1984: Starting from a bankrupt Sichuan restaurant

Chapter 254 This is better than any local specialty!
"Really? That old man is quite something." Zhou Yan replied with a smile, the rope was pulled up quite short, reducing the swing angle to ensure safety.

The tires were washed clean, and with the rope tied on, they looked quite pleasing to the eye.

Comrade Lao Zhou does indeed have some skills.

"Master, you're here." Zhou Yan stopped the car and glanced at the chessboard on the table.

Good heavens, the battle is fierce and evenly matched, and after all the exchanges, only a few pawns that have crossed the river are left.

The fact that Xiao Lei could play against Comrade Zhou like this clearly shows that he is also a terrible chess player.

"Well, there's no feast today, so I'll play a few games of chess with your old man." Xiao Lei looked up and saw the two large bags tied to the back of Zhou Yan's car, and asked in surprise, "You bought so many bean sprouts and pig's feet?"

"I needed it for the shop. I had some business in Jiaozhou today, so I bought it on the way," Zhou Yan replied with a smile.

"You don't need this much, do you? There must be at least fifty or sixty pounds here." Xiao Lei was still puzzled. "The bean sprouts need to be stored in jars so that the flavor won't change. If you buy them and don't use them all, they will rot if left for too long, and they will lose their flavor and texture."

"Actually, half of it was for Huang He, the owner of Feiyan Restaurant. He thought the sprouts I used were good, so he asked me for advice..." Zhou Yan briefly told his master about helping Huang He purchase sprouts, contracting Huang Laotou for three years, and guaranteeing a minimum of 3,000 catties of sprouts every year.

Old Huang was taken there by his master, and he definitely needs to make this clear.

“You’re clever. You didn’t tell him the address, and you still managed to make a delivery fee.” Xiao Lei laughed when he heard this. “You bought the three-year-old sprouts for Old Huang. He’ll be very happy. After another year, he’ll wash all those sprouts and feed them to the pigs. But, you ordered three thousand catties a year. Will you be able to use them all? That works out to ten catties a day.”

Zhou Yan said, "I've roughly estimated that we should be able to use it all. There are quite a few dishes that use bean sprouts, such as twice-cooked pork with bean sprouts, bean sprout and pork buns, and braised pork belly. I can sell 20 servings of braised pork belly with bean sprouts a day now, but it's not enough. I'm planning to add another steamer. Braised pork belly alone will use four or five catties of bean sprouts a day."

Xiao Lei nodded upon hearing this, which made sense. "Then I'll ask him to order a thousand catties first, just in case I can't buy them later."

"General!" Comrade Zhou grinned. "Commander Xiao, you've lost."

Xiao Lei slapped his thigh, his face full of dissatisfaction: "Let's play another round!"

"You guys play first, I'm going to cook." Zhou Yan pushed the cart inside, saying, "Master, after you finish your chess game, eat at the shop before you leave, let this old man have a couple of drinks with you."

"No, I have to go back and cook for your teacher's wife." Xiao Lei shook his head.

"Didn't you say your teacher's wife likes braised dishes? Let's pack some for her to take home later," Zhou Yan said.

Xiao Lei thought for a moment and nodded: "That's fine too."

Zhou Yan went into the kitchen and began preparing ingredients for the evening's business.

Li Lihua followed into the kitchen and took charge of some of the cutting and preparation work.

Li Lihua has now effectively become a kitchen helper at Zhou Erwa Restaurant, responsible for washing pork intestines, cutting vegetables, and preparing food for lunch and dinner, as well as serving dishes and clearing tables.

The workload was quite high, but she was indeed quick and nimble, and had plenty of energy.

Her joining the team has significantly reduced the workload for Zhou Erwa's restaurant.

That's incredibly capable; Zhou Yan really struck gold this time.

He had already decided to give her a larger bonus at the end of the month as encouragement.

The Tuesday Baby Restaurant is incredibly busy right now, it's bursting with activity.

Previously, I would get up at five o'clock to buy vegetables, stir-fry toppings, sell noodles, make braised dishes, prepare ingredients, open for business at noon, prepare ingredients, and open for business in the evening. I would be busy until about seven-thirty or eight o'clock before I could stop.

My day was packed with activities.

Not only him, but also his parents, Zhao Hong's sister-in-law, and Li Lihua were busy from morning till night.

He's no longer fighting alone at this shop. Zhao Niangniang is now able to handle things on her own, making good braised beef skewers while also managing the cash register.

