1984: Starting from a bankrupt Sichuan restaurant

Chapter 286 Don't Shoot! I Surrender! (6.2k words combined)

Zhou Yan returned to his room and stuffed the bundled money back into the box under the bed.

More than half a month has passed since he bought the Qiu family's old house, and the money box that was originally emptied is now half full again.

The total amount is 5632 yuan.

The savings accumulated at a considerable rate; every day, a stack of banknotes bundled together with rubber bands was stuffed into the box, like stacking bricks.

Steamed buns have brought a new growth point to the restaurant; in addition to textile factory employees, more and more primary school students are coming to eat breakfast.

The endorsements of Lin Bingwen and Lin Jingxing successfully opened up the primary school student market for him.

Moreover, besides steamed buns, Zhou Yan noticed that more and more families with children were coming to the restaurant for dinner in the evenings. They were starting to choose Zhou Erwa Restaurant as their first choice for celebrating their children's birthdays and academic achievements.

The nineteen tables started to feel cramped, and the waiting time for guests was getting longer and longer, so the experience wasn't very good.

Not only do customers have to wait for a table, but when Zhou Yan's kitchen is serving food quickly, he also has to stop and wait for the next group of customers.

He pushed the money box back under the bed and began to think about adding more tables.

Increase outdoor seating?

Or should we rent the empty shop next door and connect them together?
Outdoor seating is the most economical option; it simply requires adding more tables.

The biggest problem with outdoor seating is the poor dining experience. As the weather gets colder, the restaurant is right next to the river, and the river wind is truly bone-chillingly cold.

The shop next door is vacant, and the rent is the same as his current shop. After renting it, he needs to do some simple renovations and buy a table.

The cost is relatively controllable.

A set of eight-immortal tables and benches costs fifty yuan. Zhou Yan plans to add eleven sets of eight-immortal tables, which will cost five hundred and fifty yuan. Including the lights and plastering, it is estimated to cost more than six hundred yuan.

Zhou Yan thought about it for a while and still felt that the money should be spent.

The dining experience for guests and the overall table turnover efficiency can be further improved if the number of tables reaches thirty.

Simply put, the experience of a customer sitting and waiting inside the store is completely different from the experience of standing in line at the door.

Using two days' profits to expand operations is a worthwhile investment.

He'll ask Wang Wei tomorrow if the shop next door is available for rent.

Taking out his notebook, Zhou Yan quickly wrote down the tasks for the next few days. He'd been quite busy lately and was afraid of forgetting things.

……

The next morning, Zhou Yan turned off the alarm clock that had just rung twice in bed, got up to wash and knead dough.

Zhang Laosan delivered the meat to his shop early in the morning. While carrying the meat into the shop, Zhou Yan saw He Ji Baozi stall across the street. Two people were loading things onto a tricycle with flashlights. They looked like He Ermao and Liu Fen.

Pots, wood, steamers—they were loaded onto the vehicle one by one; it seemed they were getting ready to move to a new location.

Zhou Yan nodded slightly. He Er Mao was a man of his word. He said yesterday that he would not set up a stall in front of the textile factory again, and today he was moving his things away.

"This Wang Laowu is quite carefree. Look at those two, working together every day, helping each other out. Anyone who didn't know better would think they were a couple," Zhang Laosan said in a low voice as he took the money from Zhou Yan.

Zhou Yan smiled but didn't reply. He glanced at the two people who were working together to lift the pot. The flashlight beam was swaying, and they really did look like an old married couple.

Zhou Yan carried the meat into the kitchen and started stir-frying the filling. Today, he was still making 500 buns, which was about the maximum number of buns he could make in the morning. Unless he increased the number of people or got up earlier, it would be difficult to increase the number significantly.

Zhou Yan stir-fried the ingredients and let them cool in the cold well water. Old Zhou dragged the beef back, and Li Lihua and Zhao Hong also returned. As soon as they entered the door, they waved to Zhou Yan: "Zhou Yan, come and see the excitement! A fight has broken out!"

"Oh dear! I'll go call Fourth Aunt, she loves watching this kind of excitement!" Zhao Hong ran upstairs.

"They've started fighting?" Zhou Yan didn't even have time to untie his apron before rushing to the door.

At a glance, he spotted Wang Laowu, whom he hadn't seen in a long time, blocking the tricycle. He had smashed an iron pot at his feet and was pointing at He Ermao and Liu Fen, cursing, "He Ermao! You ingrate! I saw you were so poor you couldn't afford to eat, so I pulled you in as a business partner, and you son of a bitch climbed into my wife's bed!"

