Chapter 523: Violating Taboos
Xia Chuyi flashed a smile at Old Sir Guan and said, "Master, your family sells noodles, right? I am quite hungry; could you cook a bowl for me?"
Old Sir Guan's furrowed brows did not relax, but since he couldn't turn away a visitor, he replied, "Then you'll have to wait a moment."
After speaking, he went straight to the cutting board and began to knead the dough, seemingly preparing to make it fresh.
Xia Chuyi didn't say anything but watched from the side.
After a while, Xia Chuyi suddenly asked, "Master, are you planning to sell silver thread noodles?"
Hearing this, Old Sir Guan paused in his movements, put down his work, and looked at her with raised eyebrows, "Can you tell?"
Xia Chuyi smiled and nodded.
Kneading dough is a sophisticated craft.
Different noodles require different strengths and textures, so the flour used varies, the water differs, and the kneading intensity varies.
These aren't things a layman could discern.
The key was, whatever her master was making, just by Old Sir Guan's actions, she would naturally know.
Old Sir Guan scanned her from head to toe, probably impressed that a young person could discern the nuances in kneading dough, and slightly nodded, which was somewhat of an acknowledgment for Xia Chuyi.
However, Old Sir Guan didn't say anything further.
Xia Chuyi stepped forward and said, "Master, I am quite interested in this dough making; could I learn it from you?"
She spoke with earnest sincerity.
Old Sir Guan looked at her and asked, "You want to learn?"
Xia Chuyi quickly nodded.
She knew her master well; despite his temper, her master was particularly keen on finding someone to pass on his craft.
So, he was generally willing to offer an opportunity to any sincere young person.
That was how Xia Chuyi had become his apprentice years ago.
However, unexpectedly, Old Sir Guan shook his head and said, "You can already discern the differences in dough making, which must mean you've already learned it."
At this point, Old Sir Guan's expression suddenly became stern.
"Tell me, who sent you?" Old Sir Guan's tone suddenly turned severe.
"Who sent you here to steal my craft? Let me be honest with you; I would rather take my skills to the grave than teach them to people full of schemes like you!"
Xia Chuyi: ...
What was wrong with her master?
Her Master and Master rarely mentioned what had happened before she had met her master... So, had she inadvertently touched on a taboo?
"Well, Master, I didn't mean anything else; I just wanted to learn the craft from you," Xia Chuyi said with utmost sincerity, "I am really, really interested in the culinary arts!"
Although she didn't know what taboo she had broken, Xia Chuyi decided to persuade him with her sincerity.
As a result, Old Sir Guan snorted coldly, "Nothing but lies!"
"I had already noticed before, those two scoundrels were hooligans, and you were just waiting for me to step in, weren't you?"
"With your courage, you don't seem like a cowardly person."
"Tell me, girl, did Huang Yidao send you?" Old Sir Guan asked directly.
"You can tell him to give it up; I will teach my skills to his people." Old Sir Guan's tone was firm and decisive.
Xia Chuyi: ...
She indeed had stumbled upon a taboo...
She knew a little about this Huang Yidao issue.
What bad luck... Now, what should she do?