Chef Hua-Chapter 699: Extra Story Three Provincial City Celebrates New Year_2
The carriage jostled as they entered Tong’an City at dusk, clop-clop-clop, turning into Xingshu Alley.
Space was a premium in the Provincial City where the population was dense. Though the city was large, in terms of spaciousness, it could not compare with the countryside. The Meng Family residence within the city was much more cramped than their home in Fire Knife Village.
Though small, the house had all the essentials and was intricately designed. There were no rockeries or live springs, yet a slender stream ran from the back courtyard, winding its way to the small garden in front, bringing a hint of cool, damp air to the enclosure and adding a dash of rustic charm that kept the city’s bustle at bay.
Little Walnut dashed into the house with his two sisters like arrows released from their bows, startling Old Lady Meng who followed behind, clucking her tongue and shouting, "Be careful not to fall!" Meng Yuhuai instructed the two coachmen to unload the belongings, and the carriage was parked beside the back door.
The couple who looked after the house bore the surname Li. The husband was reticent and appeared simple and honest, quietly going about his work, while the wife was outgoing, greeting everyone with a smile that was genuinely warm and comforting.
"Just yesterday I said that you all should be arriving today. Otherwise, we wouldn’t be in time to prepare for the Chinese New Year’s Eve feast."
She came up to Hua Xiaomai with a beaming smile, "In terms of cooking, I can’t hold a candle to you and wouldn’t dare show my weakness before you. But as you’ve arrived late today and it’s past mealtime, I’ve quickly prepared a few dishes. It’s not much, but it’ll stave off hunger. When it’s time to prepare for the new year’s feast, I’ll be your assistant."
Hua Xiaomai cheerfully responded, engaging in some small talk with her, but then she heard a chaotic flurry of footsteps from behind. Turning around, she saw Little Walnut hastily leading his two sisters towards her. 𝑓𝓇𝘦ℯ𝘸𝘦𝑏𝓃𝑜𝘷ℯ𝑙.𝑐𝑜𝓂
"Mom, we want to play with that!"
All three children were bursting with youthful innocence. Despite having traveled the whole day, they showed no signs of fatigue, their faces lively and their chubby hands all pointing excitedly to a few large baskets in the corner of the front courtyard.
Hua Xiaomai, not quite understanding, followed them and bent down to look, finding herself both amused and exasperated.
The large wooden crates were filled to the brim with colorful fireworks and firecrackers.
She had found it strange that morning when she saw Meng Yuhuai carrying stuff to and from the carriage, puzzled why he had bought so many food supplies. Now she realized he had bought all these playthings to entertain the children!
Tsk, she now saw clearly that this Leader Meng had not a shred of the "strict father" in him. He let his wife be the villain, content to be the indulgent loving father!
No wonder he insisted on not letting her help with the moving this morning, claiming he didn’t want to tire her out. In reality, he just didn’t want her to discover this crate of fireworks and firecrackers, right?
Feeling a mix of irritation and amusement, Hua Xiaomai first calmed the three children, then asked Sister Li to take them to wash their hands and faces. Immediately afterward, she turned around with a warm smile and beckoned to Meng Yuhuai, who was still directing the coachmen, "Yuhuai, could you come over for a moment?"
Meng Yuhuai, unsuspecting, walked over to her with a smile, a teasing expression on his face, "What is it? I hear Sister Li made some food, saving you the trouble. Why don’t you sit down and rest for a bit, and then..."
"That’s not urgent,"
Hua Xiaomai pressed his hand down and pulled him towards the several bamboo baskets, lightly tapped and stretched out her voice, "Yuhuai—can you tell me, what exactly is going on here?"
Meng Yuhuai couldn’t help but laugh out loud, "You found out? I know you’re worried about these things not being safe, but with me around, how could I let the little ones fall into danger? It’s Chinese New Year after all; they should have some fun..."
"We came here from the Provincial City; what can’t we buy there? Was it really worth the fuss for you to bring so many fireworks and firecrackers?"
Hua Xiaomai gave him a half-smiling scolding glance, "Anyway, you’re just single-minded about making your son and daughter happy. As for your wife, you fool her whenever you can, I..."
"When have I ever fooled you?"
Meng Yuhuai turned around and saw no one around, then leaned in to whisper in her ear, "I think I’ve always been very dedicated."
Hua Xiaomai was extremely embarrassed and wished she could kick him, hurriedly stepping back and grinding her teeth, "Leader Meng, could you please mind your status? Always saying these rude things, you’ll annoy me, and one day I’ll expose them all and see where you can put your face!"
"You wouldn’t do something that’s not in your interest," Meng Yuhuai said unconcernedly, smiling as he stroked her head, "Anyway, I’ve already bought the fireworks, so the kids should have their share of fun. In my opinion, we don’t have to wait until Chinese New Year’s Eve. After dinner in a while, I’ll lead them for a session. If you’re interested, why don’t you come and watch too?"
"I don’t have the same enthusiasm as you do!" Hua Xiaomai huffed, bared her teeth at him, and turned to walk away.
Though she said that, after dinner, when Meng Yuhuai really did lead the three children with a basket of fireworks to the backyard, Hua Xiaomai followed without a moment’s hesitation.
Little Walnut was a brave one. Even after Meng Yuhuai repeatedly urged him to keep his distance, he still tried eagerly to move closer. Hua Xiaomai scolded him three or four times to no avail, until she forcefully slapped his bottom, finally dragging him back.
The two little girls were younger and not very steady on their feet. They were thrilled but not courageous enough to go near, so they hid behind Hua Xiaomai, covering their ears, their eyes twinkling with anticipation.
Old Mistress Meng stood far off at the corner door, chatting idly with Li Sao while occasionally glancing this way.
Meng Yuhuai carelessly tucked up his jacket around his waist, looked back at the three kids with a smile, and ignited a large bunch of fireworks.
With a loud "boom," a bright streak of fire shot up into the sky and in a moment turned into countless specks of light, like stars scattering down from the heavens. (To be continued. If you like this work, you are welcome to come to Qidian (qidian.com) to cast your recommendation tickets and monthly tickets. Your support is my greatest motivation. Mobile users, please visit m.qidian.com to read.)
