"I understand," Song Jingxi nodded, showing she got the point, and nonchalantly took the hand that Hua Xiaomai had placed on her knee, "Working as a chef for soone else, even if the pay is good and the conditions are favorable, ultimately ans acting according to others’ wishes. To many people, it does not compare to running one’s own small business with ease and pleasure. To conceal nothing from you, before I opened Taoyuan House, I too worked as a chef at a big restaurant. Therefore, I understand your feelings all too well. I also know that just a word or two from will hardly dispel your worries. What do you think... would this be alright?"
Hua Xiaomai looked up at her, her round eyes flickering, "What?"
Song Jingxi smiled, her voice soft, "Actually, this is the main reason for my visit—have you, Miss Hua, ever heard of the ’Eight Treasures Conference’?"
"The Eight Treasures Conference?" Hua Xiaomai unconsciously repeated the words, nibbling on her lower lip and shaking her head.
"That’s considered quite the event for our Tong’an Prefecture’s food industry each year," explained Song Jingxi calmly, "Every July, all the renowned taverns and eateries in Tong’an Prefecture gather for a eting. Frankly, it’s a culinary competition, inviting known gourmands and the public to join in the fun. It has been happening for over a decade, sotis even the prefect himself participates—it’s exceedingly lively and interesting."
"Really?" Hua Xiaomai’s eyes brightened at the thought.
This was probably similar to the "food festivals" of her previous era, right? She loved culinary competitions!
Noticing her interest, Song Jingxi’s smile deepened, and she nodded, "Exactly! The ’Eight Treasures Conference’, as the na suggests, uses ’eight treasures’ as the ingredients, be it the eight treasures of the mountains, sea, poultry, or grass... Anything you can think of, you’ll easily see at that gathering. The dishes that are created are more exquisite than the next, a feast for the eyes that makes everyone drool. In the end, a few of the city’s well-known gourmands will decide the winner, but, this so-called outco is really just for a bit of fun, and after the event, it’s back to business as usual."
"The Eight Treasures Conference? I’ve heard of it!"
Just then, Hua Erniang, having tidied herself up, ca back into the hall. In just a short ti, the once dirt-covered woman had reverted back to a pretty rural beauty with bright eyes and white teeth.
She stood at the doorway with wide, round eyes, clapping her hands excitedly at Hua Xiaomai, "When I first married into Fire Knife Village, your brother-in-law ntioned it, and even promised to take there to enjoy the festivities! Pah, I knew he was just saying it; it’s been over two years, and not a shadow of it! Miss Song, does that an Taoyuan House will also participate in the Eight Treasures Conference this year?"
Song Jingxi smiled at her with perfect composure, "How could I miss such a grand event? Naturally, I participate every year."
Hua Xiaomai rolled her eyes inwardly.
Erjie, isn’t that obvious? Miss Song had made it very clear earlier: all the well-known taverns and restaurants in the prefecture participate in the Eight Treasures Conference, and with Taoyuan House being such a renowned place, how could they not be part of such a grand event?
However, Song Jingxi didn’t take offense and continued to smile gently, speaking steadily to Hua Xiaomai, "You know, Taoyuan House has only one chef—myself. Every year when the Eight Treasures Conference cos around, I’m as busy as a top that won’t stop spinning. By the end, I feel like my bones are about to fall apart. So this year, I was hoping to invite you to join . It would not only save a lot of effort but also give you a chance to experience the atmosphere of life in the prefecture, to contemplate whether you really want to work as a chef for soone else. After the Eight Treasures Conference, if you still wish to go back to running your own small business in Fire Knife Village, I certainly won’t stand in your way."
Hua Xiaomai was sowhat tempted.
She had never seen what a restaurant in the Provincial City looked like, and only from the brief description that Song Jingxi had given, the Eight Treasures Conference seed to be a tantalizing prospect. It would be wonderful to see the world a bit, and Song Jingxi’s words had addressed her lingering concerns.
Maybe... she should just go and join in the fun?
Before she could respond, Hua Erniang stamped her foot and exclaid loudly, "Hey, what are you hesitating for? Didn’t I tell you? If you want to go, just go. I, as your sister, won’t hold you back! Miss Song has co all this way to find you, making all that effort. It’s only natural for you to help with the organization of this Eight Treasures Conference, right? And it’s not like anyone has tied your hands and feet; you can co back whenever you want!"
Erjie... with your impulsive and open-hearted nature, when will you ever change...
Hua Xiaomai inwardly sighed, yet she had already made up her mind. She looked up at Song Jingxi with a smile and gave a slight nod, "I’d love to see for myself what kind of excitent the Eight Treasures Conference has to offer. If you don’t mind my clumsy hands potentially causing a ss, then I’ll give it a try."
"That’s wonderful!" Song Jingxi clapped her hands in delight, releasing a long breath from her chest as if she had finally accomplished a significant task, "The Eight Treasures Conference is on the seventh day of the seventh month, on Chinese Valentine’s Day. There are only a few days left, and there’s still so much to prepare. Why don’t you co back to the prefecture with tomorrow?"
(To be continued. If you enjoy this work, you are welco to give it a recomndation ticket or a monthly ticket at Qidian (qidian). Your support is my greatest motivation. Mobile users, please visit m.qidian to read.)
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