Chương 68: A Letter from the Mountain City

Twice-cooked pork is a favorite among many people from Sichuan and Chongqing. Every family knows how to make it, and each has their own way of cooking it. But the twice-cooked pork with garlic sprouts that Zhou Erwa's restaurant served 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 and tender, not greasy at all."

"So good with rice! I think I can easily finish three bowls of rice for lunch today!"

"Brother Qiang, take your time! I've only eaten one piece, and you've already eaten three. If you keep doing this, I'm going to put my half in my bowl!"

"Oh, brother, don't worry about that. It's so delicious that I unconsciously sped up. I'll slow down, I'll slow down."

"The factory manager's choice is definitely right. Next time I invite people to dinner, this place is better than the state-run 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 Sundays." The guests praised it highly, and some were already considering inviting people to dinner. Every dish at Zhou Erwa's restaurant is presentable, and although the prices are a bit high, they're not much different from those of state-run restaurants. Zhao Dong came to eat today with two regular dining buddies. The plate of twice-cooked pork was completely empty, not even a single garlic sprout was left.

There was still some broth left from the braised crucian carp with mint, which the other person poured into his bowl and mixed with rice, eating with great relish. Zhao Dong got up to pay the bill and saw Zhou Yan carrying dishes out of the kitchen. He quickly said, "Xiao Zhou, are you open on Sundays? 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 had the same idea and looked at Zhou Yan. On weekdays, they could only eat with colleagues, it was a work lunch. On Sundays, when they didn't have to work, they could bring their wives and kids, or have a small gathering with friends, it felt completely different. In fact, more than one or two customers had asked Zhou Yan this question in the past two days.

Previously, the restaurant only sold noodles and braised beef, which wasn't very appealing to customers who wanted to dine in groups. Since the textile factory was closed on Sundays, the restaurant naturally closed as well. However, with the introduction of stir-fries and braised dishes, the menu gradually expanded, and demand naturally increased. Weekends are peak dining times for non-workday meals; this is an objective rule, and Zhou Yan had studied it.

These customers have stronger spending power and are more willing to pay than for workday meals. But this week was 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 open for business," Zhou Yan said with a smile.

"I'll seriously consider opening on Sundays 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 occasions 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. No workers were on Sundays, making the situation too uncertain; opening for business needed careful consideration.

Besides, after six busy days, he also wanted to rest properly on Sundays. Working non-stop for 365 days a year would be unbearable even for an iron man. But the prospect of weekend gatherings is undeniably tempting. Especially gatherings with friends, which could potentially expand the restaurant's customer base beyond the textile factory. Customers who choose restaurants over home cooking are generally more valuable. Just as one should have many friends, one should have many customers.

There's no rush; he's busy this Sunday anyway, he can plan more carefully next week. Adding more dishes would make it easier for customers to order. He definitely won't sell noodles or braised beef on Sundays, just stir-fries and braised dishes, which would allow him to sleep in and relax. Around one o'clock, the workers went to work, and the shop quieted down. Zhou Yan swayed as he came out of the kitchen and saw a bicycle parked outside.

The postman took a letter from his green parcel, glanced at it, and called out, "Zhou Yan! There's mail 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 Zhou Erwa's restaurant this week," Zhou Yan nodded. This content has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.

"Okay, here's the letter." The postman handed him the letter; since it was ordinary mail, no signature was required. Zhou Yan glanced at the signature on the letter and quickly called out to the postman who was about to leave, "Comrade, if I want to mail a letter, do I need to go to the post office?" Comrade Zhou's social circle was limited to Su Ji, and he had never written a letter to anyone before, so Zhou Yan really 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, affix a stamp, write the address and postal code, and then drop the letter into the mailbox. The textile factory's mailbox is collected every day. Ordinary mail only needs an eight-cent stamp."

"Thank you, comrade," Zhou Yan said with a smile.

"You're welcome," the postman replied, and rode away on his bicycle. Aunt Zhao and Zhao Hong, who were clearing away the dishes, stopped what they were doing and looked at Zhou Yan who came in with the letter.

"Xia Yao sent it?" Aunt Zhao asked with concern.

"Sister Yao Yao!" Zhou Momo, who was sitting at a table playing with Barbie dolls, brightened up and looked at Zhou Yan.

"It's her." Zhou Yan looked up from the letter and met the three people's burning gazes. He paused for a moment, then silently turned and went out to sit on a chair under a tree. He carefully tore open the envelope and took out three pages. Zhou Yan had actually received quite a few love letters when he was in school. After all, he was busy with model building during his student days. Being tall and handsome, his drawer was never short of love letters.

However, apart from the first few he received, he took all the rest back to the orphanage and locked them in a cabinet. Dating would only slow down his earning speed. He felt too insecure without money. Letters were expressions of affection, and he couldn't just throw them away, so he kept them all. In his previous life, he lived too hastily and died very suddenly. Life is unpredictable; sometimes you just have to try your luck. The latest novels are first published on 69shu. com!

In this life, he has both parents and a lovely younger sister. Although he is 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 is hope for the future. His lonely mentality seems to have changed a little. For example, he is 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 does not believe the old man's nonsense. Curiosity is curiosity, how can it lead to downfall? Unfolding the letter, lines of beautiful handwriting come into view:"Zhou Yan: It is like seeing you in person. I am relieved to read this letter. We have returned safely to the mountain city. The rice candy is delicious. 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 every day and even fills all the kettles in our dorm."

"Such a simp," Zhou Yan couldn't help but chuckle as she read. How could a man be a simp! Continuing to read, the letter recounted interesting little things she encountered in her life and studies. The delicate writing and refreshing style made Zhou Yan feel as if she were seeing that poised and intelligent young woman again. A smile crept onto Zhou Yan's lips until she finished reading two pages.

"The weather in the mountain city 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 were probably busy in the kitchen then, right? So I drew it to share with you. Looking forward to your reply. Farewell to the twilight, fireworks year after year. Xia Yao." Zhou Yan turned to the third page, which was a cut-out sheet of drawing paper.

The blazing sunset dyed the sky crimson, oil paint splashed like molten gold, merging to create a sky full of colorful clouds. The red walls were bathed in a soft, pale gold light, and the silhouettes of the distant, majestic mountains were edged with gold, displaying a magnificent and breathtaking beauty. Zhou Yan didn't understand painting. But in that instant, he felt a sense of beauty. It was as if he too could see the sky ablaze with red clouds, the infinite beauty of the sunset.

The girl sitting by the window painting had crossed mountains and rivers to convey this beauty to him. (End of Chapter)