CHAPTER 667: EPISODE 353: GOING BACK TO THANK YOU_2

...

Early the next morning, Hua Xiaomai was awakened by the relentless footsteps in the corridor.

The majority of the eliminated eateries were in a hurry to return to their business, planning to depart at dawn, leaving only one willing to go to Huayin Pond to watch the bustle today, and Dong’an Inn quickly became quiet.

Meng Yuhuai had a hint of fatigue on his face as he coaxed his wife out of bed, helped her wash up, and didn’t forget to ask, "Did you sleep well last night?"

"Very well, I slept until it was broad daylight." Hua Xiaomai nodded hastily, lifted her eyes to his face, and asked with concern, "But how come I feel like your complexion doesn’t look very good?"

"It’s nothing." Meng Yuhuai dismissed it lightly with just two words and went on, "Yun’er has gone to the kitchen to prepare breakfast, you should hurry up and get ready, and head to Huayin Pond early to check on the situation."

As he spoke, he opened the door and pulled her to leave, but his movement was halted by Hua Xiaomai grabbing him.

"That..."

The little wife mumbled and said softly, "I’m going back to thank you."

"Thank me?"

Meng Yuhuai raised his eyebrows and his lips curved up, not at all concerned about the origin of her "thank you," and went straight to the point, "How do you plan... to thank me?"

"Stop being a hooligan!" Hua Xiaomai laughed, dashed ahead of him, and clattered down the stairs.

The guests seated around the table for breakfast were mostly discussing last night’s annoying noise. Zhou Yunyun brought out some light porridge and dishes, incessantly pushing them in front of Hua Xiaomai.

"Master, Master Wang, you both hurry up and eat. You’ll need the energy. Don’t worry, I made everything by hand, nothing will go wrong."

Hua Xiaomai smiled at her, quickly finished her meal, fed Xiao Hetao, then went to the kitchen to prepare the carefully made vegetable puree, and everyone set out together.

Only six restaurants participated in the final contest of the Eight Treasures Conference. Today there were fewer outsiders around Huayin Pond, making the road exceptionally smooth. The group arrived at the pond without any trouble, first entered the kitchen shed to carefully check everything, and then chatted idly while waiting for the competition to start.

At the hour of Chen, judge Xue Lao and others arrived one after another, and a servant came to call the people from Daoxiang Garden, saying that the competition was about to begin.

Hua Xiaomai, Wang Zhanrui, and Zhou Yunyun did not dare to delay and let Qing You watch over the items in the kitchen shed. They then rushed straight to the open space where they had paid respects to Lord Stove the day before.

On the way, they passed by many kitchen sheds that had not yet been dismantled, but at this moment, most were already empty, while at the tables ahead, people from the other five eateries were already waiting, and upon hearing the footsteps, they all turned their heads to look this way.

Among them, Han Fengzhi from Biyue Pavilion and Song Jingxi from Taoyuan House were people she knew. Their presence in the final contest was within her expectations. There was also a man who looked to be Wang Zhanrui’s age; for some reason, he seemed familiar, but she couldn’t remember where she had seen him. As for the remaining two chefs, she had never encountered them before.

Song Jingxi wore an indiscernible expression on her face, carrying a slight smile that in no way imparted a sense of joy or pleasure, but rather seemed somewhat nervous, her hands loosely clenched into fists at her sides;

Han Fengzhi was now willing to engage with her and chuckled: "I’m saying, can’t you just let me win once? Do you have to eagerly join in the excitement?"

"I..." Hua Xiaomai was both annoyed and amused. Just as she was about to respond, she saw the somewhat familiar-looking man suddenly point a finger at her.

"I know you!"

Hua Xiaomai was surprised and, forgetting to banter with Han Fengzhi, curled her lips and said, "I also felt you looked familiar just now, as if we have met before, but..."

The man smiled lightly, "Important people tend to forget, do you still remember the ’Wulong Tuzhu’?"

Hua Xiaomai immediately understood.

This man was... the owner of Wenmei Pavilion in Gu County!

That’s right, this year’s Eight Treasures Conference, all the eateries in Tong’an Prefecture could participate, and Wenmei Pavilion in Gu County was quite renowned. How could they be willing to fall behind? It was normal for him to make it to the finals!

"I didn’t recognize you at first, please don’t take offense."

She quickly smiled and exchanged pleasantries with the man.

The man shook his head and chuckled softly, "So you’ve also made it to the finals. This Eight Treasures Conference has finally gotten interesting."

As they were speaking, Old Xue came over with the four judges. He stood with his hands behind his back in front of everyone, glanced at Hua Xiaomai as if casually, and then deliberately looked at Wang Zhanrui, who stood quietly behind her, and laughed heartily: "All of you stood out in the Eight Treasures Conference yesterday, and I am happy for you. I am not ashamed to say, as you may know, that I have a famous sweet tooth. I hope you will all show your true skills today so that I can enjoy a feast as well. And please, don’t hold anything back!"

His words were tinged with kindness, and everyone was happy to oblige, all smiling in response. Amidst them, an impatient person stood out and asked, "Do we still follow the rules from yesterday for today’s finals? Old Xue, please draw the theme for the finals quickly, so we can start preparing."

"The rules are generally the same, with only one difference."

Old Xue nodded his head and stroked his beard, saying: "The ingredients will still be drawn by me, and they must all be used in one dish without omission—but this morning, I want you to make two dishes."

"Two dishes?" The man scratched the back of his head, "Cooking is all about concentration. This is the final of the Eight Treasures Conference, not doing business in a restaurant where speed matters. Rushing will inevitably compromise the taste, aroma, and presentation..."

"You’re right," Old Xue’s face showed approval. However, the next moment, he completely retracted his smile, "But, in your eyes, what’s the difference between an ordinary diner at a restaurant and us judges?"

The man’s expression stiffened, and he dared not speak again, retreating back into the crowd.

"Let’s start by drawing the first dish."

Old Xue did not dwell on this matter. He casually drew a roll from those on the table, unrolled it to have a look, and suddenly smiled cryptically.

He did not say anything and handed the paper roll over to everyone.(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 (qidian.com). Your support is my greatest motivation. Mobile users, please read at m.qidian.com.)