14. Cook Tao's Threat

The size of the kitchen itself was not big, but it was extremely clean. Literally.

Two chefs and about five helpers hushed in the kitchen while preparing the food for the next meal.

''Miss, this is our kitchen, what do you think?'' He spoke as he pointed ta the people.

''What are you proud of. This place was a mess before we came. By the way, what are you doing here?'' Old cook stood there with huge knives and pointed at him. Then he saw the little girl next to him and softened his voice. ''Little miss, this place is dangerous. I would recommend you to go back.''

Shu Ya smiled and bowed politely. ''I just have an idea how to save the rice. My mom hated wastefulness and I don't know could you use her idea?''

The cook saw that she was a clean person and put down the knives and waved his hand for her to approach. ''Come, tel uncle Tao what did your mother do with moist rice.'' It hurt him as a cook as well to waste it.

''She made scorched rice. It can be used in porridge and as a snack as well. It tastes really good and it can stand for a while without getting bad.'' She spoke to him while cutely talking. Actually, she hated those cute talks.

Her best friend was teaching her to soften her voice and do the baby talk as many men liked it and it is proven true. She was a small child that spoke cutely so everyone's hearts melted like ice on the summer heat.

Tao bowed down to see him better and smiled at her. ''Do you remember how she did that?''

Shu Ya nodded and then started explaining while rising her fingers and recounting. ''You cook rice, even broken rice is good. Cook it well. Then add oil in a hot pan and make rice flat until it's fried from one side then fry from the other side and that is scorched rice. After that, if you use that rice in porridge it will have a strong taste and if you add some greens the rice porridge could become even more enriched. Uncle Tao... I wonder. We are on the ship, why not let some people that are bored fish? If they catch something you can use it in the stew for everyone. If these people outside continue getting watered porridge they might get angry...''

Tao rose his eyes toward Captain Chen and looked at him coldly. ''What is she talking about? When did I water porridge?''

Captain Chen started coughing. ''Well, we have many rich people and they asked for extra portion and it was not enough so I added to them better portions and those on deck got bit less...'' The more he spoke the more he shrunk as he saw the angry expression on Tao's face.

And of course, Tao blows up. ''You seem to forget who is the owner of this ship? Who told you to take so many people? HA?! Ridiculous!''

Captain Chen pouted while pointing up. ''Most of them will go only to Lanning. Adding couple more silver bits...''

Tao held his head. ''Are we that poor that we have to think about few more pits of silver. What kind of captain are you? If we all die because the ship cant handle the weight who will be even able to stand on your side in front of Budha? Idiot. It is too many people!''

''Brother, I just...'' Captain Chen sighed and slumped his shoulders.

Shu Ya sighed as well and held Tao's hand. ''Uncle Tao, yes it is bad to have so many people. But now is too late. They paid for a trip with food. Feeding them watered porridge would give them a bad stomach. Let us use scorched rice. Hmmm do we have enough greens on ship?''

Tao and captain Chen stared at her in wonder. ''Those go bad fast so we do not take them.''

She rolled her eyes. ''You can salt them or just buy for part fo the trip. You will stop in harbours. Just buy enough until next harbour and so on.''

Tao patted her head. ''I think we will have enough until next harbour. I will make some good porridge as an excuse. And I will try what you said.''

Shu Ya smiled and clapped her hands. ''Good. Mother always said that it is bad to waste food. There are too many people hungry and if we waste food it's like slapping their faces. It's a bad thing.'' She explained, making again everyone looked at her dotingly.

When she was gone Tao stared ta Captain Chen icily. If I see more people than we have space and again people scrambling on deck, I will kick you off the boat and you can swim back home. You know I will do that.''

Captain Chen back became cold as he realized he really might end up in cold water. ''I swear. All those on deck will go off the ship on the next harbour. It's just two more days. Please brother.''

Tao waved his hand. ''If I see crowd, on a ship, in the ship, or even in the storage area, I will take off your captain title and send you to be a normal clerk in one of our stores. Understood?''

Captain Chen choked hearing his words. ''You mean...''

Tao looked at him coldly. ''You think I have no eyes. You packed half of them on deck and another half in the storage area as it was not full. I have no idea how you will learn about this situation. But I want everyone who doesn't belong on this ship off it at next harbour.''

Captain Chen's face suddenly became wet from fine sweat as he looked ta his brother beggingly.

But Tao just coldly chuckled. ''Do not think I don't know anything about your gambling debts. Next harbour they are all out. How will you pay for their further trip is not my problem. The storage area must be free as I will probably buy some stuff for our stores. When I come back from shopping and see those people still on the ship you can say goodbye. And do not even think of getting an idea of taking the ship and sailing away without me. If you do that I will report you and tell Elders about your behaviour. Think clearly.''