HLnovel Chapter 342 Xiao Tang, who is he?
Chapter 342 Xiao Tang, who is he?
Because she was reborn as a baby, she had already lived an extra life. It's just a pity that she died young in her previous life and didn't get to enjoy a good life before she passed away.
However, Xue Hanxing did not understand the other layer of meaning in her words.
After the two of them walked down the stairs to the first floor, Xue Hanxing pointed to the milk tea shop outside the door.
"Xiao Tang, how did you come up with the idea to make such delicious milk tea? You're so smart. If I had to think about it, I would never have been able to come up with it in my entire life."
If it weren't for her memories of her previous life, Lin Xiaotang wouldn't have been able to figure it out.
Whether it's braised pig's trotters, boneless chicken feet, or milk tea, all the rare dishes in the restaurant were things she had eaten in her previous life or made according to online tutorials.
For her, creating something new is not easy either.
She couldn't tell the truth, nor could she boast that it was all her doing, so she vaguely said, "It's just that Xiaoyu doesn't like to drink boiled water, so I thought of using fruit and flower tea to flavor it. It was just a coincidence."
"Xiao Tang, could you take me to see where you live? I want to see it..."
I want to see what her living place is like and find out her preferences.
Lin Xiaotang didn't think much of it and led Xue Hanxing to their residence in the backyard, where they sat down to rest on a stone bench.
"This is our lodging. You are welcome to look around, but there's nothing much to see. We are not a wealthy family, and our lodging is rather ordinary."
Xue Hanxing never cared about Lin Xiaotang's background; he was only attracted by her tenacity and uniqueness, so he didn't care at all whether Xiaotang lived in a simple house.
He smiled and said, "It's okay, we're friends, I'm just taking a look."
Xue Hanxing saw that Xiaotang's room was clean and tidy, with very few things in it. There was a stack of account books and writing materials on the table in front of the window, which did not look like a young girl's room at all.
No wonder she has a business mind at such a young age. Other girls her age are still being pampered by their parents, buying lanterns and kites, and learning embroidery, but Xiao Tang can lead her family to do business and personally check the accounts.
He is indeed no match for Xiao Tang!
Just then, Xiao Jiu heard voices and came out with the book he was reading in his hand. He met Xue Hanxing's gaze.
Both of them were slightly taken aback.
After they both realized what was happening, they walked over to Xiaotang and asked her what was wrong.
The two asked in unison, "Xiao Tang, who is he?"
Xiao Jiu frowned and asked, "What do you want to learn from me?"
Not to be outdone, Xue Hanxing retorted, "What do you mean 'I'm learning from you'? It's clearly you who's learning from me."
Xiao Jiu snorted coldly, his eyes filled with hostility. He thought, "You want to take Xiao Tang from me? No way!"
Looking at the boy in front of her, who was about the same age as her, Xue Hanxing felt a sense of loss. No wonder Xiao Tang was so polite and distant to him; it turned out that she didn't lack playmates in her life.
Lin Xiaotang, unaware of what the two were thinking, smiled and introduced them to each other.
“Ninth Brother, this is the eldest son of Uncle Xue from the Xue family whom I told you about. The Baicaotang, where we sell medicinal herbs, belongs to their family.” She turned around and pointed to Xiao Jiu, “Xue Hanxing, this is Ninth Brother. He is a member of our family. He used to work with us from dawn till dusk to do business. Now that we have hired enough helpers, he is studying at home to prepare for the imperial examinations in the future.”
Xue Hanxing looked at Xiao Jiu, his expression slightly darkening. He wondered how Xiao Jiu could be considered a member of the Lin family.
Could it be that the Lin family picked it up?
Seeing that he was dressed plainly, yet still had to study for the imperial examinations, it seemed he had to work twice as hard. Whether it was studying to achieve official rank or his relationship with Xiao Tang, he couldn't lose to this so-called Xiao Jiu.
We must not let him have the advantage of being in a privileged position!
He thought for a moment and said, "Xiao Tang, can you promise me something?"
"whats the matter?"
"Before you pass the imperial examination, do not fall in love with any man. You are still young and do not understand the complexities of human nature. Be careful not to be deceived."
Lin Xiaotang chuckled and said, "What are you thinking? We're still just kids. Who do we admire? At most, it's just appreciation. I know people's hearts are complicated. Don't worry, I won't be fooled."
At this moment, Xiaoyu and Xue Ruifeng ran to the backyard and called the three of them to come up to the private room on the second floor for dinner.
Xue Ruifeng pouted and said, "Big brother, Dad and Uncle Qingchuan sent someone to call you back. They ordered a lot of food, and it looks delicious. Let's go back quickly."
Xue Hanxing glanced coldly at Xiao Jiu, stepped forward and took Lin Xiaotang's hand to leave, but Xiao Jiu blocked her way.
