Blissful Days After Widowhood

After calculating the account, Gu Yin and shopkeeper Zhou discussed the menu for the next day, and then went back to rest.

In fact, it will be put to the future. There are still several empty rooms in the backyard of the store, which will be directly used as staff dormitories.

, They lived in the back and had to hang their clothes in the courtyard. Even if Gu Yin and Wang Shi didn't care, the guy would still feel uncomfortable.

Fortunately, Shiweitian has a good location, and it is only a quarter and a half away from Jinyi Lane.

Wang Shi and Gu Yin each carried a child back home.

The two little guys had been busy all day, and by the time they were waiting, they were already lying on the table and fell asleep, and they were carried all the way to the house without waking up.

Afterwards, Mrs. Wang boiled the hot water, and called the two of them up first.

Wu An and Gu Ye slept in the dark, and they were both confused after being woken up.

Wu'an opened his mouth and said: "two yuan for meat, one yuan for vegetables, three yuan for eight-treasure porridge, and six yuan for Chenghui."

Gu Ye also followed: "Kung Pao Chicken is gone, can you order something else?"

Yes, these two co-authors are still working in their dreams!

Wang Shi and Gu Yin were so happy, they hugged each other and carried them to the edge of the tub and started to take off their clothes. The mother drove out.

When they finished washing, Mrs. Wang boiled and changed the water again for Gu Yin to wash. . Gu Yin wanted to help, and asked Wang to push him directly back into the house.

After a busy day, the month to midday.

This is the first day of business. Gu Yin feels that it is not a problem to let her mother-in-law come back from work and then do housework. Although she said that these are nothing, but people are not iron-clad , rest when it's time to rest.

Have to hire a helper, and preferably a carriage or donkey-

Zhenyi Lane is used to living, Gu Ye has to follow the next door to learn martial arts, Gu Yin has no plans to change places for the time being. But after working all day, it takes nearly two quarters of an hour to come back, which is really torturous.

Before the Wang family gave all the money in the family to Gu Yin, and today Gu Yin left all the money for tomorrow's vegetables to the shopkeeper Guan Huotou Zhou.

She opened her purse while thinking—

Only ten cents left!

Don't talk about donkey carts, donkey hooves are not enough to buy one.

When Gu Yin arrived at the store the next day, she asked the shopkeeper Zhou to write down the recruitment notice, along with the requirements for recruiting helpers, and then put on an apron and got busy.

The menu was re-changed on this day, and there are still ten items, except for the preserved egg lean meat porridge and steamed bread rolls, which have not changed. Wait.

There are still many customers on this day, but at least there is no longer a situation where the store cannot sit down and there are long queues outside.

Not long after the door was opened, Mrs. Wen came over.

There were too many people when it opened the day before. The old man went home first after watching the excitement at the door, and came to eat for the first time today.

Gu Yin had long thought that he was coming over today, and left him a seat by the window.

The things that are usually sold in the store, Mr. Wen does not eat, he urged Gu Yin to show him the menu.

In fact, the picks for ordering dishes have been made long ago, but Gu Yin thought that when the new opening was opened, so many people in the store would definitely be too busy, so they would not open special orders for the time being. The menu is hung on the wall.

But the old man was naturally different, so Gu Yin took out a lot of vegetable sticks for the old man to choose.

The tokens are placed in two token holders, one with the top of the head painted in white represents the white case made by Gu Yin, and the other painted in red represents the red case made by the shopkeeper Zhou.

It was still early, so the old man took a random one from the white case, and Gu Yin went to the kitchen to prepare it after reading the sign.

…

When Bai Zixi arrived at his restaurant, he found that there were fewer guests in his restaurant today.

Although ordinary restaurants, like Wangyuelou in the past, are mainly engaged in the business of lunch and evening markets, the Hanxiang Restaurant of the Bai family is different. Kung fu is good at that time—Master Bai Er went to the Liangguang Restaurant to beg and begged the corporal, and spent a lot of money to invite him, so Hanxianglou is mainly engaged in morning market business. Basically, the profit of the morning market can account for half of the whole day.

Finding that there were fewer people, Bai Zixi immediately invited the shopkeeper to inquire about the situation.

The shopkeeper said with a smile on his face: "The third young master asked me, how do I know? You and the second master are in charge of the back kitchen, so I can control where the guests are kept or not. of?"

Hanxianglou was founded by the old man Bai, who has two sons and is now managed by two people together.

The front office is in charge of the people in the big room, and the back kitchen is in charge of the second room where Bai Zixi lives.

It's not a day or two that the people in the two rooms don't seem to be in the same room for a day or two. Bai Zixi didn't ask him any more questions.

A regular customer was just about to enter the store when a friend he knew happened to pass by, and he grabbed him and said, "Why are you still here, Lao Li? It's time to open the door, hurry up. Son, otherwise, if you're late, you won't have a seat."

