Chef Hua
Chapter 217: Episode 133 I’ll Take You There

Chapter 217: Episode 133 I’ll Take You There

The carriage entered Fuzhe County at sunset, the sky not yet dark, with bustling crowds filling the streets.

All the way, Hua Xiaomai paid little attention to the passing scenery, but upon entering the city gates and seeing those familiar sights, her heart finally settled. The rickety wooden carriage creaked and groaned its way through Tian Sheng Street and stopped in front of the jet-black door of Lianshun Escort Agency. Hua Xiaomai asked the coachman to wait outside for a moment, took several boxes of pastries from her belongings, stepped off the carriage, and set foot inside the threshold.

The people at the Escort Agency seemed not to have had their dinner yet and were all gathered in the courtyard. Ke Zhenwu was dressed in short clothes with a black cloth belt tied around his waist, engaged in a bout with a young porter, parrying and attacking with the Flower Disc Stick in his hands, which whistled through the air with force.

At over fifty years of age, he still had such vigor and sharp movements. As far as agility went, he didn’t lose out to the young porter one bit, dodging and weaving with a series of clashes of the sticks in midair producing a clear "dong dong" sound. Da Zhong, Lv Bin, and a few others were grouped around, clapping and cheering from time to time, completely engrossed in the spectacle.

Hua Xiaomai quietly made her way over, her lips curled in a slight smile.

It’s odd to say, but despite the few times she frequented Lianshun Escort Agency, she felt a strange sense of intimacy with the place. On her way back from the Provincial City, her heart couldn’t help but feel a touch of loss mixed with faint uneasiness. However, the moment she stepped into the Escort Agency, she was immediately calmed, as if she had returned home.

Ke Zhenwu was drenched in sweat, his whole body steaming like a freshly steamed bun. With a push of his feet, he leapt backwards, and upon turning his head, spotted Hua Xiaomai standing to the side in her bright green summer dress. He immediately executed a neat move to end the fight and walked over to her with a big laugh.

"Hey, Xiaomai girl, you’re back?" He strode up to Hua Xiaomai, pointed at her face without any pretense, and chided, "Tell me, how long has it been since you last visited my Escort Agency? Have you completely forgotten your Uncle Ke?"

As he spoke, he gave her a once-over: "You just got back from the Provincial City and haven’t been home yet? Old Zhao from Chunfeng Restaurant was supposed to go to the Eight Treasures Conference with me, but I’ve been too busy to go, so he went alone. I told him if he could, to take you with him back to the County. How come you’ve rushed back alone so quickly?"

Hua Xiaomai shook her head without replying, presenting the box of pastries she held to him with a smile, "Uncle Ke, these are some pastries I bought in the Provincial City. I’ve heard the butterfly rolls and mini puff swirls are especially popular, so I bought extra to share with you and the other brothers, and Sister-in-law Zuo."

"Yo, you still remember to bring us gifts? I’ll gladly accept it, and don’t you think I’ll be polite about it!" Ke Zhenwu boldly took the boxes, passed them to Da Zhong beside him, and continued with a cheeky tone, "Yuhuai’s been sent out on an escort by me. He’s been resting at home for so long, it’s about time he did some work. The place he’s gone to is nearby, just a day or two’s journey. I reckon he’ll be back today or tomorrow."

His tone carried an obvious hint of teasing, and Hua Xiaomai acted as though she didn’t hear it, continuing with a smile, "I came today because there’s another matter. Remember the trouble I got into a while back? Thanks to Brother Da Zhong, Brother Lv Bin, and a few others for their help in resolving it smoothly. We had agreed on a reward and I’ve delayed it for so long. Please don’t be offended."

As she spoke, she reached for the money pouch tied around her waist.

Ke Zhenwu said nothing, merely looking at Da Zhong with a half-smile. Da Zhong, pretending to be clueless, scratched his head and said, "Xiaomai sister, are you talking about that Antai Garden incident? Ahem, such a tiny matter, still weighing on your mind? Back then, Lv Bin and I didn’t plan to take any money, and later, Brother Meng even treated us to a feast at Chunfeng Restaurant. That settled it, why are you still offering money?"

Hua Xiaomai paused momentarily, instinctively glancing at Ke Zhenwu to see the old man stroking his beard, nodding with a smile, "The favor has already been repaid by Yuhuai; if I were to take your money now, I would feel somewhat dishonorable. We’ve known each other for more than a day or two. That Antai Garden business only took these guys half a day, and you personally cooked them a good meal in the evening. I really don’t know how I could accept this silver. Ha, you call me Uncle Ke, and I have to show some ’uncle’ spirit by taking care of the younger generation like you. Come on, it’s just a small matter, don’t keep it in your heart, alright?"