The area was surrounded by vendors watching the show, some holding spatulas and others holding pot lids. They looked like they had come in a hurry, afraid of missing anything.

A group of officers rushed out from the security post next to them, craning their necks to look.

Upon hearing Wang Laowu's explosive revelation, everyone gaped in astonishment, a mixture of shock and excitement.

Aunt Zhao, her hair disheveled, followed Zhao Hong downstairs, wrapped her coat tightly around herself, and said excitedly, "See! I told you they were having an affair!"

"It's true, those two are always eyeing each other like glue, I never expected things to progress so fast! Not only have they slept together, but they're even planning to elope!" Zhao Hong exclaimed in amazement.

"To be honest, He Ermao is indeed much better than Wang Laowu in every way. He has a skill, and he treats Liu Fen quite well, unlike Wang Laowu who beats and scolds her all the time. She has endured it and hasn't killed Wang Laowu all these years," Aunt Zhao said with emotion.

"Huh?" Zhou Yan and Comrade Lao Zhou both turned their heads.

"What? Anyone who dares to hit me, I'll definitely hit them back! Do you think I'll let myself be bullied?" Aunt Zhao glanced at the two of them and said matter-of-factly.

The two nodded silently, not daring to speak.

This is a female soldier queen, no joke.

"Get out of the way. Liu Fen isn't going to stay with you anymore. We're leaving now, so don't stop us." He Er Mao said calmly to Wang Lao Wu, holding onto the tricycle.

"Fuck your mother! She's been with me for eighteen years, and you just say you don't want to anymore?" Wang Laowu grabbed a kitchen knife and pointed it at He Ermao and Liu Fen, roaring furiously, "Liu Fen! You stupid woman! How dare you treat me like this? I've raised you for over ten years, you eat my food, drink my water, sleep in my bed! And you choose this lazy bum to elope with?"

"I'm telling you, you're not getting away today, you idiots! Once I catch you and bring you back, I'll chain you up! Let's see where you can run then!"

The kitchen knife gleamed coldly, and Liu Fen instinctively shrank behind He Ermao.

He Ermao released the tricycle handlebars, pulled out a rolling pin and held it in his hand, blocking Liu Fen's way, and said to Wang Laowu: "Wang Laowu, if you dare to use a knife at this time of year, aren't you afraid of going in and getting shot?"

Wang Laowu's expression twisted into a ferocious grin as he said, "Afraid? Afraid of my ass! I fear neither heaven nor earth..."

"Wang Laowu! You're surrounded! Put down your knife! Now!" Before Wang Laowu could finish speaking, a group of officers rushed over with shields and pitchforks. Luo Weidong even pulled out his sidearm and aimed it at Wang Laowu.

Bang!

The cleaver fell to the ground, sparks flying.

Wang Laowu, his face filled with terror, crouched down, clutching his head, and cried out in a trembling voice, "Don't shoot! I surrender! I surrender!"

The onlookers burst into laughter.

Luo Weidong stepped forward and kicked the kitchen knife away. The officers rushed forward, used forks to pin Wang Laowu to the ground, held him down, and searched him. They found a folding knife on his body.

"You damn Wang Laowu, this is premeditated violence!" Luo Weidong said, looking at Wang Laowu.

"I wouldn't dare... Section Chief Luo, I just carried it on my person for self-defense." Wang Laowu was pinned to the ground and dared not struggle, filled with fear and anger: "You shouldn't have arrested me, you should have arrested that pair of scoundrels! Let me tell you, this He Ermao is a released convict, a habitual thief, who specializes in harassing women! He... he raped my wife! And then lied to her that he was going to run away."

Luo Weidong's sharp gaze fell on He Ermao, and the staff members beside him took a step forward to the left and right.

He Ermao put the rolling pin back on the tricycle, raised his hand and shook his head, saying, "I didn't. I've been released from prison. Now I just want to do some small business and live a good life. Liu Fen is often beaten by Wang Laowu. She can't stand this kind of life anymore, so I wanted to take her away."

Upon hearing this, Luo Weidong looked at Liu Fen and asked, "Liu Fen, what do you say?"

“Section Chief Luo, I went to the police station yesterday to have it notarized. Because Wang Laowu has been abusing me for a long time, our marital relationship is irreparably broken, and I want a divorce. But because he doesn't agree, we've been separated since yesterday, and I'll come back in two years to get the divorce certificate.” Liu Fen lifted her hair, revealing a scabbed wound on her forehead:

“These are the injuries Wang Laowu left me with yesterday. It was a colleague from the security department who spoke up and stopped him from continuing his violence. I also have many other old injuries. Yesterday, a female police officer at the police station helped me with my examination.”

