Chef Hua
Chapter 369: Episode 208 Moth

Chapter 369: Episode 208 Moth

Hua Erniang, relying solely on a fire poker, had made a name for herself as the "Tyrant of Fire Knife Village." In the village, whether male or female, everyone was somewhat wary of her. With such a temperament, she was not someone who would easily suffer losses, at least not publicly. Thus, when she showed this kind of panicked expression, it was particularly surprising—Hua Xiaomai felt this way at least.

Her hands felt as if they had just been pulled out of an icy hole, drenched in sweat, making them feel bone-chillingly cold. Hua Xiaomai furrowed her brows, fetched a thick garment from the cupboard, and draped it over her, speaking softly, "Look, right now we sisters are living in the same village, we can meet anytime we want, and life is good. What could possibly go wrong?"

Hua Erniang hung her head in silence, only slightly curling the corners of her mouth downward in a pitiful manner.

"Although I don’t understand exactly what it’s like for a woman to be pregnant, I’d say this is because you’re about to give birth and you’re feeling unsettled," Hua Xiaomai then patted her hand, softening her voice even more, "You’re not eating or sleeping well all day. If my little nephew is born as skinny as a kitten, won’t you be the one to suffer in the end? If you would listen to me, just relax. Even if something big happens, don’t you have my brother-in-law to support you? Besides, as your sister, I’m not just for show!"

"Yes, Erqiao, listen to Xiaomai’s advice. With things as they are now, how can you afford to be reckless?" Chun Xi also stood by with a worried look, helping persuade, "You and Taihe have been longing for this child for over two years, and now that you are finally about to give birth, you can’t mess around. Otherwise, not just Taihe, I won’t stand for it either!"

Hua Erniang looked up at her and said, "You all make sense, and I understand. I wish nothing more than to eat well and sleep soundly, nurturing the little ancestor in my belly to be plump and healthy, but..."

Hua Xiaomai knew her elder sister had been struggling these days. She gently stroked her back and, seeing that Grandma wasn’t around, leaned in close to Hua Erniang’s ear and said with a giggle, "Tell me the truth, is it because Grandma’s cooking doesn’t agree with your stomach? You can’t eat, so you find fault and stir up trouble?"

"It’s not because of that," Hua Erniang finally showed a smile and lowered her voice teasingly, "But truth be told, her cooking skills can’t even compare to Pan Grandma next door, not to mention yours. They also tell me not to eat anything too spicy, and every meal is so bland..."

"Alright, I understand!" Hua Xiaomai drew out her response, clapped her hands, stood up, and shook her head as if helpless, "This is your mother-in-law’s house. If I start dictating what to eat, she definitely won’t be pleased. But what can I do? You’re my sister, who else should I care for if not for you? Just wait here, I’m quick on my feet; it won’t be long before I bring you something tasty. Though you shouldn’t eat too much right now, at least you shouldn’t have an empty stomach!"

Having said that, she asked Chun Xi to keep her company while she went out, greeted Grandma, borrowed their kitchen, and made two appetizing dishes. Whether it suited her taste or she was merely giving face, Hua Erniang finally ate a bit. After chatting more in the western wing room, Hua Xiaomai and Chun Xi left together.

At that moment, Grandma was in the yard, tidying up the dried red dates. She turned around and saw they were coming out, so she hastily came forward.

"Did she really eat?" She asked with wide eyes, staring intently at Hua Xiaomai’s face.

"She ate a little, now she says she’s feeling tired, so I had her lie down," Hua Xiaomai responded, noticing that the red dates in her basket were large and full, which sparked an idea, so she smiled and said, "Grandma, do you have any dried longan at home? I just remembered something; eating it might help ease my sister’s restlessness. I’ll make it right away, please remind her to eat a few pieces every day."

"Longan... there is some," Grandma hesitated slightly, "but longan is very heat-inducing. I’m afraid it might not be good for the baby in Erqiao’s belly."

Indeed, her concern was primarily for the one in the belly. Hua Xiaomai sighed silently. Although it’s natural for people to feel this way, being Hua Erniang’s "family," she found it difficult to be entirely rational about the situation.

"Not at all," she curved her mouth slightly and spoke gently, "Fresh longan can indeed induce heat, causing irritability, but dried longan is warm and sweet in nature, excellent for invigorating the energy and enriching the blood. It will benefit both the adult and the child if my elder sister eats it. Given her current condition, the doctor wouldn’t prescribe any potent medicine readily, so I hope this will help her feel more settled."