In the fiery red era of the heavens, refrigerators are refreshed daily.

Chapter 6.6 Good Impressions and Unexpected Information

Three out-of-towners didn't know where to eat, so Yang Guangming recommended "Lao Zhengxing" local Shanghai cuisine restaurant.

The restaurant has a small, antique-style storefront, with wooden tables and chairs that have been worn smooth and shiny over the years.

The room was clean and tidy, and several square tables were full of people, mostly ordinary citizens and workers. Amidst the clinking of cups and plates, the lively atmosphere exuded a strong sense of everyday life.

Zhao Guodong was very satisfied at first glance.

After they sat down to order, Yang Guangming, being a local expert, recommended several classic Shanghainese dishes to them.

First up is the stir-fried eel with hot oil. The eel shreds are incredibly tender. When served, hot oil is poured over minced garlic and ginger, creating a sizzling sound and releasing an irresistible aroma.

Next up is the braised pork intestines with clover. The pork intestines, braised in a rich, dark sauce, are tender and flavorful, and the addition of fragrant clover perfectly balances the richness.

The third dish was stir-fried shrimp, fresh small river shrimp fried until crispy and sweet.

Considering that Zhao Guodong and his two comrades were both from the north, Yang Guangming specially ordered a dish of braised pork with a rich, dark sauce and a good balance of fat and lean meat.

He took the initiative to handle trivial tasks such as pouring tea, urging the serving of dishes, and serving food. His service was thoughtful and meticulous, and his movements were natural and smooth, without the slightest hint of flattery.

The liquor is a locally produced "Qibao Daqu," kept warm in a small white porcelain pot. It has a high alcohol content and a rich aroma.

Zhao Guodong filled the small, rough porcelain wine cups in front of each person.

"Come on! The first toast is to thank Comrade Xiao Yang for saving me from my urgent problem!" Zhao Guodong raised his glass, his voice loud and clear, carrying the pride of a soldier.

"Director Zhao, you're too kind!" Yang Guangming quickly raised his glass in greeting, his posture respectful.

Li Zhenguo and Zhang Yuanchao also raised their glasses with smiles: "Yes! Thank you, Comrade Xiaoyang!"

The four men clinked their glasses, the rough porcelain striking against each other with a crisp sound. The spicy liquid went down their throats, carrying with it the rich aroma of grains and a strong burning sensation.

The original owner of this body had never drunk baijiu before, and Yang Guangming had no idea how much alcohol his current body could handle.

With a slight thought, the wine that had just entered his throat was instantly transferred into the refrigerator within his consciousness space. He merely tasted it, the fragrance lingering in his mouth, and Yang Guangming's complexion remained unchanged, his eyes clear and bright.

After a few cups of warm "Qibao Daqu" (a type of Chinese liquor), the atmosphere became even more lively.

Yang Guangming was very comfortable at the dinner table. In his previous life, as a personal secretary, social skills were a fundamental skill ingrained in his bones.

At this moment, he was warm and sincere, and spoke with humor. When the opportunity arose, he would also tell some interesting stories about the local customs and culture of Shanghai.

For example, the interesting stories of the 72 tenants in the Shikumen; and the melodious cries of "Gardenia...Magnolia..." in the alley.

He spoke so vividly that Li Zhenguo burst into laughter, and even the usually serious Zhang Yuanchao couldn't help but smile.

He offered toasts with tact and gave reasonable advice, taking into account the two guests' generosity from the Northeast while also serving Zhao Guodong drinks and dishes at appropriate times, making Zhao Guodong feel extremely comfortable and at ease.

Most importantly, he has the ability to drink "a thousand cups without getting drunk"!

Every time a drink is consumed, it is immediately stored in the refrigerator.

To outsiders, he remained completely composed, drinking one cup after another with gusto and ease, his eyes always clear and bright, showing no signs of drunkenness.

"Good lad, I didn't realize you were so talented!" Li Zhenguo praised, slapping the table as he watched Yang Guangming down another glass cleanly.

"His drinking capacity and his straightforwardness are unmatched even in our Northeast Production and Construction Corps!" He gave a thumbs up. "Old Zhao, you've really struck gold this time!"

