He Yuyang: The tough eldest brother of the courtyard house

The scorching sun of the Great Heat was so intense it felt like it was baking the ground until it was oozing oil. Even the dogs in the alley lay panting against the walls, too lazy to move. When He Daqing returned from the restaurant, beads of sweat rolled down his face. He had just entered the door and had drunk half a ladle of cold water, but he still couldn't suppress his anger. He slammed his coarse cloth jacket on the stone table, sat down on a stool, and smoked, his brows furrowed into a knot.

"What happened?" Liu Yan was hanging up the freshly washed clothes when she noticed his pale face and quickly came over. "Did something happen at the restaurant?"

He Daqing took a deep drag on his pipe, the embers crackling twice, before exhaling a heavy smoke ring: "How could things not go wrong? A new restaurant called 'Fulai Restaurant' opened across the street, specializing in cheap dishes. A plate of stir-fried vegetables costs only two copper coins, half the price of here! It's only been open for three days, and our restaurant has lost more than half of its customers. The manager's face has turned green."

"So cheap?" Liu Yan exclaimed in surprise. "Aren't they losing money?"

"Who knows?" He Daqing irritably ran his fingers through his hair. "I heard the boss has a vegetable garden, so he saves a lot on vegetable costs and dares to lower prices to steal business. Just now, the manager called the kitchen staff together and said that if things continue like this, they'll have to cut wages. The long-time employees will have their wages reduced by 20% each month, and the new employees by 30%. Isn't that killing us?"

The courtyard fell silent immediately upon hearing this. He Daqing's wages were the breadwinner of the family. Although they weren't much each month, they were enough to buy most of their food. If the wages were reduced by 20%, the next month would be a struggle, let alone saving money for Liu Yan's health treatment.

He Yuzhu was playing with a slingshot in the yard when he heard the words "wage reduction." The pebble in his hand fell to the ground with a "thud," and he asked timidly, "Dad, then... can I still buy candy?"

He Daqing didn't say anything, but just sighed heavily, his pipe making a "bang bang" sound on the sole of his shoe.

He Yuyang stood by the vegetable patch, watering can in his hand, his mind racing with calculations. His father had worked at "Jufulou" restaurant for five years, rising from a dishwasher to a kitchen helper. He was diligent and skilled at controlling the heat, and the owner usually valued him highly. But when business was bad, old acquaintances might not be enough. Cutting wages was only the first step; if business worsened further, there might be layoffs, and then the family would face hardship.

"Dad, how's the food at Fulai Restaurant, besides being cheap? Are the portions generous?" He Yuyang put down the water ladle and came over.

"The taste is just so-so, typical communal cooking, very rough around the edges." He Daqing curled his lip, his tone carrying a hint of old-timer arrogance. "The portions are generous, but there's too little oil and too much salt, making it bland. But it's cheap, those rickshaw pullers and porters only care about the price, they don't care about the taste!"

"So, what makes your restaurant's dishes so expensive?" He Yuyang asked again. "Is it because you use a lot of main ingredients, or is there some special technique involved?"

"We're an old restaurant, and we're all about 'generous portions'," He Daqing explained. "Take our stir-fried pork slices, for example. Other places cut them into thin slices, but we cut them into thick slices. One plate of ours is equivalent to one and a half plates of meat from other places. The side dishes are also large chunks of radish and cabbage, which look very substantial. But with so many ingredients, the cost is naturally higher, and we can't lower the price. Now, that Fulai Restaurant has taken advantage of that."

He Yuyang nodded, an idea forming in his mind. The vegetables he'd grown in his space had recently undergone some changes—several varieties he'd specifically chosen were growing much smaller than the average ones. For example, the radishes were only the size of a fist, with smooth skin and plenty of moisture; the rapeseed plants were short, but the leaves were so tender they seemed to burst with juice; even the cucumbers were half a head shorter than the ones outside, yet crisper and sweeter. These "mini vegetables" looked exquisite, perfect for use as side dishes, reducing the amount of main ingredients needed while still appearing more upscale.

"Dad, I have an idea that might help the restaurant retain customers." He Yuyang sat down next to his father, his voice not loud but full of confidence. "We don't need to compete with Fulai Restaurant on price; we'll compete on 'skill'."

"A skill contest?" He Daqing was taken aback. "What do you mean?"

"Think about it," He Yuyang said slowly, "not all the people who come to our restaurant are looking for cheap food. Some want to try something better, like the local manager, accountant, or people visiting relatives and friends. We can adjust the portion sizes, use less of the main ingredients, and add more delicate side dishes. For example, the stir-fried pork slices—cut the meat thinner and more evenly, and pair it with our own pickled crisp radish slices and blanched bok choy. It will look nicer, more refined, and less greasy."

He paused, and seeing that his father was listening attentively, continued, "We could also introduce 'half-portion dishes.' For example, if a family comes to eat, ordering a whole plate would be wasteful, but ordering a half-portion would be just right, and the price would be halved. This would attract individual customers and make them feel like they're getting a good deal. The kitchen saves on main ingredients, and the customers save money—isn't that a win-win situation?"