Comrade Lao Zhou is in charge of handling the ingredients for braised meat and selling braised dishes, which Zhou Yan no longer needs to worry about.

Zhao Hong's sister-in-law was responsible for serving dishes, clearing tables, washing dishes, and cleaning the restaurant, and she did all of these tasks very well.

Tired?

After a shower, I fell asleep the moment my head hit the bed; my body had already given me the answer.

Fortunately, at twenty years old, my body is resilient and has a strong recovery ability, and I have a bowl of beef soup with my legs straight every day without fail.

As long as I can open my eyes the next day, I can be busy all day without any problem.

His idea is simple.

If you can earn more money by working hard, why not give it your all?
He started from humble beginnings, with a small, run-down shop and debts.

Then he should work harder than others, twice as hard, ten times as hard. Why shouldn't he make money? He deserves to make money!
The restaurant is already busy enough.

But he still wanted to make bean sprout buns and sell them.

Once he sells a thousand steamed buns and receives the book "Steamed Bun Making: From Beginner to Master," he'll be considered half a master of steamed bun making.

He couldn't sleep if he didn't seize such an opportunity.

He had experienced the hardship of being penniless and suffered countless scornful looks in the orphanage, so he still had a strong desire to make money.

You can earn more money by working hard, without having to worry about what others think. Just stand tall and earn your money.

He loved this feeling.

If there's not enough time, then get up at four o'clock.

He interviewed many restaurant owners whose businesses were very large, with many branches and a lot of money, and who had already entered the stage of "lying flat".

But when it comes to the initial startup phase, most of them are full of passion.

A lukewarm start makes it difficult to create a legend.

In this era where you can make money with just a penny or two, if you want to make a name for yourself in the catering industry without resorting to shady methods, you have to put in a tremendous amount of effort.

In his view, the dishes he has accumulated so far are all technical reserves for opening a larger restaurant in Jiaozhou.

Next, he will look for some candidates to build a talent pool.

Moving to a larger restaurant would inevitably require more chefs in the kitchen.

No matter how efficient he is at preparing meals, he can't support a large restaurant on his own.

Saving money and rebuilding old houses must be done step by step.

If the preliminary preparations are insufficient and the restaurant is hastily moved to Jiaozhou, the income will not be as high as in Suji, then there is no point in moving at all.

Steamed buns, noodles, and even braised beef brisket are all businesses that can be separated.

Zheng Qiang came to Xiao Lei to discuss the banquet in two days. After watching some chess, he went into the kitchen to prepare some dishes for Zhou Yan.

"I can't bear to look, those two terrible chess players, even worse than my master," Zheng Qiang muttered under his breath.

Zhou Yan didn't laugh. He and Comrade Zhou were locked in a fierce battle, and Zhou Yan, the third worst chess player, didn't deserve to be mocked.

Zhou Yan stir-fried pickled mustard greens with twice-cooked pork, then steamed a portion of salted braised pork belly, stir-fried pork cracklings with cabbage, and cut a plate of braised meat platter.

It just so happened that Master and Zheng Qiang were also there, so I gave them a master class.

"Come on, dinner's ready," Zhou Yan called out.

The two inept players fought fiercely to a draw.

"Your braised pork belly looks quite appetizing." Zheng Qiang's eyes lit up as he watched Zhou Yan lift the earthenware bowl covering the plate.

"Hmm, the color looks great, and it smells wonderful too," Xiao Lei said, nodding as he leaned closer.

"Come, please give us some pointers, masters." Zhou Yan smiled and distributed the chopsticks. Zhao Niangniang had already served herself a bowl of rice and put it on the table.

"What guidance? We're just learning from each other and making progress together. Lately, I've been following my master's instructions and I've made a lot of salted pork belly. I've learned quite a bit from it," Zheng Qiang said with a smile and a wave of his hand.

Xiao Lei picked up a piece of meat, examined it carefully, then put it in his mouth, savoring it slowly, his eyes gradually brightening.

"This braised pork belly is so delicious! The taste is absolutely amazing!" Zheng Qiang couldn't help but exclaim, looking up at Zhou Yan: "Teacher Zhou, I want to learn how to make this!"

Xiao Lei nodded in agreement: "It's really great. The seasoning is perfect, and the heat is well controlled. Steaming it again allows all the flavors to penetrate the meat, making it savory and delicious, rich but not greasy."

He paused for a moment, then continued, "It's even better than what I make."

Upon hearing this, Aunt Zhao and the others were quite surprised.

