Chef Hua
Chapter 501: Episode 271: A Flat Rejection_2

Chapter 501: Episode 271: A Flat Rejection_2

The little eatery had quite a reputation among the traveling merchants on the official road; those entering the city preferred to stay at a few fixed inns, and news of the reopening soon spread. With the foundation already laid, there wasn’t much need to worry about business. As noon approached, travelers began trickling in from the official road, some sitting in the main hall to dine and others buying take-out. While it wasn’t as lively as before, the business was indeed not bad.

Only the garden behind remained untouched, for the time being.

Hua Xiaomai was well aware that reviving this business would require someone’s recommendation, and she had it all figured out, so she didn’t feel rushed. With Wang Zhanrui and Master Tan bustling about the stove, she enjoyed her leisure, visiting the kitchen occasionally, but mostly spending her time bantering with Old Mother Meng to relieve the boredom.

Dong Deyou and Lv Bin indeed came around noon, and upon seeing Hua Xiaomai, they couldn’t wait to come over and directly asked if she had relayed the message to Meng Yuhuai.

"You both are in such a hurry, I did not dare to neglect, and fortunately, he came back last night, so I mentioned it to him," Hua Xiaomai still put on a sincere face in front of them, smiling, "However, as I said yesterday, the Escort Agency has been busy recently, and he can’t guarantee he’ll be free—perhaps, you’ll need to wait a bit more, sorry for the trouble."

Although Meng Yuhuai would definitely come today, putting on a bit of an act like this shouldn’t be an issue, right?

Dong Deyou had been in Fuzhe County for six or seven days, and he was very anxious about not having had the chance to sit down for a talk with Meng Yuhuai. However, in front of Hua Xiaomai, he had to desperately restrain his impatience and forced a smile: "It’s all right, it’s all right; it was brazen of us to come like this, we’ll just wait."

Hua Xiaomai chuckled to herself, showed him the menu to order dishes and drinks. But the two men were really not in the mood, so they let her make the arrangements and, turning their heads, followed Qing You along the pebble path into the garden—this time heading to the fishpond.

Chun Xi and La Mei seemed to know what was going on, and seeing this scene, they nudged Hua Xiaomai’s shoulder and said with a snicker, "Just look, they probably think it’s better to kill time by the fishpond than to sit idly in the bamboo forest."

True to prediction, Dong Deyou and Lv Bin strolled leisurely around the fishpond twice, taking in all the scenery, utterly bored; Lv Bin then eagerly approached Qing You for some bait and sat on a stone stool by the pond, fishing in silence.

"Fishing requires calmness; with their impatience and eagerness, it’d be odd if they caught anything!" Hua Xiaomai replied with a laugh to Chun Xi, then turned to head to the kitchen to discuss the dishes with Wang Zhanrui and Master Tan.

By late evening, Meng Yuhuai finally returned from the city.

At that time, Dong Deyou and his companion had been waiting in Daoxiang Garden for two to three hours, anxious like ants on a hot pan. As soon as they heard a man’s voice, they hurried out to look, and seeing Meng Yuhuai, they rushed up to him immediately.

"Ah, Leader Meng, what a wait you’ve given us!" His face was red from the autumn sun, treating Meng Yuhuai as if he were family, taking his arm and shaking it vigorously, "Luckily, Daoxiang Garden is a place with beautiful scenery and exquisite dishes. Just sitting in the garden is a pleasure—come, come, the food and drinks have been prepared, let’s eat and talk."

After which, he repeatedly called on Qing You to hurry up with the dishes.

Lv Bin looked somewhat embarrassed and called out softly, "Brother Yuhuai."

Meng Yuhuai’s face showed no particular expression, which at a glance seemed no different from usual, but upon closer inspection, it inexplicably made one feel as though there emanated from him a coldness that rejected others from a thousand miles away.

He gave Lv Bin a slight nod without moving from his spot and said in a deep voice, "If it’s still about the matter we discussed a few days ago, you need not trouble yourselves any further. I’ve said before, Lianshun Escort Agency is indeed a bit short on hands at the moment, but we can still manage to arrange things. As for that silk business from Ruijin Silk Store, we can handle it ourselves. If there’s an opportunity in the future, it’s not too late for our two businesses to collaborate."

Not to mention Dong Deyou and Lv Bin, even Hua Xiaomai had not expected him to refuse as soon as he began speaking.

She thought he would be a bit more tactful. Could it really be alright to directly refuse so decisively?

Dong Deyou’s smile froze on his face, and he licked his lips, forcing a chuckle, "We can discuss this slowly, slowly, Leader Meng you..."

"I feel sincerely remorseful for holding up both of you these past days, and making you wait again today," he continued.

However, Meng Yuhuai was unmoved and shook his head, "I had intended to return earlier, but just as I left the doors of the Escort Agency, Magistrate Tao sent someone to call for me again, asking if I accepted the business trip to Shu. He mentioned he had a friend there and asked if the brothers escorting the delivery could help bring a few items, hence the delay. I’ll repeat what I said before, thank you Boss Dong for your consideration, but I cannot trouble your Escort Agency for assistance; I’ve taken your kind intentions to heart."

Hua Xiaomai breathed a sigh of relief internally.

No wonder he spoke so unequivocally. He had already decided in the morning to leverage Magistrate Tao’s authority to pressure them!

There was no choice. For those who run Escort Agencies, it is essential to find protection from the Government. The Magistrate might not hold a high position, but he is, after all, a mountain to lean on. Unless Dong Deyou doesn’t regard Magistrate Tao at all, it’s best he retire for the night!

"Ah..." Dong Deyou replied in utter discomfort, "I know, in business, if one can handle it themselves, they wouldn’t want to share with others. The reason I’ve been seeking Leader Meng for discussion repeatedly is simply because many brothers in my Escort Agency used to be your comrades. There’s certainly some camaraderie, so I thought to lend you a helping hand. The road to Shu is treacherous, and should something go wrong along the way, it would be troublesome!"

These words were somewhat insidious, and however one listened to them, they had an undertone of threat. Hua Xiaomai glanced at him only to see Meng Yuhuai smile faintly.

"Thank you for the reminder, much appreciated. I have a good grasp of the situation and will ensure it’s well-arranged." After saying this, he turned to leave, "The chefs at Daoxiang Garden are quite skilled; I hope you find the meal satisfying. I have other matters to attend to and must excuse myself."

Before his words faded, he truly nodded at Hua Xiaomai, leading her away from the two men’s side.

Dong Deyou stood in place for a while, his face alternating between red and white. Grinding his teeth, he said to Lv Bin, "Let’s go," before storming off in a huff.

Chun Xi exchanged a knowing glance with Qing You, and the honest boy immediately followed up loudly, "Hey, sir, you haven’t paid yet!" (To be continued. If you like this work, you are welcome to cast votes and monthly tickets at Qidian (qidian.com). Your support is my greatest motivation. Mobile users please visit m.qidian.com to read.)