Chef Hua
Chapter 282: Episode 165: Repayment is Necessary_2

Chapter 282: Episode 165: Repayment is Necessary_2

"Sister..." Overcome with joy, he spoke incoherently, stammering, "When Su initially asked me to find you, I didn’t understand why, but today I see the light of his high regard for you! I know you put a lot of thought into preparing this table of dishes, and that it must have cost quite a bit of money as well—not to mention the ingredients, just the set of white porcelain bowls and plates were specially chosen to complement the beauty of the dishes, weren’t they? We... we are practically strangers, yet you have put so much effort into this... Your kindness, I must repay. Please accept these two ingots of silver as payment for the meal, and do not refuse!"

"Why refuse the silver rightfully earned?" After exchanging a few pleasantries with him, Hua Xiaomai accepted the money, smiling and saying, "Lady, there are many dishes you can’t eat right now, but you’re free from such restrictions, why not try some to see how they taste?"

"There’s no rush for that!" Wu Wenhong waved his hands vigorously and said, "I’ve decided we’re friends, and I will undoubtedly be visiting you more in the future, guaranteed to enjoy endless delicious dishes. But I have to ask, with such remarkable culinary skills, why do you only run a small inn in this little village? Not to mention the County or the Prefecture, even in the Capital, there would surely be a place for you!"

Hua Xiaomai had been asked this question countless times by others, so she simply curved her lips slightly and said, "I’ve never dared to dream about the Capital, but I must confess, in July, I did go to the Provincial City to participate in the ’Eight Treasures Conference.’ Seeing so many famous chefs there, how could I not be tempted? But I know what I am capable of. Having a head big enough for the hat I wear, I know that although I can cook, I have absolutely no experience in business management. I need to start slowly and take things step by step. If one day the time is right, I’ll definitely go there to test my skills."

Wu Wenhong agreed wholeheartedly with her perspective, saying, "It’s good that you think this way. Everything needs to be done step by step. How can one expect to become rich overnight? But as for the Provincial City, without someone to help, it can be quite challenging to make progress. Do you have any connections or acquaintances there?"

Connections? Hua Xiaomai inwardly curled her lips. Originally, Song Jingxi could have been a good "connection," but Hua had bluntly refused her, and it was likely there would be no future interactions. As for acquaintances...

"There’s someone from the same village who does business in the Provincial City, and I’m in a small partnership with him," she said with a smile.

"What business?" Wu Wenhong immediately inquired.

"It’s nothing much, just me making various sauces, and he sells them in the Provincial City. Each month, I earn a little money from it, that’s all."

"Ah, that’s good, very good. It’s always nice to have some extra income for the household," Wu Wenhong nodded repeatedly, then added with a smile, "With such great cooking skills, making sauces must be a piece of cake for you. I know there’s an Antai Garden in the Provincial City, a century-old establishment with booming business. Now, I’m afraid it’s only a matter of time before you take over all their customers!"

...

After chatting for a while in the private room, it was really late, so Wu Wenhong and his wife took their leave, planning to find accommodation near the official road to rest before heading back to Qingping County the next morning.

Hua Xiaomai sent the couple off, then quickly cleaned up and prepared to go home.

She had indeed put a lot of effort into the dishes that day and was very satisfied with them. While cooking, she had intentionally made extra, intending to bring some back for Meng Yuhuai to taste.

But what was wrong with him today? Usually, by midnight, he would definitely come to pick her up, but now it was so late, and he was nowhere to be seen?

Lazy and negligent just days after marriage—unacceptable, thoroughly unacceptable!

Hua Xiaomai pouted, grumbling to herself, and packed the dishes into a food container. As usual, she instructed Zhou Yunyun to lock the door properly, and left with Chun Xi and La Mei.

Excitement was inevitable on the way home as they discussed the events of the day. Chun Xi and La Mei were thrilled, praising Hua Xiaomai to the skies, and kept saying that the Soft Cake made with La Mei and firethorn looked so appealing at one glance that it penetrated deeply into one’s heart. They nagged her endlessly, asking her to find the time to make it again, so they could also taste this novelty. Hua Xiaomai agreed with a chuckle and parted ways with them at the crossroad, turning into the small path toward her house.

It was almost midnight. Every household had gone to bed, and not even an insect could be heard chirping in the winter night. All around was so silent that not a single sound was audible.

Approaching the entrance of her house, she saw the gate was ajar, and it was pitch dark inside, which truly annoyed her.

It was one thing not to pick her up—she wasn’t so frail or capricious, and returning with Chun Xi and La Mei was just as good. But for that man named Meng to actually go to bed himself? What was that all about? At least he could have left a light on for her!

Standing at the doorway, she suddenly felt reluctant to enter. She looked at the food box in her hand and cursed in her heart.

What a bastard! Going out of her way to bring you good food, and this is how you repay me? Not even a dog deserves it!

The cold outside during the winter night eventually became unbearable. After cursing for a moment, a gust of wind blew behind her, causing her to shiver with cold. She could no longer care about her displeasure and quickly pushed the door open to enter.

The yard was enveloped in darkness, and the various items placed in the corners looked somewhat ominous in the ink-black shadows, as if they were monstrous creatures ready to pounce at any moment. Hua Xiaomai scanned her surroundings and was about to store the items in the kitchen when, suddenly, she heard a rustling noise. The door on her left opened, and a figure burst out, rushing towards her with a furious roar.

"What time do you call this, eh? Coming home in the dark, tell me, where on earth have you been!" (To be continued. If you like this work, please come to Qidian (qidian.com) to cast your recommendation ticket, monthly ticket. Your support is my greatest motivation. Mobile users, please visit m.qidian.com to read.)