Meng Zhao looked surprised. Shen Qinghe, what is he doing here?
Ever since hearing that Zhao Shida had sent the cook over, Shen Qinghe had been somewhat suspicious. Now that she saw that it was indeed Meng Zhao, she couldn't help but frown, purse her lips, clench her fists under her sleeves, and feel anger burning in her eyes.
Young Master Zhao, seated at the head of the table, had a mocking look in his eyes, but instead feigned surprise and asked, "Brother Qinghe, what's going on? Do you know our cook?"
Shen Qinghe suppressed the anger in his eyes, "This is my sister-in-law."
Zhao Shida pretended to touch his mouth, "Oh my, I didn't expect this to be Brother Qinghe's sister-in-law. It's really offensive that we're being served by Brother Qinghe's sister-in-law."
Zhao Shida, though saying "offensive," spoke with a disdainful tone, clearly enjoying the spectacle.
Meng Zhao suddenly realized why the Zhao family had invited her to the banquet – it was to embarrass Shen Qinghe. As expected of the male lead, there were always demons and monsters blocking his way, and now she had been dragged into it too.
But these methods are far too naive; is this just middle school bullying?
Seeing Shen Qinghe's unusual emotional outburst, Meng Zhao worried that things might get messy and he wouldn't be able to collect the final payment, so he quickly said, "So Young Master Zhao knows Qinghe. If I had known this earlier, there would have been no need for the Zhao Chen family to come and invite me. I could have just had Qinghe deliver a message."
He then looked at the other people at the banquet and said with a smile, "I suppose you are all Qinghe's classmates. Since it's Young Master Zhao's birthday banquet, why don't you all try my cooking skills? It would also be a way to thank you all for taking care of Qinghe in the academy."
When Meng Zhao spoke, he was neither humble nor arrogant, and his expression was calm, as if he were talking to a younger friend in his family.
Although she was a little angry, she didn't feel embarrassed. She accepted the money to do the work openly and honestly, and didn't feel that being a cook made her inferior.
Mr. Zhao's actions are like a middle school student mocking a classmate whose family sells fish and who smells fishy. This is a huge blow to a child with a strong sense of self-esteem who lives in a group.
But for someone like Meng Zhao, who had already entered society and worked as a laborer and a boss, this was far too simplistic.
There were also people at the table who usually didn't get along with Zhao Shida and couldn't stand his domineering behavior, but they didn't dare to interfere because of his family background.
However, Zhao Shida's behavior today was indeed excessive. It's one thing to be competitive in academics at the academy, but to involve his family is simply outrageous and domineering.
Someone said, "The food that Brother Qinghe's family usually sends over is always very fragrant. We're really in for a treat today."
“Yes, I sit next to Brother Qinghe. Sometimes I want to study at noon, but I am always tempted by the aroma of Brother Qinghe’s food. Today I finally have the chance to taste it.” After saying that, he looked at Zhao Shida, who was sitting in the main seat with an unfriendly expression, worried that he would be jealous of him. “But I still have to thank Brother Shida for his kindness.”
"Brother Shida, the time is almost here, why don't we begin now?"
Zhao Shida glanced at Shen Qinghe, who had regained his composure, and then at Meng Zhao, whose expression remained calm, and was quite dissatisfied.
The scene he was hoping for was either Shen Qinghe looking indignant but not daring to lash out, or him being furious and undisguised, ruining his image—that would be interesting. But to his surprise, Shen Qinghe remained completely calm and composed.
I thought that inviting her sister-in-law this time would make things different, but it turns out that like attracts like, even her sister-in-law is so boring.
Seeing that time was running out, he said, "Let's begin the meal now. Since the dishes were prepared by Brother Qinghe's sister-in-law, let her introduce them to everyone."
After hearing this, Meng Zhao prepared to serve the dishes, while also giving Shen Qing a reassuring look.
Now that it's already happened, what's the use of complaining? She should focus on doing her job well and turning this treacherous banquet into a showcase for her culinary skills. That would be a real achievement for her.
As Zhao Shida gave the order, dishes were brought in one by one. There were three tables in the courtyard. Meng Zhao stood by the main table and took the first dish from the maid.
"The first dish is stir-fried seasonal vegetables, which are made with the freshest seasonal vegetables. The flavor is light and refreshing, and it is very appetizing."
Next, a plate of garlic vermicelli shrimp was served. "This dish is called 'Blooming Prosperity,' which means good fortune and wealth. The shrimp meat is tender and smooth, and when paired with vermicelli and a secret garlic sauce, it brings out the sweetness of the shrimp even more."
"This dish is called Four Happiness Meatballs, which represents the four great joys in life: fortune, prosperity, longevity, and happiness. It is made by mixing various ingredients and also symbolizes reunion and happiness."
One exquisite dish after another was placed on the table. Even the young master Zhao, who originally had ill intentions, was somewhat surprised. He knew his own chef's specialties, and this banquet must have been prepared entirely by the woman in front of him.
After the food was served, Meng Zhaochao took two steps back. "There is still a dessert that is not ready. Please allow me to continue making it in the kitchen next time."
Zhao Shida made some sarcastic remarks, originally intending to mock Shen Qinghe's background and make them lose their composure. However, the two remained calm, and among the many classmates sitting nearby, few echoed his sentiments, making him appear petty. He couldn't say anything more and waved Meng Zhao away.
Meng Zhao bent down and walked out of the courtyard, thinking to herself that everything should be alright this time.
Ancient scholars were quite concerned about their reputation. Zhao Shida had only called her over to embarrass Shen Qinghe and let others know that Shen Qinghe's sister-in-law was just a cook. Hopefully, this would prevent her from doing anything else outrageous and affect his ability to receive the remaining salary.
After Meng Zhao left, everyone began to eat. The first to be unable to contain himself was Han Yan. When he learned of Meng Zhao's existence, he had already asked his servant to buy him boxed lunches several times, knowing that Meng Zhao's cooking skills were excellent.
Seeing how many exquisite dishes Meng Zhao has prepared today, I've been itching for a big meal.
Han Yan first picked up a shrimp. The shrimp head and vein had been removed, leaving only clean shrimp meat. The shrimp meat was arranged in two circles around the plate, resembling a blooming flower. With one bite, the sweetness of the shrimp meat and the spiciness of the sauce released a rich aroma in the mouth.
He tried another chicken dish. He had eaten this dish before; back then it was called Kung Pao Chicken. But now, served in a carved bamboo dish, it had become a dish with the auspicious meaning of rising higher and higher. He never expected that Shen Qing and his sister-in-law were not only good at cooking, but also so clever in plating.
After the banquet began, not only Han Yan, but everyone in the courtyard was satisfied.
The atmosphere was slightly awkward because of a scene that happened before the banquet, but now it has been ignited by this table of food.
"Brother Li, you should try this 'Good Fortune Arrives' dish. The flavor is truly overpowering; it feels like I have a ball of fire in my mouth."
"Indeed, the tenderness of the fish and the spiciness of the chopped chili peppers combine so wonderfully, every bite is delicious."
Seeing that the guests had almost finished eating, the maidservant who was waiting nearby brought out the last two desserts.
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