“My marriage with Wang Laowu broke down not because He Ermao interfered, but because my family was all dead. When Wang Laowu was eighteen, he tricked me into coming home and raped me. He threatened to break my legs if I dared to run away. I have been living in fear ever since.”

“He Ermao did not rape me. He came to save me. He wanted to take me away from here, away from Wang Laowu, that devil.”

The scene gradually quieted down, and the crowd looked at Liu Fen with more pity, while looking at Wang Laowu with more disgust.

"That son of a bitch who ate up the family fortune!" Aunt Zhao clenched her fist, her expression indignant.

"Liu Fen is a pitiful person, to meet someone like Wang Laowu." Zhao Hong also sighed.

"Nonsense! Nonsense!" Old Wang panicked and tried to explain.

“Section Chief, I did see Wang Laowu hitting Liu Fen with a rolling pin yesterday, but I stopped him,” Xiao Wu said. “The vendors all know that Wang Laowu has been beating and scolding Liu Fen for a long time.”

"Wang Laowu, you're a real coward! You use all your skills to beat your wife!" Luo Weidong looked at Wang Laowu with disgust and waved his hand: "Cuff him and take him back to investigate his illegal and criminal behavior. We'll communicate with the town police station later and combine it with the domestic violence case."

"Yes!" the officers responded, pried Wang Laowu's hands behind his back, and snapped them into silver handcuffs.

Luo Weidong looked at He Ermao and Liu Fen, then glanced at the steamer, cutting board, and iron pot loaded on their tricycle. His expression softened, and he nodded, saying, "You can go now. I hope you can make your business and life prosperous."

"Thank you," Luo Ermao said gratefully.

"Thank you, Section Chief Luo. I never expected that this step I've never dared to take would receive so much help." Liu Fen's eyes reddened as she looked at Wang Laowu and said, "As husband and wife, I have a few words I'd like to say to Wang Laowu, is that alright?"

“Go ahead and say it.” Luo Weidong nodded.

Wang Laowu glared fiercely at Liu Fen, but being held back by two staff members, he dared not utter any more threats.

Liu Fen walked up to Wang Laowu, looked at him and said, "Wang Laowu, you useless coward, impotent pervert, eunuch, what can you do besides spit on my face? I've followed you for eighteen years, and it's not as enjoyable as these two nights with Brother Er Mao."

Her voice wasn't loud, but it wasn't quiet either; everyone in the crowd could hear it.

Wang Laowu's eyes widened, his expression shifting from shock to anger, then gradually to terror. His face flushed crimson, and he stammered, "Liu Fen...you...you..."

The expressions on the faces of the onlookers were like this:
w(Д)w
Like this: Σ(っ°Д°;)っ

"Wow--"

An uproar erupted at the entrance of the textile factory.

Even the security officer's expression was a mixture of shock and excitement; he pursed his lips, trying hard not to laugh.

Luo Weidong silently turned his head away. As a seasoned head of the security department, he had received professional training and generally did not smile.

However, I couldn't resist today.

"Honghong, you're truly my sister. If I hadn't gotten to enjoy this melon, I would have been heartbroken for a year," Aunt Zhao said excitedly, hugging Zhao Hong.

“Some people may not be dead, but they are actually dead.” Zhou Yan grinned, showing off his big teeth.

I thought Liu Fen would hide behind He Er Mao and run away, but I never expected her to deliver such a fatal blow to Wang Laowu in the end.

Even death is a form of death. From this day forward, Wang Laowu will never be able to hold his head up high in Suji again.

or……

Let's move to another planet.

"Thank you." Liu Fen nodded to the two officers, climbed onto the tricycle with a bright and cheerful expression, head held high and chest out, no longer the timid and submissive person she used to be.

He Ermao glanced back at Zhou Yan, smiled at him, and rode away on his tricycle.

The sun had just risen, and its rays fell upon the two of them, as if draping them in a golden veil.

A smile also appeared on Zhou Yan's face.

Let's wish them well, hoping they can find a new place to settle down and enjoy a happy new life.

Aunt Zhao said with some relief, "They will definitely be able to live a good life. I think she has changed. Only by letting go of her so-called pride can she gain true respect."

“That’s right! If He Ermao dares to lay a hand on her again, I think she’d be ready to kill someone now.” Zhao Hong nodded in agreement.

Zhou Yan: "..."

"Take him away." Luo Weidong waved his hand.

The two officers helped the limp Wang Laowu toward the security department.

