At this mont, Old Lady ng was busy in the kitchen preparing dinner, seemingly frying a fish, the charred aroma drifting from the stove all the way into the courtyard.
ng Yuhuai listened intently as Hua Xiaomai finished recounting her chance encounter with Old Master Zhao that day, his expression unchanged. He grabbed a stool and sat beside her, opened the paper parcel on the table, picked up a silver thread roll, and leisurely took a bite.
Hua Xiaomai, with that matter weighing on her mind, felt restless. Seeing his reaction, she was torn between irritation and amusent, and pushed him slightly, "Are you that hungry? Can’t you say sothing?"
"Do you think this is a big deal?" ng Yuhuai stuffed the rest of the silver thread roll into his mouth, brushed the crumbs off his hands, and turned to look at her.
"Not a big deal, just feels a bit uncomfortable,"
Hua Xiaomai lowered her head and lightly bit her lower lip, speaking with a trace of frustration, "About Old Master Zhao—it’s not that I’m seeking connections, but considering we’ve had so dealings with him over the past two years, and the sauces they use at Chunfeng Restaurant are all bought from Zhenwei Garden, our relationship could be considered quite decent. He’s also Uncle Ke’s friend, and I’m more inclined to treat him as an elder because of that. Seeing him always greet everyone with a smile, I thought he was open-minded, but who would’ve thought..."
She sighed at that point.
"Our Daoxiang Garden’s restaurant business has always been good, but the garden behind it only just made its first deal and didn’t earn much, yet now he’s set his sights on it. That’s how he is, not to ntion other taverns and eateries in the city! I really can’t understand, why has it co to this? His words made it sound as if I had stolen his business..."
ng Yuhuai slightly furrowed his brow, reached out to free her lip from her teeth, and murmured softly, "Don’t bite."
"You..." Hua Xiaomai knocked his wrist away, half laughing and half crying, "Can you stop with the touching? We’re talking about serious matters here!"
ng Yuhuai smiled slightly, picked up another silver thread roll to eat slowly, and said with downcast eyes, "I truly don’t think it’s that serious, and besides, I guess you haven’t really worried about it either. At most, it’s just Old Master Zhao’s change of attitude that’s made you a little uncomfortable. I’ve t him several tis because of Uncle Ke and know he’s not one to resort to an tactics. A couple of acerbic words from him, what’s the harm? You should feel flattered that he considers you competition."
"But how have I beco competition? We’re barely getting started!"
Hua Xiaomai murmured to herself with a pout.
"If I were him, I’d also see you as a potential threat," ng Yuhuai said as he stroked her head, "Competition among those in the sa trade has always ant no friends; this is sothing you should be clearer about than I am, being in the midst of it. Anyway, if you really are worried, have the employees be more vigilant lately. If they notice anything amiss, tell imdiately, understand?"
Hua Xiaomai nodded silently.
It wasn’t in her nature to think the worst, and at this point, even if she did, it wouldn’t be of any use.
ng Yuhuai was right; perhaps she shouldn’t take this matter too seriously, but nonetheless, it would be wise to discuss it with Qing You, Ji Xiang and the rest of the staff. It’d be good to give heads-up to Wang Zhanrui and Master Tan as well—better to be cautious and prepared.
After sitting in the courtyard and talking for a while longer, Old Lady ng’s booming voice ca from the kitchen.
"What could you two possibly have to talk about that you see each other every day? Hurry up and set the table for dinner; do you need to be asked over and over again?"
"Coming!" Hua Xiaomai promptly responded, smiled at ng Yuhuai as she lowered her head, and stepped into the kitchen.
...
Having not visited Daoxiang Garden for the entire day, and even though she knew Chun Xi and La i were there to keep things under control, Hua Xiaomai couldn’t help but worry. She was keen to see how Zhou Yunyun had managed the takeout stall in her absence. The following day, she deliberately waited until nearly noon, guessing the stall would already be set up, before rushing over with Old Lady ng.
It was still early; the restaurant’s main hall had only a few scattered tables of custors, yet the takeout stall at the front was already backed up with a long line. Looking from the small path in the village, it was a sea of heads, making it impossible to spot Zhou Yunyun, with only the successive waves of food fragrance reaching the nostrils.
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