Chapter 118 Why do we have to queue up to find fault? ...
The employees at Song's shop were gathered in the supermarket watching "Food Detective" again. Luckily, the supermarket owner was watching TV in the shop when he suddenly realized that the scenes on the TV looked familiar. He quickly ran to Song's shop to call everyone to watch together.
This caused quite a stir, with the employees crowding together and excitedly discussing, "Our restaurant looks more elegant and grand on TV."
The supermarket owner said matter-of-factly, "Otherwise, how could he be a cameraman from a TV station? His skills must be exceptional."
"The photographer must really love our restaurant's food to have taken such great photos!" Pang Ru said with great pride. As someone who witnessed firsthand how much the production team loved the food, she said, "They ordered the food twice, and even took some home after they finished eating!"
"Really?" The supermarket owner was very curious. His store was not on the same street as Song Ji's. One was located at the main entrance of the community, and the other was located at the side entrance. However, Song Ji's reputation was very well-known, and the supermarket owner had heard of it before. It was just that the prices of the dishes in the store were too expensive.
The supermarket owner runs a shop here but doesn't live in the community. He comes from a modest background and wouldn't spend a lot of money to eat a simple home-cooked meal.
"Really!" Zou Xiaoguang exclaimed, then suddenly saw Pang Ru's image on the TV and shouted in surprise, "Pang Ru, look, it's you!"
Pang Ru immediately turned her head and saw herself serving dishes on TV. She was so surprised that she could hardly speak coherently: "Ah, it really is me! I'm on TV! I'll call my parents and let them see me!"
Pang Ru immediately took out her phone to share the good news with her parents, her smile even brighter than if she had found money.
At this time, appearing on television is a great joy for many people, and they want their relatives and friends to know as soon as possible.
Pang Ru never expected that when she first came to Song Ji for a waitress interview, all she thought about was being able to eat delicious meals every day if she could work there. Now, not only is the salary high, but she's also been on TV. She's really hit the jackpot.
"Sister Hui, look! You're on TV too!" Zou Xiaoguang diligently acted as the announcer.
Shen Hui looked at herself on TV, smiled shyly, but straightened her back a lot. Although Shen Hui was usually quite calm, this was on TV, and she couldn't control her excitement.
The show didn't feature many employees. It initially built up the audience's anticipation by introducing Song Ji, and later showed some of the interior of Song Ji. The customers were blurred out, and the camera focused more on the unique decor.
Of course, the best shot was when all the dishes were served, with the camera capturing the scene and Su Hang's exclamation. The dishes, each with its own unique color, aroma, and flavor, were dazzling, and the close-up shots of the colors made them even more appetizing.
The supermarket owner couldn't help but ask, "Is this what your restaurant's dishes are like? They look so delicious!"
Zou Xiaoguang was familiar with the supermarket owner, and immediately patted his chest to assure him: "Absolutely, what you see is what you get! And it smells even better!"
The supermarket owner thought to himself, "No wonder it's so expensive, it really has some tricks up its sleeve."
The next scene on TV showed Su Hang tasting and describing various dishes. At that time, the door to the private room was closed, and the staff were waiting anxiously outside, not knowing what was happening inside. Only after watching the program today did they realize how exciting things were inside.
As they ate, the photographer and director actually sat down together, creating a feeling similar to having a New Year's Eve dinner.
Zou Xiaoguang's eyes widened in surprise: "That's not right!"
Pang Ru: "In the past, Su Hang was eating alone on the show, so why is everyone eating together this time?"
The footage presented in the program gave them the answer. The cameraman said, "It smelled so good, I couldn't resist."
The supermarket owner clapped his hands and exclaimed, "This program is well-made! Did you discuss this with the host beforehand?"
Even the crew members were drawn in by the aroma and couldn't resist eating it on the spot, which shows just how delicious Song Ji's dishes are.
