Chef Hua
Chapter 355: Episode 201 Battle of the Chefs (Part 2)_2

Chapter 355: Episode 201 Battle of the Chefs (Part 2)_2

Zhou Yunyun was startled and hurriedly apologized, her face flushing red. Hua Xiaomai knew she took everything seriously, so she comforted her, then pulled out some coins and asked her to buy two packets of Beechnut cakes to bring back for Chun Xi and La Mei to try.

The girl, not daring to delay, scurried off and returned in a moment, still looking apologetic, and whispered, "Master, I really didn’t mean to earlier, I... got lost in thought..."

"What were you thinking about that had you so engrossed?" Hua Xiaomai glanced at her, "Could it be that after seeing that handsome Mr. Han just now, your little heart couldn’t stop pounding?"

"Master, you can’t joke about that!" Zhou Yunyun, quite frightened, clutched her chest and stepped back, "If word got out, I’d be too ashamed to face anyone! I’m telling you the truth, I was just wondering... could it really be that you’re going to compete with Mr. Han?"

"You clearly heard me and him set the terms, how could it be false?" Hua Xiaomai laughed, "I guess you’ve also noticed, he’s very eager to compete with me. He spared us the trouble of preliminaries, and just for that reason alone, I should fulfill his wish. Looking at your face, you seem very worried? It’s just a fair competition, I really don’t understand what you’re afraid of."

"Thinking about it... there really isn’t much to fear, it’s just..." Zhou Yunyun thought for a while, "Mr. Han must be a fantastic chef, right? I heard people around the area saying his Biyue Pavilion is quite famous in the Provincial City. Master, you didn’t even ask how the competition is to be judged, and all the rules are set by him, what if we end up at a disadvantage?"

A fantastic chef? Absolutely. Just remembering how Song Jingxi looked like she was facing a formidable opponent when she mentioned Han Fengzhi, it was clear this person was not easy to handle. If I could compete with him openly, without saying anything else, at least I could get a rough idea of what the culinary standards in the Provincial City are like.

Hua Xiaomai internally didn’t treat this competition as a trivial matter, but outwardly, she appeared nonchalant and said cheerfully to her shy disciple, "He’s formidable, but am I just a pushover? I guess I’m not far behind, right? Right now, you really don’t need to worry about me. Listen, a culinary duel is a rare spectacle in the culinary world, especially when experts clash, it’s thrilling to watch. Consider yourself lucky, when the time comes, you’d better keep your eyes wide open, watch carefully, and gain some experience for when you take charge of the kitchen. It will be hugely beneficial."

This speech... well, it seemed a bit too proud, but perhaps she didn’t need to be overly modest?

Zhou Yunyun, hearing this, truly became excited and nodded repeatedly, "Yes, I’ll definitely learn a lot then. I’ll also help you with all the preparations beforehand, Master, so you can just focus on winning beautifully!"

This was the most emotionally charged statement she had ever made, clearly filled with longing for the cooking competition, unable to control her excitement. Hua Xiaomai looked at her, smiled gently, and nodded, "Then I’ll take your good wishes."

...

That day, when Hua Xiaomai arrived at the Lianshun Escort Agency, she detailed the events of the preliminary competition to Meng Yuhuai. Meng didn’t expect that she would encounter such a situation and couldn’t help but get excited. The usually calm man suddenly became a bit more childlike, ignoring his wife and rushing to call Ke Zhenwu, insisting that he must come to watch the excitement the day after tomorrow, no matter what.

Ke Zhenwu, who always loved good food, naturally didn’t want to miss out on something so novel. He cheerfully agreed right then and there, even making a special trip from home to the Escort Agency, earnestly instructing Hua Xiaomai with a couple of words, essentially telling her to give it her all and win some respect for her small restaurant and Lianshun Escort Agency.

If Hua Xiaomai said her heart was completely calm, it would certainly be a lie. However, she had seen her fair share of grand scenes and was not so overwrought about competing ostentatiously with others that it made her anxious and unable to eat or sleep. On the contrary, since the preliminary selection for the eminent banquet was now settled, she felt much more relaxed. Every day as usual, she went back and forth between the small restaurant and Zhenwei Garden, only now she returned home an hour later than usual, staying in the kitchen to concentrate on refining her knife skills and seasoning.

Being challenged by an expert was indeed an honor. As the one being challenged, it was only right to exhibit some attitude. Should she deal with it casually, it would be an insult not only to herself but also to her opponent.

Time passed by in a flash, and before long, the day appointed for the culinary duel with Han Fengzhi arrived.

That morning, Chun Xi and La Mei closed the doors and posted a notice outside near the main road, declaring that the restaurant wouldn’t serve customers at noon because the owner was going to compete in a cooking challenge. Those interested were welcome to come and watch.

As noon drew near, all the tables in the hall were moved to one side, and two large stoves were set up in the center. Zhenwei Garden delivered several jars of fine common sauces, which were arranged on a long table to the side, complete with all kinds of stove accessories.

As expected, quite a number of people from the official road and many villagers hearing the news gathered to the east of the village and naturally formed a circle inside the restaurant, occasionally teasing Hua Xiaomai and expressing their excitement about witnessing a great spectacle today. Meng Yuhuai, accompanied by Ke Zhenwu, also hurried over, moving a stool to sit at the side, holding a cup of strong tea. The contest hadn’t even started yet, but he was already thrilled, laughing so hard that the wrinkles on his face seemed to smooth out.

The scene was undeniably grand, making Han Fengzhi take aback when he arrived. He opened his mouth in surprise and looked at Hua Xiaomai: "Miss, this is..."

"Everyone came willingly to watch. I can’t exactly kick them out," Hua Xiaomai replied with a smile. "Besides, although you said you didn’t need a judge, having witnesses makes the results of our competition seem fairer."

Han Fengzhi understood her intentions and smiled as well: "Then I should thank you first." He then turned and pointed to the cart loaded with vegetables and meat that had followed him, saying in a deep voice, "I have prepared plenty of ingredients. Everything is ready. Shall we begin right away?" (To be continued. If you enjoy this work, feel free to give a recommendation ticket or monthly ticket at Qidian (qidian.com). Your support is my greatest motivation. Mobile users, please read at m.qidian.com.)