Starting with vegetable greenhouses in 1988

Chapter 306 Reunion
By 9 a.m., Xidan Street was already bustling with activity.

The sounds of bicycle bells, vendors' shouts, and pedestrians' laughter mingled together.

Boxes of soft drinks and fresh fruits and vegetables were displayed at the entrance of the roadside grocery store, and trendy polyester shirts hung in the window of the state-owned clothing store. People thronged the street, some carrying net bags to shop, others tourists from other places. Even the air was filled with the aroma of roasted chestnuts from nearby food stalls, creating a vibrant and bustling atmosphere.

The bus clattered to a stop at the station, and a group of young people carrying canvas bags got off, chatting and laughing as they surged toward Xidan Shopping Mall.

A white Volga sedan slowly pulled up to the side of the road, the passenger door opened, and Tan Jingya got out.

She wore a beige dress with delicate pearl buttons at the neckline, and her long hair was loosely tied behind her head with a light-colored silk scarf, which made her figure look even more slender.

She looked up at the building in front of her. It was a ground-floor shop with a wooden sign that read "State-run Xidan Grocery Store." Although the doors and windows were a bit old, they couldn't hide its prime location facing the street. She then turned to look at the driver's seat, her voice tinged with curiosity: "Is this the new ground-floor shop you bought?"

Li Zhe got out of the driver's seat, closed the car door behind him, and nodded with a smile: "That's right, the transfer of ownership has been completed. Take a look at this environment and see if you think it's suitable for opening a new restaurant?"

In fact, Tan Jingya hadn't been idle while traveling by car. She had been observing through the car window the whole time. The streets of Xidan were even more bustling than those of Chongwenmen. Shops lined both sides of the main road, and every few steps there were shop assistants soliciting customers. The flow of people coming and going was visibly large, and the commercial atmosphere was very strong.

Her voice was full of anticipation: "I think it's quite suitable, shall we go in and take a look?"

Li Zhe took out a bunch of keys from his pocket, unlocked the door of the ground floor shop, and gestured for it to be entered: "Manager Tan, please come in?"

Tan Jingya chuckled softly and stepped into the house first.

As soon as you enter, a faint dampness hits you. The room is empty, with only four thick load-bearing pillars standing in the middle. Fortunately, the overall layout is square and there are not many obstructions.

Upon seeing the space, Tan Jingya immediately went into "work mode," walking briskly around the room while muttering to herself, "The cashier is by the door, the kitchen is partitioned off inside... this area, and that area, can all be used to set up tables..."

“I think the same way.” Li Zhe followed behind her, pointing to the area on the inside, and said, “The first floor will be the area for individual customers. The space between the tables should be larger so that customers can sit comfortably. This will not only make the place look more upscale, but also allow us to raise the prices appropriately.”

Tan Jingya stopped and turned to look at him: "As for the renovation, I think we can refer to the style of the old store. The customers are familiar with it, so we can move things forward quickly."

"We should learn from it, but we need to elevate it to a higher level. Come on, let's go up to the second floor." As they spoke, the two went up to the second floor of the ground-floor shops. The second floor was slightly smaller, with a small room separated by a wooden partition. Li Zhe tapped on the wood of the partition and said:
"The private rooms need to be designed properly, and some soundproofing materials should be selected to prevent some customers who are drinking from speaking loudly and disturbing other guests."

In addition, we'll set aside several large private rooms, each seating a dozen or so people, to cater to business meetings; we'll also set up a few medium-sized ones, perfect for family gatherings of ten or so people; and we'll also have small private rooms, as friends need privacy when they get together.

This way, both high-end and regular customers can be retained.

Tan Jingya took out her notebook and wrote down his thoughts, then looked up and asked, "How's the renovation team coming along?"

"The company that's doing the renovations for the new supermarket is doing a pretty good job," Li Zhe said, leaning against the doorframe with a relaxed tone. "I've already spoken to the company manager; if he can take on the job, I'll let him continue."

"Have him provide the design drawings and cost estimate first, then we can discuss it together."

Tan Jingya nodded and closed her notebook. "I've made progress on the chef side. I've found two new Sichuan cuisine chefs, and I'm also thinking of doing a 'new and old combination'—transferring two chefs from the old restaurant and adding two new ones to the old restaurant."

As you know, the three chefs at the old restaurant haven't had a clear hierarchy. It's okay for a short time, but problems will definitely arise in the long run. That's why I want Chef Han to stay at the old restaurant; he can lead the kitchen from now on, and it will also help maintain morale."

Li Zhe nodded, approving of her arrangement, and then asked, "How should the kitchen be arranged for the new store?"

