Chef Hua
Chapter 206 - 127: Taking the Lead

Chapter 206: Chapter 127: Taking the Lead

"Named the ’Eight Treasures Conference’, it actually posed a topic that was to ’become popular among the common folks’, which at first listen seemed somewhat inconceivable. Yet in reality, the so-called ’eight treasures’ were not all as luxurious and rare as ordinary people might imagine."

"Take for instance the ’Eight Treasures Of Poultry’: while it indeed included rarities like dragon and swan, common street sightings like quail and pigeon also managed to find a place; and then consider the ’sea eight treasures’, where delicacies like sea cucumber and fish maw would be out of reach for the average folks, but for those a bit more affluent, acquiring some squid to feast on wasn’t an impossible task."

"Moreover, as times change, the definition of ’eight treasures’ also greatly varies. If I am not mistaken, this time’s ’Eight Treasures Conference’ might not be so stringent in its requirements, and dishes prepared by various restaurants, as long as they touch upon the theme and have a traceable origin, ought to be accepted."

"With this in mind, the possibilities to be explored are indeed much larger! Hua Xiaomai nodded thoughtfully while several ideas popped into her head. Though she had felt a bit groggy from the early rise, now she was instantly wide awake."

"Song Jingxi likely guessed that Hua Xiaomai had begun plotting in her heart, and with a smile, she gave her a glance but did not interrupt. Instead, she said to the girl who came with Qing He, ’The other dishes prepared by the chef of Cangbo Building, you must find out about them as soon as possible for me, including what ingredients he uses, where they come from, and how he plans to pair them; don’t miss a single detail, understood?’"

"The girl hurriedly agreed with utmost respect. Song Jingxi paused briefly, then slowly continued, ’I wonder what plans Biyue Pavilion has in store?’"

"Her tone sounded casual, but her voice involuntarily became sharp, and the smile at the corner of her lips vanished in an instant. Although Hua Xiaomai was drifting away in her thoughts, she still caught the unusual tone and couldn’t help but turn her head to look at Song Jingxi."

"The girl seemed somewhat guilty, nervously biting her lower lip and clenched her hands that lay by her side into a ball, her voice becoming as thin as a mosquito’s hum, ’Regarding that matter... I have not yet found any useful news. I only know that Biyue Pavilion has specifically sent someone to Lingxiu Prefecture to make purchases for this Eight Treasures Conference, but as for what dish they are preparing, they...’"

"’Going to Lingxiu Prefecture to make purchases, the dish is likely related to the sea eight treasures?’ Song Jingxi pondered for a moment and then smiled kindly at the girl, ’People of Biyue Pavilion have always been tight-lipped, and indeed, it is difficult to gather news from them. You don’t need to feel guilty or uneasy about that. But now, with only a few days left until the Eight Treasures Conference, you must try your hardest to clear this matter up for me. Once it’s done, I will certainly not be stingy with your reward, okay?’"

"Upon receiving these gentle words, and hearing about a potential reward, the girl’s face immediately bloomed into a grateful smile, she profusely thanked her, and repeatedly promised not to disappoint the ’Lady’."

"It was only then that Song Jingxi turned her attention back to Hua Xiaomai, quietly observing her for a long while before suddenly smiling, ’Xiaomai—I’ll just call you Xiaomai, you don’t mind, do you? It’s too formal to always call each other ’Miss’ this and ’Miss’ that."

"Hua Xiaomai smiled broadly and nodded, and then Song Jingxi continued, ’Xiaomai, I presume you’ve heard as well. This time, in Tong’an City, every restaurant and food establishment is doing their utmost to stand out at the Eight Treasures Conference, and we at Taoyuan House naturally do not wish to be outdone. When it comes to dishes, we absolutely cannot afford any negligence. I already have a rough idea for the two vegetarian dishes, two pastries, and the soup. But as for those two meat dishes— one refined and the other common—would you... be willing to take on this challenge?’"

"’Oh? You mean...’ Hua Xiaomai felt a stir in her heart and looked straight into Song Jingxi’s eyes."

"Song Jingxi patted her hand and said slowly, ’Truth be told, every dish in the Eight Treasures Conference seems equally important, but you and I, being culinary people who spend our days around the stove, know full well that the meat dishes are the centerpiece of any banquet. Based on my experience in the past Eight Treasures Conferences, how well the meat dishes are prepared often plays a crucial role in winning. This time, I would like you to take the lead in this matter, but I’m not sure if you’re willing?’"

"Hua Xiaomai’s heart throbbed vigorously several times, not out of nervousness, but because of an indescribable excitement."