Chef Hua
Chapter 174: Episode 111: One Chicken Three Flavors (Part 2) (Second Update)

Chapter 174: Episode 111: One Chicken Three Flavors (Part 2) (Second Update)

Hua Xiaomai had already turned around with Hua Erniang when suddenly she heard these words, her steps faltered, and she turned back to look at Wen Huaren.

This face, which on any ordinary day, would emit a stench that made people feel sour once they glanced at it, now unexpectedly sported a trace of solemn righteousness. His spine seemed straighter by two measures, imparting a sense of solemnity and dignity.

Scholar Wen cleared his throat, his hands positioned one in front and the other behind, and declared in a loud voice, "That day by the river, had it not been for everyone’s vigorous help, how could we have easily exposed that Guan Family girl’s ill intentions? If no one had spoken up for you at that time, even if the Guan Family girl had taken great advantage of you, you would have been the one without justification in public, unable to voice your suffering! At that time, you were fortunate to have the villagers’ support, so why do you stand by now when Master Tan is in trouble?"

Hua Xiaomai, somewhat helpless, turned to glance at Hua Erniang, only to see her younger sister’s eyes flickering as she muttered softly, "Little sister, I think... his words do make some sense... Anyway, we are not in a hurry, why don’t you just help that surnamed Tan? It would be rather pitiful if that Boss Huang managed to scheme his way into grabbing the shop."

Switching sides so quickly? Sister, do you have no principles at all?

First, she was not planning to "stand by idly"; she was already prepared to leave; second, that day by the river, it was true that Chun Xi and La Mei had led people to help her greatly, but hadn’t she also treated everyone to a delightful meal of noodles in return?

Although she harbored such thoughts in her heart, she also knew that Wen Huaren truly had a point this time. It was just...

"You, who usually seem annoying, actually have a strong sense of justice when it comes to issues," she sighed and slowly said, "But I really can’t think of what to do, what can be done?"

Wen Huaren lowered his head and pondered for a moment, then suddenly his eyes brightened, and motioning Hua Xiaomai closer with a wave, he said with a smile, "I do have a plan, what do you think?" and proceeded to explain it.

Hua Xiaomai tried to keep her face as far away from him as possible. The more she listened, the uglier her expression became, until at last, she simply shoved him away forcefully, arms folded, and said, "Your plan sure is convenient, everything is to be done by me, and I get to play the villain too, while you just stand by and enjoy the show. How effortlessly enjoyable for you! Your brain spins these crooked ideas fast, but why haven’t I seen you bring back even half a title to flaunt in the village?"

"Hehe, Miss Xiaomai, you must not think like that," Scholar Wen chuckled, "The clever work hard and the wise worry, while those without ability desire nothing. In this matter, I am the one without ability. Besides, though you may inevitably be burdened, I will not be idle, and will actively engage and maneuver around you. How about it, does that work?"

Left with no other option, Hua Xiaomai reluctantly agreed, her mouth twitching as she said, "Let’s make it clear from the start, I don’t usually make this dish, so if there’s a slip-up, or if people simply aren’t fooled, you can’t blame it on me."

"Of course, of course, we can only do our humanly best and leave the rest to fate," Wen Huaren readily agreed, and just at that moment, the second dish that the two had prepared was brought before them.

The second dish brought by Master Tan was the Steamed Smooth Chicken Slices. Though Hua Xiaomai had smelled the fragrance earlier while it was still in the steamer, and had inwardly praised it twice, she had not tasted the first dish, considering it unnecessary. But now, she took some with her chopsticks and placed it in her mouth, remaining silent and simply gave a slight nod.

However, the surrounding onlookers, as if unanimously agreeing, began spouting antipathy and contempt as soon as the chicken slices touched their mouths.

"Oh dear, how can someone eat this? Salty and weird, and completely lacking any chewiness, it really spoils the good chicken!"

"Master Tan, if you still care about your reputation, in my opinion, it would be best for you to call off the competition today, as you are definitely going to lose!"

Dressed in an old blue shirt, Master Tan heard all the comments, and his neck flushed red in an instant, his face ashen, and his hands shaking more violently with the frying spatula.

Hua Erniang could not stand this blatant lying, and was immediately about to jump out, but Hua Xiaomai quickly grabbed her hand, holding her firmly in place.

Following closely, the second dish by Dongchang Pavilion’s Boss Huang was also brought out, consisting of deep-fried chicken.

The whole chicken prepared for the day was specifically selected for its tender meat, ideal for deep-frying. The color was golden brown, the skin crisp and the meat soft—though not without flaws, if this dish were to be sold in an ordinary restaurant, it would truly deserve the description "quite good."