"Why is everyone acting like starving wolves, don't their wives feed them enough at home?"
Zhang's sister-in-law pulled out a cloth to clean up the table and muttered to herself with a mix of laughter and tears. She then turned to look at Hua Xiaomai, hands on her hips and beaming with a smile, "Little sister of the Hua family, who would have thought your cooking skills would be so extraordinary? Looking at your petite frame, how do you manage such amazing feats? We were just helping out in the kitchen, and although we didn't personally taste the dishes, just the aroma alone has made our day! Hey, seeing all the food you made eaten up must make you very happy, right?"
"Yes!" Hua Xiaomai beamed a bright smile, nodding vigorously.
"Hey, I've been working in kitchens for many years myself, I understand that feeling!" Zhang's sister-in-law said earnestly, then gestured towards the paper shop with a nod of her chin, "Go ahead, our boss is waiting for you there."
Thanking her, Hua Xiaomai obediently went through the back door into the shop and indeed saw Qiao Xiong and Meng Yuhuai standing and talking at the entrance. They were too far to hear their conversation, but there was an unmistakable, radiant smile on Qiao Xiong's face.
"Uncle Qiao." Hua Xiaomai called out to him from a distance, and Qiao Xiong turned around, his smile almost reaching his ears.
"Little sister of the Hua family, come here, come here! Today's meal was truly satisfying! I've been hosting the New Year feast for many years, but never have I seen not a single bit left! I heard you fell asleep in the kitchen just now. Maybe you didn't hear it, but my coworkers and the guests couldn't stop praising today's dishes. That shrimp oil tofu, and the braised Rice Sparrow with mushrooms—I like to think I've seen a bit of the world, but today I wanted to devour my own tongue too! Yuhuai, tell her, wasn't everyone full of praise earlier?"
He spoke animatedly, punctuating his words with gestures, and gave Meng Yuhuai a playful nudge with his elbow.
"Indeed, it was good." Meng Yuhuai cracked a smile and nodded slightly.
"Uncle Qiao, I'm glad you all enjoyed the dishes," Hua Xiaomai pursed her lips, her eyes curving into a smile, "To tell you the truth, I was very attentive to your reactions when the dishes were first served. Yet, not hearing any noise from the kitchen, I was really anxious!"
"When you come across such delicious food, who has time to talk? Everyone was stuffing their mouths furiously, afraid of missing out!" Qiao Xiong laughed heartily and pulled out four strings of cash from his chest, adding another two hundred coins, "Here, this is the payment I promised you. I know you plan to give all four strings of cash to Mrs. Hua, but a young girl like you should keep some money on hand, in case you see something you like. Don't be shy! Here's an extra two hundred coins from me, keep it for yourself, okay?"
Hua Xiaomai took a small step back and waved her hands, "That's not necessary, Uncle Qiao. You've already been so generous with my wages—four strings of cash is quite a high price. How could I ask for more? Besides, I don't usually spend much..."
Qiao Xiong was known for his generosity—spending fifteen pieces of silver on a banquet was evidence enough. Who wouldn't want more money? The additional two hundred coins from Qiao Xiong weren't much, but every little bit counts. In Fire Knife Village, it could buy quite a lot of things; however...
No matter what, this was her first business transaction; she had to be principled, to avoid leaving the impression of being greedy.
"What's with the formality, girl?" Qiao Xiong insisted, pushing the money into her hands, "It's thanks to your thoughtfulness that I sent a portion of today's dishes to the old master. He didn't say much after eating, but from his expression, he was quite pleased. Now we're acquainted, and if there's another banquet to prepare, I will surely ask you to take charge again. By then, the old master probably won't object. Or... consider this money as an advance for the next time, hoping you won't refuse when that comes around, just take it, take it!"
Hua Xiaomai felt a bit overwhelmed and, for some reason, quickly glanced up at Meng Yuhuai. He looked indifferent and said in a deep voice, "Just take it."
Only then did she accept the money, carefully putting it away and thanking Qiao Xiong once more.