Chef Hua

The shop was doing well; these vegetables and groceries were restocked every three to five days. Scholar Wen simply arranged orders with several shops in the city. On designated days, they would deliver the goods themselves and settle the money in person, so the shop assistants no longer needed to make the trip.

Soon, Ji Xiang and the others who went to the Provincial City to buy supplies had returned, bringing a whole cart of seafood.

Fish Maw and sea cucumber, being expensive items, hardly needed mention. Clams, razor clams, and crabs, which were somewhat cheaper, were even more varied. After drying, the seafood naturally retained a salty and fresh taste. Once brought into the main hall, its aroma wafted about, enveloping the entire restaurant in the briny air of the sea.

Fire Knife Village was not close to the sea, and the shop assistants—especially those who came after the expansion—had rarely seen such seafood and inevitably found themselves craving it. Hua Xiaomai was not stingy; though she was reluctant to serve abalone and shark’s fin to guests, cooking a bit extra of the other items to share with everyone was no big deal for her.

It happened that she hadn’t cooked in a long while and was itching to do so. Without needing Master Tan’s help, she started managing on her own in the kitchen.

Dried Razor clam meat and crab were soaked in cool well water for a whole day, then boiled for five days until they swelled to two inches long, the meat thick and tender, looking just like they did when freshly caught. She simmered them in chicken broth, adding just a bit of ground licorice to season, and threw in a handful of noodles, boiling until the soup was thick and bubbling. She then served it in bowls, each topped with a palm-sized piece of pickled fish, and personally brought them to everyone.

After stewing, the rich flavor of the razor clam meat and crab first permeated the soup, then infused the noodles, even turning the hard pickled fish soft. The generous portions were delicious, and everyone devoured their meal with satisfied hearts. Others might not mention it, but even old Lady Meng, who usually preferred strong flavors, praised it highly. Clasping Little Walnut tightly with one hand, her other hand was unaffected as she continuously shoveled noodles into her mouth, repeatedly urging Hua Xiaomai to prepare a bowl of the same noodles for Meng Yuhuai in the evening.

As for the name of the dish, Hua Xiaomai actually couldn’t specify, merely having chosen ingredients that paired well together. It was an unexpected delight, and she herself was quite pleased. Everyone in the main hall was busy eating their noodles and didn’t bother to speak, fully immersed in their meal, when suddenly Wang Zhanrui stepped in, carrying two large cloth bags, followed by an old man who also carried quite a few items.

The two men carried a scent of fresh tea with them and upon entering the restaurant, they energized those who were deeply engrossed in their meal, prompting smiles and greetings from everyone to Wang Zhanrui.

Hua Xiaomai also approached, smiling at Wang Zhanrui: "Just yesterday, I was telling Sister-in-law Chun Xi that business was good, and if you, Master Wang, delayed a few more days, we would truly be overwhelmed. What a coincidence that you are back—tell me, are those bags full of tea leaves?"