The Red Era: Living in Seclusion in a Siheyuan as a Boss

Chapter 504 The first person to “eat crabs”!!!
The spring breeze of reform and opening up is blowing.

The ancient city of Yanjing is quietly undergoing changes and renovations.

The wide variety of small commodities in the shops dazzled the eyes of the common people;
The few yellow taxis scattered on the streets marked the initial development of civilian transportation;

The cafeteria waiters in grey aprons stood in stark contrast to the first wave of suit-clad office workers.

These pictures are simple, yet touching.

Bicycles have become the most basic means of transportation for people.

During rush hour, a spectacular army of bicycles fills the entire street.

Watches, radios and other household appliances have also gone from being luxury items to "standard equipment" for well-off families.

Western fashion also poured in along with the open policy; jeans, chewing gum, and rock songs became the favorites of young people.

Nowadays, people's lives are getting better and better. During holidays, commercial streets such as Wangfujing and Dashilan are crowded with people.

The state-owned stores have the largest flow of people, and they are the "department stores" for ordinary people.

Although the products offered here are not many, the variety is limited.

But for people who have just emerged from the planned economy, this is enough to meet their living needs.

Therefore, during holidays, such state-owned stores will be crowded and bustling.

The store's shelves are neatly organized and filled with a wide variety of daily necessities, mostly tobacco, alcohol and food.

The shop assistants wore uniform white work clothes with the store logo printed on them.

He wore a custom-made hat on his head, the style of which was the standard attire for employees of state-owned enterprises.

The shop assistants were busy weighing and packing items for customers and even limiting purchase quantities. It was a grand scene.

Everything else is good, except the shop assistants have bad tempers, hahaha!
The most famous store in Yanjing is undoubtedly the Friendship Store.

There are merchandise here that is rarely found in other stores, and being able to work as a clerk here is an enviable thing.

People not only like to go shopping, but also like to go to bookstores.

Wangfujing Bookstore is a popular place for book lovers. It is common to see readers queuing up here waiting for the bookstore to open.

If you walk on Wangfujing Street in Yanjing at this time, you will see some giant screen advertisements on the walls, with information about many home appliance products on them.

This shows that Xia State is already able to produce home appliances such as televisions, computers, air conditioners, and refrigerators.

From time to time, you can see people on the road riding tricycles to transport the electrical appliances they bought home.

In the days when cars were not yet common, tricycles were still the main means of transporting goods.

At this moment, Yanjing is a place where opportunities and hopes are everywhere.

You can always see a lot of migrant workers at the train station.

In order to make a living, they left their hometown and brought their families to work in Yanjing. They were the first group of people to be called "Beijing Drifters".

They were dressed quite simply, carrying large and small bags, and their faces were full of fatigue from the journey and expectations for life.

The women and children nearby were full of curiosity and uneasiness about the new place around them, and they didn't know what the future would be like.

The station hall became their temporary resting place and the first place where they would settle down in their new life.

The station halls at that time did not have as many chairs for passengers to rest as they do in later generations.

Many people just sit on the ground to relieve the fatigue caused by traveling all the way.

Some migrant workers left the station hall and found nowhere to go.

They simply piled their luggage together in the train station square and fell asleep on the ground with their heads down. You could tell they were terribly tired.

In addition to migrant workers, there are also some college students pursuing their dreams.

After being admitted to Huaqing University and Peking University, these young people also went to Yenching University, hoping to change their destiny through studying.

Even though the conditions in university dormitories were particularly poor at that time, it could not stop their love for learning.

Forty years later, this group of outstanding people have already played an important role in various industries.

In the university laboratories, college students can all use computers.

Although computers these days are very basic, they are sufficient for experiments.

The students gathered around the computer excitedly to discuss and analyze what was displayed on the screen, expressing their opinions from time to time.

There are no tall buildings in Yanjing City at that time, and most people live in courtyards and alleys.

When people have free time, they ride their bicycles to the market to buy vegetables. If they meet acquaintances, they stop the bikes and start chatting with each other.

Among the shops along the Nanluoguxiang alley, you can already see barber shops.

Although this shop is quite simple, it has all kinds of tools and supplies needed for hairdressing.

This hair salon is called "Yajiao Hair Salon". At first glance, you can tell that it mainly serves young ladies who love beauty.

Look at the outfit of this handsome barber, his quality of life should be pretty good.

