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The warmth of autumn (TWA)
Chapter 26: I love my surprise!

Chapter 26: I love my surprise!

When Xue Ting arrived at the gala dinner via the crew door as she was one of the invited vendors, she quickly pushed the cart of cupcakes to the waitresses in charge as they will set them up in the hall. The hotels in Wai Tao only accommodate special requests from the sponsors for outside caterers on case to case basis and that night, the sponsors knew of Xue Ting's identity that they allowed limited cupcakes on the occasion.

It was due to the uniqueness of the rainbow cupcakes the cafe had introduced for more than a decade. Only Xue Ting would be able to master the skill of dusting the cupcakes to look like rainbows as it was her own secret discovery while making for the twins when they were young that had been introduced to the cafe eventually.

Xue Ting was then invited to enter the ballroom and a waitress served her as she took a flute of champagne from her tray. There were already plenty of guests as she strolled a little and spoke to some of them but it didn't seem like anyone knew of her identity as those were socialites who didn't recognise her dress-down self. She did it on purpose knowing to not attract too much attention than she already has.

Qiu Wen who was also busy chatting away with some guests spotted Xue Ting in surprise. Only then did the thought of why wouldn't she be invited to the gala cross his mind as ever since the news of their marriage was in the news, it had brought abundant business to her cafe and attention to her which he knew she had never liked.

Xue Ting distracted herself from the uncomfortable stares by thinking of a better solution for the free delivery of bulk orders to Grande. She was also thinking if she was willing to let them learn the secret to her rainbow cupcakes. With that, she was certain that she should contact the owner of Wheels bakery first to find out more about his credibility and nature. She wondered if she should meet with Dan or give him a call first the next day.

"Looking great, Mrs.Tang!" Greeted the host of the event, Mr. Thomas Gu who was a very close acquaintance of the Tangs.

Xue Ting was taken aback at his greetings as she wasn't used to being called a surname she used to have a taboo of. She recognised him as the host in the previous event where her marriage was announced so suddenly. Her eyes darted to his nametag and saw his surname.

"Good evening, Mr. Gu. Looks like you know my husband?" Xue Ting greeted in return as she clank their champagne flute.

"Of course! Certainly. In actual fact, your brother-in-law is more of an affluent name in this industry. Your husband, on the other hand, is a promising candidate after his brother as the successor of the Tang's business. How come you're not in their force? I have heard a lot about your talent." He complimented with some hidden meaning.

Xue Ting was a little weary about how much he knew but managed to camouflage herself with more smiles as she quickly thanked him."Thank you but I prefer what I do now better."

"That's really a shame. Qiu Yeh had been singing praises of your artwork…" Xue Ting was surprised at his statement as Mr. Gu purposely dropped hints to her again but noticed Xue Ting continued to remain composed. He knew better than to not push his limit.

"Oh, look who's here! The Tang brothers never fail to charm in suits. I shall welcome him and my other guest first. Come join us when you're done." Mr. Gu said as he excused himself.

"Sure, have a great evening.". She mumbled to Thomas as she couldn't help but stare in Qiu Wen's direction. He always looked so dashing in a suit that it was so hard not to notice him every now and then.

She then realised she was there for work and quickly spotted two old ladies who were enjoying the cupcakes in a corner happily. She pretended to get closer to the refreshment tables and rearrange the cupcakes. Without much effort in trying to attract their attention, one of them approached Xue Ting.

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"Are these cupcakes from your stall?" The lady with curly hair asked.

"Oh, yes it is. It's from our little cafe, Jang's cove at Cravine." Xue Ting smiled.

"Oh dear, that's very far but these are really good. Do you take any reservations?" The lady with curly hair asked.

"Yes, we do. We do deliver to Wai Tao lately and in fact, we have had them in a small bakery in the city center, Grande office tower recently. It's a small collaboration so they only have the plain ones at the moment. The other flavors or with decorations are all in Cravine only." Xue Ting explained.

The other lady seemed very interested instead."Could you take my order of 100 cupcakes to be delivered to level 20 of Grande office tower under the company name Gemwings on Monday? You can address under my name Mrs. Poh."

"Oh, I am sorry we are not open on Monday." Xue Ting apologise as Mrs. Poh shook her head.

"It's alright, Tuesday then." Xue Ting smiled and quickly generated a soft copy quotation over her phone. "Would you like multi flavors or just the plain ones? Any special occasions perhaps?"

