. The cuteness of it all was so overwhelming that Lin Lai couldn't help but smile. She took a gentle bite, and to her surprise, not only was the dessert a visual masterpiece, but it tasted even better than she anticipated. The puff’s outer shell was light and flaky, with the subtle fragrance of vanilla-infused cream. The cream was delicate and smooth, not overly sweet, which made it all the more enjoyable. The sweetness, so perfectly balanced, enhanced the overall experience, leaving Lin Lai thoroughly impressed.

The dessert was not large, but just the right size—satisfying without being overly indulgent. After finishing the Miffy puff, Lin Lai reached for another delicacy: a strawberry Snow Princess (Xue Mei Niang). This treat was decorated with fresh strawberries and featured a glutinous rice dough base, with a small strawberry crown and delicate cream accents. Its cuteness was on par with the Miffy puff, and Lin Lai eagerly anticipated its flavor. She took a bite, and the chewy texture of the rice dough combined with the refreshing coldness of the ice cream created a perfect contrast. Another bite, this time with a piece of strawberry, revealed a harmonious balance between the sweetness of the dessert and the slight tartness of the fruit. The strawberry’s tangy acidity paired beautifully with the subtle sweetness of the rice dough, creating a delightful contrast that Lin Lai, usually not fond of sour flavors, found surprisingly enjoyable.

Next, Lin Lai took a sip of a recommended drink—Cheese and Grape with a hint of jasmine green tea, served with minimal ice. The first sip was an exquisite blend of grape flesh and the gentle fragrance of jasmine tea. The sweetness of the drink was moderate, just enough to complement the fresh, juicy grape without overwhelming it. The grapes were halved, releasing their juices with a satisfying burst on her tongue. The drink was refreshing and lightly sweet, leaving Lin Lai in a state of pure contentment. As the flavors lingered, she felt as though she was experiencing an absolute delight—this tiny dessert shop had truly earned her admiration.

The high aesthetic and delightful taste of the desserts had provided Lin Lai with both a visual and culinary indulgence. It was safe to say that this meal was an absolute joy.

As the evening wore on, the dessert shop became quieter, and the staff, who had previously been occupied with customers, now had a moment to relax. At this moment, while Lin Lai was still savoring her desserts with exuberance, a small white plate appeared before her. She looked up, puzzled, and a warm voice greeted her, “Hello, this is for you.”

Lin Lai was taken aback, wondering what this might be. The man who had appeared before her continued, “I am the owner of this dessert shop. I am currently conducting a survey to improve the flavors of our offerings. I apologize for the interruption.”

Upon hearing this, Lin Lai quickly waved her hand to dismiss any concerns. The man, sensing her openness, took a seat across from her.

“How are the desserts? Do you have any specific preferences when it comes to sweetness or flavor?” he inquired, his voice calm and courteous.

Lin Lai couldn't help but compliment the desserts. "The presentation is stunning, and the taste is equally delightful. I enjoy desserts that aren’t overly sweet, and these are just to my liking,"she responded with a genuine smile.

The man, pleased with her response, smiled back. His gentle, reassuring smile caught Lin Lai off guard, momentarily leaving her speechless. The tall, slender figure seated across from her exuded a warmth that made the small sofa seem too spacious for him, yet he fit perfectly. His plain white shirt, though simple, somehow seemed tailored just for him, radiating an air of elegance and subtle sophistication.

Pointing to the plate of Daifuku in front of Lin Lai, the man continued, “This Daifuku is a new flavor—Oreo sea salt cheese. Give it a try and let me know what you think.”

Lin Lai, always eager to explore new flavors, eagerly grabbed the Daifuku and took a bite. Her eyes widened in astonishment as she savored the taste, which was nothing short of exceptional. "This is absolutely amazing!" she exclaimed. “Without a doubt, this is the best Daifuku I’ve ever had. It’s incredibly delicious.” She even gave a thumbs-up to emphasize just how much she enjoyed it.

The two continued to chat, and over time, Lin Lai learned that the man was named Ji Chengrui, the owner of this charming dessert shop.

As their conversation grew more comfortable, Ji Chengrui asked, “I see you’re carrying a camera. Are you a photographer?”

Lin Lai shook her head. “Not quite. I’d consider myself more of an amateur artist. I use the camera to capture inspiration for my work.” She then showed him some of her photography.

“I would never have guessed you were an amateur. Your photography skills are absolutely on par with a professional,” Ji Chengrui praised, genuinely impressed.

Lin Lai laughed at the compliment, taking her camera and adjusting a few settings before handing it over to him. “These are the shots I took of the desserts. If you’d like, I can send you a copy as a token of appreciation for the Daifuku.”

True to her generous nature, Lin Lai didn’t hesitate to offer her work in exchange for the kindness shown to her. Ji Chengrui, grateful, accepted her offer. As the two exchanged their contact information, it felt like a natural step in their growing friendship.