The regular customer waved his hand and said: "If I don't go, I like to eat the soup dumplings in Hanxiang Lou, which can't be eaten at other places. And even though I didn't go yesterday, I didn't go. But I heard people say that they only sell a few things, so what's so delicious about the steamed buns?"

"Hey, you didn't go yesterday, don't you know? People's menus are changed every day! I didn't have one yesterday, so I can't guarantee it will be available today? I asked the little lady, they will be open for ordering in the next two days, if you don't have it, you can order it yourself."

Diners are not not looking for something new, Lao Li was also a little moved when he heard this, and his friend then lowered his voice and persuaded: "Hanxianglou is a feature that costs tens of pennies. It’s cheap, the meat patty is only a few cents a piece, and the features are definitely not too expensive! Come on, don’t you think you can eat it, why don’t you try it?”

The man said a few words to him and ignored him, saying, "I got up late, so I have to go quickly, and I have to go back to the shop after eating in the morning."

Then Old Li saw that he was about to leave and hurriedly followed, "Wait for me, I'll go with you, but let's go ahead, we're not people with a few dozen pennies, if If it's not delicious, I don't believe you anymore."

"Hey, don't worry! Even if the dim sum is unpalatable, the authentic 'Mr. Wen's porridge' is not a fake. Didn't you think the pier was far away, haven't you tasted it yet? We just happened to try it together taste."

The two left.

The name of "Grandpa Wen's Porridge" can be said to be known to everyone in Hanshan Town, but Bai Zixi and his father went out for a while, and when they came back, Gu Yin was no longer there There are stalls on the wharf, selling only two porridge buckets of porridge every day, and they are often sold out as soon as they are laid out.

A bowl of two cents of porridge can be delicious? Thinking like this, Bai Zixi never went to eat it, but thought that this porridge was sold so well because of the name of Mrs. Wen.

He then sat at the door. Although there was no more cases of guests who walked to the door being dragged away, within half an hour of sitting down, Bai Zixi had heard many guests mentioning To eat is heaven.

And almost all of them are compliments, saying that what her family sells is mediocre, but in conclusion, it is delicious! It's absolutely delicious for that price!

Of course, there are also bad things, but it's not about eating, but complaining that there were too many people yesterday, and there was a queue outside for a long time when I was late, and I didn't even make it to the morning market. On the afternoon market. Although the hot dishes in the lunch market cover several different cuisines, they are delicious and affordable. They are still from the shopkeeper Zhou, who used to work in Mochizuki Tower. However, those of them who love to eat Baian dim sum are still worried that they have not eaten them. Morning market stuff.

Hearing this, Bai Zixi finally couldn't sit still.

The chef of his own red case has never been useful, and he has long wanted to dig up shopkeeper Zhou from Wangyuelou.

But the shopkeeper Zhou admitted that he was right, and after several contacts, their second room offered fifty taels of wages a month, but they were not able to poach anyone.

There was an accident at the Moon Moon Tower later, and Bai Er and Bai Zixi were not in the local area. When they came back, the case was settled.

It was also at this time that they heard that the shopkeeper Zhou had come to Hanxiang Building to apply for the application, but was sent away by the people in the big room.

This annoyed their father and son, and went to the old man to complain. Today, the second master Bai didn't come with him, he was still discussing this matter.

Now I heard that shopkeeper Zhou went to the little-known Shiweitian, Bai Zixi immediately inquired about the location and rushed back.

When he arrived, Shiweitian was already full of guests, and there was only one table left in the corner.

He followed Wang's instructions to get a few plates and bought all the food on the counter, which cost less than thirty cents in total.

Thirty articles is not enough to order a special feature in his house, this shop is too shabby!

How could someone like Shopkeeper Zhou let such a small shop leak?

The more Bai Zixi thought about it, the more angry he became.

The flower roll is as soft as a cloud, and it melts in the mouth almost without chewing. And the scallion fragrance on the rolls is even more difficult to ignore. The slightly salty scallion flavor, paired with the soft dough, is harmonious as if they were born to match.

The more simple things are, the more they look at Kung Fu. Ordinary people may only find it delicious when they eat them, but for people like Bai Zixi, they can taste other things.

This...this is only for a penny! !

Bai Zixi widened her eyes and went to eat something else in disbelief. The fish ravioli is fragrant and smooth, and the fish is not fishy at all, but it is very delicious. Not to mention the bean paste bag, the bean paste inside is sweet but not greasy, the fragrance is fragrant, the delicate bean paste rolls on the tip of the tongue, and when it slides down the throat, it makes people want to close their eyes with happiness. And the well-known "Grandpa Wen's Porridge", the dark preserved egg does not look very good, but the taste is mellow and strong, and it is a taste that even he has never tasted...

It turned out to be outrageously delicious no matter what!