"What other flavors are there? Just an appreciation to my husband's employees. " Mrs. Poh said politely.

"We have the plain ones, pandan, chocolate, salted caramel, and also a specialty from Cravine store, a rainbow cupcake with icing sugar dusted to shape a love. Here, have a look at the sample." She showed them the sample displayed on the dessert table.

The curly hair lady was fascinated. "Could you reserve 20 for me of these rainbow cupcakes? I will come Cravine to pick them up tomorrow?"

"Sure! And your name is?" Xue Ting asked excitedly.

"Mrs. Jane Su. Thank you. They look very very lovely. What is your name?" She asked Xue Ting.

"Sicily. So Mrs. Poh, what flavors for your 100 cupcakes? Or would you like a mixture of all as now?" Xue Ting suggested.

"I would prefer 100 of all rainbow as well." Mrs. Su clapped her hand together, delighted and captivated at the sight of the rainbow cupcakes.

"Sure! I have placed the orders. Thank you so much for the support. Here's my name card, could you please text me so that I would have a record of your phone numbers?" Xue Ting asked as the ladies instantly did what she requested.

"Perfect! I will get your order delivered on Tuesday for you Mrs. Poh and you, Mrs. Su I will see you in my store tomorrow?" They both nodded and smiled widely as another distraction was brewing behind Xue Ting. They both looked to her left momentarily to acknowledge Qiu Wen who was walking towards her.

"Mr. Tang, how lovely to see you tonight." Mrs. Poh greeted as Qiu Wen slipped an arm around Xue Ting's waist nonchalantly and pulled her closer.

Both ladies finally understood Xue Ting's status. Xue Ting couldn't help but flush in embarrassment for a moment as she stood still by his side. She was trying to distract herself from him the entire night but it seemed it was to no avail.

"I see, so you're Mrs. Tang!" Mrs. Su exclaimed.

"You have a great talented wife, Mr. Tang! Look at these cupcakes. It's really wonderful! She must be the vendor of honor whom the sponsors allowed limited cupcakes to be displayed." Mrs. Poh exclaimed as Xue Ting blushed even more at their compliments.

Qiu Wen tightened his grip on her waist while slowly patting her arm to calm her after noticing she was showing signs of being uncomfortable but still managed a shy smile.

"My wife is really a shy person. Hope you don't mind her keeping a low profile. Why, thank you ladies for the support. There's a huge order for her I heard?" Qiu Wen swiftly replied.

"Yes, yes! Mrs. Tang, I shall see you soon at other events!" Mrs. Poh said delightedly.

"Enjoy the evening. See you tomorrow!" Mrs. Su said as they both walked in their respective husbands' direction. Xue Ting could hear them singing praises of her from afar.

She absentmindedly turned to Qiu Wen and buried her face in his chest for a moment as she growled in embarrassment. "It's alright. It's alright." He gently patted her.

"How come you're here?" He asked softly as she looked up at him and tried to pull away to keep a distance but he constrict her by putting both his arm around her waist and encircling them tightly so that she would be close to his chest. "Stay closer, people are watching…" He whispered.

"It's a gala dinner. I'm here on business to find contacts like you. Thank you though. Didn't know you were such a great business partner?" She teased as he watched her in admiration.

"Help me too, would you? I could use your charm, Mrs. Tang." He winked before helping her to stand on her own.

"What do you mean?" She questioned skeptically. "How long will you stay?" He asked as he flash a smirk.

"Not too long. When the cupcakes are gone, am gone. You?" She explained. "I can wait for you." He said swiftly.

"Oh, no is alright if you want to leave. But it's a little early? The event hasn't really started?" Xue Ting questioned.

"Not many businesses from here. It's mostly to maintain the rapport and with you accompanying me, your charm could help to boost my reputation other than improving the business relationships and introducing myself informally first. That's all." He smiled as she blinked wondering how was that possible.

"Besides, don't forget about tomorrow's night family dinner. We could make a good impression tonight to not be discriminated against tomorrow night." He whispered to her as she nodded.

"Go, finish your business and I will head home with you." He kissed her forehead sending Xue Ting's heart fluttering. "Oh, I love my surprise too. It's very very pleasant." He said gently before he walked to greet acquaintances who now sang praises of Xue Ting to him after knowing her identity.

Xue Ting was stunned for a moment but smiled understanding he knew she was there to surprise him. She was surprised at how they both could naturally put on a good act as many eyes were on them without even trying.