Shen Hui was puzzled: "No, we didn't interfere at all during the filming process. They did everything themselves."
This episode focused on tasting the dishes, making braised pork, and interviewing Song Xinran.
Song Xinran then realized that she had been careless; the production team had completely preserved He Zhi's several compliments to her.
"The manager is undoubtedly a culinary master... Manager Song's eyes are like a ruler... Manager Song is truly amazing..."
These words had an even greater effect when broadcast on television than when spoken live, because the program added post-production dubbing and other enhancements, practically giving her a halo.
"Manager Song!" The supermarket owner was stunned when he saw Su Hang measuring the meat with a soft measuring tape. He kept glancing at Song Xinran's hands hanging at her sides. "How did you grow such long hands? You cut vegetables so well!"
He Zhi said, "This is just one of the most insignificant of our store manager's many special skills."
Song Xinran: "Ahem!"
Enough already! Where exactly is He Zhi trying to elevate her? If you didn't know He Zhi's character, this would look no different from praising someone to death.
Song Xinran didn't want to watch the show anymore. Those in the know understood that she was watching "Food Detective," while those who didn't might think she was watching some kind of personal show. Listening to those exaggerated words and seeing the post-production, Song Xinran felt numb. She couldn't even imagine how many people would see this TV program.
In order to get Su Hang to cut some scenes as she wished, she didn't even charge them for the braised pork they packed up!
Is this how you repay her for eating the meat she cooked?
Song Xinran really wanted to ask Su Hang in front of him, how could someone go back on their word? Su Hang had acted like such a nice person, agreeing to all her requests.
"Wow, manager, you've kept so much of your screen time to yourself!" Pang Ru couldn't help but exclaim. The highlight of this episode was entirely the manager's cooking.
"Manager, you're a star now!" Zou Xiaoguang said happily.
Shen Hui said, "Manager, you should be more careful when you go out in the future, as people may ask you for autographs."
Song Xinran: …………
That's an exaggeration...
"Mom!" Song Yu gently tugged at her hand, her eyes shining brightly as she looked at her. "Mom is so amazing!"
His exclamation was filled with a mix of emotions: admiration, longing, and liking...
Song Xinran smiled slightly, thinking that this might be the only good thing about her being on TV; in Song Yu's mind, it was a huge joy. Actually, she just wanted to promote Songji more, and not have the focus shift to herself.
"Aunt Song!" Fufu jumped up excitedly. "Aunt Song, please sign this for me! I'm going to take it to class tomorrow so all my classmates can see it!"
Fufu said, "I brought all my books, and Aunt Song signed every single one of them!"
Song Xinran thought to herself, there was an even more outrageous child. She could only say to Fufu, "You can only write your own name in your textbook. If you write my name, the teacher and classmates won't know whose book it is."
Fu Fu thought for two seconds and felt that she was right: "Aunt Song, please sign my storybook. I'll just keep it at home and not take it to the classroom."
Song Xinran agreed.
The group stood in the supermarket, chatting and laughing as they watched the entire program. In terms of atmosphere and enjoyment, it was even more fun than paying to see a movie.
"How could it be over so quickly? I didn't get enough of it," Zou Xiaoguang said. "I'll watch it again when it's rebroadcast tomorrow."
"The photographer of 'Food Detective' did a really good job; it made me hungry just looking at it," He Zhi said. "It's just that the video was too short."
"Yes," everyone exclaimed in unison, feeling as if it would all be over in no time.
Is it short?
Upon hearing this, Song Xinran felt dazed. It felt like an eternity, as if every minute and second of the playback had been stretched out.
People nowadays don't know what "social death" means, but Song Xinran feels that she has died socially many times.
The show caused her some social controversy during filming, but after it aired, the controversy doubled. I wonder how many acquaintances saw the show and were saying things about her behind her back; the social controversy was amplified even further.
"I'm going home now." Song Xinran just wanted to go home and rest. "You guys pack up the shop and go home too."
