Chef Hua
Chapter 266: Episode 157: Marriage (2)_2

Chapter 266: Episode 157: Marriage (2)_2

She didn’t have time to think if it was Meng Yuhuai who had left it there or if old Lady Meng had brought it in, she quickly found a piece of cloth and tucked it around her neck and sleeves, and then washed her face thoroughly. Seeing the water turning somewhat milky and her face finally becoming clean again, she felt comfortable. She then hid the basin with the leftover water behind a large pot and walked back to sit by the bed.

Noises of loud conversations and toasts from the courtyard faintly drifted in, it seemed like the feast had already begun. Hua Xiaomai touched her somewhat flattened stomach and pouted a bit resentfully. Although she tried hard not to breathe deeply, her nose still caught a hint of the aroma of food.

Hmm, was this steamed yellow croaker? Sea fish, ah, it’s rare in Fire Knife Village. Where did that guy Meng Yuhuai get it? But... it seems there’s too much ginger and green onion, overpowering the fresh aroma, no, that won’t do, that won’t do...

She shook her head disapprovingly and sniffed again.

Oh, the cook made beef tripe salad too? But without this lady’s overpowering chili oil, how can your dish be delicious?

Wait, wait, did she also smell sea cucumber? That prodigal Meng Yuhuai, who spends money so recklessly! Moreover, the sea cucumber was cooked using a clear braising technique, the sauce was too thick, suppressing its fresh flavor, what a waste!

... Although she felt the cook’s skills were not up to par, just smelling the aroma without being able to taste it made her stomach growl even more. Speaking of which, getting married, the guests outside only cared about their own merry drinking, but why did nobody think of taking care of the bride in the room?

Hua Xiaomai rubbed her eyes, feeling more and more aggrieved as she thought about it, and was just about to stand up and wander around again when suddenly a door noise was heard, and a small head peeked in.

"Sister Xiaomai..." The little girl dashed in with three or four bowls in her hands, standing at the doorway smiling sweetly at Hua Xiaomai.

"Yuejiao?" Hua Xiaomai quickly stood up, "What are you doing here?"

"My parents came for the feast, and I came along for the fun!" Luo Yuejiao grinned naturally, took a few steps forward, and placed all the dishes on the table, "Brother Yuhuai saw me and sent me to the kitchen to get some dishes for you to eat. He really cares about you, even though he’s being forced to drink outside, he’s still worried about you being hungry!"

Hua Xiaomai gave her a tight-lipped, fake smile and walked over to the table to look at the dishes—indeed, they were what she had guessed. She then picked up the chopsticks without any hesitation, took a couple of bites, and mumbled to Luo Yuejiao, "It’s good you came, I didn’t eat much this morning, and now I’m starving— but are you sure no one will say anything about you just barging in here?"

"You mean old Lady Meng?" Luo Yuejiao was always quick-witted in matters other than cooking, and she tilted her head playfully, "You don’t have any close relatives in Fire Knife Village, not even someone to escort the bride, and I’m your bridesmaid. Plus, it was Brother Yuhuai who asked me to come in. What can she say? Even if she’s upset, she can’t make a scene in front of so many people on such a joyful day, right?"

Hua Xiaomai thought about it and felt relieved, then she picked up a piece of sea cucumber with her chopsticks, chewed it a couple of times with a frown, and swallowed it.

"Doesn’t taste good, does it?" Luo Yuejiao laughed, "I’ve eaten the meals you cooked several times, and I’ve become quite picky. I tried a bit just now and didn’t think much of it either! But now that you’re married, you should take advantage of the ready-made meals while you can. You’ll be the one cooking later, and who knows how stressful that will be!"

"My cooking skills are fine, it’s just a bit of hassle. What’s there to worry about? It’s you I’m worried about—I shudder to think about your future." Hua Xiaomai joked back with a smile. Although she didn’t enjoy the meal, she ate a bit to fill her stomach. Luo Yuejiao sat at the table and chatted with her for a while before quietly picking up the bowl and slipping out.

...

The room fell silent again. With nothing to do, Hua Xiaomai sat by the bed for a while, then stood by the window. Bored out of her mind, she began counting on her fingers, pondering how to manage the restaurant to quickly make a name and boost the business. She couldn’t come up with a plan and only succeeded in making herself tired.

She waited until evening, nodding off several times. Each time she fell into a half-asleep daze, her head would smack against the bed frame, causing her to grimace in pain. Finally, when it was fully dark, the noise outside the courtyard subsided, and she heard a steady set of footsteps approaching. Just as she looked up, Meng Yuhuai strode in.

Hua Xiaomai suddenly felt a bit nervous.

It was strange; she had known him for so long and had never been afraid of this man before, but now, she felt her palms sweating. She widened her eyes and stared at him intently, daring not to make a single move.

Meng Yuhuai could hold his liquor, but since he often worked as an Escort Master, he refrained from drinking much to avoid mistakes. Today was a joyous occasion, so he couldn’t refuse the extra glasses pushed his way. Fortunately, he knew his limit and didn’t get drunk.

He walked up to Hua Xiaomai in just a few steps. The crisp scent of alcohol wafted from him. He appeared somewhat nervous, balling and then relaxing his hands at his sides. After a long silence, he finally raised his hand and gently touched Hua Xiaomai’s freshly washed cheek, smiling, "Have you been waiting long?"

Hua Xiaomai nodded then shook her head, pursing her lips, "Not really." She paused, and then said, "Can I ask you a question?"

She had been holding this question in her mind all day, and she couldn’t feel at ease without voicing it!

Meng Yuhuai’s eyes held a hint of inquisitive light, but he still nodded with a smile, "Go ahead."

Hua Xiaomai took a deep breath, "Today, you spent quite a bit of money setting up the feast, didn’t you? Where did you hire that chef from, and do you even know that he’s totally unreliable?"

(To be continued. If you enjoy this work, you’re welcome to vote for it with a recommendation ticket or monthly ticket at Qidian (qidian.com). Your support is my greatest motivation. Mobile users, please visit m.qidian.com to read.)