Chef Hua
Chapter 308: Issue 178 Caught

Chapter 308: Issue 178 Caught

A single statement awakened the dreamer, and Hua Xiaomai, upon reflection, truly sensed the possibility.

Overall, Fire Knife Village, and even the entirety of Fuzhe County, were known for their simple and unspoiled local customs; most of the residents here were kind-hearted and enthusiastic. Perhaps they had their little schemes, but they never harbored intentions to harm others. Yet at the same time, she had to admit that no matter the era or place, there was never a shortage of those who felt aggrieved if they couldn’t gain an advantage.

Reminded by Meng Yuhuai the other day, Hua Xiaomai investigated the backgrounds of those who had wanted to work at the Sauce Garden and indeed discovered that many of them were only trying to make some money before the busy farming season. Once farmwork became demanding, most of them would likely prioritize their fields over their duties. Keeping such individuals would have inevitably led to chaos in the Sauce Garden, so Meng Yuhuai took it upon himself to dismiss them, selecting only three or four individuals who were wholeheartedly intent on working. They agreed to start helping at the Sauce Garden after the New Year.

The fire in the vegetable garden last night could very well have been set by someone holding a grudge for not having their wishes fulfilled, looking for an opportunity to vent their anger!

Ah, they didn’t dare to act rashly when Meng Yuhuai was home, but they specifically waited for a time when only two women were left at the Meng Family household to make their move, and they even chose Chinese New Year’s Eve, which could certainly be described as despicable!

But... With the number of people Meng Yuhuai had sent away recently totaling around twenty, how could one swiftly determine the identity of the arsonist?

This was the sort of thing that would be frustrating just to think about, and Hua Xiaomai couldn’t help but sigh. Reminded by Great Saint, Chun Xi also came to her senses, touching her cheek and ponderously said, "That’s right, the hiring for the Sauce Garden was done at our little restaurant. During those days, Yuhuai dismissed quite a few people, and everyone left with an ugly expression. If they just grumbled a bit inwardly and got angry for a while, that’d be one thing, but what I fear most is that someone is harboring thoughts of revenge!"

Without concerning herself with the reactions of Hua Xiaomai and the others, she just mumbled to herself, "This is really troublesome. There were quite a number of people coming and going in our little restaurant during those days; who knows which one harbored ill intentions? Should we perhaps pull each one in for questioning?... That wouldn’t be right. They’re not fools; they surely wouldn’t admit it so easily, then..."

Hua Xiaomai found this amusing and tugged at her, saying, "Sister-in-law Chun Xi, you’re really assuming the role of a female constable!"

"So what if I am?" Chun Xi replied matter-of-factly, twisting her neck, "I know I’m not cut out for that kind of work, but anyone would feel uneasy having such a thing happen to them. If I try to come up with a solution, maybe there really is a way!"

Great Saint, who was nearby, laughed and said, "Alright, there’s no need for you to rack your brains here, nor get anxious over this. With Yuhuai away, it’s my duty as a brother to lend a hand when needed. If you ask me, you might as well leave this matter to me—Sister-in-law, the people who responded to the recruitment at your little restaurant those few days, they were all from our village, right? Do you still remember who they were?"

Hua Xiaomai truly bowed her head and thought hard for a while, then frowned slightly in difficulty, "I have some impression of those I usually run into in the village, but there were a few I rarely see and don’t remember their names very well..."

"No matter, if you can’t remember, it’s just more trouble at most." Great Saint seemed unconcerned, smiling broadly and reassuringly at her, "This will take a few days, leave it to me, and you don’t have to worry about it anymore. Just wait for me to bring the person before you."

He spoke as if he had a plan, then turned to leave.

Hua Xiaomai quickly called out to him, "Great Saint, I know you’re prudent, but about this matter... Let me ask one more question out of concern. What do you intend to do? I’m worried that if you cause too much commotion without catching the culprit, it might instead alert him..."

"Just keep your worries to yourself." Great Saint turned back and laughed heartily, "You might not believe it if I told you, but don’t you see that Yuhuai is quite serious now? Still, when it comes to tricking information out of someone, he’s quite adept! I’ve hung around with him since childhood and learned a trick or two. It may not be particularly useful for big things, but it’s enough to deal with a couple of shameless thieves! Just enjoy the New Year without worry, give me no more than five days, and I guarantee I’ll catch the culprit and bring them before you!"

With this assured declaration, Hua Xiaomai held back further questions and smiled as she sent him out the door. Turning around, Chun Xi, La Mei, Luo Yuejiao, and Zhou Yunyun also took their leave, one after another. After a brief exchange of pleasantries at the doorstep, everyone headed back to their homes.