Chapter 19

Celebration

It was already past one in the afternoon. Manfah was busy digging up potatoes in the garden with the workers. Her potatoes were in high demand this month. The foreigners who tasted them were all impressed, claiming they were even tastier than the ones they grew themselves. Uncle Pai told her this; she didn't say it herself!

Come to think of it, the potatoes are really huge. Just one is enough to fill you up for the whole day.

Thinking about it now, I really miss KFC∼

"Miss, what's wrong? You're drooling."

Manfah quickly wiped her mouth. "I was just thinking about delicious food. I really want some fries."

"Fries, Miss?"

"Do you want some, Kaew?"

Kaew nodded. "I want something tasty too."

Manfah and Kaew worked together to dig up two large baskets of potatoes. They helped each other carry them and walked to the cafeteria. Inside, ten cooks were busy preparing a big meal to welcome everyone who had come to live here. All ten cooks were from Khao Khiao Village, attracted by the generous salary. This led to a fierce competition among the unemployed cooks, with fifty people applying for just ten positions.

Even she was surprised, but she stuck to hiring only ten cooks.

Grandma Tan even wanted to apply for a job because she had too much free time!

Of course, she sent her back. How could she let an elderly person work like that?!

She’s already so wealthy, yet she still wants more!

"Are you going to cook, Miss?"

"Yes, Aunt Jam. It's just a snack. Once you've washed these, please peel them and cut them into strips, then soak them in water."

"The potatoes from our garden are really huge."

Could they grow bigger than pumpkins?

"They can feed hundreds of people. Just these two baskets are enough."

Manfah saw that the potatoes were soaking in a large basin. She instructed Kaew to prepare a big pan with oil. While waiting for the oil to heat, she drained the potatoes and used a clean cloth to pat them dry. Aunt Jam stood beside her, observing the preparation process.

"Aunt Jam, prepare the potatoes like this. I'll fry these two basins."

"Yes, Miss."

Now that the potato strips were dry, Manfah placed them in the pan once the oil was hot. Kaew held a strainer, ready for action.

"I'll stir them a few times. Once they're golden brown, you can take them out, Kaew."

"Yes, Miss."

"Place them on that tray to drain the oil."

They continued this process until they finished one basin.

Manfah placed the fried potatoes, drained of oil, into a large metal tray. She sprinkled salt and ground pepper over them to enhance the flavor and mixed them thoroughly.

"Kaew, taste it and see if it's too salty?"

Kaew picked up a piece and popped it into his mouth. "It's really delicious, just like you said, Miss. It's not too salty at all."

Manfah raised an eyebrow playfully, then took a piece to taste herself. She thought about ketchup. This would be perfect with it. She'd make some when she had time. Honestly, she wanted to take ketchup out from her secret stash, but she'd have to sneak off to eat it in her room. It wouldn't be as enjoyable as sharing it with everyone. Manfah prepared a plate for Grandfather Decha and Uncle Somyot.

"Kaew, take these to my grandfather and Uncle Somyot."

When Kaew was tasked by Manfah to bring the fried potatoes to Phraya Decha Damrongsak, he looked at her with a forlorn expression.

"Is my grandfather really that scary?"

Kaew nodded. Manfah laughed. "It's just a stern face. Don't be scared. Just put it on the table and come back."

"Alright, Miss."

"Haha."

"You love teasing me, Miss."

Manfah rolled her eyes. "I have hundreds of better ways to tease you if I wanted to. Just take it before it gets cold."

"Okayyy," Kaew carried the two plates with a slumped posture.

All the gardeners took a break and enjoyed the fried potatoes with great delight.

"Our garden's potatoes are this delicious, no wonder the foreigners love them."

"This is the first time I've had potatoes like this. They're so delicious and addictive. They're almost gone already, even though Miss gave us a huge tray."

"That's right. Let's drink some water and get back to work. We'll have a feast this evening."

Inside the house, Phraya Decha Damrongsak and Somyot were enjoying the fried potatoes with great delight. Before they knew it, they realized the potatoes were all gone. So fast!

"Have you finished them all, Master?"

