CHAPTER 657: EPISODE 348 PREPARATION_2

The three in the kitchen quickly washed their hands and came out, and everyone picked a stool to sit on, their eyes eagerly fixed on Hua Xiaomai.

After Hua Xiaomai had gone to bed last night, she had already thought through the matter in her mind and had discussed it with Meng Yuhuai early in the morning. She had made her plans and, without any hesitation, immediately smiled and said, "Everyone is so enthusiastic, it seems that each of you wants to join the Eight Treasures Conference?"

Without a second thought, everyone nodded repeatedly.

"However, our shop certainly cannot send so many people." Hua Xiaomai sighed lightly, "As I’ve told you before, although we don’t look for much from this Eight Treasures Conference, it’s still a serious affair, not a trip for fun. We have been together for a long time, and I won’t bother you with formalities. In fact, the shop must keep some people, and sometimes having too many people can be troublesome. Therefore, this time I only plan to bring three to five people, and the rest..."

Everyone actually also knew that not everyone could go, so they didn’t feel very disappointed. From a distance, Chun Xi waved his hand and said loudly, "We understand. Of course we’re happy if we can go, but if it’s not my turn this time, there will be other opportunities in the future, so there’s no need to rush. We just hope that you make a decision quickly so we can start preparing—the days may still be two months away, but they really pass in the blink of an eye!"

The others also echoed, repeatedly saying, "Even if we can’t go this time, we won’t hold any grudges. Just rest easy, boss."

Hua Xiaomai was grateful for their consideration, and she smiled with her lips pursed: "Since the Eight Treasures Conference competition is about cooking, let’s start from the kitchen. I..."

Before she could finish her sentence, Master Tan stood up, chuckling.

"That... this time I won’t go, okay? Zhou Yunyun, the girl, just finished her apprenticeship, and the entire kitchen’s big and small matters fall on her. I really can’t be at ease. As for Master Wang, his skills are much stronger than mine; having him go with you is most appropriate. Heh heh, I’ve been thinking about this for a few days now. I’ll stay behind. It’s just being busy for a few days; I can handle it, don’t worry."

Hua Xiaomai also held the same thought, but since she was worried about his comfort, now seeing him speak up first, she breathed a sigh of relief and smiled, "Leaving Daoxiang Garden in Master Tan’s hands, I am of course at ease, and I must thank you for your thoughtfulness. You will probably be extremely busy during those days, and I’m afraid your wife won’t be pleased. When I’m back from the Provincial City, I will definitely visit her to extend my apologies."

Master Tan was quite open-minded, waving his hand and then sitting down with a hearty laugh. Meanwhile, Zhou Yunyun bit her lip slightly, "Master, then I will also... not go, I’ll stay and help Master Tan. I know my own capabilities; going now, I’d probably just add to the confusion..."

"You and Master Wang will go with me," Hua Xiaomai glanced at her, cutting her off.

This girl obviously had her heart set on the Eight Treasures Conference. Although she had not spoken out, the anticipation and hope were visible to everyone in the shop. Now she had to make such insincere comments...

"Although you have completed your apprenticeship, I am still your master. This opportunity to broaden your horizons is naturally something I intend to take you to experience. It would only be beneficial for you."

Zhou Yunyun’s previous remarks were spoken with hidden pain, and she felt very upset. However, unexpectedly, she actually had a chance to participate and immediately felt overjoyed. A smile blossomed across her face, and she nodded vigorously, inadvertently turning her head to glance at Scholar Wen.

Hua Xiaomai chuckled silently to herself and tapped on the table, "Let’s finalize the remaining candidates as soon as possible."

...

A group of people sat in the large hall of the restaurant discussing back and forth all morning, finally settling on the attendees for the Eight Treasures Conference.

Chun Xi and La Mei really wanted to go, yet, as mothers, they could neither bear nor wish to leave their children for too long. After much deliberation, they decided to stay behind at Daoxiang Garden to make arrangements.

Qing You, who was reliable and sincere, was suited to run errands and handle miscellaneous tasks. He would go to the Provincial City with a maid named Xiu Miao and Hua Xiaomai, each responsible for their assigned duties, to help with the arrangements.

This year’s Eight Treasures Conference involved the organizers preparing the ingredients, saving the various restaurants the trouble of purchasing them but also adding an element of excitement. Hua Xiaomai sent Qing You to the accounts office to withdraw twenty taels of silver, advising him to meet with Old Xue again the next day alongside Wang Zhanrui, to finalize the arrangements and also settle their accommodations early to avoid frantically searching like headless flies at the last minute.

With the matters agreed upon, Hua Xiaomai and Meng Yuhuai headed home and only then did they share the news that the whole family would be going to the Provincial City with Old Lady Meng.

Since the death of Old Man Meng, Old Lady Meng had always stayed in Fire Knife Village and never ventured out with her son. Suddenly hearing that the family of four would be going to the Provincial City together, she was stunned.

"Aren’t you going there on official business? To attend that darn Eight Treasures Conference?" she muttered incredulously, "What would you need me for... Don’t expect me to be of help; I don’t understand any of these high-level dealings..."

Meng Yuhuai watched her expression, his brows furrowing more and more, then suddenly turned and strode toward the backyard, his steps hurried as if he had some urgent significant matter to attend to.

Hua Xiaomai turned to look at his retreating figure and took hold of Old Lady Meng, chuckling, "Isn’t this just a family trip? Although the Eight Treasures Conference is important, we shouldn’t be completely preoccupied with it. When we have some free time, why not enjoy wandering around the city? Besides, Little Walnut is still young and can’t be away from me. If I’m busy, wouldn’t it trouble you to take care of him for me?"

"You really want me to go?" Old Lady Meng gazed at her face in surprise.

"Would I dare to deceive you? Aren’t you afraid you’ll add another entry to my debt on that ledger of yours?"

Hua Xiaomai curled her lips up, gripping her hand a little tighter, "With some time left, let us settle the household affairs. I might still need Madam Feng’s help to look after those chili fields — going out with your son, such a fine opportunity, shouldn’t you hurry and boast about it?"

(To be continued. If you like this work, we invite you to vote for it with a recommendation ticket or monthly ticket at Qidian (qidian.com). Your support is my greatest motivation. Mobile users, please visit m.qidian.com to read.)