Chef Hua
Chapter 380: Episode 212 Angry_2

Chapter 380: Episode 212 Angry_2

Hua Xiaomai found herself in an awkward position, realizing that she was somewhat at fault, and didn’t have much to say except to nod in agreement.

...

Zhou Yunyun had wandered around the County for a long while, and by the afternoon, she ran to Lianshun Escort Agency to meet Hua Xiaomai. Her little face flushed from the heat, she bought quite a few snacks to treat Chun Xi and La Mei, and somewhat embarrassed, she also offered a pack to Hua Xiaomai. Lacking energy, Hua Xiaomai briefly sat with her in the front yard, and after Meng Yuhuai had greeted Ke Zhenwu, they returned together to Fire Knife Village.

By evening, Hua Xiaomai had prepared two additional dishes according to the tastes of Meng Yuhuai and his mother, setting them in the courtyard, and even heated an extra pot of wine. The atmosphere was tolerable, but conversation was sparse between them. The table was dominated by the voice of Meng’s mother who incessantly prattled about trivial matters and occasionally complained.

After dinner, Hua Xiaomai cleared the bowls to the kitchen, and upon returning, she found the courtyard empty. She hurried back to her room, and upon opening the door, she looked up to see Meng Yuhuai organizing his bundle.

"Let me do that." She quickly took over, grabbing the indigo robe from his hands, smoothing out a wrinkle on its surface, and said with a tight smile, "The weather is getting hotter, though you are going for a short period, it’s still better to bring more clothes. You don’t need to pack; just bring them back, and I will wash them for you."

Meng Yuhuai made no objections but settled down by the bed. He remained silent, merely watching her with his dark eyes.

Hua Xiaomai felt uneasy under his gaze. After mustering strength to neatly pack the bundles, she ran to the table to drink a cup of tea quickly, then returned to his side and hesitantly whispered, "You... are you angry with me? I refused to accompany you to the Provincial City..."

"There’s nothing to be angry about." His tone was even, without a ripple, "After we married, you have been quite busy, and I haven’t been lazy either, constantly leaving home and lingering at the Escort Agency until late before returning, rarely at home to accompany you. It was a spur-of-the-moment desire to take you out, and the timing wasn’t right, which is normal. Besides, I was going there to work, and might not really have had the time to entertain you."

He said he wasn’t angry, but his tone unmistakably carried a tinge of displeasure.

Hua Xiaomai stammered, unable to utter a complete sentence.

Meng Yuhuai sighed softly, then added, "I see the weather, and I fear the rainy season is approaching. Tomorrow when I leave, I will first drop by to see Great Saint; if it starts to heavily rain in the village during my absence, ask him to help drain the water from the fields to prevent the chili plants from flooding. The plants are big now, a little rain won’t matter, just straighten them out once the weather clears, secure their roots, and apply some fertilizer; there should be no problems."

"Alright." Hua Xiaomai agreed, nodding her head.

"Rest now, going to the Provincial City, even by horse, takes half a day. I have to start early tomorrow to avoid delays." After saying this, Meng Yuhuai went to bathe and wash, then returned to unclothe and climbed into bed, swiftly closing his eyes.

Hua Xiaomai stood beside the bed, watching him for a little while, but finding no alternative, she too quietly crawled into the far side of the bed.

Early the next morning, Hua Xiaomai as usual got up early to cook and made two special pancakes for Meng Yuhuai to take with him. She saw him off at the door, and as she watched him lead the horse further and further away, anxiety filled her heart. She stood dazedly at the gate for a long time before slowly heading towards the east of the village.

Chun Xi had arrived at the restaurant early, busying herself with cleaning alongside Zhou Yunyun. When she lifted her head and saw Hua Xiaomai sway in like a frost-stricken eggplant, she immediately chuckled and said, "Xiaomai, you’re here? Oh, what’s wrong? Who upset you this early in the day? It looks like your body is here, but your spirit is still at home?"

Hua Xiaomai didn’t respond, just randomly picked a table to sit down, rested her head on her arm, and sighed deeply.

"What’s the matter, did you and Yuhuai have a disagreement again?" Chun Xi, always perceptive, instantly sat down next to Hua Xiaomai, her face full of curiosity as she said, "Don’t tell me it’s still about that issue from before?"

"Yesterday, when I came back from the county with master and Yuhuai, I felt something was off with them. They hardly spoke on the way, and I didn’t dare to ask," Zhou Yunyun chimed in from the side.

This time, Hua Xiaomai didn’t have the energy to scold her, just gave her a weak look. She didn’t want to talk about it, but eventually, she couldn’t help but spill everything that happened yesterday to Chun Xi.

"He said he would take me to Provincial City for a few days of fun. If I were free, why wouldn’t I want to go? But..."

Upon hearing this, Chun Xi laughed, patted her shoulder, and shook her head, "I tell you, girl, you could talk business all day long, but when it comes to things like this, why can’t you figure it out? If Yuhuai didn’t see how hard you work every day, why would he suggest taking you out? He meant well, and here you are not only ungrateful but also dousing him with cold water. You counted everyone except him; wouldn’t that irritate anyone? You really are something!"

"I know he’s upset; I don’t need you to tell me again, I’m feeling bad about it too!" Hua Xiaomai retorted irritably, "Lately, because of that scholar’s banquet, I’ve already been delayed many days. If I leave now, it will mean several more days without doing business, then..."

"You’re short on cash?" Chun Xi rolled her eyes, "I’m not worried about you underpaying me, what are you scared of? From what you’re saying, you’d need to work every day, no break all year round. He didn’t fuss about it this time, but what about next time? Sooner or later, he’ll be disheartened by you! If you had married a less caring man, I wouldn’t say this, but before Yuhuai married you, how many girls in the village were eyeing him? You wouldn’t want him to feel regretful one day!"

"I’m already uncomfortable enough; can you not irritate me with your words?" Hua Xiaomai furrowed her brows, glancing sideways at her in annoyance.

"Irritate you? Do I have the time for that?" Chun Xi tugged at her mouth, waving her hands in the air, "I also understand that you’re worried about the customers being disappointed if they see we’re not open, but in my opinion, with your exceptional cooking skills, you should stand your ground! Those who want good food? Let them wait! There’s no shortage of patrons, but you’ve only got one husband; which is more important, you’re smart enough to know without me spelling it out."

Since last night until this morning, Hua Xiaomai’s heart remained unsettled, her thoughts fluctuating constantly. Now, being lectured by Chun Xi only made her even more restless. The chair felt as if it had needles, causing her to shift uncomfortably.

Not long ago, she and Meng Yuhuai had just argued over whether or not to open a restaurant in Provincial City. At that time, she still hoped it was just a minor issue, not something to be too concerned about, but now, seeing this...

Meanwhile, Chun Xi was still whispering with Zhou Yunyun, and soon, La Mei joined them, making the scene quite lively. After pondering for a long while and being annoyed by their ongoing chatter, Hua Xiaomai abruptly stood up, turned her head, and said, "You guys lock up the shop later, I’m going home now!"

(To be continued. If you like this work, welcome to Qidian (qidian.com) to cast your recommendation ticket and monthly ticket. Your support is my greatest motivation. Mobile users, please visit m.qidian.com to read.)