Chapter 131 (Year before)

Seeing the customer's expectant look, craning her neck to look towards the kitchen, Pang Ru agreed to go and ask first.

Although the customer's requests increased her workload, Pang Ru fully understood the customer's thoughts.

She stood by the kitchen door and took a deep breath. The mutton soup smelled so tempting; how could anyone resist?

As I pushed open the door, a rich, warm steam rushed out, blurring my vision but instantly awakening my sense of smell.

"Manager, is this mutton soup? It smells so good!" Pang Ru was momentarily dizzy from the aroma and almost forgot why she came here. Her gaze went through the rising steam and she could only see the milky white soup bubbling in the pot, with pieces of mutton floating on the surface. Her throat involuntarily moved.

"Is there something you need?" Song Xinran asked. She stood to the side with a reserved demeanor, looking relaxed, but her lips were moist, clearly indicating that she had just drunk something, though it was not visible at all now.

Song Yu and Fu Fu stayed close to her, their eyes constantly glancing at the small bowls on the counter. Fu Fu licked his lips, his gaze fixed on her so clearly it couldn't be more obvious. Song Yu restrained himself, pursing his lips and clutching Song Xinran's clothes, looking obedient.

No one could tell what he had secretly eaten in the kitchen.

Pang Ru snapped out of her daze and quickly relayed the request from the last table of diners outside.

Song Xinran smiled and said, "Just scoop one for him, it's free. It's fate that we met at this time."

Pang Ru responded with an "okay," and saw Song Xinran pick up a small stainless steel bowl in one hand and use a soup ladle in the other to reach into the steaming pot. The golden oil was gently parted, and a full spoonful of milky white soup was scooped up.

With a soft "splash," the broth was poured into the bowl, sprinkled with chopped green onions and cilantro, and slices of mutton emerged from the soup as steam rose, creating a visually appealing and appetizing scene.

Song Xinran then took out a small dish and filled it with her secret seasoning. She placed both dishes on a tray, and as Pang Ru carried them out, the aroma kept wafting towards her nose, and her stomach began to rumble.

Pang Ru couldn't help but think that the last table of guests was too lucky. Not only did they get a free bowl of mutton soup, but they were also the first to taste it right after it came out of the pot. None of the restaurant's employees had even tasted it yet!

The customers had been eagerly anticipating the meal. As Pang Ru placed the piping hot mutton soup on the table, they immediately felt an urge to take a big gulp, but they managed to suppress their appetite and asked, "Thank you. How much is this bowl of mutton soup?"

Pang Ru smiled and said, "This is a gift from our store manager to you. You are the last customer on the Winter Solstice. Songji is giving back to its loyal customers."

The customer blushed and quickly said, "Thank you."

But he's not a regular customer at all; this is his first time at Song Ji. But based on the taste and service, he'll definitely be a regular customer from now on.

I first picked up a spoon and scooped up a mouthful of mutton soup. I blew on it slightly to cool it down before putting it in my mouth. The unique freshness of the mutton instantly filled my mouth. The warm soup slid into my stomach, as if an invisible heater was being lit in my body, warming my limbs and bones.

The customer's face relaxed as he picked up another piece of mutton. It was tender yet chewy, with a noticeable fibrous texture. The skin was sticky and chewy, and it was incredibly delicious without any seasoning. You could taste the pure, natural flavor of the mutton without any gamey smell.

Take another sip of soup, then pick up a piece of meat, lightly dip it in the sauce, and this bite is even more amazing. The sauce is neither too salty nor too bland; it doesn't mask the freshness of the mutton, but rather makes it even more flavorful.

Is this the kind of food Song Ji's employees usually eat? This treatment is too good!

After finishing the mutton soup, the customers still felt they wanted more. Mutton truly deserves its reputation as a winter tonic; after drinking it, their bodies felt warm from head to toe, inside and out.

It's a pity it's a seasonal limited-time offer, otherwise he would come to eat here again tomorrow.

The customer paid the bill at the front desk and thanked Song Ji for their generous gift.

