Her concept was simple. She wanted the sweets to have such colorful and animated visual representations which were by themselves, such eye-candies already. It was just like Chen Linyun's bento which were thought of carefully, and excellently prepared with all the ingredients' texture, color schemes complementing each other - the backdrop and the whole concept - without sacrificing the nutritional value.

She was quite confident in her business. However, before she even started her preparations, Chen Linyun had forbidden her to create and offer commercially any bentos other than to him privately.

"Prepare the bentos only for me. I want something exclusive, to me only, coming from you. The others – the desserts – I don't care. Give your potential customers your best shot at creativity. But the bentos are mine."

"Ooohh, aren't you possessive yourself, mister." Xue Jinxu taunted him.

His face flushed. "You can say that, but that's my condition. Take it or leave it." Chen Linyun said.

"I'll take it. It's done then." She held her hand in front of her for a hand shake. Chen Linyun shook it.

"Good luck in your business, wifey."

Fast forward to present day, to the launch of her pastry shop. Friends and colleagues were flocked in front of the pastry shop for ribbon cutting. Xue Guangxi, and Mo Wenbin from the 'neighbors' squad were there to give support. Kang Sola was there too. Zhao Feiyan, Xue Jinxu's mother, Father Chen and Aunty also came. Butler Lee and Miss Yan, and others from Xue s.h.i.+pping who heard of her new business went too, to give their support to their previous boss. Even Teng Man Rui made it to the event.

Xue Jinxu was wearing a white corporate knee-length dress with large pointed collars up to belt along the torso, and with slightly generous opening on her neck, which was adorned by large beads of pearl necklace. Her earrings were of big white pearls also, to match her necklace. Her hair was pulled into a neat ponytail, and her makeup was as neat, with highlights and contours that enhanced her features more. She was vibrant and very corporate and sophisticated.

Chen Linyun was wearing a navy blue suit, and inside his coat, a vest and a tie, and he looked as das.h.i.+ng, beside his lovely wife.

The ribbon-cutting commenced shortly.

"Wifey, congratulations. You've been promoted. From COO, you're now the CEO and President."

Xue Jinxu laughed. "CEO and President of Saccharine Decadence. The position is higher, but the magnitude still isn't comparable to the last."

"Still, it's a good start, dear." Chen Linyun kissed her cheek. "Let's greet your guests. Maybe you can share some inspiring remarks."

"Dear family, friends and guests, please welcome Saccharine Decadence's CEO and President, my lovely wife, Xue Jinxu." Chen Linyun stood in front, and proceeded in introducing her to them, then moved aside for Xue Jinxu to take the 'stage'. In actuality, there was no stage, only a s.p.a.ce at the front which they designated as a stage.

"First of all, everyone, thank you for taking the time to be here today for the launch of my new business venture, Saccharine Decadence. As you all know and to the bewilderment of many here, I don't usually cook or bake as I had been occupied at my previous work most of the time. However, as most of you know, I had decided to leave the limelight recently to make way for a new chapter of my life – marriage." She did not disclose that she was actually kicked out from her previous position. Of course, she wouldn't tell that.

"Second, I'd like to formally introduce to all of you, my das.h.i.+ng husband Chen Linyun, the person who introduced me to you earlier. Honey, please stand up, and everyone please give him a warm round of applause because he's my inspiration for my new business venture. He, and the food I prepare for him. He's my light, and the only love of my life…"

Chen Linyun stood up, blus.h.i.+ng, because apparently he had not seen or expected that Xue Jinxu would spontaneously profess her love for him in front of these people, their guests. She's acknowledging him and his role in her life openly and not a bit ashamed of it. He's also extremely grateful. He did a slight bow when the applause subsided and took his seat.

"Third, as a newly-wed, this is my very first project, and because of that, for the meantime, Saccharine Decadence will be my baby. And so, you can expect that I will pour all my heart and soul to it and squeeze all the creative juices that's left in between my bones." The audience chuckled at her choice of words.

"Please look around and I hope you'll find something that will capture your eyes and your attention because that's the main goal of my edible creations. Of course, I'd like to acknowledge my wonderful chef here, who's responsible for the delicious taste as well."

"Don't worry, I am not the one who cooked them, but I designed them. It's a collaborative work of my chef and I."

"So I guess that's it! Again, I would like to relay my deepest thanks to all of you. Carpe diem. [1]"

Chen Linyun stood up. "I'd like to propose a toast to Saccharine Decadence! Cheers, everyone!" He lifted his gla.s.s of champaigne. Everyone followed suit and cheered and toasted with everyone.

One particular guest that was not quite invited mingled in the crowd. He found his way and settled among the other guests. Since everyone was busy, no one had sensed his presence yet, especially who knew him. He grabbed a champaigne from the wandering waiter with tray of refreshments and cheered as well just like everyone else.

[1] Carpe Diem means "Seize the day."