Chef Hua
Chapter 235: Episode 142 Braised Pork in Clay Pot

Chapter 235: Episode 142 Braised Pork in Clay Pot

Under the wall outside the main gate clung a Campsis vine, from which the night wind had swept down two or three orange-red petals. They swirled into the room, landing on the green brick floor, and shone beautifully under the light of the tung oil lamp placed on the counter.

Suddenly, everything around became very quiet, leaving only the rustling of Meng Yuhuai and Jing Taihe’s clothes as the wind billowed them.

From the back yard drifted the faint scent of rich aromas, with Chun Xi and La Mei—those two busybodies—originally there tending to the fire. Hearing voices that sounded somewhat familiar from the front, they hurried over in a fluster, and upon lifting their gaze to see Meng Yuhuai standing at the gate, their eyes widened in surprise, "My, isn’t that brother Yuhuai? What brings you here at this time?"

"...I came to have a look," Meng Yuhuai smiled at them, skirting around the heavy topics lightly.

"No wonder people in the village always say that you, Taihe brother, and Great Saint have a bond even closer than real brothers," La Mei nodded vigorously in agreement upon hearing this, then glanced outside the door, "You must have just rushed back from the County, haven’t even been home yet, eh? Tsk tsk tsk, truly kind-hearted!"

With the two women there, Hua Xiaomai couldn’t say much. Jing Taihe faltered for a moment, then quickly stepped forward to relieve the tension, making light conversation, "Ahem, brother Yuhuai, my sister has invited everyone from the Shun Escort Agency over for tomorrow. You could have just come with them, why the rush?"

Meng Yuhuai cast an intentional glance in Hua Xiaomai’s direction, then quickly retracted it, and gave Jing Taihe a smile, "That wouldn’t be right."

Chun Xi and La Mei, unaware of the previous events, muttered to each other about what could be so improper. Hua Xiaomai wanted to laugh but dared not, instead turning away to fixate on the row of wine jars on the wooden rack by the wall. Hua Erniang, however, paid no mind to these niceties, seeing her two younger sisters planted in place, she waved her small hand and spoke out plainly, "Since everything is nearly ready, we might as well head back early. Tomorrow is sure to be a busy day; we must keep up our energy."

"Yes," Jing Taihe wasn’t used to handling situations where "you can’t just say anything you want," feeling somewhat awkward, he saw his wife take charge and swiftly chimed in beside her, "Two sisters-in-law, you should both head back too, tomorrow we’ll be relying on your help!"

Chun Xi and La Mei agreed, and diligently surveyed the surroundings to make sure nothing had been missed, and then, dusting off themselves, left the shop laughing and happy. Hua Erniang, with the support of Jing Taihe, rose from her chair. Hua Xiaomai gave them a look and then smiled, "You go ahead, I’ll be back once I’ve finished up here."

"What could you possibly have to do at this hour?" Meng Yuhuai turned to look at her, his brow slightly furrowed.

"Hmm, there’s a main dish," Hua Xiaomai smiled back at him, "Isn’t tomorrow’s feast laid out at two tables? Uncle Ke and Uncle Qiao are all food lovers; I thought to prepare some delicious dishes to welcome them."

Hua Erniang was slightly displeased, her mouth twitching, as her eyelids twitched, "How can you be left here alone? The village’s east entrance is right by the main road; what if... "

"So what do you suggest?" Hua Xiaomai tilted her head, cheerfully saying, "Nowadays, you really shouldn’t wear yourself out, and I wouldn’t dare keep you here to accompany me. I used to set up a stall by the river and got used to walking home at night; I’m not afraid. You’d better go home with my brother-in-law and have him heat up the eel soup I made for lunch for you, and then you can rest well. You are now the most protected member of our family; we can’t afford any mistakes with you. At most, I’ll delay another hour, then I’ll head back."

"Sister is right; you indeed can’t stay up too late. I’ll accompany you back," Jing Taihe scratched the back of his head and joined in the persuading. For some reason, he glanced at Meng Yuhuai and blurted out, "My wife now eats five meals a day, hahaha," and got a fierce pinch in the waist from Hua Erniang.

"Sister Xiaomai, are you sure you don’t need us to stay with you?" Chun Xi and La Mei stood at the door, hesitating as they looked towards Hua Xiaomai’s face.

Hua Xiaomai knew that the two of them were eager to get home, so she laughed and waved her hand, "No need, you wouldn’t be able to help much here anyway. It’s better you go home and rest early, tomorrow we’ll still depend on you two sisters-in-law to help me with everything!"

Chun Xi and La Mei nodded and cheerfully left. Hua Erniang took Hua Xiaomai’s hand and insisted on giving her another reminder not to stay too late, and then followed Jing Taihe towards the west side of the village.