Shen Hui smiled and said, "Welcome to visit again next time."

As soon as the last customer left, Shen Hui glanced outside, quickly changed the sign at the door to "Closed," and then closed the shop. Turning around, she saw Pang Ru had already tidied up the tables quickly, Fan Lei was wiping the tables, He Zhi was carrying a large basin of mutton soup out of the kitchen with a big smile, Fu Fu was holding chopsticks, and Song Yu was holding a bowl, setting out bowls and chopsticks around the only large round table in the shop.

Everyone was busy with their own things, the restaurant was closing, and the staff's get-together was about to begin.

A knock came from the door.

Lin Jingyuan pushed open the door and entered: "I'm sorry I'm late."

He frequented Songji Restaurant and was already quite familiar with the employees. Pang Ru looked up and smiled, "President Lin, you're not late at all. We were just setting the table. You've arrived at the perfect time."

Lin Jingyuan laughed: "What a coincidence, I just happened to be there."

"That's right, this lamb leg was delivered by President Lin, and the lamb soup is also obedient lamb soup, waiting for its owner to arrive." Although she hadn't tasted the soup yet, Pang Ru gave this pot of lamb soup the highest expectations and praise; just by smelling it, she knew it couldn't be bad.

When Fufu saw Lin Jingyuan, she ran over enthusiastically, grabbed his arm, and sat down next to him in the seat of honor: "Uncle Lin, please sit here!"

Song Yu placed a porcelain bowl and a pair of chopsticks in front of Lin Jingyuan.

Because Lin Jingyuan had given the two children wooden products, they were always very happy whenever they saw Lin Jingyuan.

This time was no exception. Lin Jingyuan took out two wooden spoons and gave them to them: "Take these and play with them."

"Thank you, Uncle Lin!" Song Yu and Fu Fu said in unison.

The children loved these little trinkets, especially the ones Lin Jingyuan gave them, which were unique and not sold in stores. He had some clever touches; for example, the lower half of the wooden gourd was designed as a large oval, making it look adorable. This time, he also made the top of the wooden spoon handle into the shape of a flower bud.

After finishing their work, Song Yu and Fu Fu picked up their spoons and watched from the side.

Once Song Xinran came out of the kitchen, the staff dinner could begin. Waiting for the manager and the chef was perfectly reasonable.

The restaurant staff were quite enticed by the pot of mutton soup. As soon as it was served, everyone started scooping up the soup. Unfortunately, the mutton soup was only served in a large basin with only two soup ladles in it, but there were ten people present. It wouldn't have been a problem who would go first, but everyone's appetite was too high, and they all wanted to scoop up a spoonful first.

Shen Hui made a quick decision: "Manager, you go first, thank you for your hard work!"

He Zhi chimed in from the side: "This mutton soup is entirely the result of the manager's skill. The manager said that the local mutton that General Manager Lin specially sent couldn't be wasted."

Lin Jingyuan's heart stirred, and he smiled slightly.

So the right to start eating fell to Song Xinran. Song Xinran didn't have many rules and regulations in mind, and said modestly, "You guys go first, eat while it's hot, the mutton soup will taste different when it gets cold."

Now that things had come to this point, there was no reason for anyone to refuse. Everyone knew that Song Xinran was the type to say what she meant, and there was no need to overanalyze her words.

He Zhi picked up a soup ladle first. Although Song Xinran made the mutton soup, he was also helping out, such as chopping scallions and cleaning the kitchen. He watched the fresh lamb leg being made into mutton soup bit by bit, and his mouth was already watering.

The other soup spoon ended up in Pang Ru's hands; she had been wanting to try it ever since the dish was served.

He Zhi poured the mutton soup into a bowl and took a sip, letting out a long "hmm" sound. His eyes were full of satisfaction: "I have never tasted such delicious mutton soup."

This immediately raised everyone's expectations to their peak.

Then everyone started sharing, one spoonful after another, creating a lively scene.

Shen Hui was the most worldly-wise, so she put herself last. Seeing her colleagues with flushed faces and tipsy appearances, an uninformed person might think they were doing something illegal.

