Chef Hua
Chapter 85: Episode 66 Agreed_2

Chapter 85: Episode 66 Agreed_2

"That’ll work," Hua Erniang contemplated and indeed found it reasonable, so she nodded in agreement, pausing before adding with a smile, "In that case, seeing as you’re idle at home anyway, why not accompany me to the riverbank while it’s still early? Your brother-in-law was rambling to me last night, saying the silver carp with tofu soup you made when Pan Ping’an was at our place was exceptionally delicious. He’s got a craving for it again."

Jing Taihe was truly a serious foodie. In the past, he didn’t have the opportunity, but since Hua Xiaomai arrived, her arrival immediately sparked his intense interest in food. Every day, he would come up with various requests, and he was always tremendously supportive of the dishes Hua Xiaomai made. Cooking for someone like that was a truly joyous affair for the chef, both physically and mentally.

"Okay," Hua Xiaomai laughed along, "And on our way back, let’s stop by to buy some tofu."

The sisters grabbed their baskets and immediately headed out, quickly arriving at the riverbank.

The weather was warm, and the river had slowly begun to rise. During the winter, there were only one or two stalls selling fish, but now there were a good five or six, all neatly lined up on the riverbank, with large wooden basins in front filled with lively and plump fresh fish.

Hua Erniang led Hua Xiaomai to their usual stall, picking out a silver carp that weighed over three pounds. Just as they were about to leave, Hua Xiaomai tugged at her.

"Erjie, Granny Sun’s sweet soup stall is set up right here at night." She pointed to a large tree not far away before turning to Hua Erniang, "I think it’s a great spot. From morning to night it’s bustling with people. No matter which direction you’re going to the village, it’s on the way, and the space is spacious. Granny Sun has a good eye for location."

"What about it?" Hua Erniang eyed her with a sideways glance, "I know what you want to say. Let’s get one thing straight, I still haven’t agreed to that matter, so any more talk from you is a waste of breath."

Hua Xiaomaim felt a bit disappointed, but she quickly smiled again, "Who’s discussing that with you? I was just saying that Granny Sun’s sweet soup is truly delicious, and since our family isn’t busy lately, how about we ask your husband to come with us tonight for another taste?"

"Humph," Hua Erniang said with a smirk, "If you like it, we can go another time. The two bowls you brought home the other day, although they tasted good, they did cool down some. I bet sitting at the stall and eating it while it’s hot would be even sweeter."

Before her words had finished, Xu Ershun, the fishmonger behind them, turned his head to join the conversation, "Big Sister Jing, are you talking about the Granny Sun who sells sweet soup? Alas, she already left this spot several days ago!"

"Oh, she’s left already?" Hua Xiaomai opened her mouth, "That quick?"

"Exactly, she moved on to the next village over," Xu Ershun nodded, "She only sets up for half a month, then picks up and goes immediately. If you want to taste it again, you’ll have to wait three or four months! Really, in my opinion, for an old lady, why all the fuss moving around? Everyone in Fire Knife Village, young and old, looked after her business. She should have just stayed put right here!"

Hua Erniang was indifferent to begin with, hearing that Granny Sun had already left, she pushed Hua Xiaomai a bit and said carelessly, "Gone is gone, what’s so important about that to you? At home, we have taro, sesame, walnuts all ready to use. If you really want to eat it, why not make it yourself?"

"Erjie, sometimes I just want to be lazy, making it myself is too much trouble!" Hua Xiaomai said, crestfallen.

As soon as Xu Ershun heard that, he immediately nodded in agreement, "Sister-in-law Jing, your sister is right! We’re already working so hard every day, and after a long day, when we want to eat something good in the evening, we still have to cook and wash vegetables ourselves. Just thinking about it is a hassle. We’d like to treat ourselves, but in the end, we just slap together a meal to get by. When Granny Sun set up her stall here, at least we could come out for a bite in the evenings. But now that she’s gone, there’s no hope left!"

After hearing his words, Hua Xiaomai’s second mother was silent for a while, then turned around with Hua Xiaomai and left.

After buying tofu and returning home, Hua Xiaomai took the fish to the kitchen, placed it in a water basin, then immediately ran out back to check on her precious chili plants.

Hua Xiaomai’s second mother sat in the main room for a while, staring at the corner of the table, pondering God knows what. After a long time, she also ran out to the vegetable patch.

"Hua Xiao San!" she called out with her hands on her hips and an imposing air.

Hua Xiaomai was startled by her sudden shout and responded with a mix of laughter and tears, "Second sister, I’ve told you a thousand times, I’m all grown up now, can’t you stop calling me ’Little Three’? People will laugh at me!"

"Don’t change the subject!" Hua Xiaomai’s second mother waved her hand dismissively, lifting her chin, "Hua Xiao San, let me ask you, are you serious about wanting to set up a food stall?"

"Do you think I’m joking with you? Since I’ve said it, of course, I really want to try. But you didn’t agree, what can I do?" Hua Xiaomai grumbled, looking down, when suddenly a lightbulb went off in her head.

Woah, the sun must have risen from the west today — Hua Xiaomai’s second mother is bringing it up on her own — could it be there’s a chance?

She suddenly lifted her head, staring intently at her second mother, her eyes sparkling with excitement, "Second sister, why are you suddenly asking about this? What... what does it mean?"

"Don’t look at me with those puppy dog eyes!" Hua Xiaomai’s second mother spat dismissively, taking her time before she very reluctantly said, "If you really want to set up that stall, I won’t stop you. But let me make this clear, I’m only giving you three months. If you end up only losing money in these three months, wear yourself out to death, and not bring back even one cent, from then on, you’re not allowed to mention this again to me, you hear?"

"Really... really?" Hua Xiaomai was a bit incredulous. Had Hua Xiaomai’s second mother’s brain wires crossed in some way for her to become so understanding all of a sudden?

"Will you do it or not, with all this fancy talk about steaming and boiling?" Hua Xiaomai’s second mother clicked her tongue impatiently.

"Agreed, of course agreed!" Hua Xiaomai laughed so hard her eyes disappeared, threw herself onto her second mother and hugged her neck tightly, then unapologetically held out her palm, "Hehe, hand over the money!" (To be continued. If you like this story, please come to Qidian (qidian.com) to vote for recommendation tickets, monthly tickets. Your support is my greatest motivation. Mobile users please visit m.qidian.com to read.)