He Daqing's eyes lit up, and he even forgot to tap his pipe: "You mean... less main ingredient, more fancy side dishes? And you're selling half portions?"

"It's not about being flashy, it's about being exquisite," He Yuyang corrected. "The side dishes have to be fresh and delicious, not just filler. For example, using baby radishes and tender bok choy looks appealing and tastes refreshing; customers might not dislike them. Besides, half-portions are good. These days, people are on a tight budget, and nobody wants to waste food. Half-portions allow customers to order a couple more things to try, which might increase repeat customers."

Liu Yan, who was listening nearby, also thought the idea was reliable: "Yes, last time I went to deliver clothes to you, I heard a customer say, 'There's too much food, the two of us can't finish it.' If there were half portions, they would definitely be happy to order them."

He Daqing held his pipe, drew a circle on the ground, then a line, pondering repeatedly: "This way, we can save 30% on the main ingredients, lowering costs without having to lower prices too much, and we can even attract new customers... It seems... really working?"

He suddenly stood up and paced back and forth in the courtyard twice: "No, I have to hurry back to the restaurant and talk to the manager about this idea! If I'm too late, they might announce a pay cut tomorrow!"

"Dad, don't rush." ​​He Yuyang pulled him back. "When you talk to the manager, you have to explain the benefits clearly. For example, 'half-portion dishes' can attract casual customers, while exquisite side dishes can retain regular customers. The cost is reduced, but the profit may not be less. It also shows that our restaurant is considerate of its customers and has more class than Fulai Restaurant, which only relies on low prices to grab business."

"Yes, that's classy!" He Daqing slapped his thigh, his thoughts suddenly clearing after his son's prompting. "I'll go right now!"

He grabbed his jacket and ran outside, but turned back just as he reached the door: "Yangyang, you're coming with me! You explained it better than I could!"

He Yuyang thought for a moment and nodded. He could go so that his father could speak more tactfully and also take the opportunity to check on the restaurant's situation, since it was related to the family's livelihood.

The father and son hurried toward the restaurant. The scorching sun made the ground steam, but neither of them felt the heat; they were only filled with urgency.

Jufulou's storefront wasn't small, with a faded plaque hanging on the black lacquered wooden door. Usually, there would be customers coming and going at this time, but today it was deserted, with only two waiters dozing off at the counter. When they saw He Daqing bring in a teenager, they merely raised their eyelids.

The kitchen was shrouded in gloom. The head chef squatted by the stove smoking, while several kitchen helpers listlessly picked vegetables. When He Daqing came in, they all looked up at him with a sense of helplessness, as if they were both in the same boat.

"Da Qing, why are you back again?" The shopkeeper, who was hunched over the abacus at the accounting table, looked up at the sound, his eyes dark-rimmed, clearly having been worried and sleepless for several days. "Have you heard about the pay cuts? Let me tell you, there's nothing we can do about it..."

"Manager, I'm not here to demand an explanation, I'm here to give you some advice!" He Daqing interrupted him, pulling He Yuyang forward. "This is my son, Yangyang. He just gave me an idea that might help the restaurant recover!"

The shopkeeper glanced at He Yuyang and saw that he was wearing a patched coarse cloth jacket, but he stood up straight and had clear eyes, which did not seem like he was just talking nonsense. So he patiently said, "Oh? Tell me about it."

He Yuyang wasn't intimidated. She repeated the ideas she had just shared with her father, speaking clearly and logically, even considering the details: "...Use small, fresh side dishes, which saves on main ingredients and makes the food look more refined; half-portions cater to individual customers, making them feel they get good value and avoid waste. This way, we don't have to compete with Fulai Restaurant on price, and we can still maintain the reputation of Jufulou. Customers will gradually come back."

After he finished speaking, the kitchen became so quiet you could hear a fly buzzing. The head chef stopped smoking, and the kitchen helpers also stopped what they were doing, all looking at the manager with a hint of anticipation in their eyes.

The innkeeper tapped his fingers on the abacus for a while, then suddenly snapped it shut, stood up, and said, "This method... is quite interesting! Exquisite side dishes, half-portions... it doesn't tarnish the reputation of our old restaurant, it attracts customers, and it saves costs..."

He paced around the room twice, then suddenly clapped his hands: "That's settled! Daqing, starting tomorrow, you won't be cooking anymore. I'm promoting you to head chef, specifically in charge of coordinating the ingredients! The vegetables must be fresh and small, and the portion sizes for half-portions must be fixed. We can't let the customers feel cheated, and we can't let the restaurant lose money!"

He Daqing was stunned for a moment before he reacted: "Shopkeeper, I... can I do it?"

"Why not?" the shopkeeper looked at him. "You've worked here for five years; you know exactly what ingredients are used in every dish. Besides, this idea came from your son; you two can definitely make it work! I'll give you a 30% raise on your monthly salary, and if business recovers, I'll give you a bonus at the end of the year!"

