Chef Hua-Chapter 677 - 358 two people_2
Hua Xiaomai looked up and squinted her eyes at Meng Yuhuai, then settled back down beside the table contentedly, finishing up the remaining half bowl of porridge. She also specially picked out two more side dishes to taste, filling her stomach before taking her time to head upstairs to pack and prepare without mentioning it.
...
After about the time it takes for an incense stick to burn, the family of four finally made their way out of the inn’s main gate, all neat and tidy.
Indeed, the Provincial City has its benefits. The bustling vibrancy here is incomparable to any other place.
Various shops had already opened up their doors, and the street vendors on both sides of the street were also busy setting up their stalls. From clothing and household items to trinkets and jewelry, everything was for sale. They called out to the passersby, each cry louder than the last, drilling right into people’s ears.
By the end of summer, the air had a hint of moist humidity, sticky against cheeks and necks. Added with the glaring sunlight, it was truly uncomfortable. Despite that, the streets were still crowded beyond measure, with people squeezing through each stall, craning their necks to look at the various goods and occasionally discussing and critiquing with the person next to them.
Two days ago, Old Lady Meng and Zhou Yunyun had already taken a trip down the streets, but since they were wary of the little one getting sunburnt, they only had a cursory look around. Today, Old Lady Meng was determined to truly take in the Provincial City. Once out of the door, she felt there weren’t enough eyes to see everything. She looked here and there with interest, so much so that even when Meng Yuhuai spoke to her, she wouldn’t hear him, totally preoccupied with everything else.
In the dry goods shop, they purchased quite a lot of seafood, and in the satin shop, they picked out several bright pieces of fabric. Old Lady Meng, who usually would not bother with the goldsmith’s shop, was persuaded by Hua Xiaomai and ultimately clenched her teeth and went in. She looked around and chose a simple but gleaming gold bracelet, grumbling about it being "too expensive" while actually not willing to let it go. 𝗳𝐫𝚎𝗲𝚠𝚎𝗯𝕟𝐨𝘃𝚎𝗹.𝗰𝗼𝗺
"We are not from a greatly wealthy family that needs to show off all the time, and there’s no need to meet anyone on ordinary days. Having too much gold and jewelry just attracts thieves, nothing good. But even so, you should have a couple of items, shouldn’t you? They are bought by your son; it’ll make you stand tall and proud when you talk about it!"
Hua Xiaomai, seeing her genuine liking, urged her even more earnestly at her side, finally coaxing Old Lady Meng to make up her mind. She wrapped the gold bracelet in her handkerchief meticulously and hid it close to her body before leaving the shop overjoyed.
The truth was, it was Old Lady Meng who made a fuss about having a full tour, but not long after, it was also she who complained about being tired. Whether it was because she was distressed about spending too much money or genuinely fatigued, they had only been wandering around the city for less than an hour before she started to nag about feeling overwhelmed and wanting to return to the inn.
"It’s too hot, and the little one can’t stand it. If you two want to continue exploring, just go ahead. I’ll take the child back to rest in the cool inn."
After a rewarding excursion that made her usually fierce face bloom like a flower, she laughingly asked, "I vaguely remember Xiaomai mentioning that we’re not eating at the inn tonight. Where are we supposed to go?"
Last evening, Han Fengzhi had someone deliver an invitation asking Hua Xiaomai and Meng Yuhuai to dine at his Biyue Pavilion, claiming, "Even though you won against me, this young master holds no grudges and will still treat you to good wine and dishes as usual."
Hua Xiaomai admired his open and straightforward nature and naturally would not reject his kindness. So, she sent Old Lady Meng back to Dong’an Inn and agreed to come back to pick her up around the evening.
"Now that it’s just the two of us, where shall we go?"
Standing outside the inn, Hua Xiaomai looked up and smiled at Meng someone, "Mother is tired, but I’m not done playing yet. Don’t think for a second that you can fool me."
Meng Yuhuai chuckled as well, "If you’re not afraid of getting sunburned, I’ll take you somewhere."
"You’re not thinking of dragging me up a mountain again, are you?"
Hua Xiaomai hurriedly side-eyed him, "Leader Meng, I’m, after all, your wife, the genuine article with a no-fake exchange policy. Yet you always take me to places that cost nothing; how can this be acceptable? If I get irritated, I might just pick out a big gold bracelet and make you bleed a good deal!"
Meng Yuhuai really wanted to knock some sense into her, laughing helplessly, "You want a bracelet, we can buy it anytime, but today is hard to come by, just the two of us alone for a while. If you don’t go to the place I have in mind, once this opportunity passes, it won’t come again."
...
It turned out that Tong’an City didn’t lie near any river or sea, but there was a large lake in the suburbs, surrounded by lush trees and offering pleasant scenery. In the spring and autumn, many people from the city loved to boat on the lake. However, since the weather was now too hot and there was no shade on the lake, it was quite uncomfortable, so very few people ventured there.
Meng Yuhuai led Hua Xiaomai directly to the lakeside, and they saw a few boatmen napping with their bamboo hats on. The lake, gleaming under the sunlight, looked splendid, but it was empty, without even a shadow of a boat in sight.
"Back when Daoxiang Garden was just completed, you and I went to the fishpond edge one evening, and you wanted to go boating. But because you were pregnant with Little Walnut, I didn’t think it was safe, so I didn’t agree. Later on, when there were more customers in the garden and given your role as the hostess, I figured you’d probably find it embarrassing to compete with guests for a boat—Just now, you asked me where I was planning to take you, and on a whim, I thought of this place. If you’re not afraid of turning into a charcoal, should we go to the center of the lake?"
Boating under the fierce sun, he surely had an interesting idea, yet Hua Xiaomai found it sweet and, looking up, said, "You remember that? And as long as you don’t mind my being tan, what do I have to fear?" She then dragged him toward the lakeshore.
Meng Yuhuai, being an Escort Master, often traveled by water. Though he wasn’t an expert swimmer, rowing a small boat was nothing difficult for him. The two of them didn’t need the boatmen and easily rowed the green-canopied little boat to the center of the lake.
The lake might seem hot from the look of it, but once they got on the water, it wasn’t too uncomfortable. The sun was indeed harsh, but there was an occasional cool breeze that skimmed over the lake and felt refreshing against the skin. Plus, with no one else around, the serenity and quietude were quite delightful.
Hua Xiaomai hid under the awning, only poking her head out, and with a smirk glanced at Meng Yuhuai, "I didn’t know you had all these tricks up your sleeve, eh. Last time, you took me to the mountains, this time to the lake, always sneaking to places where no one’s around—Next time, where are you planning to take me?"
Meng Yuhuai simply said "Stop being silly," and didn’t answer her question, asking instead, "You know I have a good memory. That day you said once we got home, you would properly thank me, yet you still haven’t told me what for, how you will thank me, can you say now?"
"How could I tell you the thanks, naturally? Otherwise, where would the surprise be?"
Hua Xiaomai popped out from the canopy and casually sat beside him, lips pursed in a smile, "As for what to thank, if you want to hear, I’ll tell. I, your wife, am known for my thick skin, could I possibly be shy?" (To be continued. If you like this work, you’re welcome to cast your recommendation ticket, monthly ticket at Qidian (qidian.com). Your support is my greatest motivation. Mobile users, please visit m.qidian.com to read.)
