Chef Hua
Chapter 374: Episode 210: The Fight Starts

Chapter 374: Episode 210: The Fight Starts

Regarding cooking, Hua Xiaomai had always been well aware of her own capabilities and naturally very confident. However, no matter what one said, the finale of the scholarly banquet could definitely be considered a major event, and it was not quite realistic to claim she was not nervous at all.

Throughout this journey, she had been somewhat flustered, her heart never quite settled. After Meng Yuhuai left, only the more timid Zhou Yunyun remained by her side, which made her feel particularly uneasy. At this moment, upon suddenly hearing Han Fengzhi’s voice, she felt somewhat relieved, turned around, and managed a smile, "Why are you still here? Don’t you need to tend to your business at Biyue Pavilion in Provincial City?"

Since their cooking duel that day, not only had they not become enemies, but they had actually become much more familiar with each other. Han Fengzhi swiftly walked over, chuckled, and said, "I’ve already gone back once. Everything at the shop is fine, and you needn’t worry about it for me. This finale of the scholarly banquet is a grand occasion, and I would regret it if I didn’t take part. Luckily, Magistrate Tao gave face and allowed me to observe. Otherwise, I wouldn’t have been able to get in."

As he spoke, he pointed forward, lowered his voice slightly, and with a hint of a smile said, "I arrived early, and just now I’ve checked all the stoves and utensils you’ll be using today. There are no problems. No matter what happens in the finale, at least in this aspect, you can be at ease."

Hua Xiaomai followed the direction he pointed and noticed indeed there were many changes in the venue today. During the preliminary selection, the space had been partitioned into over ten small cubicles, but today it was reorganized into five large sections, clearly allowing each restaurant to occupy one. The prepared pots, utensils, and dishes seemed more complete. Half-hung curtains bore red papers, each marked with numbers one through five.

"You’re number three, in the middle," Han Fengzhi whispered, "Being surrounded by people makes you very noticeable, but if someone harbors ill intentions and tries to set you up, it won’t be easy either. All things considered, it’s more beneficial than detrimental. I’ve personally suffered in this regard before and will keep a close watch for you. If anyone tries anything tricky, I’ll shout it out and see where they can hide their face."

This man, dressed all in white and quite handsome, resembled a graceful young master; unexpectedly, after getting to know him, he turned out to be so warmly enthusiastic. Hua Xiaomai, distracted by his action, felt much of her nervousness dissolve, and she smiled lightly, "I couldn’t ask for more help, thank you in advance."

Apart from Han Fengzhi, Hua Xiaomai didn’t recognize anyone else in the hall. After nodding at each other, she simply stood aside and exchanged pleasantries with Han Fengzhi. After a few exchanges, a few more people entered the door, and when she turned around, her gaze met a chubby face.

Fatty Wei!

Master Zhao had always loved Fatty Wei’s cooking the most; even though he caused trouble every other day, he still couldn’t bear to dismiss him, continuing to hold him in high regard. Hua Xiaomai knew that since Chunfeng Restaurant had made it to the finale, it was inevitable for her to run into him here.

But... even if she had prepared herself mentally, what of it? Suddenly seeing this detestable fatty again, she couldn’t shake off that feeling of disgust!

The moment Chef Wei stepped through the entrance of the venue, he saw Hua Xiaomai and immediately turned his face away, obviously holding a grudge.

What, the beating I gave you before really hurt, didn’t it? Good that you know pain! Hua Xiaomai rolled her eyes in his direction, changed her expression, and smiled at Master Zhao, just as she was about to sit down, but unexpectedly, he quickly approached.

"Miss Xiaomai, I heard from Yuhuai yesterday that you couldn’t buy any milk. Have you found some now?" Master Zhao looked concerned, his brows slightly furrowed, "I told him to just take a couple of jars from me, but he stubbornly refused. What a persistent temper—I couldn’t persuade him!"

"Yes, I’ve bought some," Hua Xiaomai nodded and said cheerily, "Thank you for thinking of me. He especially went to Lin County yesterday to get me two jars, so it’s all sorted now. It was really close; even thinking about it now, I still feel a bit scared."

"Hmph!" Master Zhao flicked his sleeve, a hint of displeasure on his face as he slowly scanned the other people present and said coldly, "This culinary competition should be about real skill. I don’t know who would be so cunning as to resort to underhanded tactics to harm others. To have such people in the culinary world is truly chilling!"

As the owner of Chunfeng Restaurant, Chef Wei should have echoed him, bolstering his stance, but for some reason, the hefty chef simply picked a chair, sat down, and started fiddling with his plump hands, pretending he hadn’t heard anything.