C12 Bullshit

Faang Hua had made his way home, and the affairs of the Xu and Loong families had finally stabilized. Yet, Zhang Quan found himself in a quandary over Faang Hua.

"Brother-in-law, is there a chance we could have Faang Hua cook for a Village Feast again?"

Zhang Quan, Xu Jialong's brother-in-law, had hurried over and was fortunate enough to enjoy the meal Faang Hua prepared that afternoon, leaving him thoroughly impressed.

But the word was that Faang Hua might not take up the chef's mantle after this, which left Zhang Quan feeling torn.

As the old patriarch's son-in-law, Zhang Quan was observing a night of filial vigilance and couldn't sleep. In the midst of a card game with Xu Jialong, he broached the subject.

Xu Jialong laid down a card.

"The guy's a college grad; he can easily land a good job. I wouldn't have reached out to him if it hadn't been for the emergency, and I wouldn't have discovered his exceptional culinary talent."

"Are you thinking of hiring him?"

Zhang Quan nodded and casually played his own card.

"You're aware my brother's wedding is coming up. They've got a house in the city, but it's on the outskirts, so both our families agreed to host a Flowing Feast right on the street, just like in the countryside."

"The issue now is finding a chef. We've got one in the village who's skilled at cooking for a Village Feast, but he's not on good terms with my family. I'm worried he might sabotage the event and tarnish our reputation."

"Having tasted Faang Hua's cooking today, I can vouch for its quality. I'm seriously considering asking him to come. If he agrees, I'm willing to pay whatever he asks!"

Zhang Quan declared confidently.

With Faang Hua as the chef for the Village Feast, the guests would surely be singing his praises. And for the host, it would be a matter of great prestige.

"So, when's your brother tying the knot?"

Xu Jialong nodded, "From what I gather, Faang Hua's fresh out of college. Hard to say for certain, but he should definitely be available in a month or two."

"That's settled then. Brother-in-law, could you lend a hand and bring a few things with me to ask him about it?"

"Absolutely!"

Xu Jialong agreed cheerfully, "Have your brother and sister-in-law come over tomorrow to sample the cooking, so they can be reassured."

"Haha, sure thing."

With his concerns addressed, Zhang Quan's smile grew even broader.

In an aging neighborhood of Haiping City, Faang Jin and Huang Mei were busy packing clothes, assisted by a girl in her late teens.

"Lan Lan, let's head back to the village tomorrow for the feast. Once we've eaten, we'll pay respects to your grandpa."

Faang Jin shared tomorrow's agenda with Faang Lan.

"A feast sounds wonderful! If we don't rush back tomorrow, we can enjoy another meal the day after!"

Faang Lan was always eager for a good meal.

"Perfect, since Hua is helping out at Xu Jialong's, we can check in on what's cooking."

Huang Mei said, beaming.

"If I'm helping out, could you save me some crispy rice from the pot? I've been craving it."

Faang Lan was bubbling with excitement, "By the way, what kind of help will I be offering? It's not going to be heavy lifting, is it?"

At this, Faang Jin could only shake his head in disbelief.

"That kid claims he's going to be the head chef at the Village Feast for Xu Jialong and the Loong family. Can you believe that?"

"Hahahaha... Did he really say that? His tall tales are getting out of hand."

"I think it's all hot air too. Let's go have a good laugh at his expense tomorrow!"

In Small Zhuang Village, Erdan was on his phone talking to his parents.

"Mom, Dad, you've got to come back for the feast tomorrow. I ate so well today, but I missed out on the Blueberry Chinese Yam. Make sure you grab some for me when you're back."

"All you think about is food, you little rascal. You've forgotten I'm still hungry here. Hmph! But seriously, you both better be there tomorrow."