Chef Hua
Chapter 555 - 297: Man Solving_2

Chapter 555: Chapter 297: Man Solving_2

Meng Yuhuai pulled her over to the table, and seeing her staring intensively at the grapes, he couldn’t help but laugh. "This fruit isn’t common in our village, but in Provincial City, there are plenty of vendors selling them. It’s the season for them, so I bought some. I just took some to my mother, and the rest are all for you. I just don’t know if you can eat them in your current condition, so... don’t rush to eat them. I’ll ask Doctor Xing tomorrow, and then..."

"Why can’t I eat them?" Hua Xiaomai quickly grabbed the bowl with a speed that defied gravity and with an undeniable expression on her face, "Who needs to ask that old immortal? I’m the cook here, what can be eaten and what cannot—don’t I know that already?"

Saying this, she couldn’t wait to peel one and popped it into her mouth, then quickly shoved another one into his mouth.

The juice, slightly sticky, flowed slowly down the throat, leaving a refreshingly sweet and slightly sour taste in the mouth.

"Tasty?"

Seeing her eyes crinkle with joy, Meng Yuhuai smiled, guessing that Old Lady Meng had probably gone to bed and wouldn’t come out easily, so he leaned in and pecked her on the lips.

"Especially tasty!" Hua Xiaomai didn’t dodge, her joy unabated as she nodded repeatedly, peeling another grape for him. "You’ve been so busy lately, running around Provincial City, negotiating deals, and looking after every big and small matter at the Escort Agency, yet you still remembered to buy me something to eat. Thank you so much!"

Meng Yuhuai didn’t respond to her thanks, looking thoughtful. "I don’t mind being busy, it’s all part of the job, but how come I heard that in just the two days I was gone, you had a falling out with Master Wang?"

Hua Xiaomai glanced at Old Lady Meng’s room door, her mouth corners turning downwards, "How did Mother end up gossiping like that? I have to tell you—actually, it wasn’t really a falling out, just a little misunderstanding. I realized afterward that Master Wang wasn’t targeting me, so I didn’t want to hold a grudge against him. It’s hard on him too."

"Let’s hear it?" Meng Yuhuai wasn’t willing to let it go and kept asking.

Having no other choice, Hua Xiaomai spilled everything about the incident in the bamboo grove that day and what Master Tan had told her.

"Seeing him wear that long face all day, I really felt uneasy, but knowing the reason behind it made me quite sympathetic to him."

She muttered softly, "If I were in his shoes, I might not even handle it as well as he does. Life’s unpleasantries and such great pressures, who could keep squeezing out a smile every day? Regardless, his cooking skills are truly remarkable. I figured, as long as he works earnestly, I could turn a blind eye to other things."

While she spoke, her hands didn’t stop, quickly peeling the grapes one after another.

Meng Yuhuai listened earnestly until she finished, his brows slightly furrowed. "If that’s really the case, then it’s fine. Men need to save face, and when their hearts aren’t content, they might not wish to share it with others, and it inevitably shows on their face. Besides, you are neither his kin nor kith; how could he be expected to confide in you? He must be holding it all inside, which is really tough."

"Exactly," Hua Xiaomai swallowed the grapes in her mouth, nodding vigorously. "I understand his feelings, and it’s not hard for me to accommodate him, but... over time, other people in the shop might start complaining about him. Think about it, we all work together every day. Who wants to see a perpetually gloomy face? Honestly, I’ve been pondering over this for two days and still can’t think of a solution. It’s been worrying me..."

Meng Yuhuai looked down, thinking for a moment, then glanced at her face. "How about... I talk to him?"

"You?" Hua Xiaomai raised an eyebrow. "You are not a cook, and you know nothing about kitchen business, how could you..."

"Never mind what I do, or whether I know the culinary arts," Meng Yuhuai reached out to wipe a bit of purple juice from her lips. "In our line of work at the Escort Agency, we value frankness with our own brothers. Anything can be said face-to-face. You haven’t seen Han Hu and the others who, having borne their wives’ nagging, would also need to vent at the agency. Once spoken, what problem can’t be resolved?"

Hua Xiaomai was both amused and bemused. "Master Wang isn’t one of your own brothers, though!"

"It’s all the same," Meng Yuhuai said gravely. "Men have their ways of solving problems. He might not like to talk about certain things with you, but it’s quite possible he’ll open up to me. I can’t guarantee I’ll definitely be able to manage him, but talking to him won’t hurt, right?"

"If you are willing to help me, of course, I’ve got no objections," Hua Xiaomai thought it over and seemed to agree. "Since that’s settled, why not look for him after close tomorrow? Whether it works or not is one thing, just don’t upset him, that’s all."

Meng Yuhuai was about to smile and ask, "Am I ever rash and tactless?" but saw her suddenly widen her eyes as if she remembered something shocking.

"Wait a second, you said you can say anything to your brothers at the Escort Agency. Does that mean... you’ve complained about me giving you a hard time at home too?"

Meng Yuhuai laughed heartily and picked up the bowl of grapes from the table before heading into the room. Unwilling to let it go, Hua Xiaomai quickly got up and followed him, holding her belly.

...

The next day towards the end of the afternoon, as closing time approached, Meng Yuhuai indeed went to Daoxiang Garden to look for Wang Zhanrui.

Hua Xiaomai knew they had matters to discuss and didn’t wait for him, heading home with Old Lady Meng instead. Meanwhile, Meng Yuhuai carried two jars of wine directly to the kitchen, setting them down in front of Wang Zhanrui.

"Care for a couple of drinks?" (To be continued. If you like this work, you are welcome to Qidian (qidian.com) to cast a recommendation ticket and monthly ticket. Your support is my greatest motivation. Mobile users please visit m.qidian.com to read.)