Chapter 4, Pineapple Upside-Down Cake, Qi Yi's Past Continuous Tense

What does it feel like? Qi Yi asked with a smile

"Indeed." Qi Yi stood up, "It is quite a clichéd story. There is nothing to complain about, as there is no way to bring her happiness"

Is he good to you? Actually, I am fine

I have many matters to discuss with you; has the loose wooden step been repaired?

I was just joking," He Tianwei quickly picked up the broom, "I will definitely complete the tasks I have been entrusted with earnestly!

Remind me that you are in the foreign land of the soul

Hello baby dog, are you like me? She is gone

Qi Yi is accustomed to rising early. When he places the pastry dough into the oven, the white mist over the sea has not yet completely dissipated. Passing through the backyard, there is a rough wooden staircase beside the stone house that leads directly down to the beach at the cape. The slope is not steep, but the staircase gently winds along the cliff, sprawling far into the distance

I would still prefer to be the head chef. Qi Yi put on thick cotton gloves and took out the tray from the oven

Qi Yi followed up, "You wash the first time, and I will help you rinse it clean"

"Hey, if you say I'm delicate, why don't you give it a try and twist it a bit!" Tao Tao opened it.

Cai Manxin tilted her head and said, "Taotao has already turned sixteen, what am I afraid of?"

"You are being infatuated, drooling while sightseeing, do you still want us to eat?" The male companion pulled his girlfriend, "Let's go, it will be too sunny in a while"

He bent down to observe Cai Manxin, whose eyes were tightly closed. It has been nearly three years; she has managed this store with great care, appearing to be a woman of meticulous thought and calm disposition. What kind of emotions does she harbor as she collects those past memories

Qi Yi took it over and examined it carefully; it was pink and funnel-shaped, resembling a morning glory, but with much thicker leaves. "There are many by the seaside in summer"

Cai Manxin acted as instructed, removing the baking tray to reveal slices of pineapple, their golden hue glistening with thick, syrupy juice that clung to the surface, exuding a layer of lustrous sheen

He Tianwei chased after them with great enthusiasm, as the two older children ran from the backyard towards the beach

What could happen

"What story, what story?" Qi Yi asked

The aerial roots of the banyan tree swayed in the wind, and in the shaded area stood a copper-brown rattan chair, where Cai Manxin nestled and fell asleep.

"Then what about you? Why did you choose to distance yourself from your family and open this shop? You must have at least graduated from university, right?" Qi Yi countered, "What major did you study back then?"

This is... just look at her, those peach blossom eyes when she looks at Qi Yi. Ah, she is an underage girl! If anything confusing happens, your employees will also be held accountable

Qi Yi cut off a piece: "Let's see how this differs from what you have eaten before."

Ha, you are looking at beautiful women behind my back

"Flipping the pineapple cake, right?" Cai Manxin took a deep breath, "Should we pair it with a cup of fruit flower tea? But I really want to have a bite quickly, so a bagged tea would be better. I have Earl Grey, cinnamon tea, and cranberry hibiscus tea, which one do you want?"

The two sat facing each other in silence. Cai Manxin tidied up the dishes and turned to take them to the sink. "In fact, everyone has a past that is difficult to articulate, so it is better not to mention it."

"You! Care about being treated like a donkey's liver and lungs." He Tianwei was so choked that he couldn't speak, "I am going surfing"

He shaved off his beard, revealing a sharply defined jawline. The calm and composed young man no longer bore the weariness of yesterday.

"Being young is wonderful," Qi Yi said, lowering his head to continue eating his porridge

"Great! I have seen my friends do this before." Cai Manxin said enthusiastically, first using a spatula to scrape around the edge of the baking pan, then placing a large plate on top, and counting one, two, three, she flipped the baking pan over

"Ah, not suitable for children!" He Tianwei said, quickly reaching out to cover Cai Manxin's eyes, "Such a disgraceful act, Manxin, how can you allow them to behave recklessly in the store like this"

Brought by a friend, I like it and have collected two sets

No longer belonging to me, do you think of me

"Isn't it swimming?" Cai Manxin asked feignedly confused, suppressing a laugh

"Have you gotten used to the new bed? Also, the sea breeze can be quite strong in the evening; even in summer, do not be tempted to leave the window wide open." Cai Manxin observed him as he continuously moved his shoulders and bent down to pull up a small flower, "Its roots can treat rheumatism and arthritis; would you like to give it a try?"

"Alright, alright, let me help you," Cai Manxin stepped in to mediate.

Indeed, that entire area is filled with them," Cai Manxin pointed out. "This is saddle vine, as its leaves split at the front, resembling a saddle. Its roots can penetrate deep into the sand

"Nerve." Tao Tao shot him a glance.