“I plan to hire four Sichuan cuisine chefs and two Hunan cuisine chefs, just like the old restaurant, specializing in Sichuan and Hunan cuisine.” Tan Jingya paused, waiting for his opinion.

"Six chefs might not be enough." Li Zhe suddenly changed the subject, his eyes brightening. "For this new shop, I'd like to add something new—how about introducing roast duck?"

"Roast duck?" Tan Jingya frowned slightly, expressing her concerns. "We have no experience in making roast duck! Besides, roast duck requires a special oven and area, and the technical requirements are high. There are so many restaurants in Beijing that make roast duck. If we don't make it authentically, it will ruin our reputation."

Li Zhe had thought about these issues long ago, and he patiently explained: "Whether they are foreigners or people from other parts of the country, their impression of Beijing is seeing the Forbidden City, climbing the Great Wall, eating Peking duck, and strolling through the hutongs. Peking duck is the signature and symbol of Beijing's cuisine."

Many out-of-towners come to Beijing specifically for Peking duck. Adding this will attract even more customers and enrich our menu. Although it's challenging, I think it's worth a try.

He looked at Tan Jingya, his tone full of confidence, "The domestic economy will definitely develop rapidly in the future, transportation will become more and more convenient, and more and more people will come to Beijing for tourism. Peking duck will be the first choice for many customers. If the restaurant does not have Peking duck, it will lose a lot of customers."

Moreover, if we're going to do it, we should make high-end, authentic pear wood roasted duck, establish a reputation, and maybe even surpass Quanjude in the future!

These words moved Tan Jingya. She pondered for a while and nodded, saying, "What you said makes sense. If we really want to introduce roast duck, we need to plan it carefully."

The kitchen needs to be rearranged. The roast duck oven needs to be separated into a separate area, away from the Sichuan cuisine stove, to avoid the flavors mixing.

Furthermore, the oven needs to be well-ventilated and far away from the customer area to prevent cooking fumes from drifting into the restaurant and affecting customers' dining experience.

The more she thought about it, the more detailed she became. "Not only do we need to find a roast duck chef, but we also need to find out the source of the ducks. They must be fresh, force-fed ducks to roast them and achieve a crispy skin and tender meat. The supply chain also needs to be stable."

Oh, and the tableware for the roast duck should be special too—those insulated wooden trays; they look so high-class.

Li Zhe knew this couldn't be rushed, so he patted her on the shoulder and said, "How about this, after we're done with these last couple of days, let's go to Quanjude to check it out and see if we can invite a few retired master chefs to give us some pointers."

Tan Jingya was delighted to hear this: "If that were possible, it would be wonderful." She knew that Li Zhe had a good relationship with the manager of Quanjude, and what might be difficult for others was something Li Zhe could try.

“Since we’re going to do some research, let’s visit a few more places,” Li Zhe added. “There are also a few high-end, time-honored restaurants in Beijing. Let’s go check them out, learn from their decor and management, and try to upgrade them to a higher level.”

The two then discussed the details of the restaurant, such as how to arrange staff recruitment, what aspects to focus on in the training content, and how to advance the renovation progress. They talked for almost an hour before they finally sorted out their general ideas.

After leaving the shops, Li Zhe opened the car door and said to Tan Jingya, "Get in, I'll take you somewhere."

Tan Jingya was a little curious, but didn't ask any more questions, and got into the passenger seat. The Volga slowly drove away from Xidan Street, drove west for a few minutes, and stopped at the entrance of a residential area—Xidan Yayuan Residential Area.

Tan Jingya's eyes lit up when she got out of the car.

The buildings in the community are made of blue bricks and gray tiles, which looks elegant. The holly bushes in front of the buildings are neatly trimmed and lush green. Occasionally, you can also see a few old locust trees with abundant branches and leaves, adding a touch of vitality to the community.

"This neighborhood is really nice. Why did you bring me here?" she asked Li Zhe, her tone full of doubt.

"You'll see when you go up," Li Zhe said with a smile, leading her into Unit 3.

The hallway was very clean, with no debris on the steps. The walls were painted a beige color and had several posters promoting "protecting the environment" on them.

The two walked up the steps. Li Zhe stopped on the third floor, took out a set of keys from his pocket, handed them to Tan Jingya, and pointed to room 302 next door: "Open the door."

Tan Jingya took the key, her fingers trembling slightly. Her eyes widened, as if she had guessed something.

The key went into the lock, and with a click, the door opened. A fresh, newly renovated smell wafted out—a pleasant, woody scent with a hint of dampness, but not at all unpleasant.

This apartment has just been renovated. The newly painted white walls look clean and bright, and the white tiles on the floor are stylish and impressive.

