Gourmet: The Master Chef Just Wants to Leisurely Set Up a Stall - Chapter 50

On a new day, Zhao Xiaojing woke up early to visit the market, buying fresh chicken wings, duck legs, pork, and a variety of seasonings.

She had planned a visit to Grandpa Wen’s home today. Though she prepared gifts, they seemed inadequate given Grandpa Wen’s daughter’s prestigious position; the elderly couple must be accustomed to such things.

Unable to afford expensive items yet, she decided to make some dishes herself. Knowing Mrs. Fan’s fondness for them and thinking meat could be refrigerated if uneaten, she opted not to prepare vegetables as she’d arrive in the evening.

Finding a quiet spot, she stored the ingredients in the system fridge before heading to work.

Both Sister Geng and Sister Hou were present today.

“Morning, Sister Geng. Morning, Sister Hou,” Zhao Xiaojing greeted upon entering.

“Xiao Zhao, you’re here.”

Geng Mingyan turned and hurriedly retrieved a jar from a shelf.

“Xiao Zhao, this is homemade brown sugar ginger tea. It’s nothing special, but it can ease discomfort during your period. I hope you don’t mind.”

“Such a big jar? You’re so kind, Sister Geng! Thank you!” Zhao Xiaojing accepted the glass jar filled with dark red paste and specks of yellow ginger, admiring its solid ingredients.

“It was rushed; no molds to shape it into blocks. Just scoop some and mix with water when drinking.”

“Okay, okay. It looks so thick—must’ve taken long to make?” Zhao Xiaojing admired the jar happily.

Geng Mingyan’s smile deepened seeing Zhao Xiaojing’s delight.

“It’s nothing. Thanks for yesterday…” Geng Mingyan expressed modest gratitude.

“No need for thanks, Sister Geng. You’ve taken care of me too.”

At a loss for words, Zhao Xiaojing scratched her head.

After a few reminders from Geng Mingyan, she returned to preparing rice batter.

Having put away the jar, Zhao Xiaojing washed her hands and watched Hou Guihua making bun filling.

Today’s buns had the same scallion and meat filling. Zhao Xiaojing ate three yesterday—the flavor was exceptional. Each bite released an intense aroma of scallions and meat, perfectly balanced between lean and fat, juicy and chewy.

Zhao Xiaojing closely observed Hou Guihua’s filling preparation process.

The minced meat had been ground beforehand—about three parts fat to seven parts lean. Nearby sat a large bowl of scallion whites, ginger, peppercorns, star anise soaking in scallion-ginger water.

Pouring the flavored water into the meat while stirring in one direction until absorbed.

Then adding salt, chicken essence, sugar, light soy sauce, dark soy sauce, oyster sauce, and pepper.

Mixing evenly before adding finely chopped scallions, drizzling oil, stirring again in one direction, then resting.

The process involved common ingredients, yet Sister Hou’s result was extraordinary. Did constant practice hone intuition? Zhao Xiaojing pondered.

Thinking about practice reminded her of yesterday’s rice cake recipe.

“Sister Geng, you have extra soaked soybeans from the rice batter? Can you save about 50g for me?”

“Yes, why do you need them?”

“Saw online that blending soybeans separately and adding them to the batter makes fluffier rice cakes—I want to try!” Zhao Xiaojing casually found an excuse.

“Ah, Xiao Zhao really loves culinary arts,” remarked Geng Mingyan.

Zhao Xiaojing smiled, continuing to learn bun-making, suddenly noticing Hou Guihua’s unusual silence since her arrival.

“Sister Hou seems serious today?”

“Good intentions regarded as donkey liver and lungs,” immediately replied Hou Guihua sarcastically.

Making rice cakes nearby, Geng Mingyan pursed her lips awkwardly.

“You don’t know—I joined someone in their dorm last night and scolded those heartless people. But right after a few words, someone dragged me out. This morning they’re reconciled!”

Hou Guihua kneaded dough violently, speaking rapidly.

“Guihua, what else could I do? Decided long ago to forget and move on. He made all possible amends—it’s my fault for not following through. After years together, should I break up over one argument?

I know you stood up for me, but he’s still the kids’ dad. If we left him no face in front of you, how could we coexist later?”

As Hou Guihua initiated conversation, Geng Mingyan seemed ready to respond.

“I know you meant well—I’m sorry. After all these years, it’s not worth it for Zhou Mingliang or me—let’s not stay mad, okay? I brewed ginger tea for hours—will you throw it away over these troubles? Should we stop interacting?”

Geng Mingyan’s sincere words prompted Hou Guihua to open her mouth, roll her eyes, and fall silent.

Sighing internally, Zhao Xiaojing witnessed another cycle like her past with Su Yuchen—now between Geng Mingyan and Hou Guihua.

While such matters are personal, difficult for those involved to view clearly, external intervention remains supplemental; true change requires self-realization.

Excessive interference risks mutual harm.

“Sister Hou, may I speak objectively without upsetting you?”

Despite helping earlier—finding ways to assist and speaking kindly—Geng Mingyan now urgently carried steamer baskets.

Seeing her absence, Zhao Xiaojing quietly spoke to Hou Guihua.

“Go ahead—I won’t get upset.”

“Yesterday Sister Geng initially didn’t want to involve you or ask for help; she wanted to resolve it herself. To calm you down, she shared it. But you intervened against her wishes—though well-intentioned—it wasn’t what she wanted.

Regardless of whether she should divorce, she hasn’t considered it yet. By scolding him, you trapped her between choosing him or you.”

Zhao Xiaojing quickly finished, feeling anxious—would Sister Hou also become angry?

Indignant at first, Hou Guihua realized the logic after processing the words.

“So should I ignore her? Watch her struggle alone?”

“Only intervene once she’s understood—supporting her suffices. Everyone’s path differs,” Zhao Xiaojing suggested thoughtfully.

Frowning irritably, Hou Guihua contemplated before meeting Geng Mingyan’s gaze and naturally helping her with the steamer basket.

Geng Mingyan handed over the steamer cautiously, glancing at both Hou Guihua and Zhao Xiaojing without speaking yet visibly relieved.

Zhao Xiaojing lowered her head with a subtle smile, continuing to study Hou Guihua’s methods…