Chef Hua
Chapter 431: Episode 237 Settling Down_2

Chapter 431: Episode 237 Settling Down_2

Having said that, she didn’t wait for a response and pushed her into the main room, then turned and dragged Aunt Feng out of the house.

The two daughters-in-law did indeed chat ceaselessly with Hua Xiaomai, repeatedly admonishing her to be careful, to avoid overexertion and the like. As it’s not proper for men to eavesdrop on women’s conversations, Meng Yuhuai stood in the courtyard for a while, his mind seemingly adrift in foolish thoughts. It wasn’t until he couldn’t bear the sun any longer and felt his scorched scalp that he rubbed his head and cheerfully returned to his room.

Hua Erniang quickly received the news and, holding Tie Chui in her arms, paid a visit to the Meng family’s courtyard to see Hua Xiaomai that evening. She inevitably gave lots of advice to her as well and jocularly mentioned how opportune it was for the two sisters to have their children at the same time—the clothes from Tie Chui would be perfect for Hua Xiaomai’s child, soft and just right, and it would save a good deal of money.

In the end, she said, "Resting at home for a while is the right thing to do; overworking is not good for you or the baby. However, your little eatery is currently expanding, and you can’t just let it go. Yuhuai cannot be home every day, so what to do?"

This was indeed a significant issue, not to be taken lightly. After pondering for a long time, the next day, Hua Xiaomai called Chun Xi, La Mei, and Zhou Yunyun over to the Meng family’s courtyard.

"Considering the eatery is temporarily closed, you should rightfully have a good rest. However, as we are in the midst of building the garden, I must ask you sisters for help once more," she said somewhat apologetically to Chun Xi and La Mei.

"I was thinking, for the construction oversight, I’ll trouble you two sisters to keep an eye on things so that those craftsmen don’t cut corners or get slippery, preventing future problems. Although the eatery won’t be doing business, we will still pay wages as usual. You only need to make daily visits to the construction site, just bring a pair of eyes—that’s all. If there’s any need for running errands, we have four apprentices at our disposal, feel free to send them. I just wonder if that’s okay with you..."

"What’s there to worry about, no problem at all!" Chun Xi quickly nodded, her face beaming with a smile. "This job is much easier than working in the eatery and I’m still getting paid. I couldn’t be happier! I don’t have much to do at home anyway, and it will be like taking a stroll every day. I understand the importance, you just rest assured."

"I agree," La Mei added without hesitation. "You, for now, the most important thing is to take care of the little one in your belly. Don’t worry about anything else. If there’s a decision we cannot make, we’ll consult with Brother Yuhuai, so no need for you to bother!"

As they spoke, La Mei gave a teasing glance toward Hua Xiaomai’s belly, laughing, "Can you believe how fast time flies? When you first arrived in the village, you were just a thin little girl, and in no more than two years, you’re about to be a mother..."

These past few days, whenever Hua Xiaomai met someone, the conversation inevitably revolved around her belly, making her feel like she was in the spotlight, and even now she could not help but exchange a few jests with La Mei. When she turned around, she noticed Zhou Yunyun standing listlessly at the doorway, her fingers absentmindedly picking at the doorframe, looking quite downcast.

"What’s wrong with you?" she asked, raising an eyebrow. "It seems like you’re not very happy about your master’s pregnancy?"

"No..." Zhou Yunyun snapped out of her reverie, lifting her head suddenly, and hastily waved her hands, "It’s just that I feel... I’m too useless. If only I’d been more diligent and learned five or six tenths of my master’s culinary skills, our eatery wouldn’t need to close. But now, I can’t be of any help..."

Hua Xiaomai shook her head: "Learning to cook is a process; even if you have talent and work hard, you can’t become a master overnight; it’s all achieved through hard work. There are no shortcuts. You’ve learned quite fast in just half a year. Besides, how can you say you’re not helping? Although the eatery is not open, you still have to manage the daily meals in Sauce Garden. Our shop is getting renovated soon, so from now on, you’ll cook in Zhenwei Garden’s kitchen every day. I’ve already spoken to Lei An’s wife about it."

At this point, she suddenly recalled something, her brows furrowed in sudden realization, and she clapped her hands together, "Right, I almost forgot about this! Once the shop starts remodeling, no one can stay there, during this time, you..."

Truth be told, Zhou Yunyun was a local of Fire Knife Village; Hua Xiaomai needn’t worry about her, but since taking Zhou Yunyun as an apprentice and spending days together, she gradually came to view the young girl as a younger sister, her concern for her growing naturally.

Zhou Yunyun was evidently worried too, but she didn’t want Hua Xiaomai to be overly concerned for her and managed a smile: "Don’t worry, I’ve thought it through. I haven’t been home to see my mother and sisters for a long time; it’ll be good to stay there for a while. Even at home, I won’t neglect my knife skills, so don’t worry about me, Master."

With nowhere else to go but home, Hua Xiaomai simply nodded and agreed, "Hmm, remember, if you’re treated unfairly at home, you must tell me. I shouldn’t interfere with your family matters, but as your master, I ought to take care of you. Also, starting tomorrow, visit my home every day. Our kitchen may be small, but it’s fully equipped, and you can continue learning from me here during this period."

"Got it." Zhou Yunyun smiled again, agreeing obediently.(To be continued. If you enjoy this work, you are welcome to come to Qidian (qidian.com) to vote for recommendation tickets and monthly tickets. Your support is my greatest motivation. Mobile users, please visit m.qidian.com to read.)