Although... well, such thoughts might indeed be too simplistic and naive, but after all, it’s always good to have sothing to look forward to.
Regardless, thinking that she would be able to see her second sister frequently from now on made her quite happy. Although she had to rush up and down the stairs from ti to ti, she still managed to find ti to help prepare a couple of dishes for Elder Mother ng and said a few nice words to Elder Mother Jing. The al went surprisingly smoothly without a single mishap, creating an exceptionally harmonious atmosphere.
After the al concluded at the hour of the Dog, Elder Father Jing, who had drunk quite a lot, had his face as red as a monkey’s butt. He was scolded and supported by Elder Mother Jing as they, along with Elder Mother ng, headed toward the south of the village. Hua Xiaomai instructed her sister with a few words and she too, supported by Jing Taihe, returned to their old ho. After bustling about in the kitchen, Hua Xiaomai shed her apron and stepped out only to see ng Yuhuai still sitting alone at a secluded small table by the window, seemingly tired and dozing off with his eyes half-closed.
Hua Xiaomai smiled secretly and walked over to him, pushed on his shoulder, and with a playful smile said, "I thought you had gone back with your mother, why are you still sitting here? You drank quite a bit with Uncle Jing today, I’m afraid you’re not feeling well. Should I go and prepare a bowl of Hangover Soup for you?"
Chun Xi and La i, sensing that the couple still had things to discuss, quickly and quietly cleaned up the place and, chuckling, left hand in hand; Zhou Yunyun also hid in the inner hall. Suddenly, the large hall was left with just the two of them.
ng Yuhuai slowly opened his eyes, smiled at Hua Xiaomai, and rubbed his nose bridge. Shaking his head, he said, "I did drink a bit too much, and I truly feel a bit unwell. It wouldn’t be a bother, a bowl of Hangover Soup would be good."
Hua Xiaomai then checked his forehead, turned back to the kitchen, cut a couple slices of ginger, and boiled the water. She brought out the steaming redy and said with a laugh, "Actually, using catfish head to make a spicy fish soup would indeed help with sobriety and taste good; but I find it too troubleso. Just make do with this. Drink this, and tomorrow morning I’ll cook so millet porridge to warm your stomach, you’ll feel better after eating it."
"There’s no need for so much fuss," ng Yuhuai replied as he picked up the bowl to blow away the steam and took a sip, then he pulled her to sit beside him, "My alcohol tolerance is good enough to handle these few drinks, just that I’m not used to chugging it all at once."
Drunk, his eyes looked more blurred than usual, making him seem exceptionally cuter than normal. Hua Xiaomai couldn’t resist, and seeing that no one was around, she stretched out her hand to touch his face, giggling, "You’ve been busy moving and drinking today, sorry for the trouble. Though, my brother-in-law is your childhood friend, helping him is only natural, and I don’t owe you a favor for that."
"Hmm, you’re my wife, and we’ve been sharing a bed for a long ti now; surely there’s no need to ntion ’favors’ at this point?" ng Yuhuai replied with a half-smile, as he caught her hand that was resting on his cheek, "By the way, I need to ask you about the final selection of the Banquet; how are your preparations? Yesterday in the County, I overheard so rumors. It seems that the final list of five candidates has already been settled."
"So soon?" Hua Xiaomai was slightly surprised, raising an eyebrow, "Wasn’t it said to take half a month for the preliminary selection? There are still a few days left, how co it’s already decided?"
ng Yuhuai, his speech noticeably slower due to the alcohol, smiled and said, "Calling you naive, usually you are quite shrewd in business, but if to say you are clever, bizarrely enough, you seem confused about these small matters. Magistrate Tao may have announced a city-wide selection for the banquet, but in reality, those are only the eateries in the city, and which is well-known and capable, isn’t it evident? Although the initial selection is still ongoing, as it nears the end, only the insignificant ones are left, they themselves know, this might just be a formality."
As he spoke, he gently stroked Hua Xiaomai’s hair, "The Chunfeng Restaurant of Old Master Zhao, needless to say, is a strong contender. Additionally, Gui Lin Inn in the south of the city, and Qianzui Pavilion in West City, also made the list. As for you— I and Uncle Ke ntioned you before Magistrate Tao, and now, with Han Fengzhi from Provincial City strongly recomnding you, you certainly cannot be underestimated."
Hua Xiaomai acknowledged softly and rested her head on his shoulder, whispering, "That Mr. Han, initially I thought he was difficult to deal with, but unexpectedly he turned out to be quite a character. Whether or not it works out this ti, I should thank him. That... do you know what the topic for the final selection is? If I’m to prepare, I must at least have a direction."
"How would I know that? Don’t worry, Magistrate Tao will surely send soone to discuss this with you soon," ng Yuhuai replied, a barely noticeable frown flickering across his brow. After a mont of silence, he suddenly said in a serious tone, "Xiaomai, I have sothing to ask you."
Hearing the change in his voice, Hua Xiaomai looked up at him and tilted her head, "Yes, what is it?"
"That day, when you and that Han from Biyue Pavilion had the cooking competition..." he seed to weigh his words carefully, pausing briefly, "you both spoke about opening a restaurant in Provincial City— I know, not being able to stay at Taoyuan House was sothing you regret, even if not said aloud. Could it be that you still plan to open a restaurant there?" (To be continued. If you like this novel, welco to Qidian (qidian) to cast your recomndation ticket and monthly ticket. Your support is my greatest motivation. Mobile users, please visit m.qidian to read.)
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