This decision immediately garnered approval from the people in line.
Those who were at the back of the line, who were worried about not being able to buy anything, are now finally relieved.
"This boss is honest and kind!"
"Exactly, unlike some unscrupulous merchants who raise prices as soon as they see a shortage."
"I'll definitely buy groceries from this store from now on!"
Hearing the customers' praise, Wang Xiulan's nervousness gradually gave way to pride.
She became more efficient at collecting money and even had time to help customers pick out vegetables.
Around noon, the last bunch of chives was bought by an old man.
Su Jianguo closed the money box and let out a long sigh of relief.
The whole family was exhausted and sat in the shop, but everyone's face was beaming with joy.
"Dad, how much money did we make?"
Su Yufen asked impatiently.
Su Jianguo smiled mysteriously, without giving a direct answer.
"We'll figure it out when we get home tonight. For now, let's go out for a nice meal to celebrate!"
Soon, Su Jianguo closed the wooden door of "Su's Vegetable Shop", hung up the "Sold Out" sign, and turned to look at his family members who were exhausted but couldn't hide their excitement.
Wang Xiulan was rubbing her aching back, Su Yufen was counting the banknotes in the money box with her fingers trembling slightly, while Su Jianjun was leaning against the front of the tractor, grinning foolishly.
"Let's go to Quanjude!"
Su Jianguo patted his bulging money bag, his voice full of pride.
"I made money today, we have to celebrate!"
"Quanjude?"
Su Jianjun suddenly sat up straight, his eyes wide open like copper bells.
"Bro, that's a big restaurant! I heard a single meal there can cost half a month's salary!"
Su Jianguo smiled and put his arm around his younger brother's shoulder.
"What are you afraid of? We've earned enough money today to eat ten meals!"
Wang Xiulan hesitated.
"Honey, how about we go home to eat? This money..."
"Xiulan."
Su Jianguo interrupted his wife, his tone firm.
"We've worked so hard for so long, it's time to enjoy ourselves. Besides, Jianjun hasn't even had roast duck yet."
Su Yufen had already locked the money box and excitedly took her mother's arm.
"Mom, go! I've only been there once before, when I was a child, with Dad."
The Quanjude signboard gleamed in the sunlight. Su Jianjun stood in front of the door, unconsciously straightening his collar.
The best restaurant he had ever been to in his life was the state-run restaurant at the entrance of the village. The three-story building with its carved beams and painted rafters in front of him made him feel a little lost.
"Brother, my clothes..."
Su Jianjun looked down at his mud-covered work pants and lowered his voice.
Su Jianguo patted his younger brother on the back.
"What are you afraid of? We're here to spend money, not to beg."
The greeter at the door glanced at the family's simple attire with a hint of disdain, but when Su Jianguo pulled out a thick wad of cash to prepay for the meal, his expression immediately became respectful.
"Please come in, four distinguished guests!"
The greeters bent over even more deeply.
The hall was bustling with noise, and the aroma of roast duck filled the air.
Su Jianguo chose a table by the window, skillfully ordered two roast ducks, several signature dishes, and a bottle of Moutai.
"Jianjun, today I'll show you what real roast duck is like."
Su Jianguo poured his younger brother a cup of tea, his eyes filled with the pride typical of an elder brother.
A waiter pushed a food cart over, on which were two glistening roast ducks.
The chef, wielding a sharp knife, slices the duck right at the table, the paper-thin slices of duck meat falling one by one onto the pristine white porcelain plate.
Su Jianjun was dumbfounded.
"This skill is even better than Old Zhao's pig-slaughtering technique in our village!"
Steaming hot lotus leaf pancakes, sweet bean sauce, shredded scallions, and cucumber strips were served one after another.
Su Jianguo picked up a thin pancake and demonstrated it to his younger brother.
"First, spread some sweet bean sauce, add two slices of duck meat, then add some shredded green onions and cucumber strips, roll it up and eat it."
Su Jianjun imitated his brother, clumsily rolled one up, and stuffed it into his mouth.
The crispy duck skin, the tender duck meat, and the chewy pancakes blended together in his mouth, and he squinted his eyes in satisfaction.
"It smells so good! It smells amazing!"
The whole family enjoyed the meal together in a harmonious atmosphere. Su Jianguo would occasionally serve food to his wife and daughter, and pour wine for his younger brother.
The rich aroma of Moutai filled the table, and Su Jianjun's face turned red from drinking.
"Brother, this liquor is really strong!"
Su Jianjun smacked his lips.
"It's much better than the sorghum liquor from our village!"
As he was talking, he rolled up another duck meat pancake, took a bite, and suddenly frowned.
"Huh?"
"What's wrong?"
Su Yufen asked.
Su Jianjun chewed twice and said in a loud voice.
"This duck is quite delicious, but these cucumbers aren't as fresh as the ones we grow at home; they're not crisp at all!"
He has a naturally loud voice, and his words were still clearly audible in the noisy hall.
Several well-dressed guests at the next table turned around, their faces showing displeasure.
A young waiter in a white shirt and bow tie strode over, a professional smile on his face, but his eyes held a hint of disdain.
"Comrade, the cucumbers at Quanjude are all specially supplied, transported directly from the south by boat, guaranteeing their freshness."
The waiter, Xiao Zhang, spoke with an unquestionable arrogance.
"This might be your first time eating Peking duck, so you might not know much about it."
Upon hearing this, Su Jianjun's face turned even redder, but this time it was out of anger.
"What? Do I need a certificate to eat roast duck? I'm just telling the truth, your cucumbers aren't as fresh as mine!"
Su Jianguo tugged at his younger brother's sleeve.
"Jianjun, say less..."
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