The original south-facing windows had old-fashioned wooden frames, but now they have all been replaced with brand-new aluminum alloy windows. The glass is spotless, and sunlight streams in through the windows, making the whole living room warm and cozy.

Tan Jingya couldn't help but walk around the room. Both the master bedroom and the second bedroom had square windowsills, and the sunlight could shine directly onto the bed.

The master bedroom also includes a balcony of about three square meters. The balcony railings are white-painted iron railings, the fresh white paint looking particularly refreshing. Standing on the balcony and looking down, she could see the lush green trees in the community, and a few elderly people chatting on the stone benches downstairs. The kitchen and bathroom are on the west side of the house, and both are quite spacious.

The kitchen walls are covered with light-colored tiles, and the cabinets are newly made with warm, natural wood doors. In the bathroom, the brand-new toilet is polished to a shine, and a bathtub has been installed against the inner wall. The tiles are neatly laid and look beautiful.

Li Zhe followed behind her and said softly, "This apartment was bought together with the commercial space on the ground floor. I had someone speed up the renovation, using only the best materials. Do you like the result?"

Tan Jingya turned around, her eyes shining, her voice slightly choked: "Is this for me to stay in?"

“Yes.” Li Zhe nodded gently. “It’s close to the new restaurant. Living here will be convenient for both work and daily life, and it will save you from having to travel back and forth.”

"I love it! This house is so nice, and the neighborhood is great too." Tan Jingya couldn't hold back any longer. She stepped forward, hugged Li Zhe's arm, gently rested her head on his shoulder, then tilted her head back and kissed him on the cheek, her voice soft and sweet.

"Thank you, Zhe, you're always so thoughtful."

I was thinking that if the new store got busy, it would be too much trouble to travel back and forth, so I would rent a place nearby. I didn't expect you to have arranged everything for me.

Li Zhe reached out and ruffled her hair, smiling as he said, "Why are you being so polite with me? The doors, windows, and floors are all new, the walls and railings have been repainted, and the bathroom has been properly waterproofed."

"Let's find some time to buy some more furniture, and then we can move in."

Tan Jingya's mood suddenly improved. She let go of Li Zhe's arm and fluttered around the room like a beautiful butterfly, starting to plan: "The master bedroom should have a big bed and a wardrobe. A small table can be placed by the window, so it's nice to read books and bask in the sun."

Let's turn the second bedroom into a study. Put a desk and bookshelf there, so you can work when you come over.

We need to buy a TV for the living room, with a sofa and coffee table opposite it, and hang a painting on it; it will look very cozy.

We need to buy a new set of kitchen utensils and a refrigerator, so we can cook here from now on..."

As she spoke, she imagined what it would be like for the two of them to live here, her eyes filled with longing. Sunlight streamed through the aluminum alloy windows, falling on her face and making her smile appear even sweeter.

……

As evening fell, Guangqumen Inner Street was shrouded in a gray twilight. The dim light bulbs in the corridors of the tenement buildings had just been turned on, casting swaying shadows on the mottled walls.

Chen Shuping pushed her bicycle back downstairs, parked it in the stairwell, and couldn't hide her fatigue on her face.

Since her husband Li Zhenguo went to the Wan'an Town cannery, she has to go to work, cook, and take care of her son's homework when she gets home. She relies entirely on her mother, Old Lady Chen, for help—buying groceries and doing housework. Without her help, she really couldn't manage on her own.

She picked up her backpack and went upstairs. The corridor was dimly lit, filled with the aroma of food wafting from every household.

The living conditions in the tenement buildings were already cramped. Every household set up a stove in the corridor to cook, and then piled up all sorts of things, which blocked out most of the light. Not only was it inconvenient for residents to come and go, but even if a thief broke in, they had to be careful not to slip and fall.

As she approached her front door, Chen Shuping suddenly caught a glimpse of a familiar figure bustling around in front of the stove.

She had seen this scene countless times, but it hadn't happened in the last three or four months. She couldn't help but rub her eyes, wondering if she was just seeing things because she was tired.

She rubbed her eyes, and before she could see clearly, she heard the man laugh and say, "Wife, you're back? Guess what delicious food I made for you?"

It's been over three months since her husband last came back at the end of May. Chen Shuping's eyes reddened, and her voice tightened: "When did you come back? Why didn't you tell me beforehand?"

Li Zhenguo's spatula didn't stop, and the vegetables in the pot sizzled. He turned to look at his wife, his face apologetic: "This is the time when seasonal fruits and vegetables are in season. The factory is so busy that we don't have a moment to spare. We keep an eye on the production line during the day and check the accounts at night."

