Hua Xiaomai returned to the courtyard and imdiately saw Old Lady ng standing at the entrance of the main house, her gaze sweeping in her direction occasionally, as if she wanted to say sothing yet ultimately remained silent.
She lowered her head and pondered for a while, then approached with a smile, pointing at the courtyard wall and said softly, "Mother, thank you for backing up today. Although it’s very likely unrelated to their family, I’m ecstatic that you stood up for . I was thoughtless a few days ago and offended you, but you are generous and do not hold it against . If I ever make mistakes in the future, please guide ..."
"Don’t bother with such nonsense!" Old Lady ng slowly and clearly rolled her eyes, her voice low yet clear, "Do you think I have nothing better to do than to back you up for no reason? I am protecting the face of the ng family! That vile girl dared to sche against my son, just because of that, she will never see a kind face from for as long as she lives!"
After speaking, she spat on the ground and strode majestically into the main house.
Hua Xiaomai watched her back, shook her head, and smiled, then went on to prepare als in the kitchen without further ntion.
...
With ng Yuhuai away on a long trip and such an incident occurring at ho, it was fortunate that Great Saint Sun was there to help. Chun Xi and La i occasionally ca to look in on her, which gave Hua Xiaomai so peace of mind.
On the second day of the month, she went to the Jing family’s small courtyard early in the morning. Besides preparing a good al for the couple, she also made an appearance in front of Lady Hua, to put her at ease. Lady Hua inevitably cursed the thief who set fire to the vegetable patch. Recalling that ng Yuhuai had not been ho for New Year’s since their marriage, she could not help but complain softly.
Hua Xiaomai knew she ant well, fearing she might be upset by Old Lady ng, so she let her chatter away, accompanying her for an entire day’s conversation until she returned to the ng family’s courtyard on the third day of the New Year. She brought so of Ke Zhenwu’s favorite dishes to the Lianshun Escort Agency, where she inquired about his residence to visit him. Seeing the old man looking thinner than a month or two ago yet still spry and cheerful, her heart settled a bit.
Although it would be appropriate to rest during the New Year, she hadn’t had a mont’s peace for several days. Soon it was the fifth day of New Year, the market reopening day, and Hua Xiaomai was even busier, going early to the small restaurant on the east side of the village. She helped Zhou Yunyun open up the place, ready to get business going again.
It was said that the market would not open until the fifth day, but traders and business people couldn’t possibly wait at ho until then. Usually, by the second day of the New Year, they hurriedly set off, hoping the first business transaction of the New Year would bring in more profit.
The imperial road was bustling with ongoing traffic, and by noon, the small restaurant was bursting with custors stopping by for a al, making the first day of business remarkably packed.
Hua Xiaomai, with Zhou Yunyun bustling in the kitchen, and Chun Xi and La i attending to custors outside were incredibly busy when a young rchant, holding a three-tiered food box, hastily ran down from the imperial road.
"Quick, quick, quick." As he entered the restaurant, he urgently said to Chun Xi, "I need two at dishes and two vegetarian dishes, doesn’t matter with rice or stead buns, just prepare portions for four people, the faster the better. I’m taking it to eat on the road and won’t take up your tables here; can you make mine first?"
Chun Xi, unused to handling such clients, was sowhat stunned. Ultimately, La i, being more agile, ca forward, pushing her aside and said smilingly to the young man, "You only said you want two at and two vegetarian dishes, but didn’t specify which. It’s difficult to start without knowing exactly what you want! Also, there’s a first co, first served order here. Everyone here wants to finish their als and hit the road as well, and if we serve you first, they certainly won’t agree! Please take a look at the nu board on the wall, decide what you’d like, and let know."
"Ah, why so troubleso!" The young man slamd his food box on the table, reluctantly glanced at the wall, looked indecisively for a while, then stamped his foot and said, "We aren’t picky eaters, just make whatever is easiest; the most important thing is speed. I’m delivering goods, and I’m already late. If it’s any later, they’ll surely cut my price!"
Despite the cold weather, he was so anxious that he broke out in sweat on his forehead. La i found it sowhat amusing, nodded quickly in agreent, grabbed the food box, and swiftly walked into the kitchen to explain the situation to Hua Xiaomai.
"This is a restaurant, not a ready-to-eat at shop; how could we have food ready to sell to him? It still takes ti for the chef to prepare!" She laughed and added, "I wanted to tell him it would take as long as it takes to drink a cup of tea, but I was afraid he’d just leave in a hurry, and we’d lose that business, so I held back."
The speaker intended no harm, but the listener found aning. As Hua Xiaomai heard this, ideas started forming in her mind, but she didn’t rush to express them. Instead, she sent both Chun Xi and La i to keep the young man calm while she swiftly prepared the two at and two vegetarian dishes properly in the food box, and had Zhou Yunyun deliver it. She then busied herself in the kitchen, her mind churning. Just as she completed making a dish of fish-flavored eggplant, a commotion erupted in the main hall, accompanied by applause and cheers; she frowned, untied her apron, and hurried out.
The hall was packed, and all the guests’ attention was firmly fixed on two individuals outside the door, amidst a flurry of discussions and laughter so loud anyone walking in would feel their ears ring.
Hua Xiaomai followed everyone’s gaze and imdiately saw Great Saint Sun standing outside, gasping heavily as if quite exhausted. He was gripping soone tightly; noticing Hua Xiaomai erging, he suddenly dropped the person like a sack, stepped unceremoniously on him, and waved energetically towards her, shouting, "Sister-in-law, I’ve caught the thief who set fire to your field!" (To be continued. If you enjoyed this work, you are welco to vote for it with a recomndation ticket or monthly ticket at Qidian (qidian). Your support is my greatest motivation. Mobile users, please read at m.qidian.)
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