Rebirth 07: Starting with Saving a Bankrupt Restaurant

"Although hot and sour noodles are sour and spicy, I still prefer the feeling of eating them in big bites."

One diner nodded in agreement, saying, "Yes, that's true. I always feel that rice is more to my liking."

Inside the restaurant, everyone kept praising the shredded pork with garlic sauce.

However, another diner disagreed with the two's statement: "Which restaurant doesn't serve shredded pork with garlic sauce? Which restaurant nearby can you find that makes hot and sour noodles?"

If you ask me, I still prefer hot and sour noodles. The sour and spicy flavor, paired with a bottle of soda, is simply amazing!

The discussion at one table of diners attracted the attention of another table of diners.

The cooking method for shredded pork with garlic sauce is essentially the same. There will be differences in taste, but not by that much.

If you want to satisfy diners, it all comes down to portion size and price.

Since Zhouji Restaurant reopened, it has been focusing its efforts on these aspects.

Especially for those who work in heavy industry, a bowl of shredded pork with garlic sauce over rice paired with a bottle of soda is incredibly satisfying.

A bowl of shredded pork with garlic sauce over rice costs twelve yuan, and it's served with a bowl of soup, just like fried rice or fried noodles.

Go outside and find any restaurant; the starting price will be at least the same.

In the first half of 07, pork prices continued to rise, directly increasing the costs for restaurants, and many restaurants raised their prices.

Recently, Zhou Wen went to the market and found that pork, which used to cost more than seven yuan per kilogram, had increased by about one yuan.

As for wholesale, the current usage by restaurants is far from meeting the wholesale demand.

The store closes in the afternoon.

"Boss, the feedback on the shredded pork with garlic sauce rice bowl seems to be pretty good. I even heard many diners ranking the dishes in the restaurant at noon." Shi Ying shared this interesting story with Zhou Wen while eating the shredded pork with garlic sauce rice bowl.

Zhou Wen raised an eyebrow and said, "Really?"

When the restaurant is open for business, Zhou Wen spends most of his time in the kitchen, only appearing in the front of the restaurant on rare occasions when he is less busy.

In the front hall, people simply chat with diners or take a break.

Therefore, most of the interesting stories that happened in the front hall were heard from Shi Ying.

Shi Ying nodded and said, "Yes, right now everyone is debating whether hot and sour noodles or shredded pork with garlic sauce rice is the best food in the restaurant."

This is obviously a good thing for Zhou Wen. People are willing to discuss the dishes in his restaurant, and even rank them, which proves that the restaurant now has a certain foundation.

"There were even people speaking up for the cold noodles today. One customer said that the cold noodles tasted pretty good, it's just that they don't know how to appreciate them."

Zhou Wen nodded, thought for a moment, and then said, "You also need to pay more attention to the guests' emotions. It's fine for everyone to have a peaceful discussion, but don't let them get angry during the discussion."

"Okay, I'll be more careful."

The introduction of the Yu Xiang Rou Si (shredded pork with garlic sauce) rice bowl has eased the last remaining concerns of a small group of diners.

After all, which diner who has eaten at Zhouji Restaurant wouldn't want to try the new dishes?

……

The Ruyi Hotel has experienced a rollercoaster of ups and downs this week.

By exposing Zhouji Restaurant's dark history, they managed to tarnish their own image and gained a decent number of customers. However, within just three days, the number of customers plummeted.

"Is Zhouji Restaurant really that amazing?" The proprietress of Ruyi Restaurant really couldn't understand why, after she had messed things up, the number of customers was getting better and better.

"I heard that Zhou's Restaurant has launched a new dish, I think it's something like shredded pork with garlic sauce over rice."

The speaker was the shop owner, who was also Liu Fengru's husband—Ma Xianling.

"Fish-flavored shredded pork? Don't we have that in our shop? I know about rice bowls too, we can make those too! It's just shredded pork with fish-flavored sauce on top of rice."

"Maybe the taste isn't as good as Zhouji Restaurant," said Ma Xianling, who is also the owner and cook.

Hearing this, Liu Fengru got a little angry.

"The taste isn't as good as others, isn't that your problem?! If you made the food taste better, Zhou's Restaurant wouldn't stand a chance!"

"I told you I wanted to hire a chef, but you refused. Now you're blaming me?" Ma Xianling said indignantly.

"Don't you know how much more money it costs to hire a chef per month? What if there's a dispute with someone, and they quit? The taste will suddenly change so drastically. Have you thought about the consequences?"

After the couple started arguing, the house fell silent for a moment.

But soon, Liu Fengru spoke again:

"If it doesn't taste as good as others, we'll just steal their techniques!"

Ma Xianling thought this idea was a bit unrealistic, and rolled his eyes, saying, "Stealing skills? Do you think it's that easy to steal?"

As if she had just thought of something, the proprietress suddenly sat up straight and said, "I heard someone mention the other day that the curtains at Zhou's Restaurant's kitchen are all drawn up now. We'll just ask any acquaintance to go into the shop and see if we can sneak a peek. Anyway, no one else will recognize us."

The boss's eyes darted around as he asked, "What if someone else finds out?"

"They've found out? Then we'll just deny it. They have no evidence, so how can they keep bothering us?"

"It doesn't seem like it's impossible..."

Seeing that her husband was still hesitant, Liu Fengru patted Ma Xianling and then gave him a look, saying, "What are you still hesitating for? If you keep hesitating, it'll be too late! If Zhou's Restaurant gets better and better, I'll see if we can keep this restaurant open."

Upon hearing this, Ma Xianling no longer hesitated: "Alright, I'll have someone arrange it tomorrow."

However, Liu Fengru was still a little uneasy about just learning by stealing knowledge.

Liu Fengru beckoned to her husband, then leaned close to his ear and whispered, "We can still..."

"Isn't this going too far?" Ma Xianling felt a bit vicious after hearing Liu Fengru's plan.

"Mr. Ma, I've noticed something strange about you—you just can't resist money!"

"You woman don't consider the consequences of your actions. Is this about money?" Ma Xianling said sternly.

Liu Fengru didn't want to argue any further: "Alright, alright. Let's not talk about this anymore. Just make sure you get things done tomorrow."

……

The next day, Ma Xianling found an acquaintance and gave him some money.

"Liu Zi, let me tell you, you have to be careful about this, or you'll get caught."

The young man called Liu Zi seemed rather cunning.

Liu Neng patted his chest and said, "Brother Ma, you can rest assured about my work. Even if I get caught, I won't say a word about Ruyi Hotel."

Seeing Liu Neng's guarantee, Ma Xianling nodded and said, "Get things done well, and I'll give you some money after it's done."

"Oh! Thanks, Brother Ma."

Ma Xianling pursed his lips, thought for a moment, and then said, "Zhou's Restaurant is usually crowded at night. There are many people around then, so it's not easy to be discovered."

"Okay."