Go back to the prosperous days and become a layman

Chapter 871 Victory Celebration Banquet

June 19th, Sunday, was the day the research team held a celebration banquet.

Tang Zhitong slept in a little late and didn't get up until eight o'clock to wash up and eat.

After carrying water home twice, urged by his classmate Xiao Wang, he finally rode his bicycle to the Women's Federation.

Before leaving, Xiao Wang slipped a pound and a half of grain coupons to Tang Zhitong, asking him to return the meal coupons he had borrowed from his classmate the day before.

Tang Zhitong wanted to scratch his head but held back; one lie leads to another to cover it up.

The grain coupons are local and expire. What should I do with this 1.5 jin (750g) of grain coupons?

Before riding out of Huashi Street, Tang Zhitong saw a small vendor shaking a rattle drum to attract customers.

This rattle drum is not the kind of skinned drum that children usually play with. It is specially made with a copper cymbal on the drumhead and an iron weight hanging on each side. When it is shaken, it makes a lot of noise, and the sound waves can penetrate thirty or forty meters without much effort.

In the early days of Beijing, those who shook this kind of rattle drum were usually peddlers, and it was also one of the "eight professions that should not be spoken".

These peddlers initially sold needles and thread. In the past, wealthy families did not allow their daughters and wives to show their faces in public, and since they mostly did needlework at home, the demand for needles and thread was relatively high.

It is said that this profession was created to attract this type of business.

Perhaps because they had witnessed the purchasing power of this group, or perhaps because they had accurately grasped their needs, many peddlers added women's products such as face powder, rouge, hair oil, soap, and hair accessories to their existing needles and thread.

Some people do not classify peddlers as one of the "eight things not to say," because later, in order to let these potential customers know more about the new products they had, peddlers added shouts to their hawking in addition to shaking their rattles.

The peddler in front of us was no exception. In addition to selling needles and thread, he also attracted children to his business by exchanging scraps for cherries.

Used toothpaste tubes, empty wine bottles, and even discarded scrap metal, or a wine bottle cap, can all be exchanged for cherries.

Judging from Tang Zhitong's appearance, business was actually quite good.

Seeing the cherries reminded Tang Zhitong of something. He had been cooperating with the Women's Federation for so long, and in addition to providing him with conveniences, they had also given him foreign exchange certificates. Although he didn't want them, he ended up using them all for Fengzhen's piano lessons.

In the spirit of reciprocity, shouldn't I also reciprocate?
Although the Women's Federation doesn't care whether I contribute something or not, it would be really disrespectful if I didn't.

With that in mind, Tang Zhitong turned right onto Chongwenmenwai Street and entered Houyanhe.

Houyanhe is not far from Dongbianmen Datong Bridge. In the past, many goods entered the city through Datong Bridge.

The row of courtyards along the river were warehouses for major businesses at the time. After goods entered the city, they were parked outside the courtyards and then moved into the warehouses by manpower for temporary storage, making them typical logistics warehouses.

Although many businesses have disappeared, the use of this courtyard has not changed much; many are still warehouses for various organizations.

There are people on duty in this kind of place day and night, but they are all confined to the courtyard. The gate is not opened easily, which gives Tang Zhitong the opportunity to take things out of the space.

There were quite a few things in the space, but Tang Zhitong picked and chose, and the only things that weren't too expensive and could be used as a token of appreciation were the seasonal fruits that had just been harvested yesterday.

There was plenty of fruit, but not many usable containers. Fortunately, Tang Zhitong somehow managed to pull in a few wicker baskets, which solved the immediate problem.

Tang Zhitong filled a basket with peaches and another with ripe apricots, hung the two baskets on the handlebars, started the engine again, and headed to the Women's Federation.

"Did you prepare this fruit yourself?" Miao Xiaoqin was a little surprised when she saw Tang Zhitong carrying a basket of peaches. It's usually business, so people don't spend their personal money.

"On the way here, I saw an old man selling peaches from a shoulder pole. It was such a hot day, so I bought them all and brought them over for everyone to try. Although these peaches are all cracked, I tried one and the taste was alright. I hope you leaders won't mind," Tang Zhitong said, putting the basket on the ground.

"You're so thoughtful." Miao Xiaoqin realized this now. She had originally thought that Tang Zhitong had given it to the Post and Telecommunications Institute for a celebration banquet, but she didn't expect it to be for the Women's Federation.

However, since Tang Zhitong had said it was for "everyone," she couldn't very well express her opinion on behalf of her superiors and refuse to accept it.

"Hey, it was nothing, it didn't cost much." Tang Zhitong waved his hand.

The reason why fruit is suitable is because these things are all cracked, and even if some vendors really transport them to Beijing, they won't be too expensive. At present, the vast majority of leaders are honest and upright, and it would be bad if expensive fruit were sent here.

“Okay, I’ll deliver them for you. Do you want to take some to the college?” Miao Xiaoqin knew the price of peaches. The grocery store here sells peaches that are in good condition, and they cost less than 30 cents a pound. This basket of peaches would cost at most 5 yuan, which is not considered a bribe. So she decided to accept them on her behalf.

