Republic of China, 1928: Starting from a Wonton Shop

The 8th day of the 12th lunar month in the 17th year of the Republic of China.

Everything is auspicious!

The kitchen was steaming, and the rich aroma of braised pork and baked buns from the large iron pot wafted through the chimney and filled the entire house.

On the cutting board, shredded scallions, shredded meat, and liver tips have been cut and placed in separate bowls.

Yunniang was wearing a clean blue cotton-padded jacket with floral patterns, and her hair was braided into a plait. Although she was still a little nervous, her heart gradually calmed down as she looked at Li Chunsheng's back.

Ya Ya even changed into a new red cotton-padded jacket, which Li Chunsheng specially bought cotton and fabric to have made at a tailor shop. The little girl looked like a New Year's picture doll, holding a rag in her hand, standing at the door looking around.

10:00 AM.

The sound of firecrackers echoed through the alleyway. Li Chunsheng lifted the red cloth above the door, revealing the black signboard with gold lettering: "Li's Restaurant".

The calligraphy was written by the old scholar who writes Spring Festival couplets at the street corner; it's very neat!

But what's even more eye-catching is the huge sign standing at the entrance.

[Grand Opening Special: For the first three days, all drinks are free when you dine in!]

These few words instantly attracted the attention of passersby and neighbors.

"Really? The alcohol is free?"

"Has this Manager Li gone mad?"

"Who cares if he's crazy? Let's go in and try it and see! The alcohol's free anyway, so we can't lose out by having a couple of sips!"

In these times of hardship, there are still things that are free!

Soon, the first group of guests tentatively went inside.

As soon as you enter, the rich aroma of braised food wafts over you, instantly dispelling the chill.

The shop was spotless, and the tables and chairs were polished to a shine.

On a large table near the entrance, there was a large wine jar with a big "wine" character on it, and next to it was a pile of rough porcelain bowls.

"Gentlemen, please come in!"

Although Yunniang was a little shy, she still mustered up the courage to go forward. "Today is our grand opening, so drinks are free! Drink as much as you want! We have our signature braised pork and baked buns, as well as various stir-fries! The menu is here, please take a look." Yunniang pointed to the list written on the side.

"Really free?" A daring man leaned closer to the jar and sniffed it. "Wow! It smells like genuine strong liquor!"

"The owner said! Plenty of alcohol!"

Upon hearing this, the man didn't waste any time. He picked up the grapes, ladled out a large bowlful, and drank it down in one gulp.

"Ha! Good wine!" The man wiped his mouth. "Boss lady, give me a bowl of braised pork! And some stir-fried shredded potatoes with vinegar! I'm going to drink my fill today!"

With the first one taking the lead, the rest will be much easier.

"Me too! A bowl of braised pork, please!"

"Give me some stir-fried liver tips! This wine is really good!"

In the blink of an eye, all five or six tables in the shop were full of people.

In the kitchen, Li Chunsheng was in a flurry of activity. He made up his mind that he needed to find another helper for the kitchen.

Before the stew pot, he deftly scooped out the pork intestines and lungs, chopped them into small pieces, put them in a bowl, poured in the soup, and sprinkled them with minced garlic and cilantro.

Flames soared into the sky from the wok.

Stir-fried liver tips, shredded pork with sweet bean sauce, stir-fried pork kidneys...

With a flick of the spatula, Ya Ya carried out one dish after another, each bursting with the aroma of a wok.

"The food is served! Be careful, it's hot!" Ya Ya's clear voice sounded particularly pleasant in the noisy restaurant.

Noon.

A commotion came from outside the door.

Ma San swaggered in with seven or eight brothers.

He was still twirling the pair of iron balls in his hands when he entered the room and shouted loudly, "Manager Li! Congratulations on your fortune!"

When the diners in the shop saw that it was Ma San, their voices immediately fell silent.

