After the Spring Festival in 1979, on the third day of the Lunar New Year, Liu's father returned to his hometown with his third sister and fourth brother. Liu Yanran prepared a lot of bacon, sausages, and other foods for them to take back home and share with relatives and friends.
On the fifth day of the Lunar New Year, Big Brother Liu, Second Brother Liu and Gu Shijing all went out on missions. At the same time, the country began to show signs of supporting individuals to do business.
Liu Yanran recognized this as a significant moment, considering her nephew Liu Yunfei and twins Liu Yunchu and Liu Yunjin were all entering school this year. Previously, students had to bring their own lunches to school, as the school didn't offer a catering service. However, this year, a new approach was implemented: the school decided to openly recruit cafeteria contractors.
After careful consideration and consultation with her family, Liu Yanran decided to let her eldest and second sisters-in-law participate in the bidding. Knowing that her children at home had high expectations for food, she hoped to have them contract the canteen to ensure that the children would have enough and good food at school.
After all, Liu Yanran's cooking skills have cultivated the taste of her family to be very picky. If she doesn't cook for them herself, the children may be disappointed. Therefore, she decided to teach some cooking skills and experience to her eldest and second sisters-in-law to ensure the quality of the meals in the cafeteria.
Liu Yanran believed that as long as her eldest and second sisters-in-law worked diligently, they would win the students' favor and achieve success. This would not only solve the children's school dining problem but also increase the family's income—killing two birds with one stone. So, the eldest and second sisters-in-law confidently prepared for the bidding and looked forward to future developments.
Moreover, Liu Yanran is confident that if she contracts the canteen herself, she will be able to provide high-quality products at low prices. Nowadays, most children are pale and thin due to the limitations of their family conditions. They are the flowers of the motherland. Liu Yanran hopes that she can do something to change this situation. Although she is not a saint, she hopes to do something within her ability. She is not short of money, ideas or cooking skills.
Moreover, her family members supported her decision very much. Her eldest and second sisters-in-law also felt that this was a good opportunity to have their craftsmanship recognized by more people and to make more money at the same time.
So, Liu Yanran began preparing to contract the cafeteria. She first approached the school leaders, expressed her interest, and presented her plan. Because the school leaders had previously eaten at the snack stalls run by her elder and younger sisters-in-law and knew the food was delicious, and their rent was high, she also wrote a plan outlining the weekly menu, which greatly impressed them.
After a relatively relaxed meeting, the Liu family secured the canteen contract. The next step was to begin renovations and prepare food. Liu Yanran planned to create a welcoming, clean, and hygienic place where students could eat with peace of mind and enjoyment. She would also research recipes herself to ensure the quality and taste of the food.
Liu Yanran believes that as long as she puts her heart into it, she will be able to make delicious meals and help the children grow up healthily. She looks forward to the day when the canteen opens. Seeing the satisfied smiles on the children's faces, she feels that all her efforts are worth it.
At the Liu Family Canteen, students only need to pay 3 yuan per month, equivalent to 10 cents per day, to enjoy a rich meal. This is a military school, and soldiers receive subsidies. Ordinary soldiers receive around 20 yuan, while officers generally receive over 50 yuan. And those who can attend the school generally come from well-off families.
The cafeteria serves at least 10 dishes every day, and each person can order one meat dish, two small meat dishes, and two vegetarian dishes. Soup and rice (or steamed buns) are also provided, allowing students to enjoy their meals to their heart's content.
This arrangement not only satisfies students' taste buds but also provides them with adequate nutrition. The combination of three meat dishes and two vegetable dishes ensures a sufficient intake of protein, vitamins, and minerals, helping students maintain a healthy body and a positive learning state. The generous supply of soup and rice (or steamed buns) ensures that students can replenish their hunger when they are hungry, allowing them to face each day of study and life with full energy.
The Liu family's approach not only demonstrates care for their students but also creates a positive dining environment for them. In this atmosphere, students can focus more deeply on their studies while also experiencing the warmth of home. This affordable and thoughtful service is undoubtedly a boon for students, ensuring they grow healthier and happier.
On opening day, Liu Yanran arrived at the cafeteria early to carefully check that all preparations were in place. She meticulously checked the kitchen equipment, the tableware, and the freshness of the ingredients. She also discussed the day's menu with the chef team and personally selected fresh ingredients to ensure that each dish was of the highest quality.
On this day, the main course included braised pork with radish, roasted chicken with taro, and braised fish. Each piece of braised pork was bright red and fragrant; the roasted chicken with taro was tender and juicy; and the braised fish was crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, leaving a lasting impression.
Small meat dishes include stir-fried Chinese cabbage with oil residue, scrambled eggs with leeks, steamed eggs with minced pork, and stir-fried zucchini with pork slices. Although these dishes are not as rich as the big meat dishes, they have unique flavors that will whet your appetite.
Vegetarian options include spicy and sour shredded potatoes, fish-flavored eggplant, and stewed broad beans with garlic sprouts. These seasonal vegetables are fresh and refreshing, rich in nutrients. The soup, an egg broth with chopped green onions, is fragrant and warming.
The staple food is rice cooked with sweet potatoes. The sweetness of the sweet potatoes and the softness of the rice blend together to create a unique taste.
As the bell rang, students flocked to the cafeteria. They looked at the newly renovated cafeteria with curiosity, their eyes full of anticipation. The cafeteria staff were busy serving food and serving dishes to the students. Everything seemed orderly.
Sunlight streamed through the windows onto the cafeteria floor, creating patches of light. Liu Yanran, with a smile as warm as the spring sun, stood at the entrance, warmly greeting every student who entered. Her gentle voice, like a spring breeze, made every student feel at home: "Welcome everyone to our cafeteria! We have so many delicious dishes today!"
The students excitedly held their plates, their eyes sparkling with anticipation, like explorers discovering treasure. They carefully walked past the window displaying a variety of delicacies, selecting their favorite dishes. For a moment, the cafeteria was filled with enticing aromas and cheerful laughter, as if a grand banquet were underway.
"Wow, such a sumptuous meal for only ten cents is amazing!" a student exclaimed.
"Yeah, and it tastes great too!" another student agreed.
Liu Yanran listened to these compliments, feeling relieved and satisfied. She knew that her efforts had not been in vain and that it was all worth it.
At this moment, a little girl ran over and grabbed the corner of Liu Yanran's clothes tightly, tears of gratitude flashing in her eyes: "Sister, thank you, I have never eaten such delicious food."
Liu Yanran squatted down, gently stroked the little girl's head, and comforted her: "You're welcome, as long as you like it, I will keep doing it."
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