In fact, Hua Xiaomai's food was no different from usual today, except she didn't know whether it was psychological or if the day was indeed too hot, but she found the aroma wafting her way distinctly unpleasant, which immediately erased her appetite. After much thought, she slammed the pot lid down and stormed out the door.
It was sheer luck that she left when she did; the small restaurant had just hosted a rather wealthy diner who specifically requested a "Bamboo fungus and liver cream soup." Hua Xiaomai, in a fluster, had managed the takeout stall at the entrance and had just finished the dish when Chun Xi brought it into the main hall, only to be met with Meng Laoniang barging in fiercely.
