Chef Hua
Chapter 112: Episode 80: Counting Money is Important

Chapter 112: Episode 80: Counting Money is Important

Aunt Geng either got really scared or the dreadful condition of Chef Wei from the other day made her heart grow timid, and she suddenly found herself unable to speak. She fumbled with her hands and stared blankly for a good while, watching as her bluster significantly deflated.

Moreover, among the onlookers, more than half supported Hua Xiaomai, pointing fingers at her and hurling insults, the harsher ones even resorting to foul language. Consequently, Aunt Geng found it hard to stand her ground. Her face flushed between red and purple, and eventually, she threw down her hands in frustration and turned to leave with quick steps.

Hua Erniang, not yet satisfied, chased after her for a few more steps and triumphantly shouted, "If you’ve done nothing wrong, what are you afraid of? Walk a bit slower, and my sister’s stick won’t be able to see where it’s going!"

Hua Xiaomai, with a barely suppressed smile, pulled her back and addressed the crowd, "I’m truly sorry for the disturbance, everyone. I feel terribly uneasy about it. Thank you all for speaking up for me earlier. I don’t want to keep you from your schedules anymore. If you’d like some noodles, please take a seat, I’ll start preparing them right away."

Many among the crowd had come for her stand, so they sat down, one saying, "I want the stir-fried noodles from yesterday," and another, "A bowl of minced pork noodles would be good." Those who were just spectating also dispersed, quieting down the bank immediately.

Hua Xiaomai went to her stall, took a small lump of dough from the basin, and placed it on the cutting board. While grabbing the rolling pin, she glanced over and saw that Guan Rong was no longer under that big tree.

She bowed her head with a slight smile and busied her hands with skillful motions.

That evening, because Guan Rong had pulled Hua Xiaomai aside to talk for a long while and then Aunt Geng caused a scene, they barely did any business. Hua Erniang was still frustrated when they closed up, banging the pot and cutting board loudly.

"Erjie, why are you doing this?" Hua Xiaomai quickly held her hand, "Even if you’re angry, it’s wrong to take it out on these. We bought these with our money, and I was planning to use them for another four to five years. If you break them today, we’ll have to spend money to replace them. If you’re upset, just give a shout—it saves money and is effortless."

Hua Erniang was not prepared to listen. She threw the tools in the basin with a clatter and fiercely said, "One of these days I’ll make Aunt Geng realize her mistake and she’ll behave! If she dares to tattle on me again, I’ll make sure her whole family can’t live in peace!"

"Okay, when the time comes, I’ll help you too; no question about it," Hua Xiaomai half-jokingly responded.

"And you’re still laughing?" Hua Erniang thrust a hand upon her shoulder and said fiercely, "And that Guan Rong is no better! Always acting so close, calling you ’sister’ this and that, but when trouble comes, look how fast she runs, not seeming sick at all. Back then, people unrelated to us even spoke up for us, but what about her? You should keep your distance in the future. Just seeing her makes me furious."

"I got it, I got it," Hua Xiaomai quickly hugged her arm and coaxed her, "If I meet her on the road, I’ll walk around; if she talks to me, I won’t respond; if she asks for something, I’ll give her the cold shoulder right there, okay?"

Hua Erniang pursed her lips, "You don’t have to go that far; we all come from the same village, and we don’t need people picking apart our reasons. Just weigh things in your heart, and don’t let her take advantage of you, alright? Thinking back to when I gave her 500 coins for the bamboo shoots, my heart feels like it’s being pricked!"

"Okay, I understand, don’t worry," Hua Xiaomai reassured her like comforting a child, then lifted the cash box and jiggled it, chuckling, "Erjie, there’s already quite a sum saved up in here. Let’s go count it, shall we? I wanted to count it last night, but you got me caught up in our conversation, and we missed handling this important matter. Let’s go see how much we’ve earned these past twenty days, alright?"

With this, Hua Erniang’s mood shifted from irritation to joy. She swiftly packed everything neatly and pulled Hua Xiaomai happily back to the Jing Family’s small courtyard.

...

Upon arriving home, Jing Taihe was boiling water in the kitchen, so that the sisters could wash up immediately upon their return and head to their rooms to rest early. As Hua Xiaomai and Hua Erniang entered the courtyard, they bolted the door behind them and, with a hint of mystery, dragged Jing Taihe into the hall.