Maybe he has become the famous Tony teacher in this area, so his business must be good.

At this time, the spring breeze of reform and opening up blew.

Individual economy was gradually allowed by the government, and then the first individual private restaurant in Yanjing, "He's Family Banquet", appeared in Jiaodaokou.

In fact, according to Liu Zhiye’s previous life, the first self-employed business in Beijing should be the "Yuebin Restaurant" a few months later.

In this life, Sha Zhu accidentally stole the title of "No. 1 Private Restaurant in Yanjing".

Speaking of which, Sha Zhu suddenly announced his resignation and resolutely joined the ranks of self-employed individuals.

This move caused an uproar among the neighbors in Red Star Factory and Nanluoguxiang.

Sha Zhu is the director of the Red Star Factory canteen. He is a section-level cadre after all and is quite famous in the factory.

His resignation undoubtedly came as a great shock to everyone.

You know, the status of Red Star Factory was extraordinary those days.

It is different from those companies that are gradually declining in the tide of market economy and whose welfare benefits are being reduced.

As a heavy industry enterprise under the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, the Red Star Factory has a very high threshold and it is not easy for ordinary people to enter.

How many people dream of working in the Red Star Factory, but can only sigh in despair.

But Sha Zhu, not knowing how to appreciate the blessings he had, actually chose a completely different path.

What on earth do you think, He Yuzhu?

You actually decided to start your own business?
In everyone's perception, that is usually a way out that people who are laid off and have nowhere to go would try.

Not only were the surrounding neighbors confused and puzzled by this, but even the leaders of the Red Star Factory were bewildered and completely unable to understand his actions.

Sha Zhu has always been very popular in the Red Star Factory. When many leaders saw that he was suddenly going to resign, they thought that he had suffered some injustice. They were angry and wanted to stand up to support him and ask for an explanation for him!

"Comrade He Yuzhu, please don't have any psychological burden.

If you really have any grievances, just tell the factory.

We will definitely stand up for you and never let anyone bully you!" the leaders said earnestly.

"Leader, I appreciate your kindness.

But I really didn't suffer any injustice. Our Red Star Factory has always treated me like family, and I am very grateful.

However, opening a restaurant has always been my dream since I was a child. I wanted to go out there and try my skills.

I hope the leaders can understand me and fulfill my wish!" Sha Zhu expressed his thoughts sincerely and firmly.

"Well! Well then! Since you have made up your mind, we can't stop you.

Well, I'll arrange for you to take a leave of absence from work!
If you encounter any difficulties outside, remember to come to us.

If you are not satisfied with your work, you can always come back!" the leader said with some regret.

Upon hearing this, Sha Zhu was overjoyed and said, "Hey, great!
Thank you, thank you! No matter what time, Red Star Factory is my mother's home.

When I open my business, leaders, please remember to come to the wedding banquet!"

"Sure, sure!" The leader smiled and shook hands with Sha Zhu and said goodbye.

……

In the courtyard of No. 95 Nanluoguxiang, a burst of noise broke the tranquility of the past.

Sha Zhu made an unexpected decision today - he submitted his resignation letter to the factory.

The news spread quickly in the alley like wings, causing quite a stir.

"What a prodigal son!" An old lady shook her head and sighed, her words full of confusion and regret.

"Yeah, how can a canteen director just quit his job?" another middle-aged woman echoed, with confusion written all over her face.

"Who said it wasn't!" Someone else interrupted, "If Shazhu quits, it would be great if he could give the position to my son!"

"Your son? Come on!" the aunt next to him retorted rudely, "Can he flip the wok? Is he as skilled as Sha Zhu?"

"What's wrong with my son?" The auntie refused to give in. "How is he not better than your son? Besides, if he really became the canteen director, would he still have to do the work himself?"

"What are you thinking about?"

"I heard that Shazhu is going to become a self-employed businessman?"

"What? Being a self-employed person? What's he thinking? He can't live a good life!" "That's right, Wang Qiuju doesn't care about him!"

Silly Zhu's house.

The third uncle Yan Bugui and the first uncle Yi Zhonghai were trying earnestly to persuade Sha Zhu.

The third uncle, Yan Bugui, looked anxious and said earnestly, "Zhu Zi, please listen to our advice. This is too risky! The policy direction can change at any time. Who can predict what will happen next?"

Yi Zhonghai, an uncle standing nearby, also quickly agreed, his eyes full of worry: "Yes, Zhuzi, your uncle is right.