Is it possible that Zhou Yan, this apprentice, is even better than Master Xiao?
“Master, you’re so modest.” Zhou Yan waved his hands repeatedly, unable to suppress the smile on his face. “Do you want to learn?” “Then I’ll have to ask Master Zhou for some pointers.” Xiao Lei said with a smile, “When I’m less busy in a couple of days, I’ll come to your shop and learn from you.”

Zhou Yan looked at him and said, "Master, aren't you going to prepare for the banquet the day after tomorrow? I'll come and learn how to make other steamed dishes from you, and then we can exchange tips on how to make salted braised pork belly."

"Yes, that's fine too." Xiao Lei nodded, picked up a spoon and scooped a spoonful of bean sprouts into his bowl, nodding repeatedly as he ate.

Zhou Yan's braised pork belly with pickled mustard greens was good because of its seasoning; in other aspects, he believed it was just as good.

The flavor is perfectly balanced, savory and fragrant with a slightly sweet aftertaste, and has a smooth texture without being greasy.

Isn't this the flavor he's been pursuing but hasn't been able to achieve?
Xiao Lei glanced at Zhou Yan, his expression a mixture of relief and emotion.

If he had such talent, he would have left many years ago instead of staying in Suzhou for more than 20 years.

Fortunately, Zhou Yan is still young, and he certainly won't stop at Su Ji.

"This twice-cooked pork with pickled mustard greens smells so good! It goes perfectly with rice! Zhou Yan, your twice-cooked pork with pickled mustard greens is so good, I think it's even more fragrant than twice-cooked pork with garlic sprouts! It's delicious!" Zheng Qiang looked at Zhou Yan with nothing but envy and admiration.

This junior brother is truly a genius!

They're both chefs, but he's been learning for over ten years. How come he's not as good as him in every way?
He still needs to learn and practice more. The talent gap is too big, and he doesn't have his drive.

I helped out at Zhou Yan's shop for a few days a while ago. The intensity of Zhou Yan's work was terrifying even to me, a seasoned veteran who had been working in the kitchen for over ten years.

Too hard!
Only those who have worked in the kitchen know how much sparks fly when the chefs swing their spatulas to serve so many guests in this small restaurant.

The amount of work Zhou Yan does in a day is more than he could do in a week at the Rongcheng Restaurant.

Of course, it's not possible now either.

After turning thirty, his energy was not as good as before.

It's good to follow my master's lead; I do whatever he asks, and I get two days of work followed by two days of rest.

"The bean sprouts absorb the oil, making them a perfect match for stir-fried pork twice, which makes the pork taste much lighter and adds a lot of flavor. I think it's pretty good, and I'm planning to put it on the menu," Zhou Yan said with a smile.

Xiao Lei nodded and said, "Sure, it's a completely different flavor from twice-cooked pork with garlic sprouts. I'm sure many customers will be willing to order it, and the cost of the bean sprouts is also controllable."

"That's what I think too."

Everyone was eating and chatting.

Xiao Lei and Zheng Qiang both gave very high praise to Zhou Yan's two new dishes.

After dinner, Xiao Lei and Zheng Qiang went back home. They needed to prepare for the banquet the next day, so they had to take the kitchen utensils to the host's place early in the morning. The banquet was to be held in town, which was close by.

As soon as the guests arrived, Zhou Yan immediately got busy.

After serving the last table of guests and removing most of the signs from the wall, Zhou Yan took off her apron, clocked out, changed her clothes, and went out for a run.

When you're so busy you feel dizzy and lightheaded, going for a run becomes a way to relieve stress.

"Zhou Yan!" Xia Yao, dressed in sportswear, jogged over as soon as she reached the women's dormitory building.

"Did the submission go smoothly today?" Zhou Yan asked with a smile.

"Yes, Director Du and my colleagues in the design department all think it's good. They've already asked them to help me design the clothes. I've never been involved in fashion design before, so I still need to learn and practice a lot." Xia Yao said with a smile, "However, I think it's quite interesting and a very challenging job."

"With your aesthetic sense and talent for drawing, you'll pick it up quickly. You're incredibly motivated when it comes to work."

"Really?" Xia Yao's smile grew even brighter. "Then I believe you."

The two chatted as they ran, Xia Yao laughing continuously. By the time they finished a lap and returned to the girls' dormitory, it was completely dark.

It gets dark earlier and earlier this season.

Watching Xia Yao's high ponytail sway and disappear around the corner of the stairs, the lights in the dormitory on the third floor quickly came on, and Zhou Yan smiled and turned to leave.

