Chapter 315 He Likes the Flavor
Bella nodded in agreement. "Yeah, our desserts and drinks are a hit. We should start hiring more staff tomorrow. We need to make sure every customer gets top-notch service."
Anna and Bella wrapped up their first day at the new shop feeling a mix of exhaustion and joy. They knew this was just the beginning, and there was a long road ahead.
As their business started to stabilize, Anna and Bella decided to bring on two new employees.
After a round of interviews, they hired two people: a young guy for deliveries and an experienced waiter. The delivery guy was young and strong, with a great knowledge of the city's routes, ensuring that desserts and drinks reached customers quickly and accurately. The waiter, with his friendly smile and professional service, quickly won over the customers.
With the new hires on board, Anna and Bella could step back from the daily grind and focus more on their specialties. Bella took charge of making desserts, carefully selecting ingredients and perfecting each recipe. Every dessert was a testament to her creativity and dedication. Meanwhile, Anna focused on crafting drinks, diving into the art of tea and coffee making.
With a clear division of labor, their efficiency soared, and the shop's operations became smoother. Customers couldn't stop raving about their desserts and drinks, and they gained a loyal following of regulars.
Despite the busy days, Anna and Bella maintained their passion for desserts and their commitment to customer satisfaction. They continuously improved and innovated, always eager to learn new skills and knowledge.
Bella's love for desserts bordered on obsession. She always remembered the taste of the desserts from Sterling's favorite shop, a flavor so exquisite it was etched in her memory.
Bella knew that such desserts could only come from a top-tier pastry chef with techniques and recipes that were far beyond the ordinary.
Determined to recreate those unforgettable desserts, Bella invested countless hours and effort. Through numerous trials and experiments, she gradually mastered the art of high-end pastry making. She meticulously selected ingredients and paid attention to every detail, striving for perfection in every dessert. Whenever she created a new recipe, she couldn't wait to have Anna taste it.
In the evening, as the shops along the street turned on their warm closing lights, "Small Opportunities" was still filled with a faint sweet aroma. Bella stood behind the counter, a gentle smile on her face, holding a tray of freshly baked, steaming desserts—her latest creation.
"Anna, try this," Bella said softly, placing the tray on the table in front of her, her eyes full of anticipation.
The desserts were small and delicate, with enticing colors, each one looking like a piece of art, almost too beautiful to eat. As she spoke, Bella gently removed her flour- and sugar-dusted apron, her movements graceful and unhurried, as if this end-of-day routine was a ritual.
Anna's eyes lit up as she picked up a piece of dessert, examined it carefully, and then took a small bite. Instantly, her eyes sparkled, and a smile spread across her face. "Bella, you're getting better and better! This is sweet but not too sweet, with distinct layers of flavor. It's perfect!"
Anna's praise was genuine; the dessert was truly delicious.
Seeing Anna's reaction, Bella felt a weight lift off her shoulders, though she scratched her head a bit sheepishly. "I'm glad you like it. But if you think there's anything off, you have to tell me. I'll keep working on it tomorrow. Making desserts is like writing a story—you always hope to touch people's hearts and leave a lasting impression."
Bella glanced at the clock on the wall; the hands had quietly moved to eleven. The night was deep, and the streets were nearly empty.
"Time flies. It's almost eleven. Let's clean up and head home. I'm exhausted," Bella said with a smile.
"Sure, but this dessert is really good. I don't think it needs any changes," Anna said, taking another bite.
Bella watched Anna with a smile. Over the past few months, they had been so busy that they often went straight to bed as soon as they got home, hardly thinking about the past.
The past seemed like a lifetime ago, but today, looking at this new creation, Bella couldn't help but think of Sterling. This was his favorite dessert flavor. She had finally figured it out, but she wondered if he would ever get to taste it.
"Bella, Bella, what are you daydreaming about?" Anna waved her hand in front of Bella's face.
Bella snapped back to reality and smiled. "Nothing. Let's clean up and go home."
The two of them divided the tasks. Bella busied herself with tidying up the shop, while Anna helped pack up the remaining desserts. Occasionally, they exchanged smiles, a silent understanding, and warmth filled the air.
Maybe the present moment was the most important, Bella thought.
As they finished cleaning up and were about to leave the kitchen, a shadow appeared at the door. Anna instinctively looked up and, without seeing who it was, automatically said, "Welcome."
Anna's voice carried a hint of surprise, as it was rare to have a customer at this hour.
However, Bella recognized the visitor faster than Anna. A complex emotion flashed in her eyes before she regained her composure and said calmly, "Sorry, we're closed for the day."
Anna felt a bit anxious hearing this. She was in a mindset of wanting to earn more, thinking that every customer meant more income. She was about to scold Bella for missing an opportunity when the visitor spoke first.
"I'll come back tomorrow then," the visitor said, with a hint of gentle resignation in their voice.
Anna finally took a closer look and realized it was Bella's mother, Mira.
Anna wisely stepped aside, giving Mira and Bella some space.
Bella looked at Mira, her eyes lacking warmth and instead showing a hint of coldness. "You don't need to come tomorrow either. I'm here now. Why did you follow me?"
Bella's tone was unwelcoming, tinged with accusation and dissatisfaction.
Mira looked at Bella, her eyes filled with complex emotions. She knew their relationship was strained, but she wanted to make amends, though she never seemed to find the right way. She could sense Bella's rejection.
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