Chapter 267: Destiny
Translator: 549690339 |
Despite the seemingly small differences, in the long run, if they were to handle the same task, the former would probably end up in a dead end, while Zhuang Qingning would manage to find a way out and handle all matters properly.
Ding Gaochang’s respect for the Zhuang Qingning in front of him grew increasingly.
As the saying goes, a place of outstanding people is often one with clear water and lush mountains. Even such an ordinary village could bring forth such an exceptional talent.
The more Ding Gaochang thought about it, the more his eyes squinted in laughter.
After some cordial conversation, Ding Gaochang bid farewell and left. Zhuang Qingning walked him to the door, then rolled up her sleeves to help Zhang Yongchang and Lian Rong clean up the leftover food and cooking utensils such as the iron pots.
“Uncle Zhang, you’ve been busy all day. Take a rest. Lian Rong and I can handle the rest.” Zhuang Qingning said to Zhuang Qingsui, “Go, make a cup of tea for
Uncle Yongchang.”
“Alright.” Zhuang Qingsui went cheerfully to boil water and make tea, and then served it to everyone.
“I’ve been busy, but you two haven’t been idle either. If you’re tired, go and rest.” Zhang Yongchang took his handkerchief from his neck, wiped the sweat beads on his forehead, and laughed, “Actually, I don’t feel tired at all.”
“Honestly, I think it’s because I’ve been idle at home for a few days. Seeing so many people having meals today, I don’t know why, but it makes me extraordinarily happy. When I work, I feel so full of energy, and I don’t feel
exhausted.”
“This is simply a laborious life…”
Zhang Yongchang joked about himself.
Zhuang Qingning and Lian Rong glanced at each other.
This was not a laborious life, it was his destiny.
Having worked as a chef for so many years, he had long become accustomed to working around the stove. His most satisfying moments were when he was serving up delicious dishes, and when he heard the exclamations of the diners tasting his food.
Today’s warm dining gathering allowed Zhang Yongchang to rediscover a long-lost sense of satisfaction, which made him feel overjoyed and more comfortable.
“Uncle Zhang.” Zhuang Qingning paused her cleaning work and started to speak with some hesitation, “Have you really given up on the idea of being the head chef at Ruyi Pavilion?”
Zhang Yongchang1 s smile froze a little, then he patted Zhuang Qingning on the shoulder.
He understood Zhuang Qingning’s intention.
And he understood his own feelings at the moment.
Today’s events had indeed allowed him to rediscover the long-lost feeling of being a chef. He felt a renewed vigor in his body, a detail that Zhuang Qingning had clearly noticed and understood.
“I’ll think about it for a couple more days.” said Zhang Yongchang, Just two days. I’ll give Manager Chai an answer then, regardless of whether I choose to go or not. That way, he won’t have to keep worrying about me and put his own affairs on hold.”
“Alright.” Zhuang Qingning nodded, and smiled slightly, “But no matter what,
I hope that Uncle Zhang will make a decisions in line with what he wants. As long as you’re happy, that’s all that matters.
Whether he makes money or not is secondary.
Firstly, Zhang Yongchang does have some savings. And secondly, even if he didn’t, she had enough financial ability to support him.
“I understand, don’t worry. I’m an old man, how could I not have a plan in what I do?” Zhang Yongchang chuckled, then lifted his hand towards Lian Rong, “Put that away first. We’ll eat it tonight when it’s more flavorful. Be careful not to splatter it with oil, or it’ll be ruined.”
“Alright.” Lian Rong agreed and hurriedly started to put things away.
They continued to clean up in the courtyard until late afternoon. Zhuang Qingning wanted to invite Zhang Yongchang and Lian Rong to stay for dinner, but Zhang Yongchang insisted on going back early because the road was not easy to navigate after dark. Zhuang Qingning had to oblige, and asked Zhuang Sifu to escort Zhang Yongchang and Lian Rong back to the town.
For lunch, there were almost no leftovers on the table. In case people came to congratulate them again at the last minute, Zhang Yongchang had prepared extra ingredients when he was preparing the dishes. But these semi-processed foods were not used, so Zhuang Qingning simply tidied them up and planned to serve them for dinner.
However, she and Zhuang Qingsui could nor finish all the food, so they decided to send some out to others.
Zhuang Qingning brought some to Mrs. Wen and Zhuang Jingye’s house, and Zhuang Qingsui went to Zhuang Yonghe’s house.
“You really know how to live.” As usual, Mrs. Wen lifted her chin, instructing Zhuang Qingning to put the food in the kitchen.
Upon seeing the fried spring rolls and tofu skin buns that Zhuang Qingning had brought, she couldn’t help but flash a smile.
During lunch, she only took some extra servings, and she didn’t even express how tasty they were. Yet Zhuang Qingning took notice and remembered, and even made the special effort to save some and bring them to her.
Such a considerate and filial girl was indeed a rare treasure.
No, such a good girl must not be taken away by those unruly boys.
Next time when Zhuang Wencheng comes home, she must ask him if he has any intention of marrying Zhuang Qingning. If he does, then she should start matchmaking as early as possible. This way, her two main concerns would be resolved at once. What a brilliant idea!
Mrs. Wen became even more determined to play matchmaker. When she sent Zhuang Qingning away, there was a beaming smile on her face.
just like little kids, elderly people could get exceedingly happy over receiving their favorite food.
Zhuang Qingning didn’t think too much about it, assuming that Mrs. Wen’s happiness was due to the delicious food she brought. Then, she went to Zhuang Jingye’s house.
Zhuang Jingye was just having his meal at home. When he saw Zhuang Qingning come into the courtyard, he immediately jumped up.
He rushed to Zhuang Qingning and said, “Miss Ning, why are you here? If you need something, just send someone to fetch me. I could easily go to your house.”
Just kidding!
Look at how Ding Gaochang treated Zhuang Qingning today, it was much more than just ordinary courtesy. It was sincere respect, which shows how much importance and weight Zhuang Qingning holds in Ding Gaochang’s heart. In the future, he must do a better job of pleasing Zhuang Qingning!
“Well, Uncle Jingye, we couldn’t finish all the food that Uncle Zhang prepared for lunch, and Zhuang Qingsui and I can’t finish the leftovers either. So, I’ve picked out some of the better ones and brought them for you.” Zhuang Qingning handed him the plate that was filled with tofu skin and Beijing-style shredded pork among other dishes.
“Miss Ning is really considerate. She even thought of this. Just in time for dinner too, we’ve got extra dishes now.” Looking at the Beijing-style shredded pork, Zhuang Jingye laughed, “The dish I’ve been wanting to try the most is this one. Chef Zhang’s reputation is indeed well-deserved. I had a taste of it at lunch today.”
“I never expected to have it for dinner again.
Praise, he must praise. And not just that, he must praise Zhang Yongchang, whom Zhuang Qingning greatly respects, as well!
“I’m glad you enjoyed the dish, Uncle Jingye.” Zhuang Qingning knew why Zhuang Jingye was behaving this way, but she didn’t expose him. She just smiled with her eyes squinted, “You and Auntie should eat now. I need to get back home and have dinner with Qingsui.”