Everyone else readily agreed, but Fufu was still reluctant to let go. Holding onto Song Xinran's finger, the little girl said expectantly, "Aunt Song, would you like to come to my house to play? I have lots of toys at home!"
“My bed smells nice too. My mom just changed my sheets and bought me a doll. If Aunt Song wants to sleep with me, I can lend you the doll to hug while you sleep.”
The little girl expressed her affection for people so directly; she liked Aunt Song and wanted to play and sleep with her.
Song Yu's eyes widened slightly, and he gripped his mother's other hand tightly. How could this be? His mother didn't sleep with him anymore because he had grown up. Children can sleep on their own when they grow up.
“No, Fufu,” Song Yu said seriously. “You’re already in elementary school, you’re a big kid now. Only kindergarten babies sleep with their mothers.”
Although first graders may not seem much different from kindergarteners, in the eyes of young children, it is a huge difference. Elementary school students absolutely do not want to be called kindergarten babies.
Only children know how to get the other person to cooperate. Fu Fu immediately said, "I sleep by myself now, not with my mom and dad."
"Okay, Aunt Song, you're an adult now, you should get some sleep and not make me worry."
Song Xinran was both amused and exasperated. She ruffled her hair and said, "Okay, I'll sleep well. Goodnight, Fufu."
On his way home, Song Yu frowned slightly, seemingly lost in thought. He looked up at Song Xinran, finally making up his mind to say something, when Song Xinran's phone suddenly rang.
It was Lin Hexiang's phone call.
Since coming to the city, Song Xinran hasn't had much interaction with her friends in the town because she's too busy running her shop. But every time she calls, it feels the same as before; the distance of time and place hasn't made them feel estranged.
"Xinran, I saw you on TV today! Your restaurant is doing really well. Your brother Lei even said your cooking skills have improved!"
After exchanging a few pleasantries, Lei Hong took the phone and laughed heartily before even speaking: "Xinran, this episode of Food Detective was really well done! I didn't expect you to remember things from the past so clearly. You called me 'teacher,' but you're the real teacher! You absolutely have to come to our restaurant when you come back and have a look around, and try some dishes!"
While watching TV, Lei Hong easily recognized Song Xinran as the person she was talking about when she recounted her journey as a chef.
Lei Hong was deeply moved. He hadn't expected Song Xinran to remember their past so clearly. Seeing his eyes red with emotion, Lin Hexiang immediately said, "Then give Xinran a call. It's been so long since we last contacted each other."
The phone call lasted half an hour. At first, Lei Hong congratulated Song Xinran on the success of her new restaurant. Then they talked about some things in life, and time passed by in the blink of an eye.
After finally hanging up the phone, Song Yu mustered her courage again, tugged at Song Xinran's hand, and whispered, "Mom..."
"Ring ring." The phone rang again.
This time it was Song Xinwen calling. As soon as he answered, he asked, "Xinran, who are you calling? I've been trying for so long, but the line is always busy."
As they talked, Song Xinwen laughed and jokingly asked her, "Have you met anyone suitable in the city? It's easier to find someone in the city than in the town!"
Upon hearing this, Song Xinran was in a panic and quickly said, "It's Brother Lei. He said he saw me on TV."
"Oh!" Song Xinwen exclaimed in surprise, "He saw it too? I saw it too! Xinran, you're really famous now! I just received several calls from the villages saying you were on TV!"
The penetration rate of television sets in the village is much higher than it was three years ago. Almost every family with a little financial means owns one. Television sets are practically the most convenient medium for villagers to access the outside world.
Song Xinran rubbed her temples. It was clearly just a local TV program, but it seemed like everyone around her had seen it.
"I checked as soon as I heard that. Xinran, your shop is doing well now, but you should also take care to rest and not be too busy. Your health comes first."
Song Xinwen gave her a few detailed instructions, and Song Xinran agreed to them all.