"No need, there's still a basket of apricots. They're all ripe and won't keep. They're perfect to eat today." Tang Zhitong immediately brought out the ripe apricots. The reason she brought out a basket of apricots was because she was worried that a certain leader would see them and refuse to accept them. She used the apricots to politely decline.

"You've done something good!" Miao Xiaoqin, however, sensed something different, thinking that Tang Zhitong bought all the old man's fruit because the apricots were almost rotten.

"Hey. Since we've run into him, let's lend a hand. It's so hot, it must be tough for him." Tang Zhitong assumed Miao Xiaoqin thought he was showing compassion for the unfounded old man, and said vaguely.

Miao Xiaoqin smiled and nodded: "Come on, I'll take you to get the supplies for this celebration banquet."

"Okay!" Tang Zhitong was pleased that Miao Xiaoqin didn't ask any further questions, and left the office first to wait for her to come out.

The supplies were obtained from the Women's Federation canteen. They consisted of more than half a bag of flour, weighing a full 30 jin (15 kg), 10 jin (5 kg) of meat, and two large baskets of various seasonal vegetables.

"Can you carry this yourself? Do you want me to help you take it over?" Miao Xiaoqin and the canteen staff helped carry it out, looking at Tang Zhitong's bicycle, worried that it wouldn't fit properly.

"Thank you, Sister Xiaoqin, I can manage on my own. I brought a rope with me." Tang Zhitong said as she untied the rope from the back of the bicycle.

The flour sack is the easiest to place. Spread the flour evenly on both ends, and when the weight is about the same, place it directly on the crossbar of the bicycle.

Simply stack the two baskets of vegetables on the back seat and tie them securely with rope.

Meat is even easier to handle; just throw it into the vegetable basket.

"Sister Xiaoqin, when I come back this afternoon, can I just return the basket and flour bag to the cafeteria?" Tang Zhitong asked tentatively before leaving.

"Either is fine, I'll be here all day." Miao Xiaoqin nodded with a smile.

"Okay, I'll come back to see Sister Xiaoqin this afternoon." After all, it's Sunday. Tang Zhitong originally thought that Miao Xiaoqin would go home after handing over her work, but she didn't expect her to work overtime. So, when she comes to return the things this afternoon, she can't just give them to the cafeteria; she has to give them to the person in charge.

Upon arriving at the Institute of Posts and Telecommunications, Tang Zhitong went straight to the cafeteria.

The students in the research class had been eagerly anticipating it, and many were already waiting at the entrance of the cafeteria.

With these classmates around, it was like having free labor. Before Tang Zhitong even had a chance to lift a finger, the noodles and vegetables were all unloaded and carried into the cafeteria. When he communicated with Wei Zhizhen that day, Wei Zhizhen had already appointed a chef surnamed Huang, who was in charge of the celebration banquet.

Although they had never seen it before, the students in the research class had clearly found out and brought over meat, vegetables, and noodles.

Someone at the small canteen was in charge of receiving the vegetables, and he casually kicked the vegetable basket twice.

Tang Zhitong pretended not to see him and extended a friendly hand: "You must be Master Huang? I'm Tang Zhitong from the research class. I'll be troubling you this time."

"No problem, no problem." Chef Huang smiled and waved to Tang Zhitong a few times, already planning in his mind how to make the best use of the ingredients.

"Master Huang, would you like a cigarette?" Tang Zhitong took out a Daqianmen cigarette, which he usually kept for social occasions, from his pocket, opened the seal, flicked it twice on the bottom of the pack, and handed it to Old Huang.

"How do you plan to cook this dish?" Chef Huang put a cigarette in his mouth, picked up a thin piece of firewood from under the stove, and held it towards the stove.

Seeing Master Huang light his cigarette himself, Tang Zhitong took his hand out of his pocket to get matches and subtly placed the newly opened pack of cigarettes on the stove. He then walked to the vegetable basket, picked up the piece of meat on top, examined it, and pondered how to make the most of it.

Master Huang brought the lit firewood to the cigarette butt, took a puff, glanced at the smoke on the stove, then threw the firewood on the ground and stomped it out. He didn't urge Tang Zhitong to continue.

"Master Huang, this part of the pork belly is quite good. Cut it off to make braised pork. Cut the meat into two-centimeter cubes, and shred the rest to stir-fry. Make it according to the standard of four dishes and one soup." Tang Zhitong ran his fingers through the middle of the meat, splitting it in two.

"Huh? Tang's ancestors were in the trade?" Master Huang was taken aback. These days, it's good enough for ordinary people to be able to eat meat. At most, they would pick and choose when buying meat, and there aren't many people who can distinguish between the top and bottom cuts.

"I'm here for training; I have a Level 2 chef's skill certificate," Tang Zhitong said with a smile, putting the meat back into the basket.

Tang Zhitong rarely revealed his chef's certificate to unrelated people, but with the current shortage of supplies, in order to get as much meat as possible to his fellow students in the research class, he had to reveal his identity so that Chef Huang would have more reservations.