She suppressed her appetite and quietly glanced at Song Xinran, only to find that Song Xinran seemed completely unmoved by the delicious mutton soup, her expression relaxed and at ease.

"She truly lives up to her reputation as the store manager," Shen Hui thought. "Her willpower is incredible. She even let the staff taste the delicious food she made herself first."

The mutton soup was handed to Shen Hui, who was about to ladle a bowl for Song Xinran first. But just as she was about to place the porcelain bowl in front of Song Xinran, someone else snatched it away.

Another soup spoon was in Lin Jingyuan's hand. He ladled some for Song Xinran, then ladled half a bowl for the two children, and finally ladled some for himself.

Shen Hui, holding the bowl, suddenly had a flash of inspiration. She turned her head and glanced at Lin Jingyuan, only to see him smile at the shop manager, whose lips also curved slightly.

Lin Jingyuan seems to be coming to the store too frequently, and with his strong social skills, he has become familiar with everyone in the store, so he can be considered an unofficial member of Songji.

Shen Hui felt she had discovered something, but she didn't say anything. She picked up the bowl with both hands and took a sip of the hot soup.

It tastes so good.

It was a little hot when it was scooped out of the pot, and you had to blow on it to cool it down before eating. All you could hear at the table was a hissing and sizzling sound.

Shen Hui paid special attention to Song Xinran and the two children, but they were not in a hurry at all. They were gently stirring the soup in their bowls with spoons to cool it down.

Compared to the others around them, Shen Hui felt a little embarrassed by their strong willpower. As adults, their self-control was even worse than that of children. They were so focused on drinking soup that they were really ashamed.

But what does it matter if I lose face if I can drink a few more bowls of mutton soup!

Song Xinran smiled calmly, and her movements while eating and drinking soup were quite elegant. There was a period of time when she and the two children were alone in the kitchen while the soup was being cooked, and they each secretly drank a bowl. She certainly wouldn't tell anyone that.

*

The New Year is just after the Winter Solstice. Most restaurants only close on New Year's Eve and reopen on New Year's Day. After all, the Spring Festival is the easiest time to make money, as there are many customers, whether it's a family meal or a banquet.

However, Song Xinran did not plan to work so hard. Song's restaurant was usually very busy, and it was always full during mealtimes. She did not need the time during the Spring Festival to make money. So she set the holiday period from the 26th day of the twelfth lunar month to the fifth day of the first lunar month, and officially opened for business on the sixth day, for a total of ten days off.

Upon hearing this news, Song's employees were stunned, especially Shen Hui, who wanted to shake Song Xinran's head and ask her, "Manager Song, are you not even willing to take the money?"

But Song Xinran told them that money can never be earned enough in this life, and the Spring Festival only comes once a year. They should take this opportunity to reunite with their families, because the Spring Festival is a once-in-a-lifetime event, and a person's life is not endless.

The employees were very moved. They had worked in other places before, and the bosses always exploited them. The Chinese New Year was the best time to make money, and the bosses wished they would work without rest or pay raises.

After finally persuading everyone, Song Xinran breathed a sigh of relief. She thought to herself, "These employees are too stubborn. I have to do some psychological work with them in order to get more holidays."

However, customers were unhappy when they learned that Song Ji was closed for the holidays.

Grandma Fufu and Aunt Rong were the first to know, since Fufu was such a good source of information. The two elderly women came to find Song Xinran that very day.

Grandma Fufu advised, "Song Yu's mother, the restaurant relies on the Lunar New Year to make money. How can you close for ten days during the peak season of the year?"

Song Xinran pretended to be silly and said with a smile, "Our village attaches great importance to the Spring Festival. I grew up there and have the same thought in my heart. I really want to go home."

Grandma Fufu said seriously, "Now that you're in the city, you've been influenced by new ideas. The Spring Festival is just an ordinary holiday. Once you've earned money and come home, every day is like the Spring Festival."

