The hustle at the small tavern dwindled as the crowd gradually dispersed. Two workers approached and gathered the stove, long table, and the remaining vegetables and meats from the front of the shop. What was a lively scene moments ago swiftly became deserted.
Hua Xiaomai turned her head and saw Master Tan standing about five or six steps away, with his hands gently clasped as if slightly uneasy. She gave him a smile and said, "What is it, do you have something else on your mind?"
"It's nothing urgent, but I wanted to express my gratitude for your help today," Master Tan responded with a hesitant smile. "You are skilled in cooking, yet I had never heard of you before in the city. Do you run your own shop, or are you the chief cook in a big restaurant?"
"I'm not from Fuzhe County," Hua Xiaomai shook her head. "I live in a nearby village and just came to the city to handle some business. I just happened to pass by here and joined in the fun."