A 30% increase! Plus a bonus! He Daqing was so excited his face turned red, and he rubbed his hands, speechless. The other workers nearby also erupted in excitement, some congratulating He Daqing, others urging him to try the new method. The gloom from before vanished, and the kitchen suddenly came alive.

"Yangyang, quickly thank the shopkeeper!" He Daqing realized what was happening and pulled He Yuyang to bow.

"Thank you for your trust, shopkeeper." He Yuyang bowed respectfully. "My dad will definitely be able to handle it. If you need help with picking vegetables or determining the quantity, I'll come after school."

The shopkeeper looked at him, growing more and more fond of him: "This child is sensible! Alright, if you come, I'll provide you with a meal!"

When the father and son left the restaurant, it was already dusk. The evening breeze carried a hint of coolness, dispelling the daytime heat. He Daqing hummed a little tune as he walked, his steps light as if he were walking on cotton, his earlier anger completely gone.

"Yangyang, you're truly my lucky star!" He patted He Yuyang on the shoulder, grinning from ear to ear. "Take care! You've even raised wages by 30%! If this can really stabilize the business, our family's future will be even brighter!"

"Dad, this is just the beginning. We need to do things properly," He Yuyang reminded him. "The side dishes have to be really fresh and high-quality, and the half portions have to be generous. We can't fool the customers."

"Father knows!" He Daqing thumped his chest loudly. "Father will definitely keep a close eye on things and absolutely cannot ruin the restaurant's reputation, nor can he betray the manager's trust!"

Back home, He Daqing shared the good news, and Liu Yan was so happy she cried. She quickly made two cornbreads with a little refined flour for the father and son as a late-night snack. He Yuzhu munched on a pancake, mumbling, "Dad got a promotion, does that mean he can buy me candy every day?"

"I'll buy it for you once Dad gets his wages!" He Daqing smiled, his face full of wrinkles. Looking at his family eating around the lamp, he felt full of energy.

The next morning, He Daqing went to the morning market, specifically choosing small, fresh vegetables. He wanted radishes the size of a fist, bok choy that had just sprouted, and even the tofu that was so tender it could wobble. After returning, he and his assistants washed the vegetables thoroughly, cut them neatly, and arranged them on plates chilled with well water, making them look refreshing and appealing.

Around noon, He Yuyang came over to help after school and happened to catch the first group of customers. One of them was a rickshaw puller who hesitated at the door for a long time before finally stepping in after seeing the "Half Portion Dishes" sign on the window: "Boss, half a portion of braised pork and half a portion of stir-fried vegetables, is that alright?"

"Why not!" the innkeeper greeted them personally. "Half a portion of braised pork is five copper coins, half a portion of vegetables is one copper coin, all you can eat!"

Soon, two dishes were served. The braised pork was cut evenly and arranged on a plate, with a few pieces of stewed radish next to it; the stir-fried greens were bright green, made with baby bok choy, and looked very appetizing. The portion was indeed half a portion, but it was presented in a generous manner, not at all stingy.

The man paused, clearly surprised that even a half portion of food looked so decent. He picked up his chopsticks, took a bite, his eyes lit up, and he started eating, even soaking his cornbread in the broth. As he left, he wiped his mouth and said, "Your food is great value! I'll come again tomorrow!"

Once the first customer started, more and more customers followed. Some couples came and ordered two half-portions of dishes, which was just right for them; some single customers ordered one half-portion of a dish with a bowl of porridge, which was both economical and satisfying; and some regular customers, seeing that the dishes had become more refined and looked fresh, were happy to order a couple more to try.

By evening, the restaurant was packed with customers. Although most of them ordered half portions, the revenue was much higher than in the previous days. The manager was all smiles. After finishing the accounts in the accounting room, he specially sent two catties of meat to the kitchen so that the staff could improve their meals.

Holding the newly made manager's wooden plaque, He Daqing looked at the bustling kitchen, his heart filled with mixed emotions. If it weren't for his son's idea, he might be worrying about a pay cut right now. He patted He Yuyang's shoulder, his voice slightly choked: "Yangyang, your father isn't very capable in this life, but I'll rely on you from now on."

"Dad, it's because you're capable that the shopkeeper trusts you." He Yuyang helped clear the plates. "From now on, we'll be even stricter with the food, so that customers will want to come back again."

Life is like the restaurant's business, with its ups and downs, but as long as you're willing to use your brain and put in the effort, there's always a chance for things to turn around. Looking at her father's busy figure and thinking of the thriving vegetables in the storage space, He Yuyang felt very at ease. No matter how many storms there are outside, as long as the family works together, they can always find their own path and make their lives more and more stable.

As night deepened, the restaurant's lanterns lit up, illuminating the "Jufulou" signboard and exuding a warm, homey atmosphere. He Yuyang followed her father home. The cicadas in the alley continued to chirp, but they didn't sound as irritating as during the day. Instead, they seemed to be singing a cheerful tune for the slowly improving days.