Chef Hua
Chapter 547: Episode 293 New Residence_2

Chapter 547: Episode 293 New Residence_2

Really, so you were eavesdropping at the corner of the courtyard just now?

Hua Xiaomai knew very well who the "person tainted by poverty" her mother mentioned was, and couldn’t help but lower her head and snicker. When she looked up again and scanned her mother’s face, her resolve was not as firm as before.

Since mother and son had finally aligned their thoughts, why should she dampen their spirits?

"Since mom also wants to move, let’s get that new house built sooner rather than later," she said, smiling and nodding to Meng’s mother, and then turning to look at Meng Yuhuai, "I’m just worried that we’ll struggle financially in the future. If we have enough Silver Coin on hand, I have nothing to say. But the question is, where should we build this new house?"

Meng Yuhuai nodded slightly, "The day after tomorrow, I’ll pack up and go to the Provincial City. At most, I’ll be delayed for two days. When I return, we’ll consult Zheng Yakuai. I’m thinking, if we could be closer to Daoxiang Garden, we wouldn’t have to run back and forth like we do now, and nothing could be better than that."

Hua Xiaomai also had this idea in mind, and seeing that he shared her sentiment, she immediately became joyful. She was about to twist his arm and tease him when she suddenly noticed Meng’s mother looking at her askance, with a look of disdain. She quickly contained her smile, sitting with hands properly on her knees, and fell silent.

...

Before anything was set in stone, Hua Xiaomai hadn’t planned on rashly spreading the news. The next day, she went to Daoxiang Garden as usual and didn’t mention a word about it, busying herself as always.

Because business had been slow, the kitchen in the back garden hadn’t officially opened, and usually Chef Tan and Wang Zhanrui would prepare the dishes in the restaurant and deliver them.

However, recently as business gradually picked up, more and more patrons were coming from the city to dine at Daoxiang Garden, and the two of them working in the front kitchen began to feel cramped. Hua Xiaomai thought it might be time to start using the two back kitchens, coming up with some specialty dishes to attract customers.

When she shared this plan with Wang and Tan, before Chef Tan could speak, Wang Zhanrui interjected.

"I specialize in tea-infused dishes, clear and elegant, which match well with the bamboo grove. Why not let me take charge there? The bamboo grove is smaller than the fish pond area, and I reckon it won’t be as busy on a daily basis. I can also look after the restaurant’s kitchen," he said with his head bowed, his voice buzzing as if he was in a bad mood.

Actually... it wasn’t just today; ever since he started working at Daoxiang Garden, except for the Mid-Autumn Festival night when he had a bit too much to drink and became talkative, he had always been like this, as if someone had offended him.

Hua Xiaomai had wanted to talk to him several times, to remind him that such an attitude could affect the mood of the staff, but she ultimately didn’t speak out.

After all, wasn’t it because she feared his temperamental nature, that a few words might anger him and lead to an awkward situation? It’s normal for talented people to have a bad temper, but...

Being a boss is really not easy nowadays; even though you pay wages, you still have to endure and keep silent!

On the other hand, Chef Tan was still his usual amiable self, nodding and rubbing his hands, "Sure, I’m not picky. In that case, I’ll take charge of the kitchen by the fish pond. If you ask me, there’s no need to be so strict. Whoever’s free can help out more with the little restaurant in front!"

Wang Zhanrui uttered a cold snort and did not reply, which seemed like tacit approval.

Hua Xiaomai couldn’t be bothered with him either. After giving the two some instructions and taking the opportunity to admonish Zhou Yunyun a bit, she walked away.

To her surprise, Wang Zhanrui wasn’t the only one who felt uncomfortable with the arrangements.

Lately, Hua Xiaomai had seldom cooked herself, not touching the stove for several days. The reason was nothing more than feeling heavy and tired, not wanting to move. Working at the stove with a big belly was somewhat inconvenient, and the smell of oil and smoke made her feel sick, to the point where she even vomited once a few days earlier. Thus, she simply didn’t set foot in the kitchen at all, resting comfortably.

But as she wished to slack off, someone wouldn’t let her have her way. The visiting patrons—especially those who came from the city—were not pleased with this.

"The reason we come to Daoxiang Garden is partly because the scenery here is pleasant, and sitting in the middle of the garden is comfortable, but don’t forget, we also know of your excellent cooking skills, and that’s why we came here with the earnest hope of indulging our taste buds! Oh, we’re all here and now you tell us you’re not cooking at all, isn’t that deceitful?"

Chun Xi and La Mei busied themselves trying to deflect the complaints, smiling and apologizing, "Our lady boss... she’s a bit indisposed right now, aren’t she? Chefs Tan and Wang’s cooking skills are not inferior to hers—Daoxiang Garden always does business with integrity, how could we possibly let you down?"

Those of milder temperament were still not satisfied despite the explanation, but refrained from voicing harsher complaints. Yet there were those who didn’t buy that and with a flip of their eyelids, pressed on relentlessly, "You’re indisposed? That’s your family’s business, what does it have to do with us? To put it bluntly, if you don’t have the capability, why did you open a restaurant at all? Better close it down early!"

These words were unpleasant to hear, but to some extent, they represented the thoughts of many. Hearing this, Hua Xiaomai took it to heart and summoned everyone to discuss a solution.

"Why bother with him?" Chun Xi said flatly, not concerned, "Anybody can have inconvenient times, does he think that just because he spent a couple of coins, he can act high and mighty like a lord? It’s not boasting, but we really don’t lack the likes of him! We never treat anyone shoddily, so if he’s not happy, he can take it or leave it!"

Hua Xiaomai shook her head incessantly at these words, "That’s not right. If people harbor discontent, who knows what they’ll say about us later on—Besides, recently I really don’t enjoy staying by the stove for too long. We should think of a solution sooner rather than later." (To be continued. If you like this work, welcome to Qidian (qidian.com) to cast a recommendation ticket, monthly ticket. Your support is my greatest motivation. Mobile users please visit m.qidian.com to read.)