"Here you go, Idol-sama. Your cake has arrived, along with special blend tea. Hope it suits your taste."

Lixin quickly finished the cake. Angel first shot her a displeased glare, then snatched up a fork and began enjoying her dessert.

Hmm~ Still the familiar recipe and taste. Simply amazing~

"Miss Lixin," Angel said between bites, "why are you so skilled at baking these? I never got to ask last time."

Prompted by the question, Lixin sat opposite her. Well, she had free time anyway—might as well chat with this girl.

"Why can I do this? Easy. When I first got this job, I learned from the previous manager. Everyone here has some skills, you know."

Lixin spoke casually, as if it were nothing. But she didn’t realize her natural talent alone was enough to make others green with envy.

"So why work here?" Angel lowered her voice. "Given your past career, it’s unbelievable you’d choose this place."

"Back off. Don’t get so close." Angel was nearly pressing against her face. Lixin leaned back with visible disgust. Outside, the crowd of hardcore otaku gasped. Fans of Angel-sama—male or female—dreamed of close contact (not zero distance!). Yet this slightly intimidating cafe maid actually recoiled…

Though… aside from being scary, this maid was undeniably pretty… hehehe…

"Hmm…" Lixin felt a sudden chill down her spine but ignored it. She faced Angel, now resettled with a grumpy pout. "You’re the one who shocks me most." Lixin stared as Angel wore an innocent "What did I do?" expression.

"What face is that…" Lixin sighed. "I never imagined someone so aloof becoming an idol. And that performance last night on TV—" She shuddered. Too mind-blowing…

"Months before our fight, a talent scout handed me their card. Back then? I didn’t care. But I quit my old job later, so I agreed. Didn’t expect such success…" Angel paused, half her cake gone. She ate slower now, reluctant to finish. "What’s wrong with me? Anything off?"

"Nothing…" Lixin covered her face. She shouldn’t mention it—and now she was curious about Angel’s past job! Must change topic. "Just eat faster. Dragging out one cake? Finish and leave. Your fans camping outside ruin my business."

"Hey! Is this how you treat guests?" Angel scowled. No shop owner ever rushed her out. Unbelievable.

"I run a business. Not head manager, but as branch lead, I’m responsible." Lixin’s gaze sharpened. "Your presence disrupts current customers’ meals…"

She paused, glancing outside. "Notice how the crowd grew while you stayed? More paparazzi now."

If she wasn’t mistaken, that guy was press. Pity Xiao Lexuan was unemployed—now just her maid. If she’d held on months longer, one call could’ve brought her for an Angel-sama exclusive. Save her job, boost the shop’s fame… win-win.

Wait. This situation was perfect.

"Here’s the deal," Lixin said. "I’ll make another cake free today. But you owe me one condition."

"Hmm?" Angel smelled a scheme. She eyed her half-eaten cake—savored in tiny bites—then Lixin, head lowered in thought.

"What condition?" She’d ask. But if it’s too much… she’d sacrifice the cake.

"Simple." Lixin raised one finger. "Your visit hurt today’s sales. Our history means no special treatment for idols."

A second finger. "But I won’t use you for free. First cake’s payment. Help me, and business improves. Win-win."

"Fair." Angel leaned forward eagerly. "Spill it. What help? I’ll try."

"Easy." Lixin smiled. "When handling paparazzi outside, subtly promote this shop. Not too obvious, not too vague. Just noticeable. Can you?"

"Pfft. That’s it?" Angel waved dismissively. "Miss Maid, another cake please. Thanks."

"Hope your results match your promise." Lixin rolled her eyes. Baking was exhausting.

…………………………………………………………………………

After finishing the second cake and tea, Angel patted her stomach, gave Lixin a meaningful look, and headed out.

*Confirmed by that glance. Hope she’s the right person,* Lixin thought. *Don’t screw up.*

"Alert! She’s out!" Paparazzi snapped to attention. Cameras were prepped—but the visible crowd wasn’t the craziest part. Veterans hid everywhere.

Perfect. Lixin wanted fame; more paparazzi meant better coverage.

Angel pulled out her phone, faking a call: "Hello? … At that shop I mentioned… Yeah, just finished. Seriously, best cake of my life… Okay, waiting inside for pickup… Bye."

*They recorded every word. Effect: perfect.* She’d just need to text her location later.

Back inside, Angel flashed a discreet "OK" sign. Lixin nodded, whispering nearby: "Well done. Free cake next time—but hide your identity. Don’t ruin my business again."

"Alright, alright, I know." Angel huffed. Since when was Lixin such a nagging old lady?

Unseen by both, one paparazzi pair streamed for a site famous among hardcore otaku—specializing in idol live leaks. Today’s star: Angel.

Among viewers, a 200-pound rich otaku stared at his screen. Hands hidden under his desk, drool on his chin, he muttered: "Angel-chan… Angel-chan… You’re in G City too… So good…"

*Slurp.* He wiped his mouth with a grimy hand, then dialed his phone: "Yes, it’s me. Need a favor. Price isn’t an issue…"