Song Xinran had to admit that Grandma Fufu's words made a lot of sense, but she wanted to rest. In the past six months, Songji's money-making speed had exceeded her initial expectations.

Song Xinran quit gambling during her three years running a street stall.

So she kept smiling and said, "No, Grandma Fufu, my family is also very concerned."

Seeing that she couldn't reason with Grandma Fufu, Aunt Rong resorted to her tactic: "Little Song, listen to me, you can take a day or two off during the Spring Festival. I won't charge you rent this month. Just work hard, save more money, and don't rest for too long. Young people are at an age where they should be adventuring and making a difference!"

Grandma Fu was startled by her friend's words and couldn't help but look at her sideways. Her old friend was really going all out so that she could still come to Song's Restaurant for meals during the Chinese New Year!

If she could, she would definitely invite her friends to Song Ji for a couple more meals! That way, she wouldn't waste such a deep friendship.

Song Xinran was stunned for two seconds. She had lived two lives and this was the first time she had ever heard such a thing. The landlord was offering to waive the rent in order to make the tenant work harder and earn more money.

But even with the option of rest, Song Xinran held firm to her principles: "Aunt Rong, thank you for your kindness, but I've already promised my family I'd go home at this time..."

"Sigh!" Grandma Fu and Aunt Rong sighed at the same time, knowing that their idea would not be achieved. At this point, they stopped trying to persuade them and started to say some nice things, "It's good to go home and have a good holiday and rest."

Song Xinran nodded, indicating that she would definitely get some rest. Seeing the two elderly people's disappointed looks, she said, "I'm going to make some braised dishes at the shop before I go home. Aunt Rong and Grandma Fufu can come and take some home as snacks."

Upon hearing this, the two elderly people perked up. The braised food could be stored for a long time; they could simply take it out of the refrigerator and heat it up—delicious and convenient.

"Okay, we'll buy some then!"

When Sun Weidong and his wife Jiawen heard that Song's restaurant was taking a break for the Spring Festival, they couldn't believe it and went to Song Xinran to ask her in person, asking in a pitiful tone, "Manager Song, are you really going to take a ten-day break?"

They lived in the neighboring community and practically treated Song's restaurant as their family canteen, coming almost every day. Song Xinran had long remembered them.

She said somewhat embarrassedly, "Yes, it's Chinese New Year."

“Okay,” Sun Weidong said. “Make sure you come back on time. We’ll wait for you at Song’s restaurant on the sixth day of the new year.”

Jiawen said, "Manager Song, thanks to you for the past six months, I've been eating and sleeping well. I wish you a happy and joyful Spring Festival."

Song Xinran said, "Thank you."

Although Song Ji will be closed for ten days, thankfully Jiawen's belly is now big and she has stopped experiencing morning sickness.

If their morning sickness was at its worst and there was no food from Song Ji, how would they survive?

At that time, both of them thought that if Jiawen continued to vomit, they should just abort the baby in her womb, since the mother's health should come first.

But the child was also a bit lucky; before they even went to the hospital, Song's restaurant opened, and the child was saved.

Perhaps it's not just the child's luck, but also their family's good fortune.

Customers at Song Ji were incredulous when they saw the sign outside announcing the restaurant's closure time. They wondered which restaurant would close for so long and whether it even wanted customers anymore.

Half a day or a day of rest is enough, ten days is half a month! Those in the catering industry should never overwork themselves, nor should they let others go hungry.

But there's no way around it, Song Ji is just that unique. Even if they close for a month, the customers probably won't leave; they'll just flock back when they reopen.

Some business owners saw the notice of closure and approached Song Xinran, asking if she could host a family banquet for them during the closure period, and she would name her price!

The big boss spoke very generously, but Song Xinran refused without giving any room for bargaining, leaving the big boss speechless. What was going on? He had already handed the money over to her, so why was the store manager still refusing it?

Although the store staff initially felt it was a pity to take such a long break during the Spring Festival, they gradually felt joyful as the holiday time approached.

I've earned a lot of money at Song's in the past six months, and I've gained a little weight. Everyone looks radiant, and our pockets are bulging.