You two have stable jobs, a worry-free life, and you only have one child. Why would you take such a big risk?"

However, Sha Zhu was like a turtle that had swallowed a weight, and he was determined. No matter who persuaded him, he would not be moved. He responded firmly: "Uncle San, Uncle Yi, I know what I am doing! You don't have to worry about me anymore!"

Yan Bugui looked at his stubborn attitude and stamped his feet in anger, blurting out: "You have no idea! You still have any idea!"

Sha Zhu didn't care at all. His mind was as clear as a mirror and he knew that the two gentlemen's starting point was for his good.

So he responded with a smile: "It doesn't matter if you don't believe me, but you have to believe in my brother Liu. He also fully supports me to do it myself!"

"What? Liu Zhiye also stands on your side and supports you to go into business?" Yan Bugui and Yi Zhonghai were stunned when they heard this.

Xu Damao heard about it, and he deliberately found Sha Zhu and said, "Zhu Zi, I didn't expect you to be more courageous than me.

In fact, I have wanted to do some business for a long time, but I have never dared to take that step.

In this respect, you are better than me!"

Sha Zhu didn't expect that among so many people he knew, besides Liu Zhiye, Xu Damao was actually the one who understood him the most.

Lao Jia's family.

The house seems particularly deserted at this moment.

The children were all gone, leaving only Jia Zhang and Qin Huairu sitting around the dining table to eat.

"Look at that idiot Zhu, he's simply out of his mind!" Jia Zhang curled her lips with disdain, "We can live a good life, but he has to make a fuss about it!"

Qin Huairu sighed softly upon hearing this, and said helplessly: "Mom, please be more polite! In fact, Sha Zhu plans to open a restaurant and even asked me to join in."

"What?" Jia Zhang's face changed immediately when she heard this. "I don't agree! I can't control his foolish behavior, but you can't follow him and make trouble!"

Qin Huairu explained while eating: "I'm just reminding you. Whether you agree or not, I have decided to open this restaurant with Zhuzi."

What's so good about my temporary job? If it weren't for Zhuzi taking care of me, I wouldn't have gotten this temporary job.

Besides, Zhuzi doesn't treat me badly, he pays me 100 yuan a month, where else can I find such a good thing?"

Jia Zhang's eyes lit up when she heard this, and she said excitedly, "Silly Zhu, can I really pay you 100 yuan a month?

"Yes!" Qin Huairu nodded.

Jia Zhang immediately jumped up from the stool, "Go, you must go! The brave ones will die of overeating, and the timid ones will die of starvation!"

"You can ask the Shazhu Hotel if they need more people, and I'll go and work with them, okay?"

Qin Huairu: "..."

…………

In the late 70s and early 80s, "unemployed youth" was a new term.

The return of 1400 million educated youth to cities has made employment space even more limited.

On April 4 last year, the State Council approved and forwarded the State Administration for Industry and Commerce’s report on the National Conference of Directors of Industry and Commerce Administrations;
For the first time, the restoration and development of the individual economy was proposed, and it was agreed to issue business licenses to individual workers engaged in repair, service and handicrafts.

The leader pointed out that we should do more things to make money, such as opening restaurants, convenience stores, and bars.

Allowing self-employment has become one way to resolve employment pressure.

In February last year, the State Administration for Industry and Commerce submitted a report to the central government.

It is suggested that local governments may, based on local market needs and after obtaining the consent of the relevant competent business departments, approve some idle labor with formal household registration to engage in individual labor such as repair, service and handicrafts, but not to hire workers.

This report is the first report on individual economy approved by the Party and the government after "……".

But the ten years... just ended, and no one dared to think about running their own business and making money.

Although Sha Zhu has the same idea in his mind, he still lives his life step by step.

But this year, the overall environment has begun to change.

Sha Zhu heard from some people who had been to the south that there were a lot of small businesses there, and many of them had become rich.

So, Sha Zhu couldn't sit still any longer.

It’s not easy to open a restaurant. You have to apply first.

The application was written, but Sha Zhu didn't know where to find it, so he went to the street office to get it stamped.

"You still need to apply for a business license." An acquaintance from the street office gave Sha Zhu some advice.

Afterwards, Sha Zhu went to the Dongcheng District Industrial and Commercial Bureau and requested an individual catering business license.

