Chef Hua
Chapter 554: Episode 297: Man Solves the Problem

Chapter 554: Episode 297: Man Solves the Problem

Hua Xiaomai indeed pondered over the matter in her heart for a while before she very reluctantly realized...

If everything Master Tan said was true, if the same situation were to fall on herself, she feared it would only be harder to bear.

Her father had long held a great reputation in the catering industry, and now, despite not being young, he could only work in someone else’s restaurant to earn a wage as a cook, and that as a second choice. Who could happily accept such a psychological gap?

Suddenly, Hua Xiaomai felt all the pent-up frustration in her belly vanish in an instant.

When all is said and done, among those in the world who rely on their culinary skills to make a living, each one counted for one, who really has it easy? Not to mention that Wang Zhanrui had the halo of his father over his head; if he acted as if it didn’t matter to him, carelessly going about his day, then he really would be heartless and cold!

"Actually..."

Master Tan, noticing her expression, cautiously said, "Actually, I think, Master Wang’s ranting about leaving today was mostly just said in anger, he never really had that intention. Look, just the other day, he was still talking to me about it, saying that next year when spring comes, he plans to go back to his hometown and bring back more new tea, he finds our local tea flavor not delicate enough."

"Mhm." Hua Xiaomai murmured softly in response.

Perhaps seeing her more amiable, Master Tan tentatively continued, "We’re all cooks; you should clearly understand why he’s become like this. I’ve come to accept it. After my little tavern closed for good, in this human world, there’s nothing more important than making money to support my wife and children. I don’t have the time or the desire to think about anything else, but he... sigh, he’s struggling with himself inside, and how could his expression ever look good? You’re a woman, surely you don’t expect him to pour his heart out to you about his troubles?"

"I understand." Hua Xiaomai nodded slightly, smiled at him, and after pondering for a moment in her heart, she told him to go back and rest early. She then called for Old Mother Meng and together they returned to the south side of the village.

Wang Zhanrui made no further mention about leaving Daoxiang Garden, coming to work on time every day as usual, still with a somber face, but seemingly trying hard to restrain his temper, spending the whole day in the kitchen, rarely coming out to talk or exchange pleasantries with anyone.

Whether he figured it out himself or couldn’t bear to lose the pay of fifteen taels a month, in any case, the matter was glossed over, and Hua Xiaomai also let out a sigh of relief.

She knew she couldn’t keep dragging things out as if nothing had happened, but as Master Tan said, for Wang Zhanrui, she indeed wasn’t the best person for a heart-to-heart.

There had to be another way to handle it.

After much deliberation and still not finding a solution, two days passed, and Meng Yuhuai returned from the Provincial City.

Having traveled for the better part of the day, arriving home inevitably worn and dusty, and with a lot going on in Hua Xiaomai’s shop, she couldn’t spare the time right away, so she had Old Mother Meng go ahead to look after the Meng Family household, while she hurried back to the south side of the village at closing time.

Meng Yuhuai was feeding Old Black behind the house.

The old black horse was getting on in years, and traveling to and fro had taken a toll on his stamina, so Meng Yuhuai had specially brought some tender grass, planning to reward his old companion with a good meal. Hua Xiaomai had initially entered the yard, but hearing the low murmurs from behind the house, she hurriedly retreated and circled around.

Hearing footsteps, Meng Yuhuai turned around and immediately curved his lips into a faint smile.

"You’re back?" Hua Xiaomai, having not seen him for two days and missing him dearly, also curled the corners of her lips and walked over to embrace his arm, "Was the trip smooth? Looking at you, it seems that the deal must have been close to successful, right?"

"Hmm." Without a word, Meng Yuhuai pulled her into his arms and hugged her tightly before he chuckled and said, "Quite smooth. Han Hu and the others had no trouble on their trip to Shu, and Ruijin Silk Store is naturally pleased. Without much persuasion from me, they readily agreed to a long-term partnership. With these few hundred taels of silver each year, the Escort Agency can have an easier time. I’ve been planning in my mind to hire some more hands for the Escort Agency next year, as the current arrangement is ultimately somewhat unsatisfactory."

While saying this, he patted the sleek back of Old Black and led Hua Xiaomai into the yard.

On the table in the courtyard, there lay a coarse porcelain bowl that had been used for many years, inside it were two strings of dark purple... grapes?

Instantly, Hua Xiaomai felt her mouth water.

Having lived in Fire Knife Village for nearly two years, she had almost forgotten what grapes tasted like.