Song Xinwen always had a lot to say, about the shop and about family, but today, just as he was about to hang up, Cai Yang's voice suddenly came from the other end of the line: "Is that Auntie? I want to talk to Auntie on the phone!"
Song Xinran was a little confused by the voice. Didn't Cai Yang always turn his face away and walk away whenever he saw her? Why did he change his attitude today?
When the phone rang again, Cai Yang sounded quite excited: "Auntie, I saw you on TV! Are you a big star? Only big stars can appear on TV!"
Song Xinran really wanted to give him a flick on the forehead, but the distance between them made it impossible. However, the next second, Song Xinwen did it for her. Cai Yang exclaimed "Ouch!" Song Xinwen took the phone and said with a smile, "Xiao Yang is happy too. He's been watching it in front of the TV the whole time."
Song Xinran said seriously, "Sister, don't let the kids watch too much TV. It's bad for their eyes. If you don't protect their eyes when they're young, it will be inconvenient for them to wear glasses later."
Song Xinwen immediately said, "Cai Yang, you're not allowed to watch TV anymore, go to sleep right now!"
After finishing the call with Song Xinwen, Song Yu said, "I think I heard Xiao Yang's voice."
Song Xinran said, "It was your aunt who called."
Song Yu pursed her lips, then mustered her courage again: "Mom..."
"Um?"
"Ring ring!" The phone rang again, inconsiderately.
Song Yu:......
"Sigh..." he sighed.
Song Xinran received a lot of phone calls tonight.
Huang Yun also lives in the city, but the two families live quite far apart now, so she hasn't had time to visit. After watching TV, Huang Yun said she would definitely come over when Ding Sisi has a holiday.
Ge Xia said that the mala tang restaurant has always been doing very well. She was greatly encouraged after watching the program today and will continue to learn and strive to catch up with Song Xinran.
Yuanyuan's mother said that Yuanyuan watched TV and insisted on coming to the restaurant to eat and play with Song Yu. She said she would bring the child to play during the holidays.
...
It was almost ten o'clock when she finished the call. Song Xinran put down her phone, rubbed her sore arm from holding the phone to her ear for so long, and prepared to take a shower and go to bed.
Song Yu is now in elementary school and can already bathe and brush his teeth by himself. Today, he saw that Song Xinran was very busy, so he tidied everything up in the bathroom and even brought Song Xinran a towel soaked in hot water to wash her face.
Song Xinran stood up, stretched, yawned, and went to take a shower and go to bed.
But when she was about to go to her room after taking a shower, she suddenly remembered something and knocked on Song Yu's door.
The knocking was very soft; if Song Yu was asleep, he wouldn't be woken up.
"Mom!" A clear voice quickly came from the room, followed by the sound of footsteps.
The door opened, and Song Yu stood in the doorway wearing long-sleeved pajamas. Her hair was a little messy from sleeping, slightly puffed up, and looked very soft. She looked at her expectantly.
"Why isn't Xiao Yu asleep yet tonight?" Song Xinran only remembered that Song Yu had called her two or three times on the way back tonight, as if he wanted to say something, but didn't.
Her phone kept ringing with old friends, so she didn't have much of a chance to talk to Song Yu that night. That's why she wanted to see if he was asleep.
Song Yu blinked, a little shyly, her face flushed, her eyes bright and moist, and asked softly, "Mommy, can I sleep with you tonight?"
He made an excuse, a little embarrassed: "It's so cold today. The teacher said it's gotten colder recently, so we need to wear thicker clothes and use a thicker blanket to avoid catching a cold. I have a very thick blanket, so I won't catch a cold if my mom sleeps with me. It's so dark outside today, I might be a little scared to sleep alone..."
He tried to find some external reasons, because he was in elementary school and could speak in longer sentences with more logical content, but he still felt it wasn't enough even after speaking a lot.