Luo Weidong called out to Zhou Yan, "Xiao Zhou, order thirty-six steamed buns. Send the first batch over to us when they're done steaming. Make us some of all three flavors."

“Okay,” Zhou Yan replied with a smile.

Recently, the security department has been working all night and has become a major customer of the restaurant's steamed buns, taking at least thirty at a time.

Wang Laowu was taken back to the security department, and He Ermao left with Liu Fen, leaving behind only a pile of melons.

The vendors at the factory gate were like weasels in a melon patch, jumping around excitedly.

Even in the restaurant's kitchen, everyone chatted non-stop while making steamed buns.

As soon as the steamed buns came out of the oven, Zhou Yan first brought a basket to the security department next door. There were three flavors, and they were piled up separately.

"Zhou Yan is here! Baozi is here!"

"I'm starving!"

"We are saved!"

After keeping watch all night, the staff, who were starving, swarmed around and picked out buns according to their preferences.

They were all young men with big appetites; each of them could eat five or six.

"Here you go, Xiao Zhou, here's the money." Luo Weidong took out the money and handed it to Zhou Yan.

"Section Chief Luo, how long will this Wang Laowu be locked up?" Zhou Yan asked curiously after taking the money.

“Although a knife was used, no one was injured, and there was no resistance during the arrest. For this kind of situation, he won’t be detained for long.” Luo Weidong took a bite of a fresh meat bun and nodded repeatedly: “Your buns are so delicious. Even though they’re fresh out of the steamer, the ones in the factory canteen aren’t as good as yours.”

"The beef buns are absolutely amazing! They're fragrant and spicy, not greasy at all, and delicious!" Xiao Wu nodded in agreement.

"You flatter me. You all enjoy your meal. I'll head back to work now," Zhou Yan said with a smile.

"Go ahead, we'll bring the steamer over to you after we finish eating," Luo Weidong nodded.

"Okay, thank you for your trouble." Zhou Yan nodded and left the security office, just in time to see Zhou Ming riding his bicycle over.

"Zhou Yan," Zhou Ming greeted, parking the car next to Zhou Yan and smiling, "You weren't here yesterday, did Fourth Aunt tell you?"

"I already said so." Zhou Yan nodded with a smile: "I'll definitely go when you become an apprentice. You need to tell me clearly how many tables of people are needed for the apprenticeship banquet and what standards to follow so I can make preparations."

Zhou Ming smiled and said, "My master said that the people at both tables are all from the martial arts world. They love to drink and can also eat. You can arrange it."

Zhou Yan nodded: "Okay, I'll see how it goes and try to make sure you look presentable without spending any money."

"Good brother!" Zhou Ming patted his arm with a smile. "Then it's settled. I'm going to class."

"Have you had breakfast yet?" Zhou Yan asked, looking at him.

"I'm going to eat at the school cafeteria. The porridge is free, and the steamed buns are only 10 cents each. It's cheap and filling," Zhou Ming grinned.

“I recently started selling steamed buns. Instead of eating regular steamed buns, you should try the ones I make. Eat your fill before going to class.” Zhou Yan pulled him toward the restaurant.

"No need, I can eat at school just fine..."

Just a couple of steps in, the aroma of steam carrying the scents of wheat and meat wafts over you.

"Gulu."

Zhou Ming's words were interrupted by the sound of swallowing. He looked at the plump, white meat buns in the steamer and immediately changed his mind: "Yes, I want to try your cooking."

"Park your car over there, come in and have a seat," Zhou Yan said with a smile, walking into the shop.

"Fourth Aunt, Sister-in-law." Zhou Ming parked the car and followed them into the shop, greeting Aunt Zhao and Zhao Hong first.

"I'll give you one of each flavor first. You can choose whichever you like best." Zhou Yan brought over three steamed buns and invited Zhou Ming to sit down.

"Okay!" Zhou Ming picked up his chopsticks, took a bite of a meat bun, and started eating.

"Ha...ha..." He gasped for breath from the scalding hot meat bun, but his eyebrows were raised by the deliciousness.

Steamed buns have to be eaten hot!
These pork buns are absolutely amazing! The bun skin is soft, fluffy, and sweet, and the meat filling is tender and smooth.

"Delicious! This pork bun is a hundred times better than the ones in our school cafeteria! The skin is thin and the filling is generous; I've never had buns with so much filling before." Zhou Ming looked at Zhou Yan with admiration, "Zhou Yan, you're amazing!"

"If you like it, have a couple more," Zhou Yan said with a smile.

