Chef Hua
Chapter 455: Episode 249 Clear Mind_2

Chapter 455: Episode 249 Clear Mind_2

"When I first saw my cousin’s wife bustling in the kitchen, it gave me quite the scare. Dad, mom, you didn’t see how fast she was moving, and it was quite a sight! Frankly, I doubt even a proper chef could rival her," Tang Dongyan chimed in.

The contents of the fish soup in the bowl had rapidly diminished by more than half, as the family of three ate with great rapidity. Hua Xiaomai pondered for a moment and then reached out to hold Meng’s old mother’s bowl: "Mom, why aren’t you eating? This fish soup is a different flavor compared to the one we had at noon. I’ve never made it before, please try some at least."

She then ladled a bowl for Meng Yuhuai as well.

Meng’s old mother didn’t say anything, but that particular Meng gave her a meaningful, amused glance.

Alright, she also felt that this action seemed a bit too protective of the food, not very grand or classy. But... there was only so much of this immortal fetus fish left, and it was impossible to buy it on a regular basis. She had been longing since noon to prepare this dish for Meng Yuhuai; what if he didn’t get to taste any of it?

During the meal, Tang Maolin and his family of three enjoyed themselves immensely. After they had put down their bowls, they patted their bellies still wanting more and said, "It’s been a long time since we’ve had such a good meal. Big sister, your daughter-in-law is really something."

"Really something? You only see that she can cook well, but you don’t know how annoying she can be on normal days!" Meng’s old mother’s face showed no hint of pleasure or anger as she bent down to tidy up the bowls and chopsticks, "The courtyard is cool in the evening, take a breather there. In a moment, I’ll tidy up the two side rooms for you to stay in temporarily. Once you’ve settled on your plans for the future, Yuhuai can help scout for a house."

These words left Tang Maolin and his wife, Mrs. Ding, somewhat stunned. They disregarded the soup at the corners of their mouths and looked towards her with astonishment: "Big sister, are you saying..."

Meng’s old mother didn’t respond and walked away with the bowls and chopsticks. Seeing that the couple’s expressions had suddenly worsened, Hua Xiaomai didn’t want to linger near them and turned to follow Meng’s old mother into the kitchen.

...

The sky gradually darkened, and a cool breeze began to rise.

Meng’s old mother was always efficient when it came to household chores. She wouldn’t let Hua Xiaomai lift a finger, only asking Meng Yuhuai to help move things around. In a short while, she had tidied up the two side rooms neatly, adding clean bedding.

Tang Maolin’s family sat somewhat uneasily in the yard, craning their necks as they followed her back and forth. Finally, when she took a seat at the table and seemed to have a free moment, they eagerly looked about to speak but were abruptly cut off by her raised hand.

"There’s only one bathing room in the house. It’s quite convenient to take a bath, but it’s a bit dark inside. Dongyan, if you are afraid, your mother can accompany you later." She looked at Tang Dongyan kindly, then turned toward Hua Xiaomai, her face drooping, "Why are you still lingering around here? You didn’t rest at all after lunch, and now it’s late. Why don’t you just go back to your room and sleep? Do you really need me to scold you every night, or else you won’t be comfortable? What’s the point?"

Hua Xiaomai pouted, "It’s too hot inside the house. Mother, let me stay outside a bit longer..."

What kind of joke is this? The words you just spoke haven’t been clarified yet, how can you leave now?

Meng’s old mother sighed and turned to look at Tang Maolin, "The things I said just now, you must feel uncomfortable, right?"

"No..." Tang Maolin scratched the back of his head, summoning a smile, "Big sister, we came without giving you notice, and we know that’s troubling for you. If there’s anything inconvenient for you..."

"There are no troubles that can’t be discussed. We are siblings after all. Our home village was struck by a locust plague, and you were willing to come to me, which means you have me, your elder sister, in your heart, and I’m truly happy for that," Meng’s old mother said expressionlessly, "But if we talk about inconveniences—we might as well speak frankly—I do have a little concern."

"Uh..." Tang Maolin’s smile froze on his face.

"Our courtyard is only so big, as you can see with a glance, and I need not elaborate. Though the two side rooms might accommodate people, they are truly too cramped, turning around inside is troublesome, and living there for long won’t be comfortable. Under normal circumstances, I should let Yuhuai and his wife vacate the room for you. But she is expecting now, and we can’t impose on her. After much thought, it might be better to look for another place for you to move to; that might even be better."

Meng’s old mother said this and then glanced at Mrs. Ding.

Mrs. Ding immediately waved her hand quickly like a windmill, "Oh, big sister, you’re overthinking it. Our family isn’t unused to hardships, we came here for help, how could we be fussy and feel wronged? The side rooms are already quite good..."

"This isn’t about whether or not you mind." Meng’s old mother hadn’t the patience to listen to her finish, "Dongyan is an unwed girl, and although Yuhuai is married, he’s still young. Besides, it’s the height of summer, clothes are thin, coming and going in the same courtyard all day—it’s inappropriate. Furthermore, I hope you won’t be upset by my bluntness, but having a small house and a family member pregnant, with too many people there’s a possibility of accidents, and none of us would look good if something happened."

Her words left Tang Dongyan with a flushed face, and Hua Xiaomai’s eyes suddenly widened.

Who exactly started the rumor that "Meng Yuhuai’s mother is nothing but a troublemaker"? Perhaps in her younger years she was indeed headstrong and irrational, but now, her mind is clearly very sharp!

"If it was a matter of not having money, then so be it, but my household’s finances are reasonably stable at the moment, and it’s important to adhere to certain standards," she said.

Meng’s old mother glanced at Tang Maolin, "I know you do carpentry, and since you’ve made up your mind to earn a living with this skill, ponder it well in these next few days. If you plan to settle down here in Fire Knife Village, I’ll have Yuhuai find a place for you around here. If you’re thinking of trying your luck in Fuzhe County, he knows a few people there and likewise can arrange things for you. As for money, don’t worry about it—I will take care of it." (To be continued. If you like this work, you are welcome to come to Qidian (qidian.com) to vote for the recommendation ticket, monthly ticket. Your support is my greatest motivation. Mobile users, please visit m.qidian.com to read.)