Chapter 13

After Cao Simei left, Li Hehua’s lips curled into a wide grin, as if she could already see money flying her way.

She hadn’t expected to secure another job before even finishing Old Wang’s feast. This was far better than she had anticipated. It seemed her demonstration that day had left a strong impression on the villagers. Perhaps more people would seek her out for banquets in the future, ensuring a steady income.

Seeing Li Hehua’s beaming face, Zhang Linshi finally had to admit it—this woman truly had the skill to cook feasts that earned praise.

Still, Zhang Linshi’s heart was uneasy. Everyone’s heart was uneasy—except little Shulin. In their eyes, Li Hehua had always been venomous, gluttonous, lazy, and utterly useless. Yet now she was being personally invited to prepare feasts. It was as if a boulder had been thrown into a calm lake, sending ripples of shock through their minds.

Unable to hold back, Zhang Linshi asked, “You can prepare a banquet?”

Li Hehua’s smile faltered slightly as she considered how to respond. She knew nothing about the original owner’s cooking skills or how the Zhang family viewed her. While she could certainly cook a banquet, she worried that revealing her skills too suddenly might raise suspicion.

Still, cooking was her livelihood. She couldn’t hide her abilities out of fear. If her skills did raise doubts, she’d simply have to leave the Zhang family sooner than planned.

Having made up her mind, Li Hehua nodded confidently. “Yes, I can cook banquets. I agreed to prepare a meal for a family in Lianhua Village on my last visit. The sister who came today is from there as well—she saw me cook and asked if I could do the same for her family.”

Just as Zhang Linshi was about to press further, Li Hehua cut her off. “I’m hungry. I haven’t eaten all day. I’ll go make something.” With that, she headed to the kitchen.

Zhang Linshi swallowed her questions. She couldn’t bring herself to chase after Li Hehua just to ask more. After all, this woman was no longer part of their family. What did it matter if she could cook a banquet? Her son had said she’d be leaving soon anyway.

In the kitchen, Li Hehua let out a quiet sigh.

The Zhang family must already be suspicious of her. She was clearly different from the original owner. But she couldn’t pretend to be a shrew forever just to avoid scrutiny. She needed to gradually reclaim her true self. Their doubts were inevitable—but would they ever consider something like soul transmigration? If they did… if they ever discovered she had taken over someone else’s body, these superstitious villagers might drive her out.

Still, they probably wouldn’t think of that… right?

After calming her nerves, Li Hehua started preparing dinner. Once that was done, she needed to make pastries for the next morning’s market run.

Cao Simei had mentioned that her eldest brother’s family was holding the celebration the day after tomorrow. That meant Li Hehua could only sell at the market one more day. She wouldn’t have time to go to town after that.

Using the ingredients provided by Cao Simei, Li Hehua quietly cooked while planning the dishes she’d prepare for the banquet. After finishing her meal, she started baking pastries. By the time she finished, night had already fallen. She ate two pieces for dinner, washed up early, and went to bed.

……

The next morning, Li Hehua rose early again. She sold out all her pastries in town by noon and hurried home to pack. Cao Simei’s eldest brother lived far away, and the wedding would span two days—the first day for close relatives, the second for the formal banquet. It would be too much trouble to travel back and forth, so Cao Simei had offered to arrange lodging. Li Hehua would return after the event.

She agreed readily. She didn’t care where she stayed. She wasn’t attached to this place—anywhere with a bed would do.

Li Hehua packed light, just a change of clothes and a towel, all tied into a small bundle slung over her shoulder.

She stepped out of the woodshed, turned to shut the door, and spotted Zhang Linshi hanging laundry in the courtyard.

Zhang Linshi glanced at her, then turned away wordlessly. Her eyes made it clear she didn’t want to talk.

Li Hehua swallowed her intended farewell. After a moment’s hesitation, she chose not to cause trouble and quietly slipped out of the courtyard.

Upon reaching Lianhua Village, she asked around for Cao Simei’s home. She found her feeding chickens in the yard.

“Cao jie, I’m here!” Li Hehua called out.