After finishing the fresh meat bun in his hand in three bites, Zhou Ming picked up the pickled mustard greens and meat bun and took a bite. His eyes widened. This pickled mustard greens and meat bun with its savory sauce flavor was unique and had a rich aroma. It was absolutely amazing!

Finally, Zhou Ming picked up the beef bun and took a bite, his raised eyebrows never lowering.

After finishing the three steamed buns, Zhou Ming looked up at Zhou Yan and said, "Zhou Yan, how about I send my mom here for a two-day training session? She can learn how to make beef buns. Her beef buns are really... indescribable, tough and tasteless."

"I wouldn't dare say that to Third Aunt. If she wants to learn, I'll definitely teach her," Zhou Yan said with a smile. "What flavor would you like to eat?"

Zhou Ming said, "I'd like another beef bun, and could you pack me a bean sprout and pork bun and a fresh pork bun as well?"

"Is this for Teacher Song?" Zhou Yan looked at him and smiled.

Zhou Ming scratched his head: "Is it delicious? Bring two for Teacher Song to try too. The steamed buns in the school cafeteria aren't as good as yours."

Do you have an insulated food container?

Zhou Ming shook his head: "No, I'll put it in my pocket and take it with me. I'm not afraid it will get cold."

"That's fine too." Zhou Yan helped him pack the buns.

Zhou Ming ate the beef bun, sealed the two buns wrapped in oil paper and put them in his chest pocket, then took out nine cents and handed them to Zhou Yan.

"No need, we're brothers, what's the big deal about eating a steamed bun?" Zhou Yan took a half step back and didn't take it.

"I won't give you any if you only let me try one, but how can I not give you any if you eat six?" Zhou Ming put the money on the table, smiled, and walked towards the door: "Fourth Aunt, I'm leaving now."

"Okay, drive carefully," Aunt Zhao replied with a smile.

Zhou Yan reluctantly put the money away, then looked up to see Xia Yao walking into the store with a smile. "Good morning, Zhou Yan."

"Good morning." Zhou Yan nodded with a smile. "I saw your dorm light was still on when I came back last night. Were you drawing late again?"

"I didn't stay up late, I went to bed at ten o'clock." Xia Yao shook her head and looked at him, saying, "You came back at eight-thirty, didn't you? I opened the window to let in some fresh air, and I think I saw you."

Zhou Yan paused for a moment, then nodded: "It really is 8:30, what a coincidence."

The two looked at each other and smiled.

"Sister Yao Yao~~" Zhou Momo poked her head out from the stairwell with messy hair, still looking a little confused, and wobbled over.

"Oh dear, Xiao Momo just woke up." Xia Yao bent down, picked her up, and gently patted the tuft of hair sticking up on her head. She smiled and said, "Sister will wash your face and braid your hair."

"Mmm-hmm-hmm." The little guy nodded frantically, glanced at Aunt Zhao standing to the side with an iron spoon in hand and one hand on her hip, and snuggled into Xia Yao's arms. "Sister Yao Yao, please don't hand me over to my mom~~"

Aunt Zhao was so angry she laughed. "Zhou Momo, is your mother a bad person?"

"You're the best mom in the world~ but you're also the mom who makes washing your face hurt the most~" Zhou Momo shook her head, "Sister Yao Yao, washing my face doesn't hurt!"

Everyone was amused by the little guy's words.

"How can you let Sister Yao Yao wash your face and tie your hair every time?" Aunt Zhao said helplessly.

"It's alright, Auntie, I'm happy to braid Momo's hair. It'll be a good opportunity to practice my skills," Xia Yao said gently. "Zhou Yan, could you pour me some hot water?"

"Okay." Zhou Yan replied and quickly went into the kitchen. A moment later, he brought out a basin of hot water with a small towel inside.

"Sister Yao Yao, I want to wear my hair in a bun, like two meatballs~" Zhou Momo followed Xia Yao out the door excitedly, not forgetting to make her request.

"Okay, I'll make you two little meatballs later."

"Sister, you're so kind~"

Zhou Yan looked at the two of them, a slight smile playing on his lips, and then turned and went into the kitchen to make noodles.

After finishing his work in the morning, Zhou Yan went to the textile factory gatekeeper to report his arrival and then went directly to the finance office of the factory canteen.

Just as he reached the door and was about to knock, Wang Wei came out with a water glass in her hand. She looked surprised to see him: "Zhou Yan? Is there something you need?"

"Yes, I wanted to consult you about renting a shop." Zhou Yan nodded. "I'd like to rent the empty shop next door to expand my business."

　There will be another chapter later, you can read it tomorrow! Please vote with monthly tickets!
　　
　
(End of this chapter)