Blossom in Adversity

C188. Eldest Miss Hua.

Chapter 188: Eldest Miss Hua

As the group of people looked at each other in surprise, their interest grew even more. Indeed, she was as beautiful as rumored, but whether she had a fierce personality remained to be seen. However, she was definitely different from the people they had encountered before.

That glance, that glance was clearly filled with disdain!

Interesting, truly interesting!

They decided not to leave and waited outside, taking the opportunity to admire the newly renovated building.

Judging by the structure of the house, it didn't seem like a residence. Could it be that this was the new business venture of the Hua family's eldest daughter?

They would have to inquire about this later!

While Hua Zhi could remain calm and composed, it didn't mean that others could too. The maids were so nervous that their hearts were about to leap out of their chests. Nian Qiu, who was walking at the back, immediately closed the courtyard gate, as if doing so would make them safer. Even though they had four bodyguards with them, the other party outnumbered them by far!

Dongzi stepped forward to seek advice, "Miss, please don't go out. Let me go back and call more people."

Though Dongzi said he would call more people, she had already made up her mind to bring Mr. Wang. With Mr. Wang's skills, those people wouldn't dare take a step closer to them!

"No need for that," Hua Zhi said as she looked at the small building. It exuded an ancient charm, entirely constructed of wood, a style she genuinely liked. "Let them watch. Watching too much will dampen their interest. If we hide or cover up, that's when they'll get excited."

Dongzi didn't dare disobey the order but was anxious that the rowdy bystanders might frighten Miss Hua. He hoped to confront them and be done with it.

*

The group entered the small building, greeted by a sea of greenery. Neatly arranged green plants stood every few steps, wooden planks covered the floor, and on either side were intimate spaces separated by screens. In the public area, there were some rattan chairs, an empty bookshelf, a chessboard, and two chess sets. Further in was a small table with four rattan chairs, a perfect spot to have a drink and chat with acquaintances.

At first glance, the atmosphere was extremely relaxed. Even without eating, just sitting here felt comfortable and inviting.

And this was exactly the feeling that Hua Zhi wanted, similar to the upscale clubs she had visited before. Their stuff might not be that great, but they could sell at exorbitant prices because they created a conducive atmosphere that made people willingly shell out their money.

This was what she had here.

Similar to the first floor, the second floor was also adorned with greenery. However, it was different from the first floor as it consisted of private rooms with no doors, only hanging bead curtains, creating a semi-open intimate setting suitable for dining.

A secluded area near the inside was designated for musicians to play instruments such as the pipa and guzheng, adding an artistic touch to the ambiance.

The others who accompanied her were already wide-eyed at the sight.

Seeing their reactions filled Du Cheng with a subtle sense of pride, but he was still most concerned about Miss Hua's attitude. He had heard Miss Hua describe her vision and had gradually transformed this place according to her drawings. Despite thinking it looked good, he was unsure if it met Miss Hua's standards.

"It's even better than I expected. Thank you for your hard work, Du Cheng."

Du Cheng felt a weight lift off his shoulders, making him feel as light as air. "It's no trouble, Miss."

Hua Zhi nodded lightly. "How much longer for the custom-made items?"

"I inquired yesterday, and it should take around six more days."

"Good. Have everything else prepared. Fu Dong, will you personally choose the kitchen supplies?"

Fu Dong nodded, biting her lip.

"Forget the dates, we will officially open in half a month."

"Yes."

The people waiting outside were getting impatient. Someone grumbled, "Why haven't they come out yet? I don't want to wait any longer."

"As if anyone made you wait," another retorted.

"Yeah, just leave already. No need for a send-off."

The person who spoke first rolled their eyes in disgust, slumping against their horse. They hadn't slept all night, and after receiving news in the early morning, they had rushed over from the Golden Silkworm Pavilion without even eating. They were on the verge of falling asleep after waiting for so long.

"I think I hear something..."

The drowsy person sat up immediately, looking towards the tightly closed courtyard gate. Indeed, soon after, the gate swung open. A maid dressed in white... no, the next one was also a maid. Following them was an old nanny.

Annoyed, the drowsy person yawned, and when they looked again, the woman dressed in white with snow-white skin had already boarded the carriage. Without thinking, they called out, "Miss Hua..."

A chill ran down Zhi's spine at the mention of her name, as images of Japanese soldiers chasing after her flooded her mind. Standing upright in the carriage, she looked towards the group of men who had gathered to watch her.

They were born winners in life, born with a silver spoon, indulging recklessly in their youth and gradually being channeled into careers by their families. Eventually, they ascended to positions of power, transcending over many others, all because power was passed down through generations.

A dynasty would decline when individuals like them gained control, with each generation worse than the last, only managing to last a few hundred years.

Just when others thought she might erupt in anger, she lifted the curtain and disappeared into the carriage.

After the carriage had gone far away, the men who remained rooted in place pondered, what did the glance from Miss Hua mean?

Why did it make them feel so uncomfortable?

One man who had called out to Miss Hua shrugged, realizing there was nothing left for him there. It was time to return and get some rest.

Hmm, quite intriguing!

Hua Zhi brought Fu Dong to the study as soon as she got home. "I've been asking you to think of multiple ways to prepare a certain ingredient for some time now, all for this establishment. Do you feel confident about it?"

Fu Dong nodded and then shook her head. "I didn't see any issues when I tried it at home, but I'm unsure if I can manage a whole kitchen setup."

"I understand your concerns. Don't worry. I'll be by your side for the next little while."

Fu Dong waved it off. "It's alright. In half a month, I will surely have it sorted."

Hua Zhi settled down and gestured for Fu Dong to sit opposite her. "I have to leave. Once you've adapted, I'll be reassured knowing you can handle any new ingredients others throw at you."

Looking at the maid who resembled a young bunny, Hua Zhi wished she could share her patience with her. "To what extent do you want to reach? If I were to give you a flower now, could you prepare twelve dishes from it? How far do you think you are from that level?"

Fu Dong bit her lip, appearing a bit disheartened. "I can only think of seven dishes, including desserts."

"So, you have a lot of room for improvement. However, you won't have the opportunity to grow by my side. You can only progress by going there."

"I understand. I'll go."