Chef Hua
Chapter 364: Episode 205 Small Issues or Major Conflicts_2

Chapter 364: Episode 205 Small Issues or Major Conflicts_2

Speaking of it, solving that "problem" he mentioned was actually quite simple. At worst, they could just save up more money and move the whole family to Provincial City. It wasn’t such a big deal, but was the real issue really here?

Hua Xiaomai really wanted to have an honest and in-depth discussion with him, yet the thought that such a matter couldn’t be clarified in just a word or two made her feel somewhat powerless. She let out a long sigh from the depths of her chest and smiled faintly at him, "Let’s not talk about this anymore. It’s nothing. It’s getting late, we should hurry back home."

Having said that, she stood up from the table and called out towards the inner hall, "Yun’er, we’re leaving now. You lock up well tonight, be careful on your own, you hear?"

Before her words had ended, she had already quickly stepped out of the great hall.

This attitude...

Meng Yuhuai glanced at her and slowly shook his head, then stood up as well, took a step forward, and stood in front of her. He looked down and said, "Let’s go."

Zhou Yunyun ran out from the inner hall, stood at the door waving to them, and said with a smile, "Master, Yuhuai brother, take care on your way."

Hua Xiaomai nodded at her and turned around to walk side by side with Meng Yuhuai, disappearing into the night.

The two of them didn’t talk much on their way home. After returning, they quickly washed up and went to bed after putting out the lights. However, each was preoccupied with their own thoughts, and falling into a peaceful sleep proved to be not so easy.

This was probably the loneliest night they had spent together since their marriage. It was April, and the weather had already warmed up, but there seemed to be a cold breeze in the room, relentlessly sneaking into the bed.

Hua Xiaomai was wrapped in the blankets, lying on the bed and turning over several times. Although she felt very tired and her eyelids were fighting to close, she simply couldn’t fall asleep. Her mind was a mess of thoughts, incredibly annoying and impossible to stop.

After who knows how long, the person beside her suddenly let out a soft sigh and moved closer, pulling her into his embrace. The warm breath emanating from his body enveloped her entirely, and immediately a warmth surged to the soles of her feet.

The little wife’s mouth turned downwards in a silent pout, and she snuggled closer into his shoulder, drifting off into a daze.

...

Because Meng Yuhuai had drunk quite a bit the night before, the next morning, Hua Xiaomai got up especially early, went to the stove to cook a pot of thick millet porridge, and also fried two small fish. She picked a dish of homemade pickled vegetables and arranged everything neatly on the table.

Meng’s mother washed her face and brushed her teeth, her expression as sour as usual as she sat at the table. With a quick scan, she had assessed all the dishes and expressed her dissatisfaction, "This bland fare, how can anyone eat it?"

"Yuhuai had a couple extra drinks yesterday, light food is better for today," Hua Xiaomai replied without wanting to quibble, forcing a smile, "Last night’s meal was a bit greasy, you should also cleanse your digestive system."

"My gut is perfectly fine, no need for cleansing!" Meng’s mother shot her a glance, then pondered briefly, "The taste of the Five Spice Eight Treasures Duck yesterday was quite rich, if you have time, make it again for me today, bring it to me in the evening, and I’ll have it with a drink tomorrow."

As if I have the time? Hua Xiaomai grumbled inwardly but agreed cheerfully, then turned to see Meng Yuhuai coming out, so she filled a bowl with porridge and brought it to him.

Both deliberately avoided the unpleasantness of the previous night, engaging in trivial conversations. Meng Yuhuai couldn’t resist bringing up the literary banquet again, saying, "I’ll find some time today to inquire if there’s any news from Magistrate Tao regarding the final selection. If the topic is set, you should prepare in advance. You’ve met Chef Wei before and know he’s quite skilled; the other three are also often in charge of banquets, so they may have more experience than you. Don’t underestimate them."

"I understand," Hua Xiaomai nodded with a smile.

With the trouble yet to be officially put on the table, perhaps they could just pretend to be like quails and turn a blind eye. Thus, the couple casually set aside their worries, and breakfast was eaten in harmony. After breakfast, Hua Xiaomai efficiently arranged Meng’s mother’s meals for the day and then left the house with Meng Yuhuai.

What she didn’t expect was that before Meng Yuhuai could gather news about the literary banquet, someone from Magistrate Tao had already been sent to the small eatery on the eastern side of the village.

It was unclear whether the person had timed their visit with the peak mealtime. At that moment, Hua Xiaomai was bustling about between the kitchen and the takeaway stand outside, with the hissing of the hot oil never ceasing and white smoke carrying the aroma swirling midair, drifting into the village and onto the official road. Those who often passed by were used to it and would simply sniff, chuckle and walk away. However, the person who had just entered the village was somewhat startled, their eyes widening as they let out a surprised "Huh" and followed the scent to its source.

In the morning rush with the steam rising, Hua Xiaomai was sweating profusely, her spatula flying swiftly in her hands. Suddenly, like a whirlwind, La Mei burst in, tugging on her sleeve with excitement barely contained and whispered, "Sister, someone from the County has come, saying they’re here to discuss the literary banquet with you!"

"Really?" Hua Xiaomai felt a stir in her heart. She quickly served out the food from the wok, pushed the dishes into La Mei’s hands, hastily wiped off her hands, took off her apron, and walked out.

The visitor was a middle-aged man in his forties, whose attire did not seem to belong to the County Government but rather gave the impression of a servant from a wealthy household. Hua Xiaomai had an inkling that he was probably sent from Magistrate Tao’s residence. She greeted him with a restrained smile, "You..."

Before she could finish, the man furrowed his brow, looking around and remarked, "Is this all there is to your establishment? Quite surprising, indeed!"

Hua Xiaomai knew exactly what he meant - he was looking down on her humble shop. She remained unmoved and continued to smile, "You’ve come all the way here, must be tiring. It’s mealtime, how about I make you a couple of dishes before..."

"That can wait until later." The man clearly had no time for small talk, waving his hand impatiently, "I presume you already know why I’m here. Your... little eatery has made it onto the shortlist for the literary banquet, and I’m here today precisely to explain the proceedings to you in detail." (To be continued. If you enjoy this work, you are welcome to vote with 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.)