Chef Hua
Chapter 349: Episode 198 Big Opportunity_2

Chapter 349: Episode 198 Big Opportunity_2

"I’m not scared, I’m just..." Hua Xiaomai waved her hand in frustration and then widened her eyes, "Isn’t there really a competition?"

"No," Meng Yuhuai shook his head helplessly, "This matter has been assigned to specialists. We will choose a location near the County Government. The restaurants that wish to participate must submit their menus. Then, their chefs will have to cook some dishes in person to demonstrate their skills. From there, five restaurants will be selected and Magistrate Tao will make the final decision. The results will be posted and announced broadly."

"Is it just... that simple?" Hua Xiaomai felt a significant relief in her heart.

"What did you think it was? So complicated?" Meng Yuhuai raised an eyebrow.

Hua Xiaomai laughed, "If that’s so, I might as well participate. But... what does this have to do with Lianshun Escort Agency?"

Meng Yuhuai nodded, "Hmm, I’ve discussed with Uncle Ke, planning to first talk up your small restaurant in front of Magistrate Tao, sort of as a recommendation. Firstly, to protect you from being eliminated in the preliminary round, and secondly, if you really get selected and manage the dinner for the notable guests, Lianshun Escort Agency will also gain a lot of favor in the eyes of Magistrate Tao."

As a trade like the Escort Agency, though they prefer not to deal too much with the Government, they cannot do without the government’s protection. Hua Xiaomai understood this point. If this matter succeeded, it would be beneficial for all, so naturally, she had no objections, just murmured half-jokingly, "My skills are right there, no one can steal or snatch them away; do we need Lianshun Escort Agency for protection? I don’t believe that within Fuzhe County, there’s anyone with culinary skills like mine!"

Meng Yuhuai couldn’t help but smile, looked up to her face, slightly propped himself up, and touched her lips with his, "Of course, I know you’re skilled and extremely confident—about to shoot through the roof—but you also need to understand that hosting a banquet for the government is coveted by everyone in the catering business. There might be those who resort to scheming and dirty tricks. If something goes wrong, wouldn’t you be wronged? My so-called ’protection’ is just ensuring fairness for you."

He paused, then added, "However, don’t expect this distinguished guests’ dinner to make you money; at most, it won’t cause you loss. If you’re hosting this banquet, it’s not for the silver. You should understand that."

"I know!" Hua Xiaomai glared at him, contemplating his words, and then nodded in agreement, "Alright, if that’s the case, I might as well go ahead and give it a try. I need some time to decide on the menu, to consider what dishes will best showcase my skills—sigh, I’ve got my work cut out for me!"

"Even if it’s busy, it’s not right this moment." Meng Yuhuai smiled, wrapping his arms around her waist and pulling her into his embrace; with a flick of the blanket, he playfully tucked them both beneath it.

...

The dinner for the distinguished guests was indeed a significant event. Early the next morning, Hua Xiaomai went to the small restaurant in the eastern part of the village, and as soon as she entered, she shared the news with Chun Xi, La Mei, and Zhou Yunyun.

Chun Xi and La Mei needed no prompting to cheer joyfully, wholeheartedly exclaiming, "Xiaomai’s cooking skills will definitely stand out, our little restaurant is on the road to making it big!" Watching them delight in glee, more exuberant than earning a hundred silver pieces, Hua Xiaomai couldn’t help but smile. Turning around, she saw Zhou Yunyun standing quietly at the side, her eyes seemingly pleased yet with a hint of timidity, her fingers nervously twisting together, apparently pondering something.

Since the girl had started apprenticing at the restaurant, she had become increasingly cheerful, occasionally cracking jokes with Chun Xi and La Mei, though she was still somewhat introverted, habitually keeping her thoughts to herself and tinkering alone, which was quite frustrating to witness.

Seeing her like this again, Hua Xiaomai frowned, waved her over, and said with a smile, "What’s wrong now? You think there’s something inappropriate about the distinguished guests’ dinner?"

"No, not at all," Zhou Yunyun, startled, quickly waved her hands and said, "It’s a great opportunity; how could there be anything wrong? I’m thrilled that my master is participating, just that..."

"Speak clearly, if you keep mumbling, I’ll ban you from touching the cookware for three days," Hua Xiaomai sternly warned.

Zhou Yunyun had initially come to apprentice merely to escape her drunken father for a few days of peace. However, once she started cooking, she developed a genuine interest and wished she could spend all her waking hours beside the stove. The threat of being barred from cooking genuinely scared her, prompting her to blurt out her thoughts, almost biting her tongue in her flurry.

"I’ll say it, just don’t...," she stammered nervously, making a mess of her words, "I was just thinking... if our little restaurant really hosts the distinguished guests’ dinner, you’ll need a sous-chef, right? Could I... "

So that was it, such a trivial matter, and she was this worked up?

Hua Xiaomai almost laughed, she simply tapped on Zhou Yunyun’s forehead and said, "Are you silly? Not to mention that I indeed need help, even if I hadn’t mentioned it, couldn’t you just say it outright? Such a big event, you should definitely join in to gain experience. Not only on the day of the banquet but also during the preliminary selection, you’ll need to be there to help me with chopping and preparing the ingredients; I can’t do it without you!"

"Really?" Zhou Yunyun’s face flushed with excitement, her eyes sparkling, and she smiled brightly, nodding vigorously, "I’ll definitely help and not cause any trouble—but Master, have you decided how to plan the menu for the distinguished guests’ dinner?" (To be continued. If you like this work, you are welcome to vote with a recommendation ticket or monthly ticket at Qidian (qidian.com). Your support is my biggest motivation. Mobile users, please visit m.qidian.com to read.)