“Young Master Xue, men and women should not touch each other. Although we are still children, we are not young anymore and should know to avoid suspicion. Xiao Tang is a little girl. If people see this and spread rumors, you will be held responsible.”
Xue Hanxing felt a pang of disappointment when she failed to hold Lin Xiaotang's hand.
The group went up to a private room on the second floor and sat around the table, filling it up completely and creating a lively atmosphere.
When Xue Ruifeng saw that the table was full of dishes he had never eaten before, and each dish was different, his eyes lit up and his mouth watered.
"Dad, Uncle Qingchuan, I'm just a kid, so I won't stand on ceremony."
After saying that, he immediately and quickly picked up some food for himself, taking a little of everything and eating very fast, as if he hadn't eaten in eight hundred years.
As he ate, he couldn't help but exclaim, "My goodness, these chicken wings are so delicious, sweet and sour! These stir-fried crayfish are also delicious! This grilled fish... so delicious, so delicious! It's so much better than the restaurants in our Pingding County. I'll definitely come here often in the future."
Xue Zhiyuan couldn't help but scold, "You child, how can you be so rude? The adults haven't even started eating yet, and you're eating so fast, what kind of behavior is that?"
Lin Qingchuan smiled and waved his hand, saying, "Mr. Xue, Ruifeng is a very genuine child. He's come all this way, so let him have a different meal. Don't lecture him; just let him enjoy his meal."
Shuisheng quickly chimed in to smooth things over, "Yes, Ruifeng is a kind-hearted boy, and everyone likes him very much."
“Sigh, there are rules for eating, you can’t just let him do whatever he wants.”
Seeing that everyone was speaking up for his youngest son, he stopped saying anything.
Xue Hanxing and Xiao Jiu sat on either side of Lin Xiaotang, vying to serve her food, seemingly competing with each other.
Before long, Lin Xiaotang's food was piled up into a small mountain.
Lin Xiaotang finally lost her temper and pushed the half-eaten food out of her bowl.
"I can't finish it, you two can eat it. I'll pick out whatever I like to eat, you don't need to worry about me."
Xue Hanxing and Xiao Jiu were both dumbfounded.
Madam Xue, standing to the side, smiled and said, "These children are all around the same age, it's so nice that they can play together."
Although Lin Xiaotang had returned Xiao Jiu's indenture to him, he was, after all, bought by the Lin family and was not a true member of the Lin family. In front of the Lin family's guests, he had to be well-mannered and observant. Even if he disliked the Xue brothers, he could not show it in the slightest.
Xue Zhiyuan tasted a few dishes and exclaimed in surprise, "Brother Qingchuan, your dishes are truly worthy of their reputation. No wonder the restaurant is named Qianzhen Pavilion. In all my years of life, I have traveled all over the country doing business and have eaten at countless restaurants. The dishes at your restaurant are truly unique and delicious. Today, I have really broadened my horizons and whetted my appetite."
Xue Ruifeng ate until his mouth was greasy, but unfortunately his stomach wasn't big enough. Before he could finish eating, his stomach was already almost full.
"Oh, what a pity. Such a big table of delicious food, I only had to eat two bites of each before I was full. I've tasted so many delicacies, but I haven't tried a single dish on this table. How strange."
Xue Zhiyuan then asked, "Yes, Brother Xue, where did you find such a renowned chef to create such a rare delicacy?"
Even Madam Xue looked up and listened attentively. I was very curious about where the chef of Qianzhenlou came from, as he was so capable that his restaurant business was better than others.
Lin Qingchuan coughed lightly, hesitated for a moment, and then said, "It's not that we hired any famous chefs. All these dishes were made by Xiaotang. She led the chefs to try and improve the taste again and again. It's just that Xiaotang is young, and we were afraid that it wouldn't be a good thing for her if word got out, so we told everyone that it was all the chefs' good work."
The Xue family of four were stunned upon hearing this.
Xue Zhiyuan exclaimed in surprise, "What? Brother Qingchuan, you're not kidding, are you? These dishes were all made by Xiaotang?"
She's so young, but she's amazing. Not only did she lead her parents out of the countryside to the county to make a living, but she also knows how to braise pig's trotters, run a medicinal herb business, cook, and open a restaurant. She's more than just smart; she's a genius!
For thousands of years, there has never been a woman with such intelligence, not even an adult woman, let alone a little girl of a few years old. It is truly a rare sight in the world!
Even if the Lin family keeps it a secret, and it's told to outsiders, no one will believe it!
That's the Lin family for you. Lin Qingchuan and Shuisheng are honest people who don't lie. He believed them when they said Xiaotang made these dishes. But if someone else said that their daughter, who was only a few years old, could cook dishes that were better than those of famous chefs, and with so many different kinds of food, he would never believe it!
