Hua Xiaomai nodded but remained silent.
Truth be told, she was genuinely reluctant to dismiss Wang Zhanrui just like that.
It was difficult to find chefs these days, and one as skilled as Wang Zhanrui was even harder to co across, which was why she was particularly lenient with him and unwilling to quibble over minor issues.
Earlier, Wang Zhanrui had ntioned that his outburst was not directed at her, and for so reason, Hua Xiaomai actually felt that he was telling the truth.
She distinctly rembered that when Wang Zhanrui first ca to Daoxiang Garden, his mood was fairly good. Everyone had celebrated the Mid-Autumn Festival together in the garden, and after a couple of drinks, he had even opened up and talked at length, seemingly in high spirits. Even though his manner was sowhat stiff and aloof afterwards, it was still within acceptable limits.
Only recently had he started giving people dirty looks and talking in a weird tone. So, what exactly was going on lately?
She smiled up at Chun Xi, indicating that she was aware, and then mulled over it again in her heart.
...
The dish Mutton Square Hidden Fish was stewed to perfection, with tender at and soft bones, and received high praise when served. Although there was a slight mishap with Wang Zhanrui’s Dendrobium Old Duck Soup, the tily redy prevented any complaints from the diners. Business in the garden was good that day, and they reaped a significant profit. After closing ti, Chun Xi, La i, and the rest of the staff dispersed, and Wang Zhanrui left with a heavy heart. Hua Xiaomai then stopped Master Tan.
After the incident in the bamboo forest kitchen today, everyone in the shop was talking about it, and Master Tan couldn’t have been unaware. Hearing Hua Xiaomai ask him to stay, he probably knew what it was for and approached her with a smile, saying, "What’s up, Boss? You wanted to see ?"
"I’ll cut to the chase and not beat around the bush," Hua Xiaomai said with a frown, pointing at the chair opposite, "Master Tan, you live in Sauce Garden with Master Wang and work together in the kitchen every day. You know him best. You must have noticed that sothing is not quite right with him lately. I specifically asked you to stay to find out if he’s run into any trouble recently."
"This...,"
Master Tan habitually tried to gloss it over, rubbing his hands and saying with a laugh, "Talking behind soone’s back doesn’t seem quite right... I really haven’t noticed him encountering any problems. I wonder if it’s just that he hasn’t been in Fire Knife Village long and is still getting used to it. Ah, give it so ti, and perhaps he’ll...,"
"How is this talking behind soone’s back?" Hua Xiaomai gave him a look, "You’ve seen how he responds to anyone who talks to him; it’s always with that impatient deanor. If it continues like this, who in our shop could stand it? I’m thinking, if he really has so trouble, we could think of ways to help him out, and it’s also for the sake of our business, you know? Besides..."
She looked upstairs at the private room: "Everyone has gone now. Besides you and in the shop, there’s only my mother. Whatever you say, do you really fear soone will spread it recklessly?"
Master Tan spent every day in close quarters with Wang Zhanrui, and if anyone was aggrieved, it was him who bore the brunt most. Even though he wasn’t one to complain, he still felt sowhat uneasy. Hearing Hua Xiaomai say this, he hesitated for a mont, sighed, and seed to finally make up his mind, but then he began on an entirely different topic.
"Boss, haven’t you noticed? The origins of Master Wang are not simple?"
He hesitated before saying, "I don’t know if you’ve noticed, but the whole set of utensils he uses for grinding and boiling tea is made of pure silver. Which ordinary family could afford that? And those tea leaves—I may not know much, but as a chef, I can definitely tell good from bad, and those tea leaves are certainly not sothing ordinary folks like us can afford to buy! And since his surna is Wang..."
"What about his surna Wang?" Hua Xiaomai hurriedly asked.
"You don’t know?" Master Tan showed a trace of surprise on his face, "The most renowned chef across the whole world, Wang Tonghe, have you not heard of him?"
Hua Xiaomai turned her eyes.
Ever since she arrived in this era, she had always stayed in Fire Knife Village, and had only traveled as far as the Prefecture City a couple of tis. No one had ever specifically ntioned the famous Wang Tonghe to her, so how would she know?
"Really haven’t heard of him..." Master Tan glanced at her face again, full of disbelief, "Geez, that Wang Tonghe is a real notable figure in our culinary circle! Even if he’s not on par with the ancestors, he’s undoubtedly a remarkable person! I haven’t seen it myself, but I’ve heard that even the most ordinary ingredients, once they pass through his hands, instantly taste like dragon liver and phoenix marrow. Initially, Imperial City wanted to invite him to beco the Imperial Chef, but he was so stubborn and flatly refused. Finally, unable to withstand the pressure, he determinedly hid deep in the mountains—speaking of which, it has been over a decade since anyone last saw him. If he’s still alive, he should be around fifty-sixty years old. If he had a son, he would be about the sa age as Master Wang."
He spoke and leaned in mysteriously closer, "I also heard from a few chef friends that the last ti they saw him, he was in the mountains of Lingquan Prefecture, growing tea leaves himself!"
Upon hearing this, Hua Xiaomai suddenly widened her eyes.
Wang Tonghe growing tea leaves, Wang Zhanrui specializing in tea-based dishes, and both sharing the sa surna—could it be... that guy is really the descendant of a famous chef?
Master Tan shook his head, sighing, "Actually, I’ve been pondering over this lately. If Master Wang really is the son of Wang Tonghe, then his recent behavior makes sense. Think about it, Boss. Whether it’s the Lady of the Prefecture or just ordinary guests in our shop, everyone cos asking for the dishes you make. He’s just the one left over. His father has such a renowned reputation, and yet here he is, mixed up in all this. If it were you, would you feel comfortable?" (To be continued. If you like this work, I invite you to visit 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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