Chef Hua
Chapter 411 - 227_2

Chapter 411: 227_2

In fact, Hua Xiaomai’s food was no different from usual today, except she didn’t know whether it was psychological or if the day was indeed too hot, but she found the aroma wafting her way distinctly unpleasant, which immediately erased her appetite. After much thought, she slammed the pot lid down and stormed out the door.

It was sheer luck that she left when she did; the small restaurant had just hosted a rather wealthy diner who specifically requested a "Bamboo fungus and liver cream soup." Hua Xiaomai, in a fluster, had managed the takeout stall at the entrance and had just finished the dish when Chun Xi brought it into the main hall, only to be met with Meng Laoniang barging in fiercely.

The Bamboo fungus and liver cream soup did not actually use very expensive ingredients, just pig liver and bamboo fungus. However, it required extra effort since chicken mince had to be used to create a clear broth. The pig liver was pounded into a fine mousse, mixed with egg whites, lard, and a blend of green onion and ginger juice steamed into a round cream form, floating on the crystal-clear soup with bamboo fungus and ham slices as garnish, fresh and fragrant without a hint of fishiness. As soon as it was brought into the main hall, it caught the attention of many.

Chun Xi was carefully holding the soup basin, ready to bring it upstairs when Meng Laoniang’s unexpected entrance startled her, causing a frozen smile to appear on her face, "Oh, Auntie, what brings you here?"

"I can’t visit my daughter-in-law’s shop?" Meng Laoniang glanced at her with irritation, "Take me to a private room with no one else, then go tell Xiaomai to hurry up with the food. The stuff they make at home is only fit to feed the pigs!"

While speaking, she glanced at the bowl in Chun Xi’s hand, "Looks pretty good... hmm, smells nice too, what dish is this?"

Chun Xi, not usually one to suffer losses, couldn’t afford to provoke Meng Laoniang easily. She mumbled a vague response with a smile, hastily served the dish, and led Meng Laoniang to the upstairs private room. Then she stumbled into the kitchen, grabbing Hua Xiaomai, who had just finished talking to Zhou Yunyun, and blurted out in a panic, "Xiaomai, it’s terrible, your mother-in-law is here!"

Hua Xiaomai had guessed that Meng Laoniang wouldn’t stay away for long, but she hadn’t expected her to show up on the same day and couldn’t help but smile, "She’s here, so what? She’s not a monster, there’s no need for you to be so scared. I asked her to come."

"You must be out of your mind!" Chun Xi’s eyes widened in shock and annoyance, "You’re already living with her day in and day out, isn’t that enough? This little restaurant is the only place in the whole village where you can get some peace, and once you let her come once, there will be a second time. From now on, forget about having a moment of tranquility!"

Hua Xiaomai glanced at her, "How could it be so terrible? I was just thinking, with today’s heat, the food won’t last long, so I thought I’d let my mother-in-law have a couple of fresh meals. She’s just sitting upstairs in a private room, she won’t easily come out, why worry so much?"

At this moment, La Mei walked in frowning, "Even if you want your mother-in-law to eat better, you could have us run the food to her every morning and afternoon, if necessary. Or call that little rascal over to help run errands; it’s not a big deal. Why bother inviting her to the shop? I’m a junior and shouldn’t be saying this, but everyone in the village knows who your mother-in-law is, she..."

"Yes, Master, I’m willing to deliver the food for you, every day is okay, you..." Zhou Yunyun couldn’t hold back and muttered softly.

Hua Xiaomai looked up at the sky.

What exactly had her mother-in-law done to make everyone in the village so fearful!

"If she wants to come, let her. If she’s too lazy to walk over another day, I’ll just send someone else to bring her food." She smiled at the three of them, "I know you’re worried for me, don’t worry, I have my own sense of measure."

"You’re really..." Chun Xi was both anxious and exasperated, stamping her foot, "Why are you so stubborn? If you don’t listen to advice, see if I don’t tell your older sister!"

...

In fact, Meng Laoniang’s visit to the little restaurant today did not stir up any trouble at all. After eating, she went back to the south side of the village by herself and didn’t return until dinner. From the moment she entered the restaurant’s door, she sat quietly in the upstairs private room and hardly interacted with Chun Xi and the others.

However, Chun Xi couldn’t swallow her resentment. The next morning, she ran to the Jing Family’s old house and recounted the whole affair in front of Hua Erniang. That afternoon, Hua Xiaomai was summoned in a hurry by Jing Taihe. Walking into the west wing where Hua Erniang lived, she looked up to find her older sister holding Tie Chui, looking furiously at her.

"Have you lost your mind?" Hua Erniang opened with the same question, "Do you still not know what kind of person your mother-in-law is? You let her frequent your little restaurant, but if one day she takes over your shop, don’t you come crying to me! Come on, tell me, what on earth are you thinking, did a chicken peck your brain?"

Hua Xiaomai cautiously took Tie Chui from her arms, holding him carefully while replying, "Keep your voice down, don’t startle my little nephew! I have my reasons ..."

"Then spill it, why are you still hiding things from me?" Hua Erniang slapped the table, agitated.

"Yuhuai has told me about their family’s past business," Hua Xiaomai sighed softly, "He keeps it bottled up inside and it doesn’t sit well with me... No matter what, there’s only the three of us in the family now. I can’t make him forget everything from the past, but I thought, if I could get along a bit better with his mother, maybe, just maybe, he’d feel a bit better. At least he wouldn’t have to worry about protecting me all the time." (To be continued. If you like this work, welcome to Qidian (qidian.com) to cast a monthly ticket or recommendation ticket. Your support is my greatest motivation. Mobile users please go to m.qidian.com to continue reading.)