CHAPTER 649: CHAPTER 344 HAPPY GATHERING_2

"Oh, don’t worry about it!"

Han Hu slapped his chest with a sound that echoed like mountains, "Don’t forget what line of work I’m in. I’m a Leader at the Escort Agency. I can’t handle this little matter? Leave it to me, and I guarantee that your sister-in-law won’t suffer from these baseless losses!"

Meng Yuhuai smiled a little, "This is really a personal matter of mine, I shouldn’t have troubled you to run around..."

"Are you saying this to me?" Han Hu grimaced, "Now that you’re in charge of the Escort Agency, it seems that I shouldn’t call you brother anymore. But in my heart, I’ve always treated you as an elder brother. Do you have to be so formal with me, too?"

That comment deeply touched Meng Yuhuai. It brought back memories of Lv Bin, stirring a mix of emotions in his heart. He gave a pat on Han Hu’s shoulder, "Alright, take care on the way and get home early to rest."

With that, he stopped the group of forcefully beating people from the Escort Agency, secured the two offenders in the backyard with someone to guard them, and then led Old Black back to his house.

...

Several days passed, and the rainy season arrived as expected.

On the first day, the rain poured down ferociously, pelting the ground and creating large and small puddles. In no time, the entire Fire Knife Village seemed to be enveloped in a muddy soup. Stepping out would not only result in a thorough soaking but would inevitably cover you in mud.

The farmers who had been busy in the fields just two days ago vanished without a trace. The village lanes were deserted, and the occasional passerby who did scurry by kicked up splashes of water as they ran.

Daoxiang Garden closed before dusk, leaving the place eerily quiet; however, Master Tan’s new home was bustling with excitement.

Every single person from the shop, one and all, squeezed into this not-so-large house, packing the place tight.

The children were ecstatic with the arrival of so many guests, unsure how to contain their happiness. They shuttled back and forth through the crowd, talking loudly and laughing shrilly, playing with all their might, the noise they made causing the neighbors to peek out of their windows curiously.

Since Master Tan had prepared in advance to host everyone during the rainy season, he was now in the kitchen, beaming with joy as he prepared the dishes, while his wife set up a simple shelter in the backyard, placing the dining tables there, busily laying out bowls and chopsticks, scolding the children from time to time. Despite the muddy footprints all over the house, she wasn’t the least bit annoyed, still managing to exchange pleasantries with guests amidst her hustle and bustle.

With the shop being so busy, it had been a long time since everyone had gathered like this. Everyone was in high spirits. Qing You, Ji Xiang, and Xiu Miao helped Master Tan in the kitchen while the rest took their seats, sharing everyday banter but still felt very joyful.

Rain dripped steadily off the edge of the shelter, and while those sitting beneath it weren’t soaked, they still felt the dampness in the air.

Master Tan used to run a tavern and was very skilled in preparing various appetizers for drinks—braised duck feet, steamed goose with scallion in wine, fried tofu triangles... The table was full, featuring the most common dishes, yet they were appealingly red and bright, with a rich aroma. Just by smelling the fragrance, one felt the urge to grab a jug of wine and, without any reservation, gulp down three bowls to start.

Hua Xiaomai was squeezed between Chun Xi and Zhou Yunyun, dripping with sweat. She took two sips from her tea bowl and picked up a piece of fish cake made by Master Tan’s wife, shouting across to Wang Zhanrui, "Master Wang, why don’t you try this? Two years ago—before Master Tan became the head chef at the shop—I had this fish cake once. It was incredibly fragrant and chewy. I’ve tried making it myself a few times, but the flavor was never quite right. Maybe you could think it over?"

Wang Zhanrui indeed took a piece to taste and nodded, "Hmm, indeed the flavor is quite good. In my opinion, you could just ask his wife later for the recipe instead of wracking your brain over it."

As he spoke, he swallowed the whole piece of fish cake in two or three bites, "Is Brother Yuhuai not coming today?"

"You really are thinking about him," Hua Xiaomai said with a curved smile, "Although we came today for the free food and drinks, it’s still to celebrate Master Tan’s family reunion. Yuhuai mentioned he wanted to join the fun too. But he’s busy with the Escort Agency’s work, I’m afraid he won’t arrive too early. We don’t have to wait—ahem, there’s no point in what I’m saying, look, aren’t they already drinking over there?"

As she spoke, she gestured with her mouth to the right.

With a few cold dishes on the table, some had started competing in drinking games, yelling out toasts that were as loud as thunder and drilling into people’s ears.

"So noisy..."

Wang Zhanrui shook his head and half-jokingly scolded, "Keep it down," then raised his voice to ask, "I mean, have you considered that Eight Treasures Conference matter?"

At this question, the attention of Chun Xi and others was drawn over, especially Zhou Yunyun, who pricked up her ears high and stared intently at Hua Xiaomai, as if filled with endless anticipation.

Hua Xiaomai knew they all harbored thoughts about the Eight Treasures Conference. After a moment of pondering, she said with difficulty, "I haven’t made up my mind yet... I’ve attended the Eight Treasures Conference once, and I know full well that relying on just one or two chefs won’t do. First, we need someone to purchase and prepare the ingredients, and on the day itself, several people need to work together. We are not from the Provincial City, it would take quite an effort to go there, and we would have to find a place to stay—I expect that with the Conference being organized on such a grand scale this time, all the restaurants from Tong’an Prefecture will be there, and finding an inn might be tough..."

"You’ve attended before, but we still have no idea what the Eight Treasures Conference is like. It would be great for us to see something new!"

Chun Xi nudged Hua Xiaomai’s shoulder and spoke in a drawn-out voice.

"I..." Hua Xiaomai weighed various thoughts in her mind and was indecisive. Just as she was unsure how to respond, she heard Master Tan calling out from the kitchen.

"Has Brother Yuhuai arrived? Look at you, all wet, come here and dry off!"

Everyone at the table turned their heads in unison, only to see Meng Yuhuai stride into the room and head straight to the backyard, absentmindedly drying the water drops from his face.

"Talking about the Eight Treasures Conference?" He greeted everyone and finally rested his gaze on Hua Xiaomai’s face, "I think you really ought to make a trip there." (To be continued. If you like this work, we welcome you to Qidian (qidian.com) to cast a recommendation ticket, monthly ticket; your support is my greatest motivation. Mobile users, please visit m.qidian.com to read.)