CHAPTER 665: EPISODE 352: UNSETTLED_2

The weather was scorching, and the organizers of the Eight Treasures Conference prepared some light meals. Hua Xiaomai was so hot she was sweating all over and didn’t have much of an appetite. She casually drank some barley and mung bean soup before putting down her bowl, but she kept urging Meng Yuhuai to eat more. After the meal, they exchanged a few words before each leaned back in their chairs for a rest.

In the afternoon’s competition, the selected ingredients turned out to be Fish Crisp, green shrimp, tofu, and a small handful of lychees, which at first glance seemed a bit puzzling. Wang Zhanrui, after the morning’s competition, was in high spirits and discussed with Hua Xiaomai that he would take charge of the dish again.

"You watch from the side, and if you think anything is amiss, we can discuss it anytime, how about that?"

"Sure."

Hua Xiaomai was more than happy to slack off, vigorously nodding her head without a moment’s hesitation, even rocking back and forth with laughter as she clapped her hands and said to Meng Yuhuai, "This time I’m really just going through the motions, eh? Master Wang has taken care of everything. Had I known, I wouldn’t have come today and instead spent more time with little Walnut at the inn!"

Meng Yuhuai was both amused and exasperated, giving her a sidelong glance, "Master Wang has been busy all day, do you feel good about slacking off the whole time?"

"Not tired."

Before Hua Xiaomai could reply, Wang Zhanrui shook his head, "She intends to let me show my skills. I understand. After all, I should thank her for trusting me."

Without further ado, he busied himself and in the time it takes an incense stick to burn, he prepared a rich and fragrant dish called "Lychee-Stuffed Eight-Treasure Fish Crisp". This time, he unhesitatingly presented his precious tea leaves and added them to the dish.

The results were announced at the end of the evening, and Daoxiang Garden effortlessly made it through, leaving only six taverns remaining.

Hua Xiaomai had her own plans and wasn’t interested in finding out who her final opponent was. She was eager to go back and see little Walnut, hastily grabbed Meng Yuhuai to leave, and didn’t forget to instruct Xiu Miao and Qing You to pack up all their belongings neatly and take them back to the inn.

Inside Chixing Pavilion, the young judge leaned in close to the old man Xue again.

"That Daoxiang Garden indeed has a thing or two up their sleeve, breezing into the finals. Old Xue, your judgment is truly sharp; one cannot underestimate them."

"Naturally." Old man Xue lifted his chin and squinted toward the receding figures of Hua Xiaomai and the others, "Don’t forget, that girl with the surname Hua hasn’t made a move yet."

...

Four restaurants checked into Dong’an Inn, and aside from Daoxiang Garden, the other three were all eliminated. Hua Xiaomai cheerfully returned to the entrance of the inn with Meng Yuhuai and looked up to see the Shopkeeper hastily coming out to meet them.

"Ah, you’re back!"

The Shopkeeper’s face was full of exaggerated joy, "We’ve all heard the news, Daoxiang Garden has entered the finals. Lady, you are something else!"

While speaking, he gave a thumbs up, "There was a lot of talk about your Daoxiang Garden in town before, and I was a bit skeptical. But now, I’m glad you stayed at our little inn. What’s it called... ’Reflected glory!’ Leader Meng, both of you are truly remarkable. I’ve been happy for a long time, just waiting for you to return. Hey, I said before, since you all have stayed at my inn, I definitely need to give you a big discount. Tonight, I’ll prepare a table of food and drinks to properly celebrate for you!"

Meng Yuhuai exchanged pleasantries with him, and Hua Xiaomai turned back instructing Qing You to move the belongings to the upstairs room, emphasizing that they couldn’t be left unattended. Then she too smiled at the shopkeeper, "There’s no need to go to the expense for us. We’ll prepare our own dinner tonight. May we borrow the kitchen?"

Running an inn, dealing with travelers from all directions, what kind of person hadn’t the shopkeeper seen in all these years? With only a brief moment of surprise, he quickly understood and repeatedly said, "Yes, yes, how could I have forgotten? It’s a critical period for you now. As for meals, it’s most reassuring for you to prepare them yourselves—of course, we all hope that you can win the competition, but the kitchen is busy and crowded. With people coming and going, there could easily be complications, couldn’t there? Alright, alright, use the kitchen as you please, just don’t mind if the place is a bit cramped and simple. Leave that table of drinks for after the Eight Treasures Conference ends tomorrow, and don’t refuse it then!"

Hua Xiaomai thanked him with a smile, then instructed him that if there were visitors, to not admit any, before stepping into the inn, immediately sensing that the atmosphere was somewhat odd.

Now in the Dong’an Inn, only her family had the qualifications to participate in tomorrow’s competition. However, the evening had set in, and other people from the eateries were reluctant to travel at night, so they had no choice but to stay another night. Seeing people from Daoxiang Garden return, they were somewhat displeased and eyed them with covetous anticipation.

Meng Yuhuai led Hua Xiaomai upstairs without a glance to the side. Just as they were about to enter the room, a gruff male voice came from downstairs.

"Hey, your Daoxiang Garden is nothing but a village tavern, what stroke of luck did you have to make it to the finals? I heard it was that man with the surname Xue who personally visited the village to invite you... Hmph, you, a woman, can’t even be sure if you can lift a cast-iron pot, what skill could you possibly possess? What exactly is your relationship with that surname Xue? I think there’s some trickery in this Eight Treasures Conference!"

People who lose in desperation often speak without restraint. Hua Xiaomai didn’t want to argue with him, but was somewhat angered by his demeaning words directed at women, turned around to restrain Qing You who was about to jump out and argue, and said with a faint smile, "As for how much skill I have, I will demonstrate it all tomorrow. It’s just a pity... that you won’t be able to see it for yourself."

With that, she entered Old Lady Meng’s room.

That night, after putting little Walnut to bed, Hua Xiaomai returned to her room, yawning wide, and climbed onto the couch. Beside her, Meng Yuhuai handed her a pair of ear muffs.

"My mother made these especially, and gave a pair to Master Wang too. Your task tonight is to sleep soundly; I’ll take care of everything else."

"In this heat, are you trying to smother me to death?"

Though she said that, Hua Xiaomai immediately accepted the ear muffs, leaned in, and kissed his face.

"With you here, of course I can sleep peacefully. You have to watch over me."

"Rest assured."

Meng Yuhuai tucked her into the bed, blew out the lamp, and lay down beside her.

Late at night, there arose a clamor outside the inn.

Meng Yuhuai silently sat up from the bed, his ears perked listening to noises from next door. Hearing some rustling, it seemed like Qing You was getting up to open the door. He hurriedly walked to the door and stepped out.

"Don’t bother with it, go back to your room and bolt the door."(To be continued. If you like this work, you are welcome to vote for it with a recommendation ticket or a monthly ticket at Qidian. Your support is my greatest motivation. Mobile users please visit m.qidian.com to continue reading.)