Chef Hua
Chapter 379: Episode 212 Angry

Chapter 379: Episode 212 Angry

Hua Xiaomai, having just left the great doors of the final selection venue, hadn’t received a definitive answer and was still preoccupied with that matter, so when Meng Yuhuai said this, she didn’t even think before shaking her head quickly and subconsciously.

"Where would I find the time for that?" she sighed deeply, "The small diner can’t be without me for even a moment, going to the Provincial City means four or five days with no business, how can that work? At the Sauce Garden, although Master Lei and his wife are looking after it, I still need to visit from time to time. Just now at the venue, Old Master Zhao even hinted at wanting to place an order. What if he comes when I’m not there and finds no one, wouldn’t that be troublesome? Then there’s my second sister, you know her situation now. If I have the time, I’d like to visit her more, even if her mother-in-law finds me bothersome, I can’t care about that now..."

She got this far when she suddenly realized something and abruptly stopped talking, turning to look at Meng Yuhuai.

The smile on his face had disappeared at some point, his eyebrows furrowed tightly, staring intently at her.

Her heart skipped a beat, and she quickly tried to think of something to say to cover up, but in her haste, she didn’t know what would be appropriate to say.

Ke Zhenwu was older and had many years of experience managing an Escort Agency and dealing with all kinds of people, which had made him shrewd. He easily sensed that something was amiss and laughed it off, trying to smooth things over, "You girl... It’s clear to see that the two of you are family, putting your husband at the very bottom of your list. While it might be because you don’t see him as an outsider and don’t stand on ceremony, he’s generous and naturally wouldn’t mind, but it’s still not a good look to keep doing this!"

Hua Xiaomai didn’t make a sound, just idly picked at a small raised part of the table with her hand.

"Going to the Provincial City is just for a few days. By the time you return, it should be just in time for the announcement of the results of the prestigious banquet. There’s no conflict there!" Ke Zhenwu looked at both of them, then laughed again, "As for that small diner, what does it matter if it’s closed for four or five days? After all, you’re not lacking in money, and there’s plenty of Silver in the world. Are you trying to pocket it all yourself?"

Hua Xiaomai had originally planned to remain silent, aware that speaking more would only provoke more mistakes, but upon hearing this, she finally couldn’t help but retort softly, "This isn’t about the money..."

"You..." Ke Zhenwu was at a loss for words, shook his head with a smile tinged with frustration, and the front hall suddenly quieted down.

Meng Yuhuai was usually amiable, but when he suddenly turned serious, it was indeed somewhat intimidating. Hua Xiaomai’s heart was pounding, she licked her lips and thought about reaching out to tug at his sleeve, but with Ke Zhenwu standing beside her, it seemed inappropriate. So, she too silently lowered her gaze, standing to the side and occasionally stealing glances in Meng Yuhuai’s direction.

After a while, it was ultimately Ke Zhenwu who broke the silence again.

"Enough, I won’t be in your way here any longer. I must hurry and see what’s going on with Old Zhao. Who knows what state that old coot’s in; he needs a good talking-to. Xiaomai girl, since you’re here, don’t rush off. Later, tell me nicely what dishes you cooked today. Since I can’t eat them, just talking about them will satisfy my cravings, ha!"

With a laugh, he patted Meng Yuhuai’s shoulder and walked out of the hall.

Hua Xiaomai turned slightly, watching him stride out of the front hall and step into the front courtyard in a few moments. Then she moved closer to Meng Yuhuai, rubbing her hands on her clothing and timidly said, "Uh... What business do you have in the Provincial City? Are you going alone, or is someone going with you?"

Meng Yuhuai looked her in the face, paused, and then said softly and slowly, "There’s a rather prominent family in Tong’an City, the Yuans, who recently had a conflict with someone and fear retaliation. They’re eager to hire additional help to watch over their household. After some inquiries, they found that Lianshun Escort Agency has a good reputation and contacted us. Although the task isn’t easy, it’s still much simpler than escorting valuables, and the Escort Agency is usually happy to accept such jobs. Since it’s our first time doing business in the Provincial City, to be safe, I plan to go there and get a clear picture of the situation. It’s not troublesome; I can go by myself. Otherwise, I wouldn’t have thought to take you with me."

"Oh..." Hua Xiaomai cautiously acknowledged and then offered him a pleasing smile, "Since it’s the Yuan family who needs help, they should be the ones coming to us, why should you have to make the trip? The Provincial City isn’t exactly close; a journey there and back taking four or five days is surely tiring."

Normally, Meng Yuhuai would have patiently explained the rules of their profession to her and teased her a little. However, at this moment, he was not in the mood, merely giving a slight smile and changing the subject, "We’re leaving early tomorrow, so let’s head back early in the afternoon. If you’re not tired, prepare a few extra dishes tonight. It’s been a long time since I had dinner with my mother. It would be nice to share a couple of drinks with her as well."