Cao Simei turned, her face lighting up. She quickly set down the chicken feed and rushed over. “Oh, Hehua, you’re here! Come in, come in!”

Li Hehua was welcomed into the main room. By the time she’d finished a cup of water, Cao Simei had packed. The two of them soon set off for Caozhuang Village, where Cao Simei’s brother lived.

The journey was long. They walked from afternoon to nightfall. By the time they arrived, Li Hehua’s feet were aching and blistered. Even the seasoned Cao Simei looked exhausted.

“Hehua, I’m so sorry,” she said sheepishly. “My family’s village is too far. I don’t come often. But I couldn’t miss my eldest nephew’s wedding.”

Li Hehua wiped the sweat from her brow and smiled. “It’s alright. Are we almost there?”

“Yes! We’ve arrived!” Cao Simei exclaimed, leading her through a large gate.

“Mother, Brother, I’m back!” she shouted. The household quickly came out to greet them.

“Simei, why are you so late? It’s already dark!” asked an older woman, about sixty.

“We left late,” Cao Simei replied. “I brought the chef for the banquet. Come, let me introduce you. This is Li Hehua. Her cooking is excellent.” She pulled Li Hehua forward.

Li Hehua greeted them with a smile and nod.

Everyone was a little surprised. They hadn’t expected such a plump woman. Madam Cao took her hand and said, “You’re truly blessed.”

Li Hehua felt a bit embarrassed but smiled. “Auntie, I’m plump from eating too well. That’s how chefs are!”

Madam Cao laughed heartily. “Of course! A cook can’t go hungry!”

“Mother, we’re starving,” Cao Simei interrupted. “Please make us something. We have a big day tomorrow.”

“Right, right!” her mother said. “Come in. I’ll fix something quickly.”

Soon, she and her daughter-in-law brought out noodles. After a quick meal, the women washed up and went to the room prepared for them. Li Hehua would stay with Cao Simei for the next few days.

Exhausted, Li Hehua collapsed onto the bed and fell asleep instantly. She didn’t wake until the next morning when Cao Simei called her.

…….

The first day’s feast was small—just six tables. In this village, families often hosted a meal for relatives before the wedding, then invited both sides to a grand feast the next day. Tomorrow’s banquet would have fourteen tables.

Li Hehua checked the kitchen’s ingredients, planned the dishes, and gave the assistants tasks like washing and chopping. She then prepared the seasonings, arranging everything within arm’s reach.

As lunchtime approached, Li Hehua got to work.

There were sixteen dishes in total—eight main, eight sides—a luxurious spread for a rural family. Li Hehua fired up two woks at once, moving with the speed and precision of a true chef. The assistants watched in awe. It was rare to see someone cook this much alone, let alone so quickly and efficiently.

The aroma in the kitchen was mouthwatering. The helpers had to fight the urge to drool. It was torture.

Fortunately, Li Hehua had saved a portion of each dish for the kitchen staff. She knew there wouldn’t be much left after the banquet.

While the guests were still feasting, Madam Cao burst into the kitchen. She spotted Li Hehua and beamed. “Oh my, your cooking is amazing! It’s not just beautiful—the flavor is divine! Everyone’s raving. They’re gobbling it down like it’s a competition!”

Li Hehua was delighted but remained humble. “You flatter me, Auntie. Since you hired me, I wanted to do my best.”

Madam Cao beamed even brighter, praised her again, and hurried off to host her guests.

After nearly two hours of nonstop cooking, Li Hehua finally finished. She let out a deep breath. Around her, the kitchen staff were equally spent.

She quickly brought out the food she’d set aside. “Come, everyone. We’ve worked hard—let’s eat!”

At her words, everyone perked up instantly. They eagerly grabbed chopsticks and dug in.

Before even finishing her first bite, Cao Simei gave a big thumbs-up. “Hehua, I was right to ask you! Your cooking is incredible!”

“This is the best food I’ve ever tasted!” her eldest sister-in-law added, eating as if afraid it might vanish.

“If my son gets married, I’m hiring you too, Sister Li. You can’t say no!” the second sister-in-law chimed in between bites.

Li Hehua smiled, exhausted but truly satisfied.