Actually, she just wanted to sleep with her mother for one night, but the store told Fufu that only kindergarten children can sleep with their mothers.
Song Yu felt very embarrassed.
Song Xinran smiled, her eyes crinkling, and she saw through his thoughts: "Of course you can."
"The temperature dropped today, and Mom hasn't changed to a thicker blanket in her room yet. I hope Xiaoyu won't catch a cold if she sleeps with me."
Song Yu nodded quickly, a smile curving her lips: "I've already warmed up the blankets!"
*
Appearing on television has a huge impact.
In Song Yu's class, this was evident in the fact that Fu Fu went to class early in the morning and spread the word about it so that everyone in the class knew about it.
Song Yu's already good interpersonal relationships have reached a new level, and all the children in his class say they want his mother's autograph.
So Song Yu took out his books and showed his classmates the name and class his mother had written for him.
He was met with a chorus of praise: "Song Yu, your mother's handwriting is so beautiful!"
Song Yu forcefully suppressed the upward curve of his lips: "Yes."
Fufu whispered, "I'm bringing my storybook to Aunt Song today, and I'd like her to sign it for me."
Because Fufu was his good friend, Song Yu said, "Okay."
Fu Fu was very happy: "Song Yu, it was so cold last night. My mom wanted me to sleep with her, but I didn't agree because I'm a big kid now!"
Fufu was very proud, feeling that he had really grown up.
Song Yu felt slightly guilty, but still maintained a calm expression: "Yes, you are."
At Song Ji, the impact of appearing on television was even greater; customers making reservations nearly overwhelmed the phone lines.
Because the show explained that reservations are required to dine at Song Ji, customers attracted by "Food Detective" all know how to come and eat there.
Many customers who came to the store didn't want to leave even though they knew they had run out of numbers for the day, saying they could take the food home to eat.
Song Xinran couldn't bear to disappoint the guests who had come from so far away, so she had no choice but to keep cooking even when the spatula was smoking. This is when it proved that her decision to hire a sous chef was correct.
One person definitely can't cook such a large amount of food.
The owner of the supermarket at the main entrance was so excited after watching the show that he finally decided to come and eat at Song Ji.
But the business was so popular that there was no way to get a queue. Fortunately, he became acquainted with Song's restaurant because of watching TV. One day at noon, after the other customers finished eating and left, he was given a chance to cut in line and have a meal with the employees.
The supermarket owner was so touched that he gave them two large bottles of drinks on the spot, and couldn't help but think that it was so difficult to get a meal these days.
However, all my thoughts vanished after tasting Song Ji's food. I finally understood why Song Ji's dishes were so expensive yet so popular. High-quality food will always have a market.
On Gu Hong's end, he called his assistant for the third time, his tone somber: "Did you manage to make a reservation at Song Ji's restaurant as I asked?"
The assistant said with a long face, "Mr. Gu, we still haven't been able to get a spot this week. The line was always busy when I called, and by the time I got through, all the slots were already full."
Gu Hong was furious: "Everyone else can get an appointment in a week but you can't? You need to reflect on that!"
The assistant was also helpless and said weakly, "Mr. Gu, if you want to eat home-style dishes, you can go to Rongxia Xiaochu. That's our restaurant, and the food is definitely better than these advertised restaurants. Plus, you can go whenever you want."
Gu Hong was not comforted at all; in fact, he became angrier the more he listened.
What does that mean? He wants to eat at Song Ji's but can't get in line no matter what. The business is so good!
He wants to eat at Rongxia Kitchen, anytime is fine?
What is this if not a comparison and denigration?
Gu Hong was tempted to fire his assistant on the spot, but he suppressed the thought: "You must be scheduled for Song Ji's next week, no matter what method you use!"
Gu Hong angrily hung up the phone.
What's going on?! Why do I have to queue up just to get a meal or find a reason to complain?
And I still can't get in line!
This is infuriating!
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