The next day, at the same time, Shen Wan appeared in the shop once again.
Taking her seat in the familiar spot, she ordered, "A latte and a durian mille-feuille."
This time, she only took a whiff of the coffee aroma and had a few bites of the mille-feuille.
Feng Shuangshuang observed all this, and she endured.
For a consecutive week, Shen Wan seemed to clock in like an employee, arriving punctually.
However, Feng Shuangshuang was increasingly puzzled. Logically, she barely touched the items on the table. There was even a time when she didn't bother to smell anything and simply pushed everything aside. It couldn't be because she loved the coffee and desserts here.
Why was that?
The ringing of a cell phone brought the woman's wandering thoughts back. Feng Shuangshuang took out her phone and glanced at it casually. In the next second, a look of delight flooded her eyes.
"... Yes, I'm at the shop... Oh? Are you coming over? Alright, I'll personally prepare it..."
Ending the call, a pleased expression lingered in Feng Shuangshuang's eyes.
Moving away from the counter, she walked over to Shen Wan's table. "Miss, I'm sorry to inform you that the shop is about to close. Would you mind leaving? As a gesture of goodwill, your order will be complimentary, and I'd also like to offer you a portion of mango pudding as an apology..."
While her speech started somewhat stiffly and lacked charm, overall, it was courteous.
Usually, customers would agree, considering the allure of a free meal and an additional treat.
However, this didn't include Shen Wan.
Because—
She had come here to stir up trouble in the first place!
"If I'm not mistaken, it's currently 10:52 AM. It's only been half an hour since I sat down, and I haven't finished my coffee or touched the dessert. Yet, you're telling me you're closing? Even if you're the owner, you can't treat people like this, can you? Does the Consumer Protection Association mean nothing to you?"
Her words were extremely crafty.
Feng Shuangshuang's smile faded abruptly. "Since you know I'm the owner, you should also understand that as the owner, I have the right to decide whether to keep the shop open or close."
"Well, then I'll just call 12315..." She said, pulling out her phone and starting to dial.
12315, the consumer complaint hotline.
Feng Shuangshuang bit her lip. She didn't believe this person would actually dare to call!
But not only did Shen Wan dare, she even put the call on speakerphone. After the beep, the call connected—
"Hello, this is the Ning City Administration for Industry and Commerce, the 12315 consumer complaint hotline..."
Feng Shuangshuang's expression subtly changed, and she reached out to snatch the phone.
But Shen Wan seemed to have anticipated this. She held the phone up, and with a light chuckle, she said, "Boss, are you still closing now?"
"...N-No, we're not closing." She gritted her teeth.
Shen Wan hung up, then offered a heartfelt lecture, "If you're running a business with an open door, you should act the part. Remember—customers are like gods. A little more sincerity and a little less manipulation can make the world a better place."
Feng Shuangshuang stared at her as if she were looking at a fool.
Shen Wan smiled and didn't mind. "Only someone as patient as me, the 'god', could tolerate your current clueless appearance. Practicing kindness every day isn't a simple task..."
The woman fled in embarrassment.
Feng Shuangshuang decided to put up the 'closed' sign. Well, she would just leave the jinx in the shop. Let's see if this person could stay until the end of time.
She thought indignantly.
Then she turned and entered the baking room.
As for Shen Wan, she stayed seated, maintaining a composed and tranquil demeanor. Surprisingly, she sipped half a cup of coffee and indulged in a few generous spoonfuls of the dessert.
Despite the less-than-stellar taste, her positive mood prevailed.
Today, June 18th, perhaps something interesting would happen?
Shen Wan smiled.
Half an hour later, the aroma of pastries wafted from the baking room, rich and inviting.
Accompanied by the tinkling sound of wind chimes, the shop door swung open...