"I was delivering canned goods to a foreign trade company in Beijing today, and I hitched a ride on the truck. I have to leave before dawn tomorrow."

Chen Shuping reached out and touched his arm. His work jacket was still covered in dust, and the back of his hand was tanned dark, much rougher than when they last met. "You've gotten darker, but you haven't lost weight. I was worried you weren't eating well over there and would get thinner from the stress."

"It's definitely tiring, but back home we never go without meat, so it's not easy to lose weight." Li Zhenguo laughed, the wrinkles at the corners of his eyes crinkling together. "Smell it, doesn't it smell good?"

Chen Shuping then calmed down and smelled carefully. The rich aroma of meat was mixed with the sweetness of potatoes and a hint of numbing Sichuan peppercorns. She wrinkled her nose and said, "It smells so good. Is it chicken stew with potatoes? No, the flavor is richer. Could it be duck?"

Li Zhenguo lifted the lid of the pot, and steam billowed out, making the aroma even stronger.

“It’s a goose, stewed goose with potatoes.” He gently turned the meat in the pot with a spatula. “Last time, my second son went back to the village and bought a goose to stew. Your son ate it once and has been craving it ever since. When I came here today, I specially went to the market to pick out a fat one so that you and Mom can have a taste.”

Chen Shuping frowned upon hearing this: "You're wasting money. Geese are so expensive."

"It's not expensive at all, you'll know once you try it. If you like it, I'll buy it again next time." Li Zhenguo put the lid back on the pot and pushed her into the house. "You must be exhausted after working all day. Go back inside and rest for a while. It'll be ready soon."

"Let me lend you a hand, it'll be faster with more people." Chen Shuping refused to leave and reached for the vegetable basket next to her.

"No need, no need, you can rest. Just reduce the sauce in the vegetables." Li Zhenguo pushed her into the house and then turned back to the stove to get busy.

Chen Shuping couldn't refuse him, so she had no choice but to go inside.

The room wasn't very big; it contained a square table, two chairs, an old wardrobe, and the chubby boy's textbooks and workbooks piled up in the corner.

She changed into a faded blue cotton jacket, took out bowls and chopsticks from the cupboard, and set them on the square table. Just as she finished tidying up, she heard Li Zhenguo call out, "Time to eat!"

Four dishes were served. The braised goose with potatoes was placed in the center, with golden potatoes coated in a thick broth and goose meat stewed until tender and glistening with oil. Next to it was a plate of scrambled eggs, which looked appetizing. There was also tomatoes with white sugar, with red flesh sprinkled with white sugar granules, giving it a refreshing feel. Finally, there was a plate of stir-fried green beans, with bright green beans coated in oil.

The chubby boy had already come running over after smelling the aroma. He was leaning over the table, staring at the stewed goose with potatoes, and you could hear him swallowing.

When Grandma Chen saw the dishes on the table, a smile appeared on her face: "This stewed goose is really good, it smells delicious."

She picked up her chopsticks, placed the largest goose leg in the chubby boy's bowl, and said, "Eat up. You must be tired after studying all day. Eat something to nourish yourself."

The chubby boy picked up his chopsticks and eagerly took a bite. The aroma of the goose meat filled his mouth, and he mumbled, "Delicious! It's even more fragrant than the one my second brother stewed last time!"

Li Zhenguo also picked up a goose leg for Old Mrs. Chen: "Mom, while I was away from home, I'm so grateful for your care of Shuping and the children. Please eat more."

Grandma Chen smiled and took the meat, then put another piece on Li Zhenguo's plate: "You should eat more too. It must be hard for you to work all by yourself over there."

“The factory has just started production, and I have to personally oversee many things, such as the temperature of the production line and the ratio of raw materials. I can’t be careless at all.” Li Zhenguo put a goose wing on Chen Shuping’s plate. “Once the production line is stable next year, I will be able to come back more often.”

Chen Shuping took a bite of the goose wing. The meat was tender and the broth was flavorful. It seemed that all the grievances and hardships in her heart were melted away by this bite of meat.

She looked at her family at the table. Old Mrs. Chen was gnawing on a goose leg, and Li Zhenguo was putting another piece of meat on the little fat boy's plate. After finishing the goose leg, the little fat boy broke a steamed bun in half and dipped it in the meat broth to eat.

"Grandma, try this!" The chubby boy held up a steamed bun dipped in meat broth and offered it to Grandma Chen's mouth. "This steamed bun dipped in meat broth is even more delicious than meat!"

Grandma Chen took a bite and teased with a smile, "You naughty boy, are you trying to trick me into eating more steamed buns so you can keep all the meat for yourself?"

"Haha..." The family's laughter, mingled with the aroma of food, filled the small house...

(End of this chapter)