Two weeks later, Guan Wenru opened another new store.
The sound of firecrackers still seems to echo in my ears.
Early in the morning, a long queue had already formed at the door. Many of them were regular customers who had come from other districts, while others were new customers attracted by the lively atmosphere.
The kitchen was bustling with activity.
The roaring fire, the hum of the range hood, the clanging of spatulas, the sizzling of ingredients hitting the pan, and the shouts of the chefs all blend together to create a busy symphony.
The newly hired head chef, Chef Li, is a skilled cook. He was sweating profusely as he tossed the wok around. Two assistants were busy preparing ingredients and handing over seasonings and washing the wok, respectively. They worked together quite well.
One of the kitchen helpers was named Xiao Sun.
He was fairly quick with his hands and feet, but his eyes seemed unusually busy, constantly looking around, and his mouth was never still.
As Xiao Sun handed the sliced meat to Chef Li, he casually struck up a conversation:
"Master Li, your cooking is absolutely amazing! The aroma is so enticing, it makes my mouth water! I notice that the seasonings you use for your braised pork seem a bit different from what you use elsewhere. Is there some secret to it?"
Master Li, who was completely focused on controlling the heat, casually replied:
"Hey, there's no secret, it's just a matter of getting the heat and seasoning ratio right."
As he spoke, he casually scooped a small spoonful of thick, brown sauce from a glass jar with a white label that obscured the original packaging and put it into the pot.
The seasonings were all brought by the boss; he only knew how to use them, but not what they were called!
Xiao Sun's eyes lit up, his gaze fixed intently on the glass bottle, his mouth moving incessantly:
"Wow, this sauce smells amazing! Is it a special supply? You definitely can't buy it anywhere else! And that little yellow powder in the small jar, just a sprinkle and the umami flavor is instantly enhanced! Master Li, you're using the best stuff here!"
Another kitchen helper couldn't help but chime in, "Xiao Sun, keep your mouth shut. Can't you see Chef Li is busy?"
Xiao Sun chuckled awkwardly, but couldn't help glancing at the few special bottles on the condiment station a few more times.
Just then, Guan Wenru lifted the curtain at the back of the kitchen and walked in.
She was dressed in a neat gray polyester suit today, and she came to check on the operation of the new store.
As soon as she entered, she sensed the bustling activity in the kitchen, but she also immediately noticed the talkative Xiao Sun.
Guan Wenru frowned slightly as he continued to ramble on.
When a new store opens, efficiency is paramount. The worst thing is for someone in a key position to be distracted or gossip, which disrupts the flow of the business.
She walked over, her voice not loud, but carrying the unique authority of a boss, clearly reaching Xiao Sun's ears:
"The kitchen is a crucial place. It requires quick hands and a calm mind. Just do your job well and talk less so as not to affect everyone's work efficiency or Chef Li's thinking."
Xiao Sun was pondering the seasonings when he was startled by the sudden sound.
He turned around abruptly and saw it was the boss; his expression changed instantly. He quickly lowered his head, forcing a smile, and said repeatedly:
"Okay, okay, boss, you're right! I understand! I'll focus on my work right away! It definitely won't affect anything!"
Guan Wenru glanced at him indifferently, said nothing more, and turned to look at the food serving window and the order status.
Xiao Sun dared not speak openly anymore and became much more obedient, but his eyes flickered as he worked with his head down.
While handing things over and tidying the table, he quickly glanced at the unusual condiment bottles again, trying to remember their color, texture, and approximate location.
He pondered to himself!
What exactly are these?
Where can I get them?
Guan Wenru inspected the area and then whispered a few words to Master Li.
Before leaving, his gaze inadvertently swept over the overly quiet Xiao Sun again, a faint question lingering in his mind.
As her business grew, she inevitably attracted all sorts of people, and she reminded herself that she needed to be more careful.
......
Guan Wenru is only opening a restaurant now as a temporary measure; she just wants to run it well and isn't afraid of competition.
Moreover, she only ran a small restaurant; she never expected it to cause such a huge disaster.
However, she underestimated the consequences of jealousy.
...
That night, the darkness was deep, and the Kezailai Restaurant across the street had already closed.
But a dim light was still on in a small house in the backyard.
The windows were completely covered with old newspapers, and the inside was filled with smoke.
Xiao Sun rubbed his hands together, sitting on the stool somewhat restlessly.
Sitting opposite him were the boss, Zhao Youcai, with his eyes shining, and the chef, Fatty Liu.
The two men stared intently at Xiao Sun.
Xiao Sun recounted everything she had seen and heard in the kitchen that day: "There were just a few glass bottles, the labels were all torn off, so you couldn't see what they contained. One of them contained a brown sauce that was a bit sticky and smelled really fresh."
There was also a small jar containing a white powder. When Chef Li was almost done cooking, he would sprinkle a little on, and the taste would immediately change! It really did; I saw it with my own eyes!
Zhao Youcai took a deep drag on his cigarette and asked urgently, "Have you found out where those things came from? Are they from a special supply channel?"
Xiao Sun shook his head, looking troubled. "I asked Master Li indirectly, but he said he didn't know either, only that it was provided by Boss Guan."
I also secretly asked Old Zhang, who's in charge of purchasing, and he said that the seasonings are a bit strange. Boss Guan never lets him handle these kinds of things; she gets them all herself, it's very mysterious!
"You got it yourself?" Fatty Liu scratched his chubby face, looking puzzled. "These days, what seasoning don't we know? Could it really be some new stuff from the South? Or... something made by foreigners?"
Zhao Youcai narrowed his eyes, his murky eyes flashing with greed and ruthlessness.
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