Chef Hua
Chapter 165 - 106: Verbally and Physically (Second Update)

Chapter 165: Chapter 106: Verbally and Physically (Second Update)

Hua Xiaomai glared at his face, which was smiling in an utterly despicable manner, and let out a cold laugh.

"Firstly, I am only responsible for making sauces, as for whom Uncle Ping’an sells my sauces to, I never inquire about that; so, discussing this matter with me is pointless," she said with her back held straight, neither overbearing nor servile, her voice firm, "Secondly, if I were in Antai Garden’s situation, of course my heart wouldn’t be at ease, but in my view, improving the flavor of the sauces and competing with you fair and square is what’s most important and proper. Beating people or making threats? I cannot do such things, and I deeply disdain them. So, perhaps this is the difference between a country girl like me and your ’century-old shop,’ huh?"

As she spoke, she deliberately glanced at Pan Ping’an, whose face was swollen, fully expecting that Shopkeeper Zhu would immediately rise in a fit of rage, slamming the table and kicking stools in a thunderous temper.

"Tsk, this is all my fault, my fault!"

To her surprise, Shopkeeper Zhu acted as if he hadn’t heard her, stomping his foot as if very regretful, "Because of this matter, I was reprimanded by the boss, and in a moment of anger, I didn’t think things through and rashly led people to find Brother Ping’an. Ah, when rage burns the mind, one easily becomes foolish. Isn’t it... when I couldn’t agree with Brother Ping’an, I started a fight? After I calmed down and thought it over, I was very regretful indeed!"

As he spoke, he took out a handful of copper coins from his chest, turned toward Pan Ping’an with a face full of shame, patted his shoulder, and pointing at the three burly men behind him, he said, "Brother Ping’an, the incident that day was all my fault, these men were heavy-handed and hurt you, didn’t they? Here, take this money as compensation for your medical expenses, please be magnanimous and don’t take it to heart!"

Pan Ping’an dared not accept his money. He quickly shrank to the side and ducked behind Lv Bin, cowering like a quail, his head low and refusing to even lift his eyelids.

Shopkeeper Zhu’s series of actions perfectly embodied the phrase "to bow and scrape," causing Hua Erniang to feel somewhat puzzled. She pulled Hua Xiaomai’s hand, whispering in her ear, "What insanity is he displaying? I thought that since he came to our door, he would definitely come to swing a big stick, but who could have expected him to be all smiles? My fists have been clenched for quite a while now, yet I can’t find an opportunity to strike, and they’re itching for action!"

Hua Xiaomai was amused by her sister’s words and turned her head with a wink.

Such behavior from Shopkeeper Zhu unavoidably reminded her of one person – Chef Wei. Clearly coming to pick a fight, yet insistently putting on a smiling face, it was intolerable. So, what he wanted to say next was pretty much obvious, wasn’t it?

As she expected, Shopkeeper Zhu covered his fist with his lips, coughed artificially, looked up at Hua Xiaomai, and said, "Young lady, our boss is reasonable and always appreciative of talent. If you truly intend to make a name for yourself in the Provincial City, why not come work at Antai Garden? With your skilled sauce-making, taking charge of our Sauce Garden, how about it? If you are willing, our boss would be overjoyed!"

Hua Xiaomai pursed her lips and smiled.

Seeing that she only smiled without speaking, Shopkeeper Zhu continued, "Of course, everyone has their own ambitions, and if you look down on Antai Garden and don’t wish to join us, that’s fine too. I only hope that you won’t sell sauces in the Provincial City in the future. The world is vast, and a person with skills can find a way anywhere. Why hang yourself on a single tree? This way, it’s beneficial for both you and Antai Garden, isn’t it the best of both worlds? What do you say?"

Listen, what did she say again? Shopkeeper Zhu’s expression and tone right now, even the words he said, aren’t they just the same as that Chef Wei?

There are countless people in the world, yet faced with the same situation, their reactions can be so identical... it’s really quite interesting.

"Shopkeeper Zhu, you must be joking with me," Hua Xiaomai thought for a moment, then said with a smile, "I know full well what kind of person I am and what my capabilities are. How could a mere girl like me go to a venerable establishment like Antai Garden with its renowned reputation? If I messed things up, even bankrupting my family would not be enough to compensate! But..."

She glanced at the fat man, and her mouth twitched: "This matter of selling sauces in Provincial City, to be honest, I really do want to continue with it. You know as well that our small household relies on these bits of earnings to feed the family. I have no connections, no means. In such a vast city, I only know Uncle Ping’an, who has some relations. If I leave here, where do you expect me to sell my sauces, and to whom?"

Shopkeeper Zhu’s round face immediately darkened, and his tone was no longer as friendly as before, as he said coldly, "Miss, I’ve spoken to you in good terms, don’t refuse a toast only to be forced to drink a forfeit."

Hua Xiaomai raised her eyebrows and said lightly: "Oh, I never drink alcohol."

Thankfully, Meng Yuhuai and Dazhong were there in the Jing Family’s courtyard backing her up. Although they hadn’t uttered a word from beginning to end, the presence of these several large men made her feel much calmer and more confident. Otherwise, if it were just the three members of her family, she would really have to think carefully about what she should or shouldn’t say.

"Are you forcing us to teach you a lesson?" One of the burly men standing behind Shopkeeper Zhu stepped forward, threatening Hua Xiaomai with a fierce look, his lips twisting into a scowl of overlapping flesh.

Almost at the same time, Meng Yuhuai also swiftly moved in front of Hua Xiaomai, blocking her and said indifferently, "What, you finally want to resort to violence?"

The muscular man, confident in his physique, cracked his knuckles with a loud noise and said disdainfully, "I’m not afraid of anyone if it comes to a fight."

"Good, let’s have a practice then!" Dazhong and Lv Bin, who were already impatient, jumped out upon hearing this. They burst into laughter as they stepped forward, blocking the three strong men tightly.

Hua Ermu clenched her teeth so hard that it made a grinding sound. Now shielded firmly behind several men, she couldn’t even find a gap to squeeze through, getting so agitated that she couldn’t help but start shouting loudly.

"Pah! With the skills my sister has, Taoyuan House of Provincial City would need to think carefully before inviting her to be their head chef. Antai Garden? You’re not even worthy! Oh, you want to start a fight? Come on then, count me in; let’s see if I don’t take you down!" (To be continued. If you enjoy this work, please visit Qidian (qidian.com) to cast your recommendation tickets and monthly tickets. Your support is my greatest motivation. Mobile users, please go to m.qidian.com to read.)