"It really is good. Fu Lan is indeed deft and thoughtful."
Mo Hua also nodded in agreement; the Wedding Cake truly was delicious.
Afterward, staring at the large box of Wedding Cake, he began to ponder how to share it.
Such a rare treat deserved to be shared so everyone could enjoy the happiness.
"Mom has had hers; this piece will be for Dad."
"Master Chen has been a bachelor all his life, I’ll give him a piece and see if it might help him find a wife..."
"Grandpa Feng probably won’t be looking for a wife, but let’s give him a taste too,"
"Elder Yu... He’s already got two sons, let’s just forget it..."
"Uncle Zhang Lan, although he appears dashing, is actually a loner. He’s a decent person, so let’s give him one too."
"Uncle Leader Yang, as the commander of the Taoist Soldiers, probably finds it hard to find a partner... And since we’ve given one to Uncle Zhang, naturally we should give one to him too, can’t be biased..."
"And there’s Da’hu and the others..."
"There’s also Mr. Zhuang’s place..."
...
Mo Hua muttered to himself, arranging for everyone to get one.
Liu Ruhua couldn’t help but chuckle at the sight.
The next day, Mo Hua made a round trip through Tongxian City, distributing the Wedding Cake.
Some simply found the Wedding Cakes delicious, others thanked Mo Hua for his well-wishes, there were also those with complex expressions, and of course, those who didn’t know whether to laugh or cry...
After Mo Hua had made his rounds, he still had about half left, which he packed into a gift box and delivered to Mr. Zhuang.
"Wedding Cake?" Mr. Zhuang was somewhat surprised.
Mo Hua nodded, "It’s said to wish people joy and harmony, and a blissful marriage."
Mr. Zhuang paused, his expression shifting several times.
Mo Hua quietly observed and confirmed that Mr. Zhuang’s reaction belonged to those who didn’t know whether to laugh or cry.
"Gentleman, would you like to try some?" Mo Hua asked.
Mr. Zhuang hesitated, but in the end did not refuse Mo Hua’s kindness and tried a piece, then nodded slightly:
"Indeed, it tastes good."
Mo Hua smiled.
Mr. Zhuang wanted to say something more, but the corner of his eye caught the sight of the red gift box and the double "happiness" character on it. His expression showed a moment of melancholy, and a trace of guilt flashed through his eyes.
There’s a story!
Mo Hua was astonished; he rarely saw Mr. Zhuang display such emotion.
Mo Hua really wanted to ask, but didn’t quite have the nerve to.
Even if he asked, the gentleman surely wouldn’t tell.
But not asking left Mo Hua extremely curious.
Mo Hua held back his curiosity... but ultimately couldn’t resist. His eyes lit up, and he whispered, "Gentleman..."
Before he could ask, Mr. Zhuang tapped on his little head.
"Don’t ask what you shouldn’t," Mr. Zhuang said, not in a tone of reprimand, but with a hint of helplessness.
"Oh," Mo Hua quickly took the hint and didn’t ask any further.
After leaving the bamboo hut, Mo Hua delivered the other half of the Wedding Cakes to Bai Zisheng and Bai Zixi.
Bai Zisheng, who usually wasn’t fond of sweets, also tried a piece and nodded in approval, "It’s really delicious."
The rest of the Wedding Cakes were given to Bai Zixi.
After thanking him, Bai Zixi sat under a clean white pagoda tree, nibbling on the cakes. After a moment, she asked Mo Hua in a melodious voice:
"How are these Wedding Cakes made?"
"I don’t know... it’s quite complicated anyway."
"Does Aunt Liu know how to make them?"
"Yes," Mo Hua nodded.
Bai Zixi’s eyes brightened.
"But my mother won’t make them," Mo Hua added.
Bai Zixi was stunned, a puzzled look in her eyes, "Why not?"
"Wedding Cakes have a special significance, they are only made when cultivators marry."
Bai Zixi took another bite of the Wedding Cake and raised her head to ask:
"Is anyone getting married soon in your family?"
Mo Hua thought for a moment, then shook his head, "I don’t think so."
Bai Zixi’s expression showed a tinge of disappointment.
She glanced at the cakes and then asked, "Have you tasted them?"
"I’ve had a piece," Mo Hua said.
Tasting one piece was enough to partake in the happiness.
Bai Zixi’s fair little hand reached out, took a piece of cake from the box, and offered it to Mo Hua, "Let’s eat it together."
After running around all day, Mo Hua was a bit hungry, so he took the cake and started eating.
The mountain breeze blew gently, rippling the water in the pond, smoothing the tender grass, carrying the tranquil fragrance of the pagoda tree through the mountain dwelling.
Bai Zisheng lay on the grass, idly flipping through a book.
Mo Hua and Bai Zixi, two children as delicate as carved jade, sat under the tree, quietly eating the Wedding Cakes.
Snow-white pagoda blossoms floated overhead, and a big red gift box sat in front of them.