Before the holiday, Su Hang also came. He was wearing a navy blue down jacket, straight-leg jeans, and sneakers, and he was carrying a bouquet of flowers.

Pang Ru's face involuntarily flushed when she saw him. Except for the first time Su Hang came to Songji to film a program, when he was dressed up and looked youthful and beautiful, he always wore ordinary clothes when he came later. Although he was good-looking, his clothes were no different from those of ordinary people.

Suddenly seeing him appear with flowers, and with his well-tailored clothes and elegant demeanor, he suddenly seemed to have a celebrity vibe again. Indeed, clothes make the man.

"What are you doing here? And why are you carrying flowers?" Pang Ru felt like she was turning into the little fangirl she was when she first saw Su Hang again.

Su Hang said, "It's almost Chinese New Year, and you'll all be on holiday, so I'm just checking in one last time. Is Song Xinran here?"

"Yes." Song Xinran was just about to leave when she was dazzled by the flowers in Su Hang's hand.

Her gaze swept over Pang Ru and Su Hang, and a slight smile suddenly appeared on her face: "Su Hang, why did you bring flowers today?"

Su Hang shoved the flowers right in front of her: "They're for you."

Song Xinran was taken aback.

Su Hang said, "I asked the florist, and he said that peonies symbolize wealth and good fortune, and that placing them in the shop will bring the most wealth. I wish Songji a prosperous future."

He was holding red ranunculus, which at first glance looked a bit like a rose, but upon closer inspection it wasn't. Song Xinran then realized she had been mistaken and accepted it with a smile: "Thank you, but our shop will be closed tomorrow, so I'm afraid no one will appreciate these flowers if we leave them here."

Su Hang said, "It's okay, the florist said that ranunculus has a long blooming period."

Pang Ru readily agreed, "Just leave it at the shop. I live not far away, and I'll be free during the New Year. I'll come and change the water then."

Su Hang then asked, "Where's Xiao Yu? I saw some new toys on my last business trip. I heard a lot of kids like them, so I brought one back with me."

Su Hang handed the unopened Silverlight remote-controlled helicopter to Song Yu.

They also sell the same remote-controlled airplanes here, but they are all pirated. The one Su Hang gave me is genuine. However, Song Yu doesn't know much about these toys. If it were any other mischievous and playful little boy, he would definitely jump for joy.

"Thank you, Brother Su Hang," he said.

Su Hang smiled, had lunch at Song Ji's, and seemed to want to say something when he left, but in the end he just said, "Wishing everyone a Happy New Year in advance!"

The bouquet of peonies was placed in the shop, and Pang Ru paid close attention to it. This was the first time someone had sent flowers to the shop, and with such a good meaning. She had to take good care of them so that next year, when Song Ji Ru's flowers symbolize great wealth and prosperity, she would also receive a generous year-end bonus.

Touching her pockets, Pang Ru had never felt so rich!

In the afternoon, Lin Jingyuan came to the shop carrying two bags of tangerines. He gave one bag to Song Xinran and left the other bag in the shop for everyone to eat as they pleased.

"These are blood oranges, grown in our village. I picked these myself when I had free time. Try them and see if there's any difference in taste compared to the ones you buy at the market."

The shop staff all knew Lin Jingyuan's job, but this was the first time they had heard that he could grow fruit trees. They were all curious and asked him what the difference was between growing fruit trees and growing crops, and what the key points were.

This is where Lin Jingyuan, a professional, came in. He explained everything in detail, especially how to plant scientifically and not to shy away from using pesticides, otherwise the fruit would be damaged by pests, resulting in no harvest and poor taste.

At that time, the general public believed that products treated with drugs were not good, and Lin Jingyuan's popular science explanation effectively dispelled everyone's concerns.

He Zhi immediately cut two blood oranges to eat. As the knife sliced ​​through the thin skin, the red juice flowed down the knife, and the flesh changed from deep red to light pink. The unique aroma of citrus wafted out, making people swallow their saliva.