"All chefs are one family, I didn't expect to find someone like you. Comrade Tang, please take good care of yourself, I will definitely make this meal beautiful." Chef Huang put away his contemptuous attitude and even changed his form of address.

They've already given us cigarettes and told us our addresses. We're all cooks, so we all know how much food to prepare. It wouldn't be right to give us too little.

"Thank you, Chef Huang. We'll prepare two tables in total. Besides the braised pork, the other dishes must be plentiful so that the students can eat their fill and have a good meal." Seeing Chef Huang's assurance, Tang Zhitong felt a little relieved and hoped that nothing unexpected would go wrong.

"Okay!" Master Huang readily agreed.

"Chef Huang, could you please stew the green beans a little longer? I prefer them soft and tender." Tang Zhitong was a little worried, so she gave him another instruction before leaving the kitchen.

Green beans must be either raw or rotten; they must never be half-cooked or undercooked, as undercooked beans are poisonous.

If it were poisoning, it could knock out all the students who came to the celebration banquet. The school clinic would be in a real mess, with people smearing excrement on the walls. Tang Zhitong couldn't even imagine the scene.

The gathering was held in a large private room in the small cafeteria, which felt a bit crowded with so many people, but none of the classmates complained.

Tang Zhitong brought so much meat and noodles, which everyone noticed. With so much food, even if it was a bit crowded, they would be happy to eat standing up.

When Tang Zhitong arrived at the private room, he found that Xing had already washed up and everyone was staring at each other, swallowing their saliva.

"What are you standing there for? Eat! It's here for everyone to eat." Tang Zhitong smiled and urged everyone to start eating, but he felt like something was missing, though he couldn't quite put his finger on it.

Upon hearing Tang Zhitong's words, the male student let out a "whoosh" and reached out his hand.

The women of Wanxiang were just as capable as men, bringing out a large handful of food. However, instead of eating it themselves, they took it to Tang Zhitong's side and said, "Brother, you eat first."

"Okay, you eat too." Tang Zhitong picked an apricot, feeling very happy. This younger sister was worth it; she really stood up for him when needed!

If you can't remember what's missing, don't worry about it; eating the apricots is the priority.

Wan Xianghong first gave some to Tang Zhitong, then a few to Huo Xiaoping, and shared the rest with He Ping while sitting down.

Seeing this, Tang Zhitong secretly chuckled to himself, thinking that there was something going on between these two!
The apricots were ripe and a little soft, but the flavor was just right. The sourness was slightly mild and the sweetness was prominent. You hardly needed to chew them; just a touch of your tongue against your palate and the juice would burst in your mouth.

"Comrades, eat within your limits. There are plenty of apricots, but don't overeat and upset your stomach. Don't blame me if you can't eat your meal later." Tang Zhitong chuckled as he grabbed a handful of apricots, reminding the college students to be mindful of their table manners.

The basket he brought over must have weighed at least twenty pounds, which would average out to about one pound per person. With twenty or so per person, those who are weak might not be able to handle it.

“We are all sports champions in our department, this little bit of apricot is nothing.” Some students didn’t take Tang Zhitong’s advice seriously at all.

Tang Zhitong smiled upon hearing this and remained silent.

Everyone here is an adult and must be responsible for their own words and actions. Tang Zhitong has no obligation to lecture them.

Unfortunately, Tang Zhitong ate an apricot that was infested with worms. When he broke it open, a small white worm was wriggling inside, which made him feel a bit nauseous.

"He Ping, where are your cuckoos? Give them some treats." Tang Zhitong cheerfully placed the half with the worm on the table, while putting the intact half into his mouth, quite satisfied with the taste.

If we're talking about picky eaters in nature, it has to be insects or birds. Food that has been eaten by insects or pecked by birds is generally sweeter.

“They’ve gone out to forage for themselves and can fly now, so I don’t take them with me every day.” He Ping spoke of the cuckoos with pride, never expecting that an experiment would result in her gaining several little companions.

"Well, we can't see it now. Xiao Wang said he wanted to see it." Tang Zhitong was slightly disappointed that he couldn't see the living creature handheld piece.

"Wenwen told me she wants to come to your house after my vacation. Is that convenient?"

"Look at what you're saying, what's inconvenient about it? If you can come, our little house will be honored, and Xiao Wang and I will have to turn our backs to welcome you." Tang Zhitong joked with a cheerful smile.

It seems that only Du Yanqing and Liu Yue have visited Xiao Wang's home among his female classmates; the others haven't.

"Then I'll bring Xiang Hong along." He Ping took the opportunity to mention Wan Xiang Hong. It's customary not to bring guests, but since the two of them get along so well, it was just right to say this in front of Tang Zhitong.

“Okay, Xiao Wang thinks so too. Did she forget to write to you?” Tang Zhitong looked at Wan Xianghong.

"I received a letter from my sister-in-law," Wan Xianghong said hurriedly.

"That's good. I thought Xiao Wang was being rude." Tang Zhitong said happily. It was Xiao Wang who had taken the initiative to invite her, and she was very considerate. It also made her look good.

(End of this chapter)