Somyot looked at Phraya Decha Damrongsak with a pleading expression. He wanted more!

"Hmph!"

That sound again. "Master, should we call Young Miss and ask for more?"

Phraya Decha Damrongsak glanced over indifferently but didn't speak, indicating his agreement.

Somyot called the workers' quarters.

"Miss Jam, it's Somyot. I'd like to request two more plates of fried potatoes. Yes, please tell Miss Manfah that the fried potatoes are delicious."

Phraya Decha Damrongsak sipped his tea, waiting for another plate of fried potatoes while watching the news on TV.

Meanwhile, Manfah was marinating pork for barbecue. She prepared the pork in two styles: one with chili sauce and the other with black pepper. There were other dishes too, all cooked by the chef. She had already ordered drinks from Grandpa Puang.

Celebrations naturally come with some alcohol.

Kaew, who was running the second round of fried potatoes to the house, returned exhausted.

"Do you really have to run that much, Kaew?"

“Goodness… Miss, Phraya Decha Damrongsak is really intimidating. Just being around him makes my legs shake.”

“Go have some water first, then skewer the pork like this.” She pointed at the skewered pork as an example.

“Yes, miss.”

With all the food prepared, she returned to her house to freshen up before coming back. Phraya Decha Damrongsak and Somyot didn't attend the party, so Grandpa Puang brought the food to their house instead, while she went to the party with Grandpa Puang.

The party was held in the cafeteria because it was spacious enough for the celebration.

Food, snacks, fruits, soft drinks, alcohol, and barbecued dishes were arranged on a long table in the center of the room, allowing everyone to easily walk up and help themselves.

Wirun and Chanchai had just arrived, observing everyone gathering with interest. The workers were chatting loudly, some eating, others drinking and boasting about various topics. Manfah invited all the cooks to sit and eat together.

Manfah stood up, walked to the center of the room, and tapped a glass with a spoon to get everyone's attention. Everyone turned to look at Manfah, and she nodded in satisfaction.

"Today's celebration, I hope everyone will have wonderful memories. This marks the beginning of building the Manfah Garden family. I have an announcement to make. I've made an agreement with Phraya Decha Damrongsak that in two years, I will go to the Capital of Siam with him."

Everyone started talking amongst themselves.

"Alright, no need to be alarmed. I'm going there to study, to bring back knowledge to develop the Manfah Garden family. I'm not abandoning anyone. I can visit the garden during school breaks. Wirun and Chanchai have come to work with me because I need to further my studies."

Everyone knew that Manfah was the granddaughter of Phraya Decha Damrongsak. It was impossible for him to let his granddaughter stay here and work in the garden without receiving an education. Manfah's family had a high social standing, so it was only natural for her to pursue her studies.

"The Capital of Siam is a place for me to seek opportunities. There are better and more options for Manfah Garden. As you all know, our garden sells to high-level individuals and foreigners. I am the leader of everyone. Naturally, everyone wants to follow someone skilled and capable, right?"

"Yes, Miss/Yes, Miss," everyone responded in unison.

"During the two years that I'm away, I entrust Manfah Garden to all of you."

"Don't worry, young miss. This is our home. You've always taken good care of us, even before we came here. We love this place and we love you," Bamnan spoke on behalf of everyone present.

"Thank you... thank you all," Manfah's shoulders relaxed, and she smiled with relief. Everyone could see her small shoulders and her face easing from worry, and they understood Manfah's feelings.

In truth, she had been tired all along but never told anyone. She was only twelve years old. Everyone had known about Manfah's situation from the beginning, which made them feel sympathy, compassion, and amazement at her abilities. Over time, this admiration grew unconsciously. The workers often talked about Manfah, expressing gratitude for the job opportunities she provided, which allowed them to save money for their families, weddings, and themselves.

"Alright, let's drink to our hearts' content. Tomorrow, we'll work half a day, so sleep in as much as you like."

"Yeah!!!!!"

She would have to call Uncle Pai to pick up the produce from the garden in the evening. Tomorrow morning, she'd secretly conjure some fruit into the baskets. She was eager to clear out the stock.