Once he regained his composure, she immediately praised, "Heavens, Brother Qingchuan, you and your wife are truly blessed to have such a clever and intelligent daughter. Not only can she lead you in business and opening a restaurant, but she also possesses unparalleled culinary skills, having learned everything without a teacher. She is truly a divine chef!"
Xue Ruifeng immediately gave Lin Xiaotang a thumbs up.
As he stuffed food into his mouth, he praised, "Xiao Tang, your cooking skills are really good. My father was right. You deserve the title of master chef. When I was in trouble, you and Uncle Qingchuan rescued me and took me home. The first time I tasted your braised pig's trotters, I thought your cooking was the best in the world, and no one could match it."
Lin Xiaotang blushed and smiled awkwardly, "Uncle Xue, Xue Ruifeng, thank you for your praise. I just came up with this on a whim. I also owe a lot to the chefs for improving the dishes and taste. Please don't call me a culinary god. I'm far from being a chef. If word gets out, I'll be laughed at."
"You're such a remarkable girl, yet so humble. You're destined for great things. Your uncle truly admires you."
Shui Sheng continued, "Xiao Tang has been smart, well-behaved and sensible since she was a child. None of us dislike Xiao Tang. It is thanks to her that we were able to leave the countryside and come to this county to do business and live a prosperous life."
Looking at Lin Xiaotang, who seemed to be radiating light, Xue Hanxing suddenly felt that he was useless in all his life, and had nothing to compare with Xiaotang. He could not stand shoulder to shoulder with Xiaotang, nor was he worthy of such an outstanding Xiaotang.
The distance between him and Xiaotang grew further and further, until he didn't know how he could catch up with her.
Perhaps he and Xiaotang were never from the same world, and who knows which young master will be lucky enough to get engaged to Xiaotang in the future.
He felt an indescribable sense of loss, but when he turned his head and saw Xiao Jiu, he felt that Xiao Jiu was even less worthy of Xiao Tang. Although Xiao Jiu had an innate air of nobility, his personality was the same as his own, dull and not a good match for Xiao Tang.
At this moment, Xiao Jiu's mood was no better than Xue Hanxing's.
He felt that Xiao Tang was just as everyone praised her to be—the most outstanding little girl in the world, an unparalleled little prodigy. Not only was she exceptionally capable, but she also brought good fortune to everyone, allowing them to live a good life.
It is precisely because of her excellence that everyone standing next to her pales in comparison and can't help but feel ashamed of themselves.
Therefore, in front of Xiao Tang, he was just an ordinary person, which made him feel a sense of powerlessness and inferiority.
A meal can evoke a range of reactions: some are amazed, some are moved, some praise, some feel proud, and some even feel inferior.
Only Xiaoyu and Xue Ruifeng ate heartily and happily; they were both like children who hadn't grown up and were carefree.
After everyone finished eating, Liu and Liu Cai'er called two female workers to take over their work. The two sisters rubbed their arms and legs and went to the backyard, where the waiter quickly brought them the food.
Aunt Xiangqin was holding Liu's son, playing with him in the yard, occasionally teasing the child. The three generations were enjoying each other's company.
After exchanging pleasantries with everyone, the Xue family prepared to return to Pingding County. Lin Qingchuan hurriedly went to the kitchen and packed some braised pig's trotters and some leftover food that Xue Ruifeng had enjoyed, putting them in a food box for them to take back.
Xue Ruifeng was overjoyed and quickly accepted the two large food boxes with a smile, so tired that he almost dropped them on the ground.
"Second Young Master, these two food boxes are too heavy for you to carry. Let me do them."
The coachman was very perceptive; he quickly took the food box, placed it on the carriage, and urged the carriage to stand by the roadside to wait for everyone to say goodbye.
Under everyone's watchful eyes, the Xue family boarded the carriage and drove away into the distance.
On the way back, they remarked all the way in the carriage that the Lin family had given birth to a wonderful daughter, which they greatly envied.
Xue Ruifeng was very proud and exclaimed that if it weren't for him, everyone would not have had the opportunity to get to know and befriend the Lin family, let alone have the opportunity to cooperate.
Xue Zhiyuan slapped him on the forehead. He felt increasingly displeased with his youngest son, who was a year older than Xiao Tang but inferior to a little girl in every way. He was quite disappointed in him.
Days passed by one by one.
One day, Lin Xiaotang and her younger sister went to the market with their mother and aunt to shop. A woman rushed out in a panic and bumped into Liu Shi. If Liu Cai'er hadn't grabbed her sister quickly, Liu Shi would have been knocked to the ground by the woman.
On the contrary, the woman, after colliding with Liu, fell to the ground. The pain made her face pale, and coupled with her already flustered expression, her appearance was somewhat unusual.
Liu was kind-hearted. Although she was bumped into, she not only did not blame the other party, but also went up to ask about their well-being.