Everyone took turns tasting it, and the first bite was sweet, with a hint of natural fruity acidity in the finish. It was sweet but not cloying, refreshing and pleasant.

"President Lin, I never knew you were so good at growing fruit! It tastes even better than the fruit I buy at the market!" He Zhi gave a thumbs up on the spot.

With so many people present, He Zhi peeled several blood oranges in a row, and the flesh of each one was completely red, which was enough to show that the quality was excellent.

Blood oranges, as the name suggests, are better when the flesh is red. However, many blood oranges on the market either have only a little bit of red color or none at all, making it difficult to pick one that is fully red. The blood oranges that Lin Jingyuan sent were all very good.

Shen Hui's heart stirred, and she turned her head to look at the bag. She saw that each fruit was round and plump, and it was clear that they had been carefully selected. They also had the fragrance of citrus, and you could tell from the smell that they should have been picked from the tree.

Shen Hui's gaze was meaningful; Lin Jingyuan was truly meticulous.

This bag of blood oranges completely won everyone over. They wanted to try some of the bag Lin Jingyuan had given Song Xinran, but they didn't dare to ask.

Song Xinran noticed what her employees were thinking, so she only took out three and said, "If you like them, please eat more."

As for more, that's all.

She also thought the blood oranges tasted great and were hard to find in the market. Song Yu liked them very much, so naturally she had to take care of herself and her baby at a time like this.

Song Yu licked his lips and ate another slice of blood orange.

Lin Jingyuan not only brought blood oranges he grew himself, but also two sets of storybooks for Song Yu, namely the long-selling Harry Potter series, one in Chinese and one in the original English.

Lin Jingyuan said, "I asked a friend, and they said this version is recommended for children. I happened to see it when I was on a business trip, so I brought it back for Xiaoyu."

Song Yu's eyes lit up, and he accepted the gift with both hands: "Thank you, Uncle Lin."

Shen Hui smiled and said, "Xiao Yu usually loves reading the most."

Looking to the side, he was surprised to find there was also an English version: "President Lin bought two language versions? Reading foreign languages ​​is too advanced and complicated for Xiao Yu."

Song Yu said earnestly, "Our teacher has taught us English, it's not complicated, I'll take my time to learn it."

"Thank you, Uncle Lin." He treasured the two sets of books.

Lin Jingyuan laughed and said, "If you like it, look at it; if you don't, just put it aside as a bubble wrap panel."

When he bought the book, he also considered that Song Yu was a first-grade student and whether he would feel pressured to carry the original English version.

But then I thought about it again. Song Yu is a serious child with strong focus and learning ability. Adults should provide children with what they can afford, give them more choices, and let them decide what they like and are good at. So I bought it.

Song Xinran rubbed Song Yu's head. She knew about what was going on at school. The school only offered introductory English classes in the first grade, and formal English courses would only begin in the third grade. But Song Yu had a strong curiosity about new knowledge.

She was originally considering whether to buy English textbooks, information cards, or something similar for Song Yu, but she was worried that it would be bad to instill too much knowledge in the child in advance.

Now that's good, Lin Jingyuan's gift has dispelled any other ideas she might have. Let Song Yu do whatever she wants. If she needs anything, she can tutor her. Although she hasn't used English in a long time, she did pass the CET-4 exam before.

In the end, even Lin Jingyuan didn't pay for his meal at the restaurant; Song Xinran liked to give and take.

The last day of business before the New Year ended perfectly, and the store was filled with laughter and joy as we cleaned up.

It's holiday time!

After closing the restaurant door that evening, Song Xinran carried a blood orange in one hand and held Song Yu's hand in the other.

Song Yu held her hand with one hand and carried the book with the other, and the two went home together.

On the 26th day of the twelfth lunar month, some people still didn't believe in the superstition and went to the entrance of Song's Restaurant, hoping to try their luck. As expected, they found the door tightly closed and could only sigh and count how long it was until the sixth day of the new year, so they would come over as soon as possible.

Author's Note: This is nearing its end; I'll try to finish it within a week!