These days, individual business activities in the repair industry and handicrafts have been liberalized, but there are no clear policies for other industries yet.

The deputy director of the Dongcheng District Industrial and Commercial Bureau was also undecided and did not approve it at the beginning.

If it were an ordinary person, he would just go back if asking got no results.

Sha Zhu refused to do so. He went to the Industrial and Commercial Bureau every day for a month to inquire about the license. He was very patient and determined.

The people from the Industrial and Commercial Bureau were also given a headache by Sha Zhu.

It was later, when Gan Ning learned about this, that she went to help Sha Zhu in person and finally got the matter done.

In addition, Dongcheng District also wanted to conduct a pilot trial, so the bureau’s leadership team discussed it and agreed to give special approval to Sha Zhu.

Because there are no formal private business licenses these days.

The leader of the Dongcheng District Industrial and Commercial Bureau wrote a handwritten copy, and the director personally signed it and stamped it with a special seal.

After many twists and turns, Sha Zhu finally got the first individual catering business license in Yanjing City.

The first thing to do when opening a restaurant is to find a good storefront. When Sha Zhu went to rent a house, the landlords all rejected him as soon as they heard that he wanted to open a private restaurant. They shook their heads on the spot, and their attitude was as firm as a rattle.

Sha Zhu tried his best to persuade the landlords, but they remained unmoved.

Everything was ready, but I didn't expect that renting a house would become a stumbling block.

These days, public housing is already in short supply, let alone those busy shops on the street.

This made Sha Zhu very worried, and his hair almost turned white due to anxiety.

In the end, Wang Qiuju felt sorry for her husband and suggested, "Let's not bother two people with the same thing. Let's go ask Sister Gan Ning for help!"

Ah! They finally found the right person.

When Gan Ning learned the purpose of Sha Zhu and his wife's visit, she smiled and said, "Why didn't you tell me earlier? Wait, I'll take a look at which house is suitable for you to open a restaurant." As soon as she finished speaking, she turned around and brought an exquisite pear wood box.

When Gan Ning slowly opened the box, Sha Zhu and Wang Qiuju's eyes widened instantly.

Why is this?

It turned out that the box was full of real estate certificates.

Gan Ning searched carefully and finally picked up a property certificate and said, "This house is quite suitable. It is of moderate size and in a good location. It is right on the street at Jiaodaokou, with a spacious entrance and is close to your home. What do you think?"

Sha Zhu was extremely excited, "Oh! Sister-in-law, thank you so much, this is absolutely perfect!"

He didn't expect that the problem that was giving him a headache was easily solved by Sister Gan Ning.

After we got the house, we started decorating it. This house is very suitable for opening a restaurant.

There are three rooms facing the street, and two floors.

Sha Zhu invited a construction team from Liujiazhuang to carry out the renovation, including the materials.

Moreover, the engineering company in Liujiazhuang allowed him to owe the project payment first and then settle it a few months later when the hotel was operational.

Sha Zhu took his apprentice Ma Hua to the furniture factory and bought more than a dozen sets of tables, chairs and benches.

Ma Hua, Liu Lan and Qin Huairu also resigned from their jobs, determined to follow Sha Zhu and make a living.

Of course, Sha Zhu never treated them unfairly and paid them much better than those in the factory.

Sha Zhu and his wife planned to open the store on May 1st.

Early in the morning at the end of April, Wang Qiuju went to her unit to ask for leave.

Sha Zhu planned to light the fire and test the stove in advance. He used the only 300 yuan left in his home, bought some ingredients, and planned to make a few dishes to let the neighbors taste his cooking skills first.

When Wang Qiuju got off work at noon and went home, the three floors and three floors in front of the restaurant were packed with people, and the line extended onto the street.

The neighborhood lady pulled Wang Qiuju's sleeve and whispered, "Your restaurant is open now, why are you still working? Go and have a look, there are many leaders and foreigners here!"

In this way, "He's Home Cooking" became the first private restaurant in Xiaguo after the reform and opening up.

The "early opening" of this day was written by the United States United Press reporter Long Bula in his report: In Yanjing, delicious food and private industry and commerce are recovering in the narrow alleys.

On the first day of opening, Sha Zhu earned more than 200 yuan, which was equivalent to two months' salary for him.

There are more than a dozen tables in the store, and it can only accommodate about a hundred customers a day.

You have to queue up to eat, and the longest wait is a month before you can eat.

(End of this chapter)