Time flies like an arrow, and in the blink of an eye, it was early summer of 1979.
The streets of the capital seem to be more vibrant than last year, with people dressed in more diverse styles and their expressions more relaxed.
Guan Wenru recuperated at home for nearly a year, and her health not only fully recovered, but was even better than before she fell into a coma, with a rosy complexion and plenty of energy.
Looking at the increasingly vibrant market and the quietly changing social atmosphere, the heart that had once led workers to start their own businesses and factories was rekindled.
That day, she changed into a neat Dacron shirt and trousers, and started riding her bicycle around Beijing.
She had no specific goal; she simply observed the street scene silently.
She saw the long queues in front of the grocery store, and the out-of-town business travelers carrying large bags, worrying about finding a hot meal and a place to stay...
Because the most pressing issues in the city are the difficulties in finding food and accommodation—basic livelihood problems that need to be addressed!
Today is an era in which all industries are waiting to be developed.
There are many opportunities, but many policies are still unclear, so we can't take too big a step.
She knew that no matter what, the most basic and foolproof thing to do was to solve people's basic needs... food, clothing, shelter, and transportation.
Food is the most important thing for people!
Guan Wenru suddenly stopped her bicycle, looked at the long line in front of a steaming food stall, and gradually a clear plan formed in her mind.
Let's start with the food and beverage industry.
Take it one step at a time, with a steady and solid approach.
After making up her mind, she quickly went home and wrote a plan.
...
In the evening, after the family finished dinner, the triplets went back inside to do their homework, while Guan Yuanxiu and Qin Yue enjoyed the cool air in the yard.
Guan Wenru made He Yanzhi a cup of tea, and the two sat in the living room chatting.
Guan Wenru spoke directly, "In short, I recently took a stroll around the city."
He Yanzhi put down the documents in his hand, looked at her, and asked gently, "Hmm? Do you want to go out for a walk to clear your head, or is there something on your mind?"
He knew that, given Guan Wenru's personality, she couldn't stay idle at home forever.
Guan Wenru smiled and said, "I've rested enough, so I need to find something to do. I think getting food is a big problem in the city these days."
There are only a few state-run restaurants, the food is monotonous, and the service is... so-so! Many people from out of town, and even locals looking for a better meal, don't have many good options.
He Yanzhi nodded in agreement.
He could sense this when he occasionally received comrades from below, and fortunately they had a military canteen.
Guan Wenru continued, "I was thinking that the policies are gradually loosening and allowing the development of the individual economy, so I thought... I'd try opening a few restaurants first."
Upon hearing this, He Yanzhi didn't immediately object. Instead, he pondered for a moment and asked, "Have you decided what to do? Where to open it? Opening a shop will probably be more strenuous than working a regular job, and your health..."
"I've thought it all through." Guan Wenru had clearly given it a lot of thought. "Right now, everyone's economy isn't that good, so I'm not going to open a big restaurant for now. I'll just focus on home-style dishes. Cleanliness, affordability, and good taste are the key."
I've got my eye on a small street-front shop near Wangfujing. It used to be a general store, but it's vacant now. The location is good, and the size is just right. As for the body…”
She smiled confidently, "Don't worry, I'm strong enough to kill a bull now! And I'm not going to have to flip the wok myself, I'll definitely have to hire someone."
He Yanzhi looked at the familiar light in her eyes…
That was the look that only appeared on her face when she talked about her career; he knew he couldn't stop her, nor did he want to.
He held her hand. "If you want to do it, I'll support you. Is there anything I can help you with? Like asking someone in the business administration about the policies? Or finding some reliable construction workers for the renovation?"
Guan Wenru grasped his hand in return, feeling a warmth in her heart. "I'll go and explore the policies myself first, and see how things go."
When it comes time to renovate, I'll definitely ask you to help me find some quick and efficient workers, the kind I'll pay you for.
She didn't want to rely entirely on He Yanzhi's network of connections; she wanted to test the waters herself first.
He Yanzhi nodded understandingly, "Okay, if you have any difficulties, be sure to tell me, don't tire yourself out."
"I know, Master He." Guan Wenru smiled and leaned into his arms. "It's just a small restaurant. We'll take it one step at a time. First, we'll solve everyone's food problem, and then we'll find something to do. When the policies become clearer in the future, maybe we can do something bigger."
He Yanzhi hugged her and kissed the top of her head. "Yes, no matter what you do, I believe you can do it, just like the feed mill back then."
The couple then discussed their initial ideas for opening the shop in detail.
For example, what dishes are the main focus, the approximate price, and what equipment is needed, etc.
......
After more than a month of intensive preparations, the two street-front shops that Guan Wenru had her eye on have been completely renovated.
The windows were sparkling clean, and a brand-new sign hung at the entrance: Ruyi Home-Style Dishes.
The name is easy to understand, subtly incorporates her name, and has a good meaning.
Just as Guan Wenru had predicted, a large number of educated youth returned to the city, but job opportunities were limited.
As soon as she posted her job advertisement, people flocked to apply.
Guan Wenru personally conducted interviews and selected many quick-witted, clean-looking, and honest young people.
She has several carefully compiled and standardized home-style recipes to ensure consistent flavor.
Each store is staffed with four chefs (two main and two assistant chefs on rotation) and four servers (also on rotation) to ensure that there are always enough staff to handle the flow of customers.
With clear rules and fair compensation, the employees are highly motivated.
We chose a good day on the weekend to open both stores at the same time!
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