Cai Manxin suppressed a smile and shrugged, indicating her helplessness

Be careful not to break my precious porcelain, or I will deduct from your wages

Qi Yisi pondered, not noticing that Cai Manxin had already awakened, and he hurriedly shifted his gaze away

我住在思念你的房子裡

Having been here for such a long time, it truly shows foresight; I have heard that in earlier years, there were not many tourists here

The front page bears a line of elegant script: Can life be this simple

Well, I don't really like relationships where the woman is older than the man. Who takes care of whom in such a situation? Besides, children are always curious; he probably thinks he has stepped into a story, but deep down..." Cai Manxin smiled slightly and said, "I don't even know what I truly want."

That is none of your concern. Tao Tao jumped up

"Wow, what a handsome master chef!" a little girl exclaimed, "It's such a pity to only see him in the kitchen. Sister Manxin, how about creating a themed kitchen with floor-to-ceiling windows? That way, we can also see the chef from the dining area."

"Clearly not wanting others to see the handsome guy, what an insecure fellow"

Just as she was about to take it down, Qi Yi stopped her: "Don't rush, pat the bottom to let the pineapple fall down."

So this is how it is, have you been traveling and working along the way these past few years? What were you doing before this? Cai Manxin asked

"Where is Taotao?" Cai Manxin sighed, "With both of you here, this place feels like a kindergarten." As she walked to the backyard, she saw Taotao sitting at the bottom of the slope, crying from a distance.

No, her family originally lived in Hong Kong, and later they immigrated to the United States. During the busy summer months, Tao Tao comes to help out, and we get along very well. " Cai Manxin blinked, " She must be a very lovely girl, and her family background is quite affluent, definitely worth considering.

Indeed, the filling in the middle contains egg yolk, milk, coconut milk, and crushed bananas. Qi Yi counted, "The most important thing is to be concise and not to overshadow the main attraction, stealing the spotlight from the pineapple cake"

Cai Manxin picked up the hibiscus flower, gently swaying it, with a faint smile.

It is a romantic relationship, and a perfect lover. You must be thinking this, right?" Qi Yi spread his hands, revealing deep palm lines and thick, hard calluses, "Growing old together with her, sitting under the moonlight and listening to the sound of flowers blooming.

Qi Yi was not in a hurry, descending the steps leisurely. The morning dew on the grass dampened his shoes, and at this moment, a cool sea breeze blew in. The fine, soft sand beneath his feet was a clean shell white, extending all the way to the azure sea. The nearby water was as clear as the vast blue sky, occasionally interspersed with emerald-like transparency, indicating the presence of coral reefs beneath the surface. At the boundary where the sky meets the sea, mist floated ethereally, and the morning sun cast a ray of dawn from behind the cliffs, painting the blue sky and white clouds in a hue of rose red. The nearby water was as clear as the vast blue sky, occasionally interspersed with emerald-like transparency, indicating the presence of coral reefs beneath the surface. At the boundary where the sky meets the sea, mist floated ethereally, and the morning sun cast a ray of dawn from behind the cliffs, painting the blue sky and white clouds in a hue of rose red

"How romantic." Cai Manxin nodded and said, "A certain girl must have said this before."

You know a lot, are you a local? Your accent doesn't sound like it

"Well, I thought that by pulling your little braid, you would seek revenge on me." He Tianwei extended his hand, "Let me help you up, you delicate thing!"

The aroma of coffee permeates the house

Cai Manxin looked back, the top was a thin layer of brown caramel mixed with nuts, and through the glass vessel, one could faintly see the golden pineapple slices at the bottom

Two young people playfully bickered, catching up with their companions as they walked away. Cai smiled broadly and said, "I will give you an extra 500 each month; you are responsible for giving all the girls an extra smile."

Very good ... ... Hmm ... ... Summer has arrived. Cai Manxin closed her eyes, as the summer breeze swept through the palms and banana trees, and the subtropical sun shone warmly upon her.

Not yet ... ... Ah, Taotao just said she twisted her ankle, it can't really be ... ...

I have done all kinds of work. Qi Yi flipped over the dark blue porcelain plate, "Made in Hanoi, have you been to Vietnam as well"

"That is because you are wealthy enough," Qi Yi smiled, "You enjoy a simple life, but not a life of austerity. Owning this shop and Garden Beach is already the dream of most young girls."

I am more than ten years older than her, do you think Tao Tao lacks paternal love?" Qi Yi smiled, "At first, she called me 'uncle.' As for you, He Tianwei is also deeply in love. He is a very sunny boy.

