Chef Hua
Chapter 330: Episode 189 Rival

Chapter 330: Episode 189 Rival

Hua Xiaomai did not consider herself a hard-hearted person; she was always willing to help those in genuine need, as long as she herself did not suffer a loss.

Take for instance Master Tan from the small tavern in Fuzhe County, while his misfortune was truly pitiable, his request to "buy sauce on credit" was, in Hua Xiaomai’s opinion, a bit much. If she really agreed, Zhenwei Garden would take a significant hit. She would never sacrifice her own interests or that of the entire Sauce Garden just to accommodate someone else’s business.

Lei An and his wife had been focused solely on making sauces for years, rarely worrying about the business side of the shop. But after all those years in the industry, having seen his fair share of things, he was well aware of the stakes. He immediately nodded and said, "I understand. You’re an old acquaintance of Master Tan, it would be awkward for you to speak too bluntly with him. It might be better for us clerks to refuse on your behalf, perhaps making it a bit easier. Don’t worry about it. If he comes, I have ways to send him off and make sure he gives up the idea."

This was exactly what Hua Xiaomai wanted to hear. She thanked him on the spot and gave him a rundown of various minor matters around the Sauce Garden. She then returned to the small restaurant, called Chun Xi, La Mei, and Zhou Yunyun, and informed them that they wouldn’t be doing business the next day as she had important matters to attend to. She asked them to find someone to write two notices to be posted at the entrance of the restaurant and nearby the main road so that patrons would not make a wasted trip.

The business at the small restaurant was really too good. She needed to pop by Zhenwei Garden from time to time, and after over a month of running back and forth, she felt stretched thin. At least for now, she had yet to find a reliable assistant. She had no choice but to muster her strength and persevere, silently remarking to herself that making money, while pleasing, was truly hard work.

Lei An had arranged for two clerks named Ma Qiang and He Fusheng to carry the sauces and follow Hua Xiaomai to Fuzhe County the next day. They agreed to meet at the western end of the village at the first sign of dawn. That evening, after returning home, she elaborated on her plan to Meng Yuhuai.

"I’ve thought it through carefully. If Zhenwei Garden’s sauces are to find good buyers, we must start with the biggest restaurants. Chunfeng Restaurant, owned by Old Master Zhao in Fuzhe County’s food industry, is also considered top-notch. Although I cannot claim close acquaintance with him, we are at least familiar with each other, which would make discussions more convenient. Tomorrow, I plan to visit his place first. If I can secure an order from him, that would be a splendid start. Do you know when he usually spends time at his restaurant?"

Meng Yuhuai pondered for a moment, then nodded, "Old Master Zhao is a connoisseur of food, and he’s particularly fond of Chef Wei’s cooking at his place. So, unless he’s occupied with other affairs, he’s usually lingering around Chunfeng Restaurant. But...just you leading the two clerks there? Do you need me to accompany you?"

"Can you spare the time?" Hua Xiaomai gave him a teasing glance, "Don’t think that just because I’m busy, I’m unaware of your situation. I have eyes, and I’ve been watching clearly these days. Uncle Ke has been carelessly throwing everything onto your shoulders while he enjoys being a hands-off boss. You have to arrange the men for the Escort Agency, deal with social obligations, and you could be called away at any moment. It seems you’re too busy as it is, so how could you find time for my affairs? I’m good-natured, you know, and don’t make a fuss about it. Otherwise, we would have been at odds long ago!"

Meng Yuhuai had no response to her lengthy speech, and after a long while finally said, "I know I’ve been busier recently, but...you’re a woman leading two clerks. If you run into something difficult..."

Seeing that he appeared to be carrying a genuine twinge of guilt, Hua Xiaomai quickly put on a magnanimous air and laughingly patted his shoulder, "It’s alright. Fuzhe County has always been peaceful. And even if there is trouble, with Ma Qiang and the others there, they’ll stand in for me. There’s no need for your undue worry. I can handle the current situation. Later on, if I really run into difficulties, I’ll come ask you for help, as long as you don’t ignore me."

After chatting in their room for a good while, they went to sleep. Early the next morning, Hua Xiaomai led Ma Qiang and He Fusheng to Fuzhe County, heading straight to Chunfeng Restaurant, which was not far from Lianshun Escort Agency.

Chunfeng Restaurant in Fuzhe County was renowned for its lavish and opulent decoration; from the tables and chairs to the variety of dining utensils, the attention to detail was evident, exuding an aura of luxurious charm that complemented Old Master Zhao’s ornately decorated mansion perfectly.