Li Chunsheng emerged from the kitchen, sweating profusely, to greet him: "Third Master, your presence is an honor! Please come in!"

Ma San waved his hand and pointed to the sign at the door: "Manager Li, you can drink as much wine as you want. Aren't you afraid I'll drink you out of house and home?"

"No way! Third Master can drink as much as he wants; that's just giving me face!"

Ma San laughed heartily, found the biggest table, and sat down: "Brothers! Manager Li is treating today, so eat as much as you want!"

"Yes, Third Master!" the underlings responded in unison.

Just as Ma San sat down, Fatty Liu arrived with two patrol officers, swaying leisurely.

Ma San greeted Fatty Liu. The Black Tiger Gang and the patrol police had always had dealings with each other. Although the two groups were not familiar with each other on the surface, they actually had quite a lot of contact in private.

Once the two groups of people, one in black and one in white, sat down in the shop, those who originally had other ideas all put aside their crooked thoughts.

Just kidding. The Third Master of the Black Tiger Gang and Liu, the patrolman, are both sitting here drinking and keeping watch. Who would dare to cause trouble?

Li Chunsheng was also very considerate, so he specially added dishes for these two tables.

The lunch lasted until after 3 p.m. before the heat subsided slightly.

During a break, Yunniang counted the copper coins and silver dollars in the money box.

"Chunsheng..." Yunniang ran to the kitchen, her face flushed, and said, "Guess how much we sold at noon?"

Li Chunsheng was wiping the stove when he heard this and asked with a smile, "How much?"

"We sold over forty bowls of braised pork alone! And the stir-fries brought in a full three silver dollars this lunch! Three dollars! We've already made back the money for the drinks!"

She used to make only three or four dollars a month doing that kind of work, but now this one afternoon of legitimate business is worth more than a month's hard-earned money.

Li Chunsheng smiled and said, "Sister-in-law, business will definitely be better in the first few days after opening. It won't be as good later, but in business, it's all about slow and steady wins the race."

He opened the system panel, where he had just received upgrade and task reminders, and now he finally had time to look at them.

Name: Li Chunsheng

【Skill】:

Broth preparation (intermediate): 333/10000

Wonton Making (Intermediate): 297/10000

Knife skills (beginner): 88/100

Cooking temperature (beginner): 97/100

Seasoning (Beginner): 80/100

Chili oil (intermediate): 321/10000

Stir-frying over high heat (beginner): 73/100

Battering and coating (beginner): 21/100

Pig offal cleaning technique (intermediate): 331/10000

Secret Broth Braising Sauce Recipe (Intermediate): 215/10000

Flaming and branding technique (intermediate): 223/10000

[Dishes]:

Wonton (Intermediate): 297/10000

Chicken noodle soup (intermediate): 333/10000

Braised Pork Buns (Beginner): 47/100

Stir-fried liver tips (beginner): 17/100

Hot and Sour Shredded Potatoes (Beginner): 58/100

Twice-cooked pork (beginner): 31/100

[Gained +380 reputation points for positive customer reviews.]

[Main Quest: Make Li's Restaurant bigger and stronger, and create brilliance!]

[Character requirement: Make Li's Restaurant a time-honored brand in Beiping and throughout China!]

Li Chunsheng breathed a sigh of relief; this character was quite grand.

After wiping the stove, he came to the front hall, preparing to rest for a while and prepare for the evening's business, when a gentleman walked over.

The gentleman was wearing a gray long gown, gold-rimmed glasses, and carrying a briefcase.

Li Chunsheng's restaurant business in both his past and present lives has honed his keen eye. He may not know the names of customers who have visited his restaurant or shop, but he will definitely recognize their faces.

The person in front of them was Mr. Zhou, whom Shunzi had brought along.

Zhou Zhengnan saw Li Chunsheng looking at him and cupped his hands in greeting. "Boss Li, congratulations! I heard there's free wine here. I'd like to have a drink too."