Chef Hua
Chapter 319: Story 183: Banquet Hall_2

Chapter 319: Story 183: Banquet Hall_2

Hua Xiaomai had been waiting for just these words and immediately scooted over to sit beside him, slipping her hand into his palm, she smiled coyly and said softly, "What a coincidence, I actually have a favor to ask of you!"

Listen, even that word "please" was stressed, indicating this matter must not be easy, right?

Meng Yuhuai looked down at her smiling face and the corners of his lips involuntarily curved upwards, "You may speak, but if it’s too difficult, I might not be able to help."

"You can, you definitely can!" Hua Xiaomai eagerly nodded her head, "Actually, it’s not something difficult... You, being an Escort Master, deal with all sorts of people and have a broad network. I was wondering if in the next few days, you could ask a few brothers from Lianshun Escort Agency to help spread the word? It doesn’t have to be too formal, just a mention among acquaintances will do. If we could attract more people to come for the banquet, that would be perfect. And, could you also greet Uncle Ke for me? If he’s feeling well on the fourth, could he also come along, would that be alright?"

This time, it was Meng Yuhuai’s turn to be a bit bewildered, "I thought it was something troublesome. For such a small matter, you even used the word ’please’?"

Embarrassed, Hua Xiaomai touched her temple, "What can I do, you are always so strict? Though simple, it unavoidably involves owing favors. In case you’re reluctant to involve our family business too deeply with the Escort Agency, wouldn’t that make it difficult for you—now tell me, are you really willing to help me with this?"

Meng Yuhuai looked at her helplessly, "Alright, tomorrow when I go to the Escort Agency, I’ll mention this to Dazhong and the others. The people who are left usually have a good relationship with me, so they should not refuse. As for whether Uncle Ke can come at that time, I really can’t say for sure, but I’ll invite him."

"Then I must thank you in advance!" Hua Xiaomai grinned widely, hugging his neck and the two then discussed details of the opening day once more.

...

Suddenly, it was the fourth of February. Early in the morning, five or six large round tables were set up in front of Sauce Garden. Hua Xiaomai led Chun Xi, La Mei, and Zhou Yunyun as they busied themselves in the kitchen. Meng Yuhuai was in charge of greeting the arriving congratulatory guests in the front yard. Red banners hung all around, brimming with joy, and the signboard hung outside the door bore the prominent and brand-new gleaming letters "Zhenwei Garden," shining under the sunlight.

The banquet was all about lively gatherings, disregarding rank or familiarity, where people squeezed together, ate their meals, wiped their mouths, and left, with a continuous stream of newcomers following. If the host had good connections, the banquet could very well extend from noon deep into the night.

Meng Yuhuai had always been quite popular in Fire Knife Village, and with many brothers from Lianshun Escort Agency showing up to support, there was naturally no shortage of guests. Hua Xiaomai had once run a food stall by the river for a long time, known to everyone in Fire Knife Village for her culinary skills. However, since she opened a small restaurant to the east of the village, some, due to the distance and desiring to live frugally, were hesitant to spend much on eating and hadn’t tasted her dishes for a long time. Learning that she personally catered the banquet, how could they miss such an opportunity? They came from all directions, quickly filling the tables.

Before it was even noon, the cold dishes were already served and not long after, the steaming hot dishes followed. Hua Xiaomai really intended to make a mark today, sparing no expense on the ingredients for dishes rarely seen on ordinary days, with all sauces handmade by herself. The aroma alone, without even tasting the food, was enough to make mouths water. Instantly, the yard was filled with the clinking of cups and loud voices.

Wu Wenhong and his lady had not yet shown up, but Su Yuchang and his wife arrived with beaming smiles, exclaiming, "With such fine food at no cost, who wouldn’t come; would only a fool not attend?" Even so, they hadn’t forgotten to bring a gift. Ke Zhenwu wasn’t able to come himself and had Dazhong convey his congratulations to Hua Xiaomai, saying that once he felt better, he definitely wanted to visit.

The vast yard was packed, and Meng Yuhuai, not used to handling such crowded situations, felt somewhat overwhelmed even with Chun Xi and La Mei’s help. In the back kitchen, Hua Xiaomai was also relentlessly busy.

She knew that managing the banquet alone was simply asking for trouble. However, during a busy moment, she took a walk in the courtyard and seeing people everywhere, including many who had specifically come from the main road and the County, she felt a tremendous sense of satisfaction.

In business, who doesn’t hope for good luck on the opening day? Regardless of how many of today’s guests would become future customers of Zhenwei Garden’s sauces, the lively scene and resulting discussions alone were enough to spark anticipation.

Approaching the latter part of the afternoon, after the mealtime, many left the yard, bringing some quiet. Hua Xiaomai and Meng Yuhuai could finally catch a break. After being busy all afternoon, the two hadn’t managed to eat a single hot bite. At this moment, Zhou Yunyun went to the kitchen and carefully brought out two bowls of noodles, setting them before them.

"Master, Yuhuai, my skills aren’t great, just make do and don’t dislike them," she said a bit abashedly before turning to run back to the kitchen.

Hua Xiaomai couldn’t help but laugh and cry at the same time, catching hold of her before she could leave, just about to say something, when a man’s voice came from the direction of the entrance.

"Is this Zhenwei Garden? Miss, do you still remember me?" (To be continued. If you like this work, we welcome you to visit Qidian (qidian.com) to vote for it with a recommendation ticket or monthly ticket. Your support is my greatest motivation.)