CHAPTER 660: 350

Hua Xiaomai hadn’t encountered Han Fengzhi since the selection for last year’s banquet of scholars, so she was naturally overjoyed to unexpectedly see him at the Dong’an Inn. She hurried down the stairs in a few quick steps, made her way straight to him, and said with a smile, "How strange, how did you know we were staying here?"

"All well since we last met?"

Han Fengzhi first greeted her solemnly, then turned his head to greet Meng Yuhuai, who was following at a leisurely pace, calling him "Brother Meng" before a sly smile appeared on his face.

"You’ve arrived in Tong’an City and knew to visit Master Xue right away; did you think I’m a fool? It just so happens I arrived shortly after you, and it was from him that I heard you were settled here. So here I am, hurried over, didn’t I? Tell me, that’s a friend for you, right?"

He said earnestly, "The master originally wanted me to stay for a meal, but thinking I hadn’t seen you for so long and truly missed you, I quickly made my way here. So, am I not a good friend?"

Hua Xiaomai chuckled, "That’s enough, I get your point. I’ve been to this Dong’an Inn years ago; their kitchen does a fine job imitating Kong Mansion dishes. As it happens, it’s almost noon; if you don’t mind, why not join me for a meal?"

"Ah, you’re quite the clever one. Although ’Dong’an’ is just an inn, it does indeed have a few dishes that seem utterly authentic!"

Han Fengzhi, without any pretense, readily nodded in agreement, and the three of them found a secluded spot in the crowded hall. They sent someone to invite Wang Zhanrui down, ordered signature dishes like Jade Shrimp Ring and Baked Fish with Osmanthus, warmed a pot of wine, and each took their seats.

It was Wang Zhanrui’s first encounter with Han Fengzhi. Hearing that he was the owner of Biyue Pavilion, a sense of awe promptly surfaced on his face, and he respectfully commented, "A few years ago I worked as a cook in Provincial City for several months. At that time, Biyue Pavilion seemed to have just opened, and it created quite a sensation. In just half a month, it had drawn the wealthy and noble of the city to it like ducks to water—I had thought that the person with such skill would be an elder steeped in years of culinary experience. Yet to my surprise, it’s a young man?"

As he spoke, he glanced at Hua Xiaomai and sighed, "In the past, in our line of food and drink, what mattered most was seniority, experience. Without toiling in the kitchen for three, five, or seven years, one couldn’t dream of making it big. But now, you youngsters, one is more vigorous than the next!"

Han Fengzhi waved his hand dismissively, half-jokingly pointing at Hua Xiaomai, "Don’t praise me; hearing that doesn’t sit right with me. Do you know I was once defeated by her? The higher you lift me, the more you’re boosting her prestige. To talk about age, she’s even younger than me!"

Turning to look at Wang Zhanrui, he then said, "I’ve heard recently that Daoxiang Garden has some connection with the esteemed senior, Wang Tonghe, and that Hua family’s young miss is his disciple. Although I know this is a rumor, your surname is Wang... Ah, she alone is trouble enough; add you to the mix, and will we have any room left to survive?"

Wang Tonghe has always disliked people mentioning his background as a famous chef. Seeing Han Fengzhi bring it up, he simply shook his head, unwilling to answer directly.

Knowing what he was thinking, Hua Xiaomai helped divert the conversation, laughing, "Don’t keep showering us with undue praise, making us feel smug. When the Eight Treasures Conference comes, you might just catch us completely off guard. We won’t fall for your tricks! To be honest, we’re outsiders; how can we compare to you, a native serpent who has every advantage? This year’s topic hasn’t been announced yet; it seems they really plan to put our skills to the test on the spot—considering we’re friends, if you know anything, you should share a hint or two, and not keep it all to yourself."

Her words were meant to be in jest; however, Han Fengzhi suddenly took them seriously, lost his smile, furrowed his brow, and said, "I’ve told you before that I don’t fear losing. As long as someone defeats me fair and square, I will wholeheartedly accept it—this is true for others as well as for myself. Even if the topic was leaked, which it absolutely wasn’t, I definitely wouldn’t go snooping around for it!"

Was this... still because he harbored a grudge over the matter of Song Jingxi replacing his Conch back then?

"My wife was only joking with you."

Seeing him taking it seriously, Meng Yuhuai had to smooth things over and, raising his cup for a toast with Han Fengzhi, smiled and said, "This year’s Eight Treasures Conference is indeed coming up with the topic on the spot, likely out of consideration for fairness. It shouldn’t pose any major issues."

Upon hearing this, Han Fengzhi laughed and shook his head, "Brother Meng, you are not from our line of business. There are many things you might not believe if I told you, and you might even think I’m spinning lies. Having the topic on the spot indeed makes things more comprehensive, but to say it’s fair is not necessarily true."