140 Mm, As You Wish

“You… you don’t mind?” Ji Zhao raised her eyebrows curiously. “That bowl of chicken soup and wontons was left behind by me…”

“It’s fine.” Shen Yao raised his eyebrows silently. “I think this bowl of wontons today is more delicious than before.”

Ji Zhao instantly blushed.

Had Shen Yao really never been in a relationship before? She could not help but feel a little suspicious.

Fifteen minutes later, Shen Yao cleared out all her remaining breakfast. Then, he burped in satisfaction.

A quarter past seven in the morning.

Second Manager You came in front of Ji Zhao and grinned at her. “Ah Tao, are you ready? Did you leave anything behind?”

“No.” Ji Zhao pointed at the bags on the table and said with a smile, “Second Brother You, don’t worry. I’ve already packed everything.”

“Alright, then let’s set off for the Ma Residence now, shall we?” Second Manager You quickly said, “I’ve already gotten someone to prepare a sedan chair. Third Brother Shen, why don’t you go with us later?”

“Second Brother You, may I ask how long Old Madam Ma’s birthday banquet will take?” Shen Yao asked with concern. “I heard that there are many rules in the Ma Residence. I’m worried that Ah Tao won’t be able to handle it…”

“Don’t worry, what Ah Tao has to do is very simple. She just has to cook a few dishes from the northwest and roast the whole lamb! As long as she’s done, you can bring Ah Tao out of the backyard. I’ll get someone to wait outside the backyard door.” Second Manager You smiled and comforted him. “Don’t worry, isn’t Ah Tao’s culinary skills obvious to all?”

“Second Brother You, don’t worry. I’ll definitely cook those dishes more seriously!”

“Alright, I believe you!”

At a quarter past nine, Ji Zhao’s carriage stopped outside the rear courtyard of the Ma Residence.

Even in the backyard, Ji Zhao could see some majestic aura.

The black riveted door was grand. Two stone lions stood at the door, looking majestic.

“I didn’t expect the back door of the Ma Residence to be so imposing. When there’s a chance in the future, we have to go around the front door and broaden our horizons.” Ji Zhao quietly leaned towards Shen Yao and whispered.

“Mm, as you wish.” Shen Yao looked at her and smiled.

Under Second Manager You’s lead, they successfully walked in.

The backyard was actually a flowerbed. In the middle of the flowerbed was a golden osmanthus tree. A gentle breeze blew and the fragrance of flowers filled the air. The elegant fragrance of osmanthus flowers made one feel refreshed.

After passing through the flowerbed and bypassing a hexagonal arch, they walked dozens of meters to the left and arrived at the Ma Residence’s big kitchen.

“The ingredients are ready.” The person leading the way was Ma Tong, the second butler of the Ma Residence. At the same time, he was also the butler of the Ma Residence’s kitchen.

“Thank you, Brother Ma.” Second Manager You smiled gratefully. Then, he handed a heavy gray pouch that he had prepared in advance to the butler. “This is a small token of appreciation. I hope Brother Ma can help take care of things!”

“Brother You, we’ve known each other for many years. I’m not used to you suddenly being so polite!”

“Ahem, when the old lady’s birthday banquet is over, shall we have a good drink?”

“Sure!” Butler Ma agreed happily.

“Alright, then I’ll go do other things first.” Before Ma Tong left, he didn’t forget to pat Second Manager You’s shoulder and said with a smile, “The old lady has been thinking about northwestern cuisine, so she must make the taste more authentic!”

“Alright!” Second Manager You immediately nodded.