After Transmigration, I Picked Up A Husband and Daughter
Chapter 196: Negligence

Chapter 196: Chapter 196: Negligence

When Manager Liao saw her, his eyebrows lifted in a smile, thinking another rare treasure had come through the door.

However, when he saw that there were only some ordinary pots and jars on the cart, his expression inevitably dimmed a little.

Although Su Yu patiently explained the extraordinary uses of these pots and jars, Manager Liao still felt they were far less precious than the wild herbs from the mountains.

But, because of their relationship, and since Su Yu said she was giving them for free this time and that they would talk about the price when they collaborated in the future, he ultimately accepted these "gifts".

Leaving the Hundred Herbs Hall, Su Yu made her way slowly towards the city gate through the bustling market, embarking on the road home.

She hadn’t forgotten her appointment with Shopkeeper He Hongmao of the Drunken Immortal Inn—today she was going to taste test, and if the dishes were to her liking, she would incorporate the recipes into her collection.

This was not only an opportunity to boost the profits of her own restaurant, but also a warning to those self-satisfied peers at the Food Taste Restaurant, to let them understand that in the vast world, there are always bigger fish.

The horse hooves clattered rhythmically on the cobblestones, and the carriage leisurely moved forward on the lush path, surrounded by vibrant trees. Sunlight filtered through the leaves, casting dappled shadows, making it a joy for both heart and spirit.

Su Yu was filled with anticipation; awaiting her were new opportunities and challenges.

The morning breeze gently blew, carrying with it the distinctive cool and freshness of the early morning, like gentle fingers softly caressing her cheeks, making her mood exceptionally serene, as though all worries were drifting away with the breeze.

The soft breeze not only brought coolness but also a sense of leisurely contentment.

Su Yu stood by the carriage, closed her eyes, and took a deep breath, letting the tranquility and beauty thoroughly saturate her heart.

Everything around seemed to slow down, with only the wind still whispering in her ears, telling stories of freedom and peace.

Just as Su Yu was immersed in this tranquility, her stomach inappropriately made a rumbling sound, disrupting the serene moment.

She smiled helplessly, remembering Jiang Ziling’s worried expression before she had left, who had insisted on stuffing her basket with hot chive and egg pancakes, that care and attention still warmed her heart to this moment.

With a sense of gratitude and anticipation, Su Yu quickly lifted the lid of the basket.

The sight before her made her pause for a moment—neatly arranged rows of enticing zongzi, instead of the pancakes she had expected.

Among them, the osmanthus and sweet date zongzi were the most numerous, their subtle fragrance of osmanthus mixed with the sweet taste of dates, even before tasting, conveyed a comforting sweetness that was indescribable.

A warm surge filled Su Yu’s heart; she almost overlooked this meticulous care from the Young Master Tutor’s wife, a rarity amidst busy days.

If the loyal servant Yaoguang could hear Su Yu’s thanks in her heart, he would probably feel both gratified and amused.

Because he knew that these zongzi were actually prepared by the kitchen on his instruction after overhearing a conversation between the masters, worried that Su Yu, in her haste, might forget about crucial food, so he decided to take matters into his own hands and quietly placed them in the carriage’s basket, this silent caring sought no return.

Su Yu smiled and shook her head, continuing her search in the basket, her fingers finally touched a few pieces of cold yet still fragrant pancakes.

Although no longer warm, the familiar taste still made her feel exceptionally satisfied amidst her hunger, each bite a reminiscent of home’s longing and warmth.

Soon, the carriage slowly stopped in front of the quaint entrance of Drunken Immortal Inn.

Su Yu thought to herself that, as a well-known restaurant, there naturally would be proper arrangements for travelers’ horses.

Indeed, Shopkeeper He Hongmao had been waiting for a long time, and upon seeing Su Yu arrive on time, he could no longer hide his smile and hurriedly went out to greet her, his enthusiasm like rain after a long drought.

The crowd inside the inn followed suit, some of whom were unfamiliar with Su Yu as they had not participated in the search for a culinary master.

They looked at this seemingly young woman and could not help but mutter to themselves, doubting whether Shopkeeper He had desperately resorted to an inexperienced girl, wondering if she truly could create stunning dishes. To many, her confident declaration in Food Taste Restaurant was nothing more than the rash talk of youth.

Facing the gazes of the crowd, curious or skeptical, Su Yu calmly asked, "Can my horse be kept here?"

Upon hearing this, He Hongmao quickly replied, "Of course, just pull it to the backyard."

He then hurriedly instructed a waiter to handle it, but the waiter’s slightly clumsy movements made Su Yu harbor some doubts. Could it be that the famous Drunken Immortal Inn, did not have a dedicated stable?

Thus, she cautiously probed, "My horse, after a long journey, needs water and fodder."

Upon hearing this, He Hongmao immediately dispatched someone to buy these supplies, emphasizing repeatedly to purchase the best.

Su Yu watched all this, her mouth twitching slightly, confirming her suspicions.

Such a scale of restaurant, yet even the most basic care for horses appeared foreign, no wonder the business was not as good as before.

He Hongmao had mixed feelings as he knew that the decline of his inn’s business was primarily because the dishes’ flavors were indeed not as enticing as those at Food Taste Restaurant.

As for the issue of accommodating horses, it indeed was an oversight of his.

In a place like Clear Water Town, most inns did not offer this service; guests often opted to go to a post station to resolve their horses’ needs. He had intended that Su Yu’s visit would improve the situation, yet he had not expected to overlook even the most basic details, which left him feeling even more uncomfortable.

Su Yu followed closely behind He Hongmao, stepping into the mysterious and bustling world of the kitchen.

What met her eyes was a well-organized, dazzling scene: rows of spice jars neatly arranged, their colors vibrant like a rainbow, from rich soy sauce to spicy chili powder, each jar clearly labeled, silently telling the secrets of thousands of dishes; fresh ingredients looked as if they had just leaped from the fields and deep seas directly to this place, green vegetables glowing, fruits and vegetables still bearing crystal clear dewdrops, as if one could smell the raw freshness of nature; fish swam agilely in the water tank, and although the chickens were confined, their eyes still sparkled with vitality, all of which composed a vivid and lively kitchen landscape.

Su Yu’s gaze swiftly swept over every corner of the kitchen, and she already had plans in mind.

She confidently directed the kitchen helpers, choosing a live fish and a spirited chicken, specifically instructing them to keep the fish scales, a unique method that aroused curiosity.

Under her composed demeanor, everyone else in the kitchen unconsciously complied, stepping out one by one, leaving her with a space to showcase her talent.