Is this how you understand the dreams of young girls?" Cai Manxin propped her chin up, swinging her legs leisurely, "Most of the dreams they pursue are not materialistic.

Qi Yi escorted Tao Tao back to her room, where Cai Manxin applied some medicinal alcohol to her bruises. Tao Tao held onto Qi Yi, insisting that he share stories from his travels.

"Great, great!" Tao Tao jumped up and hugged Qi Yi like an octopus, "A handsome guy who can cook! That's someone's ideal! Unlike a certain pig, who is lazy and only good at eating!" As she spoke, she turned around and shot a fierce glare at He Tianwei.

It was in the past

I enjoy Chinese cuisine. For the past two years, I have been abroad, sometimes working at a bakery, eating leftover pastries every day, which now makes me feel nauseous when I think about it. Qi Yi frowned

"Good morning, Brother Qi." Cai Manxin responded and turned around, momentarily taken aback, then smiled and said, "You look much younger like this; perhaps I shouldn't call you 'brother' anymore"

The name of the inn is a gimmick, and of course, the more sensational, the better. "Are we really going to wait on this small island for someone for ten or eight years?" she tightened the faucet

Oh? Qi Yi sat down beside her, "I must have looked quite disheveled yesterday; Tao Tao and Tian Wei both called me 'uncle.'"

He Tianwei wore a stern expression and could not help but slap the table, saying: "You all, stop exchanging glances and whispers."

No, however, I have lived here for three years, watching over this beach, and when there is nothing to do, I study the flowers and plants.

Oh? When He Tianwei rushed in, he pushed aside Qi Yi and leaned in to look at Cai Manxin, asking, "When I am not around, can it be called the House of Missing Mark?"

Cai Manxin gave a thumbs up: "You are exempted from your one-month probation period."

"Thank you, but I still prefer plain congee with side dishes for breakfast." Qi Yi placed the baking tray on the iron rack, turned around, and lifted the lid of the small clay pot on the stove. The fragrant aroma of white rice wafted out as he served a bowl and placed it on the table. "The soft, overcooked congee, paired with shredded meat and pickled cucumbers, makes for the best breakfast." He handed over a spatula, "The baking tray is just cool enough to handle now, would you like to give it a try?"

Let me do it, it's so high, she can't possibly jump up on one leg. Qi Yi squatted down, saying, "Come on, Taotao, I'll carry you up."

The Buddha said, "It cannot be spoken."

"I can't take it anymore," He Tianwei stamped his foot, "I'm going swimming, you all enjoy your romance at your own pace"

Oh, Brother Qi doesn't show off, and Sister Manxin doesn't come to see you every day either. " Taotao laughed and ran away, " Unless you sleep in, she will come to wake you up.

Oh. Cai Manxin sat with one leg crossed, leaning sideways on the armrest of the rattan chair, "I used to enjoy a life of ups and downs, but it feels like riding a roller coaster; once you reach the peak, you must come down. As I grow older, I can no longer endure that kind of thrill"

Qi Yi was drinking plain congee, looking at Cai Manxin as if seeking help

Do you also like "McDull's Story"?" Qi Yi raised the book in his hand and sat down on the steps, "I have friends who like it very much, but he does not enjoy a simple life.

Tao Tao leaned against Qi Yi, resting her head on his shoulder, as she picked up a large piece of cake and stuffed it into her mouth, occasionally bursting into giggles

"Girls all like these things." Qi Yi gazed out the window, his expression softening. His index finger gently tapped on the edge of the water basin, keeping time as he sang softly:

It is very suitable. Enjoying the breeze, gazing at the sea, such a cake paired with a cup of lemon iced tea. Cai Manxin nodded, "However, I feel it is not as delicate as the one I had last time."

Qi Yi picked it up; it was a sketchbook, "The Story of Mai Dou"

"Girl, didn't your kindergarten teacher tell you that you need to wash your hands before meals?" Qi Yi patted her

"Who cares about you?" He Tianwei snorted, "A grown man indulging in such trivial matters is hardly impressive. Just like you, a child, thinking about marrying a pastry chef today and dreaming of the ice cream shop manager tomorrow, your mind is far too immature.

"Yes, guests who do not pay for the room and receive free meals." Cai Manxin nodded, "Alright, if they do not clean, they can pay the full price like everyone else in the future, and only breakfast will be provided, consisting of bread, milk, and peanut butter"

"You should ask Master Qi Yi." Cai Manxin said with a smile, "He is the new staff member we hired here, and it seems he will also be the head chef in the future"

I will go to the front desk. Cai Manxin glanced at He Tianwei's anxious expression, secretly amused, and exited the room with him

"Strange uncle, why so serious?" Tao Tao stuffed a piece of pineapple into her mouth, turned her head, and with wide eyes exclaimed, "Wow, strange uncle, is that you!" She gestured with her finger to outline the shape of a mustache on her chin

I will also go back, breakfast will be ready soon

"Please, I don't want my store to close so soon!" Cai Manxin poked his forehead and said, "Look at this, you've brought back a whole lot of sand from the beach, quickly clean it up for me."

