Twice-cooked pork is a favorite among many Sichuan and Chongqing residents; almost every family knows how to make it, each with their own unique way of cooking it.
But the Twice-cooked Pork With Garlic Sprouts they had at Zhou Erwa Restaurant today has become the number one twice-cooked pork in many people's hearts.
"This Twice-cooked Pork With Garlic Sprouts is so delicious! It's fragrant, tender, and not greasy at all."
"So good with rice! I bet I can easily finish three bowls of rice for lunch today!"
"Brother Qiang, slow down! I've only eaten one piece, and you've already eaten three. If you keep doing this, I'm going to have to put my half in my bowl!"
"Oh, brother, don't be like that. It's so delicious that I unconsciously sped up. I'll slow down, I'll slow down."
"The factory director's choice is definitely right. Next time I treat people to a meal, this place is better than state-owned restaurants—the food is good, and you won't be treated badly."
"I was thinking of bringing my wife and kids here on Sunday, but unfortunately Zhou Yan is closed on Sunday."
The guests were full of praise, and some were even considering inviting others for a meal.
Every dish at Zhou Erwa Restaurant was excellent; although the prices were a bit high, they weren't much different from those of state-owned restaurants.
Zhao Dong was having dinner with two regular diners today. The plate of twice-cooked pork was completely empty, not even a single garlic sprout remained. The braised crucian carp with perilla leaves still had some broth, which one of them poured into bowl and mixed with rice, enjoying it immensely.
Zhao Dong got up to pay the bill when he saw Zhou Yan carrying dishes out of the kitchen. He quickly said, "Little Zhou, are you open on Sunday? I'd like to book a table with you, bringing my mother, wife, and kids to try your cooking. They loved the braised pork ribs I brought back yesterday."
Quite a few other customers shared this idea, all looking at Zhou Yan.
It was a weekday, so they could only eat with colleagues—a work lunch.
Sunday are free, so they can bring their wife and kids for a meal, or have a small gathering with friends—it's a completely different experience.
Actually, more than one or two customers have asked Zhou Yan this question in the past two days.
Previously, the restaurant only sold noodles and cross-legged beef, which wasn't very appealing to customers looking for group meals. Since the textile factory was closed on Sunday, the restaurant naturally closed as well.
However, as stir-fried and braised dishes became available, the menu gradually expanded, and demand naturally increased.
Weekends are peak dining times for non-working day meals; this is an objective rule, and Zhou Yan had studied it.
These customers have stronger spending power and are more willing to pay compared to working day meals.
But this week is different.
"I'm sorry, Director Zhao, my brother is getting married this Sunday, and I have to help with the wedding procession. I can't be open for business." Zhou Yan said with a smile. "I'll seriously consider opening on Sunday next week and will issue an announcement in advance."
Zhao Dong was a little disappointed, but still nodded with a smile: "That's really unavoidable; happy event definitely come first."
The other customers understood and waited for Zhou Yan's announcement.
Zhou Yan put down the dishes and returned to the kitchen, still pondering the matter.
With no workers on Sunday, the uncertainty is too great, and need to carefully consider reopening.
Besides, after six busy days, he wanted a proper rest on Sunday. Working non stop 365 days a year would be unbearable even for an iron man.
However, the prospect of weekend gatherings was undeniably tempting.
Especially gatherings with friends, which could potentially expand the restaurant's customer base beyond the textile factory.
Customers who choose the restaurant for their gatherings, rather than cooking at home, are generally of higher value.
Just as one should cultivate many friends in life, one should cultivate many customers in a restaurant.
There was no rush; he was busy this Sunday anyway, so he could make more detailed plans next week.
If he could add a few more dishes, it would be easier for customers to order.
On Sundays, he definitely won't sell noodles or cross-legged beef; if he only makes stir-fries and braised dishes, at least he can sleep in and it will be much easier.
As one o'clock approached, the workers went to work, and the shop became quiet.
Zhou Yan swayed as he came out of the kitchen and saw a 28-inch bicycle parked in front. The postman took a letter from his green mailbag, glanced at it, and called out to the shop, "Zhou Yan! There's letter for you!"
"Coming." Zhou Yan replied, quickly stepping out.
"You're Zhou Yan?" the postman asked, sizing him up.
