Chef Hua
Chapter 404: Episode 224 Big Job

Chapter 404: Episode 224 Big Job

Magistrate Tao was a man who appeared no older than thirty, with an exceptionally pale complexion and a mustache shaped in a "figure-eight" beneath his nose, giving him a scholarly look. When he saw Hua Xiaomai entering the pavilion, he merely lifted his head slightly and gently placed the teacup in his hand onto the stone table.

"I don’t know why you have summoned me... What instructions do you have for me?" Hua Xiaomai clenched her teeth as she uttered these words.

Well, this time she put the label "woman" on herself, and once it was on, it was likely not easy to take off...

"There’s no other matter. I just wanted to thank you in person because today’s banquet was quite to my liking. The arrangement of dishes was appropriate, and their taste was beyond reproach," Magistrate Tao said, nodding at a soft chair across from him, "You must be tired after working all morning. Don’t stand, please have a seat."

Hua Xiaomai hesitated for a moment, and just as she was about to move, she inadvertently saw Manager Jiang throwing a stern glance at her from the side. She stopped hurriedly, thinking that the rules of this era were indeed elusive. She shook her head and smiled, "No need, I’m fine standing."

Magistrate Tao didn’t insist. He smiled again, seemingly still relishing the midday meal, and said with a pleasant grin, "Among today’s dishes at the banquet, my favorite was the red braised shark’s fin. It was authentically prepared, the sauce was rich, the shark’s fin was tender and almost melted in the mouth, and its bright red color complemented the lighter dishes, making them visually appealing and delicious. Chef Hua, you are young, yet your culinary skills are truly exceptional!"

The best ingredients can be handled in two ways: either by emphasizing their natural flavors with simple techniques or by using meticulous efforts to enhance them with other foods. The red braised shark’s fin clearly falls into the latter category, requiring chicken, chicken meat, chicken feet, and pork trotters among various ingredients. The process is quite complex, but with proper heat and seasoning, the dish emerges rich and robust.

These details, Hua Xiaomai naturally couldn’t relay everything to Magistrate Tao, and she imagined he might not be interested anyway. So, she simply nodded with a smile in modesty, without saying much.

"And the broth with rosy clouds, the broth was fresh and the rabbit meat tender, even the pebbles in the soup base added to its charm. How did you come up with that?" continued Magistrate Tao.

"It wasn’t just my own idea," Hua Xiaomai pursed her lips slightly and smiled, "Before finalizing the menu, I discussed it many times with Manager Jiang who also offered numerous suggestions. Without him..."

"You needn’t be so modest. I know my people’s capabilities," Magistrate Tao said with a half-smile, glancing at Manager Jiang beside him, then gestured to the ground, "Anyone with extensive knowledge can have a difficult personality to deal with, and thanks to Chef Hua’s excellent preparation of the banquet, this scholars’ feast was a great success. I don’t have much else to offer in thanks, but here are some thorny dragon’s teeth, which I had specifically procured for this feast. Since there are some left, I might as well give them to you. You can use them in your restaurant or take them home for your family to try."

"Er... no need." Hua Xiaomai waved her hands subconsciously, "Such fine delicacies can’t be bought in Fuzhe County, you should..."

"The cooks in my house can’t create such flavors, I’d only spoil them by keeping them," Magistrate Tao looked up at her and smiled, "Such fine items should be left to those who know how to cook, otherwise it would be a waste. Please take them."

Still hesitant, Hua Xiaomai glanced involuntarily towards Manager Jiang and saw him giving her an impatient look that clearly said, "You should really accept this."

Seeing this, she felt it pointless to refuse anymore and smiled as she thanked him, accepting the basket of thorny dragon’s tooth. Just then, Magistrate Tao added, "By the way, please pass on a message for me— isn’t Meng Yuhuai, the Leader of Lianshun Escort Agency, your husband?"

Hua Xiaomai was slightly startled, worried he might be displeased because Meng Yuhuai had recommended his own wife for the scholars’ feast. She quickly grew a bit nervous and said, "Yes, but..."

"Don’t panic; I intend no harm," Magistrate Tao chuckled kindly, shaking his head, "Leader Meng is known to me as an honest man. Having a high regard for one’s own people is a good thing, and why should I be unhappy about that? Besides, you truly possess great skills, so why fear? Recently, he has been handling all sorts of affairs at the Escort Agency. I would like you to tell him that the matter I mentioned a few days ago needs to be expedited. Ask him to find time in the next day or two to visit the County Government. Once you mention it, he’ll understand."