Qi Yi finally managed to share some amusing stories from his journey, using the excuse of needing to prepare for the restaurant's opening to extricate himself. However, upon coming downstairs, he could not find Cai Manxin; outside the door, a corner of a white garment seemed to be visible. He walked over, and the dark brown wooden floor creaked softly beneath his feet

Why don't you eat the cake, or there is still the baguette bought yesterday over there

"Good morning, everyone," Qi Yi stepped forward to greet.

我生活在思念你的房子里

It is I. Qi Yi lowered his eyelids, appearing fatigued

Of course, it was in the past. Because later, you were here. So there is nothing more to ask

Cai Manxin was taken aback and smiled, saying: "Learning probability, you see, if you win the lottery, you won't have to work and can do what you love the most. Do you believe it?"

The youth hostel has two kitchens, one on the second floor for guests to use freely, and one on the first floor for staff. Some young travelers who are ready to set off are currently lingering at the lobby entrance, sniffing the air. Upon seeing Cai Manxin return, they gather around and ask: "Manxin, what delicious food did you make this morning? It smells so good. Can you take us along to share in the meals in the future?"

It is all the fault of the big tail! She blushed, still bearing traces of tears, and said, "They all said they twisted their ankle, yet they left me here."

She has fallen asleep. Tao Tao is not a local, is she?

Oh, I fell asleep. There weren't any thieves, right?" She looked around.

I was watching the seagulls, but saw nothing. Cai Manxin put his hands in his pockets and whistled at the sea

Qi Yi lowered his head and continued to drink the porridge

Handsome, do you want to see you? My heart is filled with peaches, which one is not more beautiful than you

Cai Manxin, are you still thinking of that person

At breakfast, four people at the table had strange expressions on their faces

In the eight-inch glass baking dish, the pale yellow cake is exuding an enticing aroma, with the flavors of walnuts and fruits mingling with the rich scent of cream

"Brother Qi, you are truly wonderful!" Tao Tao giggled, leaning on Qi Yi's back, "I like you even more now." She held onto Qi Yi's shoulder and playfully pecked his cheek.

"Manxin, are you really going to leave them alone together in a room? That's too dangerous!" He Tianwei pressed down on her shoulder, "I don't want anything to happen in your shop, hurry back and keep an eye on things."

"How fragrant! Who has ruined my diet..." Tao Tao mumbled as she walked down the stairs, sniffing and shuffling her feet, rushing straight to the dining table. She reached out and picked up a piece of pineapple, saying, "Oh God, forgive my gluttony."

Happiness does not equate to joy. Cai Manxin smiled and said, "Let's not discuss these topics anymore. By the way, how is Taotao?"

A large pink double-petal hibiscus flower was blown off by the wind, falling into her embrace, its delicate petals resting on the white linen cloth, the slender stamens exquisite like a fine brush painting. She lowered her hand, a book lay open beside her feet.

Since it is breakfast, the flour is not sifted finely; breakfast should be enjoyed in large bites for satisfaction, while afternoon tea is meant to be savored slowly, right

Place it in your mouth and gently press it open. The sweet and sour fragrance of pineapple spreads in your mouth, while the cake is soft yet not overly greasy, providing a certain chewiness. Inside, there is another layer of filling; upon careful tasting, one can discern the rich aroma of eggs and the lusciousness of cream, which balances the acidity of the pineapple, along with other fruity fragrances that dance together in the mouth

Cai Manxin smiled gently and said, "It is better to seize the opportunity than to hurry; if you haven't missed it, then it is not too late." She stood up and added, "I will go up first; you can take your time. The saddle vine flowers bloom only until noon, and those two lazy children rarely get to see them."

Who allowed him to show off!

A section of dry wood lay across the beach by the sea, and Cai Manxin, dressed in loose linen long sleeves and trousers, sat on the trunk with her knees hugged, facing the ocean

Don't do that... He Tianwei sighed and said, "After all, I am a tenant"

Cai Manxin, are you still thinking of that person

A drop of water splashes from the faucet into the pool. Cai Manxin raises his eyes to gaze at the sea, where the sunlight dances on the vast surface of the water, and the shimmering waves make it difficult to keep his eyes open.