"Yes, I'm Zhou Yan, the owner of this Zhou Erwa Restaurant." Zhou Yan nodded.
"Okay, here's the letter." The postman handed him the letter; since it was ordinary letter, no signature was required.
Zhou Yan glanced at the signature on the letter and quickly stopped the postman who was about to leave: "Comrade, if I want to mail a letter, do I need to go to the post office?"
Zhou Yan's social circle was limited to Su Ji, and he had never written a letter to anyone before, so he indeed had no experience in this area.
The postman turned around, smiling, and pointed to the green mailbox standing on the side of the factory gate. "Just put the letter in an envelope, seal it, put on a stamp, write the address and postal code, and then drop it into the mailbox. The textile factory's mailbox is collected everyday. An eight cents stamp is enough for a regular letter."
"Thank you, comrade." Zhou Yan said with a smile.
"You're welcome." the postman replied, pedaling away on his bicycle.
Aunt Zhao and Zhao Hong, who were clearing away the dishes, stopped and turned to look at Zhou Yan, who had entered with a letter.
"From Xia Yao?" Aunt Zhao asked with concern.
"Sister Yaoyao!" Zhou Momo, who was sitting at a nearby table playing with Barbie dolls, brightened up and looked at Zhou Yan as well.
"It's from her." Zhou Yan looked up from the letter and met the three people's intense gazes.
After a moment of hesitation, Zhou Yan silently turned and went outside, sitting on a chair under a tree. He carefully tore open the envelope and pulled out three pages.
Zhou Yan had actually received quite a few love letters during his school days. After all, his main focus during his student years was modeling, and being tall and handsome, his drawer was never short of love letters.
However, aside from the first few letters he received, which he opened and read, he took all the subsequent ones back to the orphanage and locked them in a cabinet.
Dating would only slow down his earning pace, and he felt incredibly insecure without money. Letters were expressions of affection, not to be lost, so he kept them all.
In his previous life, he lived too hastily and died very suddenly.
Life is unpredictable; sometimes, a stroke of luck can strike.
In this life, he has both parents and a lovely younger sister.
Although he's still short of money, his life is filled with love and warmth that were once unattainable.
As long as he runs the restaurant well, there's hope for the future.
His lonely mindset seems to be changing slightly.
For example, he's now opening this letter, curious about what happened to Xia Yao after returning from Suji, and what she wants to share with him.
Zhou Shuren once said: "When you become curious about someone, it also means the beginning of your downfall."
Zhou Yan doesn't believe in the old man's nonsense. Curiosity is curiosity; how can it lead to downfall?
Unfolding the letter, lines of elegant handwriting come into view:
"Zhou Yan:
Seeing this letter is like seeing me in person; I hope it brings a smile to your face.
We've safely returned to Shancheng. The puffed rice candy was delicious, and Deng Hong and Yu Yu asked me to thank you.
It's funny, after you helped deliver the love letter, Deng Hong and Ma Xingye's relationship progressed rapidly. Ma Xingye brings her breakfast everyday and even fills all the kettles in our dorm."
"What an old simp." Zhou Yan couldn't help but laugh and tease.
How can a man be a simp!
Continuing to read, she recounted interesting little things she encountered in her life and studies.
The delicate handwriting and refreshing style made Zhou Yan feel as if he was seeing that poised and intelligent young woman again.
A smile crept onto Zhou Yan's lips until he finished reading the two pages.
"The weather in the Shancheng was a bit muggy today, but the sunset was beautiful. I sat by the dorm window for a long time watching it; I wonder if you saw it.
But you must have been busy in the kitchen then, right?
So I drew it, to share with you.
I look forward to your reply.
Farewell to the twilight years, fireworks bloom year after year.
Xia Yao."
Zhou Yan turned to the third page, a piece of paper that had been cut out.
The blazing sunset dyed the sky red, the oil paint splashed like molten gold, merging into a sky full of colorful clouds, the red walls were plated with a soft, pale gold light, and the silhouettes of the distant, majestic mountains were also edged with gold, displaying a magnificent and beautiful scene.
Zhou Yan doesn't understand painting.
But in this moment, he felt beauty.
It was as if he also saw the sky full of red clouds, the infinite beauty of the sunset.
The girl who sat by the window painting traveled across mountains and rivers to deliver this beauty to him.
...