Injustice! The owner of this food is not a person. It doesn’t count if you miss a shopkeeper Zhou. Where did you find such a powerful white case master? Master, you can only cook food for a few pennies, won’t your heart hurt?

Mr. Wen sat opposite Bai Zixi. This seat was a VIP seat reserved for him by Gu Yinte, so there was no one at his table.

The old man was waiting for Gu Yin to make a snack for herself, so she just bought a bowl of preserved egg and lean meat porridge to drink.

The store was full. When Bai Zixi proposed to join the table, the old man nodded in agreement.

Bai Zixi bought the food for several people by himself. It's a bit strange. What's even more strange is that every time this person eats the same, the expression on his face will change, as if he likes it again Angry, it was fun for Mrs. Wen.

Mr. Wen didn't have a long time, when Gu Yin came over with a small steamer. In the steamer were five steaming crystal shrimp dumplings.

The practice of crystal shrimp dumpling is not particularly complicated. Put it in the shrimp, season with salt, sugar and pepper, then stir in one direction, beat it a few times, and finally add some oil to make the meat stuffing. Cool for a while.

This kneading is a kung fu job. It is necessary to thoroughly knead the dough, knead the particles in it, and knead it until it is smooth and delicate. Finally, roll the dough into long strips, cut into small doses, wrap the cooled shrimp stuffing in the shape of a crescent moon, and finally steam for five minutes on high heat, and the crystal shrimp dumplings will be ready to serve.

"I bought the shrimp and peeled it before I went out, so I'll make you wait a little longer. You can try it while it's still hot."

The old man likes to eat shrimps. Seeing the shrimp dumplings in the steamer, he smiled and said, "It seems that I am lucky today. I like to smoke one at random."

The fresh and sweet taste lingers in the mouth for a long time, and the aftertaste is endless.

There are only five in a small cage, and the old man is reluctant to eat them all in one go.

Bai Zixi, who was sitting opposite him, raised his eyebrows in surprise and said, "Isn't this a dim sum from Guangdong and Guangxi? Does your shop also have this?"

Gu Yin looked at him, but replied, "Yes, and it's more than that."

"Give me a basket of these shrimp dumplings too!" After Bai Zixi said this, he thought for a while, "It's not only that, what else does your master Bai An have good at? I'm on my way!"

Gu Yin said no, Bai Zixi said, "Do you think I can't pay the money?"

In order to show that she is not short of money, Bai Zixi also unpacked her bulging purse and put it on the table.

But... no money!

So even if the rich owner took out his bulging money bag, Gu Yin couldn't buy all the ingredients for the dim sum for a while.

It's not easy to tell the truth, Gu Yin only said: "Keguan, don't be impatient, our characteristics are not expensive, such as the shrimp dumplings that the old man just ate, and a cage only costs three It's ten cents, so I don't think you can't afford the money and refuse. But it takes a day to make these thirty desserts, and you can't finish it all by yourself. The main reason is that we haven't ordered yet. open."

In any case, let her earn a few days to earn the money for the expensive ingredients! Doing business without liquidity really kills people, and Gu Yin is now very regretful that he has invested all the capital in one go.

Bai Zixi frowned and said, "Ordering has not yet opened, so how did this old man order? He can order, but I can't. What's the reason?"

Mr. Wen was embarrassed to see Gu Yin, and immediately said: "I have deposited money in advance, I am a VIP!"

This statement is actually correct. He waived the rent of 10 taels a year for Gu Yin, which is equivalent to buying a VIP seat for 10 taels. Of course, Gu Yin opened the back door for him only because of her relationship with the old man, but it would make the new customer feel that Gu Yin divided them into three, six and nine, so the old man didn't mention those, only money.

"Can you save as a VIP? Then I will save too. How much have you saved, sir?"

"Twelve taels."

"I saved it! Quickly bring the lottery bowl that the old man said, I really can't finish the thirty dishes, so I will order five first!"

Bai Zixi proudly took out twelve silver ingots.

With him taking the lead, others also come to join in the fun.

Among them is the old Li who was pulled by a friend from Hanxianglou. After eating the steamed buns and cakes, he felt that he was right, but he still prefers delicate snacks. Hearing the sound, he also said: "Your soup dumpling is really delicious, tender and juicy, and full of fragrance. It's just that I prefer soup dumplings. Come, I will save one too, and I will make a cage of soup for me every morning in the future. dumpling."

His friend laughed when he heard it, and said, "Lao Li, you are not happy when I called you in the morning. Now you can save ten taels?"

Lao Li was ashamed by his jokes and said, "I thank you for bringing me here, are these 12 taels counted as a savings for the two of us? I'll invite you to eat half a month's meal. ."

His friend waved his hand dismissively and said no, "I save one myself."

