In the end, Gu Yangjin paid for the cakes, and Qiao Zhi insisted on buying tea from the shop next door. The vendor watched them with a knowing smile as they moved away, clearly pleased to have witnessed the beginning of something she had no intention of understanding too quickly.
They found a stone bench beside a narrow canal, where lantern light shimmered across the water. Gu Yangjin handed Qiao Zhi a tray and warned her not to eat the cakes too quickly because the syrup was still hot. Qiao Zhi took a careful bite, then looked at her with exaggerated seriousness.
"You were right. These are excellent."
"I know."
"You say that with a great deal of confidence."
"I have eaten them for years. I know what I like."
"Then I shall trust your judgement in food. I will need more evidence before I trust your judgement in other things."
Gu Yangjin's gaze turned playful. "Such as sword manuals?"
"Especially sword manuals."
"You seemed willing to trust my interpretation earlier."