"Yes, Comrade Xiao Yang is not only quick-witted and skilled, but also has a strong alcohol tolerance. He is truly a rare talent!" Zhang Yuanchao also praised sincerely, his gaze towards Yang Guangming filled with admiration. "Mature beyond his years, quick-witted, a rare find."

Zhao Guodong looked at Yang Guangming, increasingly satisfied. This kid is so sensible! His words and actions are impeccable, and he even makes a good impression at the dinner table.

He was naturally generous, and after a few cups of hot wine, coupled with his great admiration for Yang Guangming, a strong sense of closeness arose spontaneously.

He put down his wine glass, looking at Yang Guangming's young yet composed face, clear even amidst the rising steam of alcohol. His tone was unusually warm, tinged with the affection of an elder, and slightly slurred with the intoxication of the wine.

"Xiao Yang, you're just the way I am, except you keep calling me Director Zhao, it sounds a bit awkward!"

I'm probably not much younger than your father. When we're not around, just call me 'Uncle Zhao,' it sounds more friendly!

These words carried an undeniable intimacy and acceptance, clearly showing that the speaker genuinely regarded Yang Guangming as a close junior.

Yang Guangming felt a surge of warmth in his heart, knowing that this was a strong signal of goodwill and trust from Zhao Guodong.

He reacted very quickly, a sincere yet slightly flattered smile immediately spreading across his face, and his voice became a few decibels clearer:
"Oh, thank you, Uncle Zhao! Then I won't stand on ceremony with you!"

The way he addressed him as "Uncle Zhao" was crisp and clear, conveying the affection and heartfelt respect of a junior for his elder.

"Hahaha! That's right! It sounds pleasing to the ear!" Zhao Guodong laughed heartily, clearly very pleased, and personally poured Yang Guangming a full glass of wine. "Come on, Xiao Yang, let's have another one, you and I!"

That address of "father and son" brought them even closer.

After a few rounds of drinks and several dishes, the conversation became more casual and in-depth.

Li Zhenguo's voice carried a hint of heaviness as he sighed:
"Besides business, I also have a personal matter to attend to during this trip to Shanghai."

One of our old comrades-in-arms, Wang Tiezhu, comes from a poor family. His elderly mother is seriously ill and is waiting for money to save her life.

He has an old ginseng root passed down in his family. It's quite old and in good condition. He wanted to ask us to see if we could find a reliable traditional Chinese medicine pharmacy in Shanghai to sell it to. He heard that the grading standards are more lenient here, and the purchase price is only slightly higher than where we are.

Yang Guangming's heart skipped a beat, as if a huge stone had been thrown into a calm lake!
His expression remained unchanged. He simply picked up the warm wine pot and naturally poured a cup of wine for Li Zhenguo, then poured more for Zhang Yuanchao and Zhao Guodong.

With just the right amount of curiosity, he asked casually, "Oh? Uncle Li, does the Chinese medicine pharmacy also accept herbs from private individuals?"

"Don't they all have to go through the supply and marketing cooperative's purchasing stations and the pharmaceutical company for unified procurement?"

He naturally changed his form of address in accordance with the change in address.

Zhang Yuanchao put down his chopsticks, picked up the conversation, and spoke in a steady and insightful voice:

"Xiao Yang, you don't know this."

Traditional Chinese medicine pharmacies do not accept privately purchased herbal medicines; it is not permitted by policy.

However, Chinese medicine pharmacies are in great short supply of precious medicinal materials such as old ginseng, deer antler, natural bezoar, and musk!
Many traditional Chinese medicine prescriptions are incomplete, leaving patients frustrated and unable to obtain the necessary medications.

He paused, lowered his voice, and spoke with an air of knowing the inside story:

"Therefore, large-scale Chinese medicine pharmacies, especially those long-established and reputable brands, are happy to buy genuine and high-quality products from private individuals."

Of course, this applies only to a few types of precious medicinal herbs, and the key is that the state allows it, and they have the necessary qualifications.

As for the price, the purchase price is the same nationwide, based on the same standard. The main difference is that the grading process is more lenient, unlike the harsher pressure from purchasing stations. This means that sometimes the price can be sold for a higher amount.

“Of course…” he emphasized, “the source of the goods must be clearly explained.”

(End of this chapter)