I don't know who mumbled afterward, saying: "The chef has two hands, and now three people have saved them, and they all ordered their favorite food, and a few more. Can you come here? No, I'd better line up earlier."

Because of this, there are two more deposits of silver in advance.

Gu Yin received fifty taels of silver at once!

Don't talk about recruiting a few waiters and helpers at home, it's enough! Pony carts and donkey carts can also be arranged!

In fact, when she found out that the money was poor, she also thought about whether to open a membership card pre-deposit like a modern store, but later thought that generally such stores are either chained, guaranteed , or the signboard is loud and there is a certain customer base.

Members of modern people are still afraid that unscrupulous stores will run away. People in this era are more conservative, and they are afraid that it will not work.

The house has no foundation, no loud signboard, but there are old customers, but they are either foreign guests who come to taste the porridge for the name of Mrs. Wen and whose home is not local, or the poor people on the wharf , it's not easy to come to support the new store yesterday, you can't expect them to keep cash at home.

So she was thinking of at least building up her own word of mouth, and then starting this VIP membership system to attract members.

After receiving the money, Gu Yin also gave them a receipt, which was recorded in the account book, so that they would use this note to eat in the future, and then transfer the money from the account.

She finally gave Bai Zixi a deposit slip, because she was grateful to him for taking the lead, she specifically said: "Would it be convenient for you to come over tomorrow? Make the five dishes you want first, if you eat well, There is also time to do side by side.”

, it's always bad to waste food. But I'll be there sooner."

After getting the receipt, Bai Zixi went back to his restaurant.

His father Bai Er was looking for him all over the world, and when he saw him, he said: "Where are you going to take time off in the daytime? I don't know now is the most important time for our family. ?!"

The old man Bai is very old and his health is not very good, especially during the Chinese New Year this year, he was seriously ill, and the doctor said that it is time to prepare for the funeral. Although he saved his life at the back, he was indeed running out of fuel and would die at any time.

Xianglou, so the people in the big room will keep the shopkeeper Zhou out of the door - he is the person who Bai Er has been talking to and poaching, and when he enters the back kitchen, he is naturally a person in the second room.

The big house has two sons, and the second elder Bai has only one son, Bai Zixi.

Bai Zixi is pure filial piety and has a straight mind. Unlike the two nephews in the big room who follow their father and have a heart, the second master Bai naturally regards him as a pain in the eyeballs, but now he just looks at it. To split up the family, Mr. Bai's second hatred that iron is not steel.

Bai Zixi was scolded by his father and shrank his neck, but thinking of what he had just done, he held his chest and said, "Don't be angry, Dad, I'm not going out to sneak around, I'm here today After I came here, I saw that there were fewer customers in the store, and the attendees mentioned a newly opened restaurant called 'Shiweitian', so I went to take a look."

"What's 'eating for the sky', isn't it amazing?"

Bai Zixi told the special ordering mechanism of Shiweitian to Mr. Bai Er.

After listening, Master Bai Er said, "Although this method is novel, it seems that all the food sold is cheap, and it can't compete with us. Is it worth it for you to go there for half the morning?"

"It's more than that! My son heard that the shopkeeper Zhou went to that house, so he went there."

Listening to him talking about Shopkeeper Zhou, Mr. Bai's face changed, and he gritted his teeth: "The big room doesn't worry, take advantage of our father and son to go to other places to talk business and reject Shopkeeper Zhou. Outside the door! How can a good chef with a red case fall into such a place!"

Bai Zixi thought for a moment and said, "My son thought the same idea as his father at first, but I went to try it today. Although the shop is small, the chef Bai An is also very good. It's amazing! The most common things like Hanamaki steamed buns are very delicious, but unfortunately I haven't tasted his family's characteristics, and I can't fully understand his family's strength... But it doesn't matter, I saved 12 taels of cash to become the VIP of that family. , you can eat it tomorrow!"

After hearing this, Mr. Bai immediately laughed angrily, "You went to inspect your peers, and then saved 10 taels of silver with your peers, and became their VIP?"

Bai Zixi's back was chilled by his father's laughter, but in retrospect he didn't think he did anything wrong, he said, "Yes, yes, you don't have to be a VIP family, you don't give them special features. Fortunately, I moved fast, I was the first to save today, and I ordered five dishes! Like those who saved with me in the back, they can only order one!"

Master Bai pointed at him and asked, "Do you remember why you went to the store?"

"For shopkeeper Zhou!"

"Have you seen the shopkeeper Zhou?"

"No, my son has inquired about it. Shiweitian is newly opened. It's time to find me, so I'll be back first. It's okay, I'm going to eat five dishes there tomorrow, and I'll stay for a while."

"Stay a little longer for lunch and come back?"

Bai Zixi nodded and said, "Yes."

Master Bai took a deep breath, took a deep breath, repeated the inhalation and exhalation four or five times, and finally swallowed the scolding words back into his stomach.