22 Essay (4)

"On top of that, how can we be sure that the family tradition, as you put it, is objectively good, or the child only sees it that way because he has been told since he was young by his parents that the life arrangement which has been made for him can be nothing else but good.

"In that case, how can we be certain that the tradition is unequivocally good or it is something that is thought to be good?" That analysis hit the nail on its head for Jun Yang.

This was a question that the young man had never once considered to ask himself. As Feng Qi said, it had been instilled in him since he was young that it was his responsibility and honor to take over his father's business. In a way, his whole childhood and adulthood was to prep him to continue the Jun family's legacy.

Jun Yang had always been under the impression that this was something that he wanted to do in life as well… Was it not?

"Hey, Jun Yang!" Something flashed before his eyes. Jun Yang then noticed Feng Qi had been watching him with concern, the thing that flew across his face earlier was Feng Qi's hand. It was not until then that Jun Yang realized he had been spacing out. Turns out he cared about this problem more than he thought.

Jun Yang smiled apologetically and said, "Sorry, I was just thinking about the other part of the assignment. I guess I've accidentally spaced out. What were we discussing?"

With that, the conversation was pulled back to the assignment even though the issue was still stuck at the back of Jun Yang's mind. By focusing on the school assignment, Jun Yang was able to shift his focus away from the exercise of self-reflection that unsettled him to a certain degree.

…

"5000 words sure are quite a bit when you have to write it out!" Feng Qi groaned. They had finished their discussion and they were taking turns writing out the essay. Some people say that one's handwriting mirrored one's personality. Based on Feng Qi and Jun Yang's written essay, there might be a kernel of truth to that.

Jun Yang's handwriting was uniform like they were typed out from a computer. However, it also looked rather impersonal and reserved. Feng Qi's handwriting, on the other hand, looked pretty much like a chicken's scrawl. The letters tumbled unevenly and there was a hastiness to his lines like he could not wait to get the assignment over with.

Jun Yang observed the man across from him work on the essay and he wondered silently to himself if he should go back and type up a completely new copy on his computer before handing it in to Mr. Sam.

Feng Qi eventually got fed up and he threw the pen on the table and groused, "Can we please have a break?"

Jun Yang took a sip from the cup of tea that had gone cold. He looked at the time, they had been writing for some time already. Like a mother giving permission to her unruly son, he nodded wordlessly.

Feng Qi cheered. "Shall we have some cake for refreshment? I swear to you, Miss M. bakes a mean dessert!"

Jun Yang had not had a dessert at Mist Café before but he could see no reason not to trust the recommendation from the person who worked there.

Feng Qi stood up from his seat and walked over to the fridge behind the counter where the dessert was stored. He looked at the selection they had that day and he asked Miss M. who was at the time, close to him. "Miss M, do you mind if we have some cake?"

"Of course, help yourself! The cakes are baked fresh today." The lady owner picked her head up and smiled at them. She had a kind disposition. Jun Yang could see why Feng Qi would choose to work there. He had a very good employer.

Feng Qi memorized the long list of selection and hurried back to his seat. He asked Jun Yang for the type of cake that he wanted after giving him the list of dessert available. Feng Qi was going to get himself a slice of chocolate cake made from pure cocoa. He liked the bitter kick.

"Would you like to get a slice of the same?" Feng Qi offered. Jun Yang shook his head. "I would like to have something extra sweet if it's possible."

Due to health concern, people had been cautious with the percentage of sugar in their dessert. People nowadays did not want to eat stuff that have too much sugar either for health reason or to watch their figure. Jun Yang seemed to be the exception to the rule.

Feng Qi thought about it for a while before snapping his fingers and said, "Actually, I have just the dessert for you. Wait for me. I'll be back in a minute."

When he saw the difficulty on Feng Qi's face, Jun Yang wanted to tell Feng Qi he could have the same type of cake as him if it was too much trouble but before Jun Yang could say anything, the young man had already rushed away.

Jun Yang saw the young man open the fridge and pull out two cakes. He placed them behind the counter and picked up the knife to slice them. Then, he replaced the cakes into the fridge. Jun Yang thought that was the end of the procedure but Feng Qi stayed behind the counter.

The counter hid most of Feng Qi's action from Jun Yang, but from the little that he could see, Jun Yang believed Feng Qi was adding something extra to the slices of cake.

Feng Qi eventually returned with two plates. The one that was placed before his seat looked pretty much unadorned. It was a simple chocolate cake.

The one that was served to Jun Yang though looked like a butter cake with a layer of whipped cream on top.

Feng Qi explained, "This is actually a new recipe that is being tested by Miss M. It's not even on the menu yet. Many customers have voiced their concerns about too much sugar in the dessert and Miss M. initially tried to cut down on the amount used but cake sale has dropped in consequence. Perhaps a non-sweet cake cannot really be called a cake so Miss M. has been trying out alternative sweeteners.

"This is a normal sponge cake baked with brown sugar instead of normal sugar, apparently it's a healthier option. I thought it looked rather unimpressive on its own so I whipped up a quick honey meringue to top it off. Nothing but the best for my boyfriend, right?" Feng Qi smiled.

This time, Jun Yang did not retort. Without even taking a bite out of the dessert, Feng Qi's considerate gesture already filled Jun Yang's heart with sweetness.