Chef Hua
Chapter 135: Episode 91: Flowers in Dishes_2

Chapter 135: Episode 91: Flowers in Dishes_2

"Not at all!" Luo Yuejiao hurriedly waved her hands vigorously, her face reddening a bit more, "I’m simply going to see something new! Everyone says that wealthy families have many rules, and I couldn’t live with that, nor am I interested. Besides, I’m already engaged! My husband’s family is well-off, and that’s good enough for me. As for other matters, why would I need them? The most important thing is... the most important thing is that after I get married, as long as he treats me well and doesn’t bully me, I’ll be satisfied."

Her words were spoken with conviction, and Hua Xiaomai couldn’t help but laugh, praising her: "You’ve thought this through quite clearly."

Luo Yuejiao proudly lifted her chin: "Of course! My hands and feet may be a bit clumsy, but my mind is clear!"

After thinking about it, she puckered her lips and said, puzzled, "But sister Xiaomai, what kind of flowers can be used for cooking... do daylilies count?"

"You know what, they actually do!" Hua Xiaomai suddenly clapped her hands together upon her reminder, "Ah, you’ve had another bright idea!"

The round-faced girl grew even prouder, pulling on Hua Xiaomai and saying repeatedly: "Then that’s wonderful! The daylilies are in season right now; just this morning, I saw my mother buying a lot to dry and save for autumn. Since we have them at home, you don’t need to spend money to buy them. I’ll bring some over when I come tomorrow morning."

A handful of daylilies wasn’t worth much, and after thinking it over, Hua Xiaomai agreed, thanked her, and then said: "When you come to my house early tomorrow, let’s go together to the short forest to pick flowers, and along the way, I can tell you which ones can be used for cooking. This way of eating isn’t common in our countryside. Once you’ve learned it from me, you can show off a bit when you go to your husband’s family in the future, how about that?"

Luo Yuejiao was overjoyed, laughing so hard that she couldn’t close her mouth and nodded vigorously.

That evening at the dinner table, Hua Xiaomai told her mother and Jing Taihe about Mr. Zhao and Song Jingxi’s visit the following day.

Upon hearing that the owner of the Chunfeng Restaurant was coming, Hua’s mother imagined it must be another considerable deal and was naturally pleased. However, she still felt somewhat uneasy and whispered, "We don’t have a close relationship with Mr. Zhao, why would he suddenly think of your small stand? He owns the Chunfeng Restaurant himself and has tasted all kinds of delicacies. What on earth is he coming to Fire Knife Village for?"

"Even if it is just a whim, after all, it’s a kind gesture from them. If they wish to taste our village food, I’ll just take care of it. Besides, my stand has always conducted business openly, could we even stop someone? Hua Xiaomai breezily talked her way through the subject, then added, "If elder sister and brother-in-law want to come and say hello tomorrow, just take your time arriving after your meal. There’s no need to wait around there especially. Firstly, our guests are here to enjoy the food, and if busy entertaining, it would actually make it less pleasant. Secondly, we don’t have to be so eager. What do you think?"

Jing Taihe pondered for a moment, then nodded with a smile, "What my little sister says makes sense, so we’ll go later then. Speaking of which, I’ve indeed had a meal at Mr. Zhao’s place and should pay my respects."

With her husband speaking up, Hua’s mother naturally had no reason to object; she mumbled and agreed.

...

The next morning, Luo Yuejiao came to the Jing Family bright and early, actually bringing a large bundle of fresh daylilies, tender enough to squeeze water out of them. Hua Xiaomai led her to the outside of the village to the short forest, picked several kinds of flowers suitable for cooking, and dug up some wild greens. Then they went to the market to weigh some tofu and a pack of gluten, and brought them back home to prepare, awaiting to be freshly made by the river that evening.

Knowing that wealthy people were coming to patronize the stand, Luo Yuejiao was excited all day. In the evening, she hurried to Hua Xiaomai’s house after a quick meal at home, urging her to leave and pushing the cart swiftly to the riverside in no time.

Around evening, Mr. Zhao and Song Jingxi indeed came from the county, heading straight to the riverside.

Accompanying them was Ke Zhenwu from the Lianshun Escort Agency, who immediately greeted Hua Xiaomai with a smiling face upon seeing her.

"Haha, when I heard Old Zhao and Boss Song wanted to taste your cooking, I shamelessly tagged along, reminiscing about the taste of the Spring Wine Banquet in February. I’m really quite nostalgic!"

Hua Xiaomai had gotten to know him better and was less formal, stepping forward with a smile to greet him. Unintentionally, her eyes wandered behind him.

"What are you looking at?" Ke Zhenwu asked with a sly smile, "Looking for Yuhuai? He’s out on escort duty. He won’t be back for another month!"

"...No, not at all." Hua Xiaomai’s ears felt hot, and she hurriedly withdrew her gaze.

"Hahaha, young miss, you’re so thin-skinned yet so stubborn!" Ke Zhenwu laughed heartily again. Hua Xiaomai, unable to hold her face, simply ignored him and turned to speak with Mr. Zhao and Song Jingxi.

"Miss Xiaomai, we meet again." Song Jingxi smiled with pursed lips, very gentle, "In a couple of days, I’ll be returning to the prefecture. Regardless, I thought I must try your cooking before I leave, so I dragged Old Zhao along with me. The scenery by this river is quite nice, and it’s cool in the evenings. I suppose your business must be doing well?"

"Thanks to the support of our village neighbors, it’s getting by. Compared to your Taoyuan House, my place is really just child’s play." Hua Xiaomai inevitably exchanged a few pleasantries with her.

Song Jingxi looked toward the stove while they talked, her expression showing a hint of amusement: "How’s the preparation for the dish I requested?" (To be continued. If you enjoy this work, welcome to Qidian (qidian.com) to cast your monthly ticket, recommendation ticket. Your support is my greatest motivation. Mobile users, please read on m.qidian.com.)