Chef Hua
Chapter 251: Episode 150: Fresh Drunken Crab

Chapter 251: Episode 150: Fresh Drunken Crab

All the intricate matters of setting up the engagement were managed by Hua’s second wife, leaving Hua Xiaomai without a care in the world, and at this point in the proceedings, it wasn’t suitable for her to meet Meng Yuhuai anymore. Thus, she continued to busily work at the restaurant each day.

Though she claimed to be "busy", that wasn’t entirely the case, as business was slow and she spent most of her time idle. Staying in the hall for too long, she felt as if insects were crawling all over her, making her restless and anxious, and she could hardly sit still.

Although the rent for that year had been paid and she didn’t need to worry about it temporarily, but...what restaurant owner doesn’t hope for a full house? After several days of only managing to make two or three sales from morning till evening, how could anyone feel content?

The weather was still warm, and the meat and vegetables in the kitchen couldn’t be kept for long—the unused portions had to be taken home. Hua Xiaomai was idle anyway and felt a bit itchy to cook, so she ended up making a variety of dishes in the kitchen. Though no customers visited, she ensured Chun Xi and La Mei had their fill.

Luo Yuejiao had nothing to do at home and sometimes joined her sister-in-law at the restaurant to hang out with Hua Xiaomai. Every time she walked in, she would complain that Hua Xiaomai had no time to teach her cooking since starting the business, invariably ending up eating a bit before leaving satisfied.

They enjoyed their meals and seeing this, Hua Xiaomai naturally felt happy too, but if things continued this way... Forget making a profit; she feared that in a few months, all the capital would be drained!

That day, nearing noon, the restaurant was empty. Hua Xiaomai, under Chun Xi’s guidance, was awkwardly attempting to patch a shoe sole by a window-side table when Luo Yuejiao came by again.

As soon as she entered, La Mei burst out laughing, "Hey, Chun Xi, look at your sister-in-law’s perfect timing—it’s obvious she’s here to freeload, isn’t she?"

Luo Yuejiao was not upset and cast a half-serious glare at her, moved to Hua Xiaomai’s side, leant on the table, and propped up her face, quietly watching her struggle for a while, then suddenly said, "Xiaomai, are you considering changing careers since the restaurant business isn’t doing well?"

"Do you believe I would slap you?" Hua Xiaomai glared harshly at her, "Can’t you say something auspicious?"

Chun Xi burst into laughter, "Your sister Xiaomai is grasping at straws here! Goodness, she handles a spatula so deftly on a normal day, but who knew that with needle and thread, she’d be clumsier than you! I spent the entire morning teaching her, sweating buckets, and she’s only just getting the hang of it!"

Luo Yuejiao casually responded with a small grin and leaned in mysteriously, "Xiaomai, I have something to tell you. Just before I left home, I saw my mom talking to an auntie at the door, so I eavesdropped. They said Guan Rong is sick."

So does the love of gossip run in the family? Hua Xiaomai couldn’t help but glance at Chun Xi.

"Her being sick is a novelty?" La Mei interjected before she could speak, scoffing and then smacking her palm in annoyance, "I’m always stuck in this restaurant, and I have no clue about the village affairs anymore, it’s ridiculous you have to tell me this!"

"No, I heard she’s really seriously ill this time!" Luo Yuejiao seriously said, "Her mom hasn’t left the house in a long time, staying in all day to care for her. They’ve called in two or three doctors, and she has taken quite a bit of medicine, but there’s no improvement—Xiaomai, do you think she will die?"

Hua Xiaomai was caught between laughter and tears.

How could she respond to such a question?

Luo Yuejiao clearly wasn’t actually waiting for an answer, pursed her lips, and said, "However, my mom says she brought it on herself, that this is literally courting death. Even if she weren’t ill, she’d hardly dare to go out now."

"Exactly," Chun Xi agreed, "After a few times like this, she has lost her reputation completely. Whether she dies or not, what does it have to do with you, Xiaomai? The farther away from her, the better, out of sight, out of mind!"

"Hmm." Luo Yuejiao nodded, touched her stomach, and then smiled sheepishly, "I’m a bit hungry..."

"What did I say? She’s here to freeload!" La Mei exclaimed joyfully upon hearing this.

Hua Xiaomai was somewhat resigned, put down what she was working on, and looked up at her, "Hungry? Come in and help me." With that, she turned and walked to the kitchen.