It might not be running itself that relieves stress, but running with Xia Yao is more stress-relieving.

Back at the hotel, Zhou Momo was painting, while Old Zhou was washing Aunt Zhao's feet. The warm yellow light made the scene look cozy and beautiful.

"Brother, did you go running with Sister Yao Yao again?" Zhou Momo looked up at him and asked.

Aunt Zhao and Comrade Zhou also cast curious glances their way.

"Yeah, I went for a run." Zhou Yan nodded with a smile, walked to the table, and looked at the swing drawn by Zhou Momo, his eyes lit up.

Zhou Momo sat on the swing, while Old Zhou pushed her from behind, and Aunt Zhao stood by with her arms crossed, laughing.

A beautiful moment was captured.

It's drawn quite well.

"Brother, I want to give this painting to Sister Yuyan. Can you help me send it to her?" Zhou Momo looked up at Zhou Yan and said in a childish voice, "I want to share it with her. I have a swing now, so she can ride on my swing next time she comes back."

Zhou Yan smiled and nodded: "Okay, then I'll write you a letter. What do you want to say to Sister Yu Yan? I'll write it down for you so she can see it."

"Really? Okay, okay!" Zhou Momo nodded, very happy.

Zhou Yan went behind the counter, took out some stationery and a pen, and sat down next to Zhou Momo. "Come on, tell me what you want to say to Sister Yu Yan."

Zhou Momo tilted her head and thought for a moment before saying, "Sister Yuyan, I miss you. Have you gone home yet? I have some good news to tell you..."

The little guy was quite talkative, one sentence after another, and Zhou Yan filled two pages with his notes.

Finally, I wish my sister and grandma happiness every day.

Zhou Yan wrote Zhou Momo's name and the date at the end.

"That's great, I'll mail it for you tomorrow." Zhou Yan smiled as he stuffed the letter into the envelope. Duan Yuyan would probably be very happy to receive it.

Zhou Momo's rambling letter was full of love and childlike fun.

The world and friendships seen through a child's eyes are so special and pure.

Zhou Momo ran behind the counter and soon came back with a stack of money, handing it to Zhou Yan. "Brother, I have money. Use my money to send it."

"No need, I'll send it to you." Zhou Yan smiled and pushed the money back to her.

"No! I want money." Zhou Momo shook her head and handed the money to Zhou Yan, her little face full of seriousness.

“Okay, that won’t be so much, eight cents will be enough.” Zhou Yan took eight cents from Zhou Momo’s hand.

"Okay~" Zhou Momo happily took the remaining money and put it back into the small money box.

Duan Yuyan gave him her address in Hong Kong, but he hadn't sent any letters there yet. He'd go to the post office tomorrow to ask how to send one.

"Should we send Miss Duan some local specialties? She's a really nice person," Aunt Zhao asked.

"Let's send her some New Year's gifts closer to the holiday," Zhou Yan said, shaking his head and holding up the letter and painting in his hand. "This is better than any local specialty."

After Zhou Yan finished showering, he took out a wooden board from behind the counter, wrote down the name of the twice-cooked pork with pickled mustard greens, and set the price at 2 yuan, the same as the twice-cooked pork with garlic sprouts.

Then he went to the stove where he cooked beef stew by the door and measured the dimensions for a while, set the dimensions of the new stove, and drew a simple sketch.

There's just enough space on the left to build another stove, the dimensions of which are based on the requirements for a steamer.

Comrade Zhou has already spoken with bricklayer Zhang today, and he will bring bricks and cement to build the stove tomorrow.

After it's finished building, it needs to dry for another two or three days. Tomorrow I'll go find Hu Tianlei to buy four more steamers, which should be enough for the initial period.

Zhou Yan isn't in a hurry to make the bean sprout and pork buns; it's not too late to make them next Monday once the stove is built.

Give yourself some mental respite, and then sleep in for a few more days.

Selling steamed buns is no easy job; you need to be mentally prepared.

Zhou Yan slept soundly until dawn, then got up early and went out to buy groceries with Old Zhou.

Around seven o'clock, more and more customers started coming to eat noodles in the shop, and the twenty tables were almost full.

"See? The textile factory workers are making a killing! This kid can earn dozens of yuan a day just selling noodles. Let's go together and sell steamed buns, we're sure to make money!" Wang Laowu, who had been missing for a long time, wearing a hat, squatted under a tree in the distance with a bald middle-aged man and said in a low voice.

(End of this chapter)