Chef Hua
Chapter 88: Episode 68: Visiting

Chapter 88: Episode 68: Visiting

Jing Taihe was not particularly good with words, at least not in front of Hua Xiaomai. Because he spoke so rarely, when he first arrived in Fire Knife Village, Hua Xiaomai was actually quite nervous, worried that he did not welcome her presence.

Yet, it was this man, with whom she barely communicated, who silently crafted a whole set of kitchenware for her, which was truly...

Perhaps dazzled by the shining light in Hua Xiaomai’s eyes, Jing Taihe smiled, reaching to touch the back of his neck, "These items, you could spend a little money and buy them from a store, and they would serve the purpose. But those made at home have more solid materials. Plus, if anything is amiss, they can be adjusted anytime. I rarely make pots for others, and I’m not sure how well they turned out. You try using them, and if they’re not right, I’ll hammer them again."

Hua Xiaomai did indeed lift each pot to examine them closely, and swinging the ladle around a couple of times, she nodded vigorously with a smile, "Neither too light nor too heavy, they feel just right in the hands. The food cooked with these utensils must be especially delicious. Brother-in-law... You’ve been so busy lately, and yet you still took time to make these for me. Thank you."

"It’s nothing," Jing Taihe said, somewhat embarrassedly waving his hand, "I was thinking since you just set up your stall, when money is needed everywhere, it’s good to save a bit. Making these few things just involved a little extra work in my spare time. It didn’t really drain my energy."

He had clearly been very tired lately, stubble even sprouting on his chin unshaven, and yet still, he said this. Aside from feeling apologetic, Hua Xiaomai also felt her heart tighten. It took her quite some time to slowly say, "Brother-in-law, thank you."

She knew that this "thank you" was a bit weak, but what else could she say?

Jing Taihe pursed his lips, "We’re family; no need for such formalities. By the way, you know the Great Saint, right? He’s well-connected and a slick talker, best at haggling. I asked him to help buy the charcoal stove and wooden tables and benches. They should be delivered in a day or two. When they arrive, I’ll borrow a cart and pull everything back home."

Hua Xiaomai softly nodded, "Hmm."

"Alright, I just wanted you to come and see if everything worked for you, and now that I know you’re satisfied, I can rest easy," Jing Taihe said with a smile, "Didn’t you say you were going to visit Guan Family’s young lady? Better hurry up, I have to get back to work."

Hua Xiaomai acknowledged with another nod and followed him inside, picking up the food container placed on the table.

As she was about to step out of the blacksmith shop, she turned her head back for a moment.

Jing Taihe had taken off his outer shirt and was sitting by the furnace pumping the bellows. The wind squeezed into the furnace, causing the flames to shoot up, casting his face in a fiery glow.

...

Even as she walked the village path, Hua Xiaomai was still moved.

Hua Niang and Jing Taihe, this couple, one with a tough exterior and a soft heart, the other honest and kind, living with them not only saved her from countless troublesome issues but also often made her feel fortunate and grounded.

So, perhaps she really was a very lucky person?

Standing at the entrance to the Guan family’s courtyard, Hua Xiaomai stopped, peeked inside, then bent her fingers to knock softly on the open gate.

Immediately, a voice responded from the main hall, followed quickly by Guan Rong’s mother who came out briskly, "Who is it?"

Hua Xiaomai beamed a smile at her, "Auntie, it’s me. I heard Sister Rong has been sick for some days now, I came to see how she is doing. Is she feeling a little better now?"

"Oh, it’s you, Xiaomai!" Guan Rong’s mother exclaimed upon seeing her, her face breaking into a smile, "Our Rong has been feeling somewhat better these past two days. The fever was severe a few days back; she was almost delirious, and I was nearly scared to death! It’s kind of you to remember her. Come in, come in, I just got some sweet oranges yesterday, I’ll go get you a couple to try."

"No trouble, Auntie," Hua Xiaomai hurriedly stopped her, "I just wanted to see Sister Rong and chat with her a bit. Being confined indoors for half a month must be rather dull. Is she awake now?"

"She just woke up, she’s in the room but still can’t get out of bed. Your company will definitely cheer her up." Guan Rong’s mother then pointed to the door on the left, "I’ll go get you a bowl of water."

Saying so, she bustled into the kitchen.

Hua Xiaomai approached the door, knocked on the door frame, then pushed the door open to see Guan Rong propped up in bed, weakly smiling at her.