Chef Hua
Chapter 317: Episode 182 Wild Mushrooms Hot Pot_2

Chapter 317: Episode 182 Wild Mushrooms Hot Pot_2

"Is that so?" Even with Meng Yuhuai’s calm temperament, he became somewhat angry upon hearing the news, his palm striking the table with a smack, his voice rising unconsciously, "I know that Huang Popi, always engaging in unsightly tricks, full of dirty schemes. If he had the guts to confront me openly, I would respect him as a real man. To think he took advantage when I was away from home..."

"Alright, alright," Hua Xiaomai pulled on his sleeve, "the matter has already passed. Why bother getting angry now? Isn’t it too late? I know what you are capable of, and that scoundrel won’t be able to escape. If he can’t produce the money to compensate us in three months, you can still settle scores with him then. We haven’t seen each other for so long, and you finally come back—can’t we talk about something happy?"

Seeing her like this, Meng Yuhuai could only swallow his anger for the moment, changed the subject, and chatted with her about everyday matters.

Hua Xiaomai had been working hard for several days and was extremely tired. She managed to muster her energy when Meng Yuhuai returned, but now, warmed by the brazier, drowsiness attacked her once more. Sitting by the couch, she yawned repeatedly.

Meng somebody noticed that she seemed to be lacking in energy, lightly touched her black hair, and spoke softly, "You seem very tired. Have the small restaurant and Sauce Garden been too demanding lately? Tomorrow morning, I must first stop by the Escort Agency. I need to inform Uncle Ke in detail about this journey. I’ll be back by the latest in the afternoon, and I’ll go find you in the east of the village. If you’re too busy to handle things on your own, just wait there for me to come and lend a hand."

Hua Xiaomai, with half-closed eyes and a small smile, nodded her head, "Okay, you’ve been away for more than forty days, and you probably haven’t had a proper meal. Since you’re going to the restaurant tomorrow, I’ll prepare something nice for you. I’ll go and boil some water now; you should wash up and go to bed early too." Saying this, she got up.

Meng Yuhuai quickly pressed her back down, laughing helplessly, "Alright, there’s no need for you to bother. I can do it myself. If you’re really that tired, go to sleep."

After speaking, he got up, tucked her into the couch, covering her snugly with the blanket, then hurried out.

...

The next day, Meng Yuhuai went to Lianshun Escort Agency bright and early, but he rushed back to Fire Knife Village around noon, heading straight for the restaurant in the east of the village.

It was indeed the right time for his return, just as he witnessed the bustling scene around the takeout stand at the entrance, he couldn’t help being surprised.

He had been to Qi State this trip and, not wanting to delay too long outside, had traveled day and night, totaling just over forty days—for such a short month, the restaurant’s business had improved to this extent!

Hua Xiaomai had always been known for her culinary skills, something he was well aware of; however, running a food business wasn’t solely reliant on cooking skills. From this view, perhaps his wife indeed had a knack for business?

"Eh, why have you come back so soon?"

Hua Xiaomai was busy at the outdoor stove, the sound of sizzling oil, and a light smoke pervaded the air, carrying the scent of cooking. Once she inadvertently looked up and saw him standing there in a daze, she smiled and said, "I’m quite busy right now. Maybe you could go upstairs and sit in the private room for a while? I’ve specially prepared a dish for you. Once I finish these chores, I’ll bring it up and we can eat together."

Meng Yuhuai smiled and agreed, then turned to enter the main hall and went upstairs. After approximately the time it takes an incense stick to burn, Hua Xiaomai cheerfully pushed open the door and entered, carrying a copper pot, with Zhou Yunyun following behind her, carrying a small charcoal stove, looking rather tentative.

"Alright, you go and attend to your tasks. Today’s two seasoning techniques that I taught you, you should dwell on them by yourself." Hua Xiaomai sent her off in a few words, turned back with a squint and smiled at Meng Yuhuai, "You must be starving, right? Even though it’s already spring, the weather seems colder than in December. Try the dish I’ve made. After two bowls, you’ll be warm from head to toe."

No sooner had she finished speaking than she placed the copper pot on the charcoal stove and skillfully lit the fire. It wasn’t long before the broth in the pot boiled, and a rich fragrance filled the room with the rising steam.

Today, Hua Xiaomai had prepared a Wild Mushroom hotpot.

Most of the game Wu Wenhong sent over some days ago had been eaten, but there were still plenty of different types of wild mushrooms left. Bamboo fungus, porcini, morels, and chicken-of-the-woods were torn into thin strips and simmered in a rich broth made from pork bones, old chicken, and beef. Just before serving, a plate of fish slices was added. The broth was a pale yellow, which together with the snow-white fish slices and the dark mushrooms, didn’t show vibrant colors but had a different kind of warm appeal.

The texture and aroma of the wild mushrooms were excellent, and after fully absorbing the flavors of the broth, they became exceptionally plump and glistening. Biting into them, the mouthful filled with rich fragrance, and the hot, mellow broth cascaded down the throat. Occasionally, picking up a piece of the crisp fish, not just the mouth was overwhelmed with freshness, but a warmth rose through the body, bringing an immediate sense of satisfaction.

Hua Xiaomai, having been smoked by the kitchen fumes all morning, was quite off-put by the smell and had little appetite, content to sit to the side and occasionally serve Meng Yuhuai some dishes. Seeing him happily consume nearly half a pot of wild mushrooms and heartily drink two large bowls of soup, she smiled and said, "Have you eaten your fill? If you have, I have something to discuss with you." (To be continued. If you like this work, you are welcome to cast your recommendation ticket and monthly ticket at Qidian (qidian.com). Your support is my greatest motivation. Mobile users, please visit m.qidian.com to read.)