Chef Hua
Chapter 120: Episode 84: Suspected Examination

Chapter 120: Episode 84: Suspected Examination

Wasn’t Mr. Zhao busy attending to guests? Why did he suddenly think of her?

Hua Xiaomai turned around and exchanged a bewildered look with Meng Yuhuai. They followed Mr. Zhao into the front hall. As soon as she looked up, she saw a woman dressed as a lady sitting in the hall. When the three of them entered, the woman immediately stood up. Her gaze leisurely swept over Hua Xiaomai, and a smile appeared at the corners of her mouth.

So, Mr. Zhao’s so-called "distinguished guest" was a woman? Hua Xiaomai couldn’t suppress her surging curiosity. She discreetly sized up the woman, wondering what her relationship with Mr. Zhao might be.

The woman appeared to be in her thirties. While not exceptionally beautiful, she had a very delicate and fair complexion. Her clothes weren’t cheap at first glance and she emitted a sharp, efficient aura, making it hard to guess her background. Hua Xiaomai scratched her head—why exactly had Mr. Zhao eagerly called her over to meet this woman?

"Miss Song, this is the Miss Hua from the Hua Family that I mentioned to you," Mr. Zhao said with a smile at the woman, pointing at Hua Xiaomai. For some reason, his tone seemed to carry a hint of respect. Then turning to Hua Xiaomai, he said, "This Miss Song, despite her young age, runs the famous ’Taoyuan House’ in Provincial City! Her cooking skills, tsk tsk, just one taste and you’re bound to remember it for a lifetime!"

Hua Xiaomai was puzzled, "Taoyuan House? Is that a restaurant? But what does it have to do with me?"

Seeing her confused expression, Mr. Zhao’s face seemed to change, unbelievingly he said, "You’re in the food business, and you haven’t even heard of Taoyuan House?"

Nonsense, I wasn’t from around here before. How would I know?

Feeling a bit embarrassed, Hua Xiaomai smiled apologetically at the woman Mr. Zhao addressed as "Miss Song," "I’m sorry, it appears I’m woefully ignorant..."

"What does that matter; you are still so young, and probably don’t go out much. It’s nothing surprising if you haven’t heard," the woman said kindly, "My name is Song Jingxi. If you’d like, you can call me Sister Song. Taoyuan House is just an ordinary restaurant. I run it just to make a living, and thanks to friends who support it, the business is decent. Over time, it has gained some reputation."

She spoke confidently without humbleness or arrogance; acknowledging her restaurant’s reputation yet not being haughty. Hua Xiaomai pursed her lips and smiled.

Speaking of which, she merely ran a small stall and only did business at night, yet often felt busy and exhausted. Song Jingxi, a woman who single-handedly managed an entire restaurant, must have it tough, right?

"Indeed, I don’t have many opportunities to go out much, so please don’t mind it," Hua Xiaomai smiled at Song Jingxi and then turned to Mr. Zhao, "May I know why you called me here?"

Before Mr. Zhao could reply, Song Jingxi quickly spoke up, "Old Zhao happened to mention that you, at such a young age, have mastered excellent cooking skills. You managed the cooking for Lianshun Escort Agency’s Spring Wine Banquet in February and everyone sang high praises of it. I got curious. Since you were coming over, I wanted to meet you. Please don’t think it too presumptuous."

"Oh, not at all," Hua Xiaomai quickly waved her hand, "It’s not any remarkable skill, just mostly suited to the tastes of the guests, I guess..."

"Though we as cooks shouldn’t be too proud, there’s also no need for such modesty. If you are skilled, then you are skilled. Why be afraid of people knowing?" Song Jingxi slightly lifted her chin, "Old Zhao also runs a restaurant. He has had countless gourmet foods. His restaurant already has good chefs, yet he still praises you highly. It seems, indeed, you are quite talented."

"Ah, Miss Song, please don’t bring up that Wei from my Chunfeng Restaurant. Compared to Miss Hua here, he’s simply not up to par! Always making demands, yet his performance on the stove is more and more lackadaisical. Hmph, if it weren’t so hard to find good chefs nowadays, I would have kicked him out long ago!"

Mr. Zhao seemed quite disgusted with Fatty Wei, waving his hand as if shooing a fly. Then he called out, "Let’s not stand and talk, please sit. Old Ma, send someone to bring us two more cups of fine tea!"

Hua Xiaomai turned to look at Meng Yuhuai, who nodded at her slightly. She then settled down properly in her chair and looked at Song Jingxi.