My Stream City No. 1
"No... when did you get back?"
I looked at her questioningly. "Shouldn't we continue to follow up on the concert?"
"The team is preparing for the next concert. I don't need to handle the specifics. I just need to go there for two rehearsals beforehand. These few days happen to be a free period, so I'm taking a break."
Why didn't you tell me you were coming back?
"I was afraid of disturbing your sweet life with someone..." she blurted out.
I Wu Yan.
"Let's get down to business."
Lu Xiaobei said, "Should we come back? Or... let's think of another way. I'll apply to the company for an advance of 20 million, and we can open a second chain store in the new district or the South City District. You can manage it?"
"That's not a good idea."
I shook my head. "The first chain hotel has only been open for a short time. Opening a second one too early would be reckless. Let's wait and see, let Sister Xiaoman and Zhao Yihang hone their business skills first. Otherwise, taking too big a step might lead to trouble, cough cough..."
"So, do you have any ideas?"
Lu Xiaobei carried a chair over, turned the back of the chair towards me, then sat down with her legs apart, resting her chin on the back of the chair, and looked over with her big, blinking eyes.
"I really don't have any ideas."
I frowned. "In the past six months, I've worked in internet cafes and e-sports hotels. There aren't many industries left for me. The most important thing is that I have to be interested in the industry, otherwise it will definitely be boring."
"Oh right..."
Lu Xiaobei tilted his head and began to help him rack his brains.
As the morning light shone through her hair, strands of pink light streamed down, blending with the shimmering lake behind her, creating a breathtakingly beautiful scene.
Suddenly, an idea popped into my mind.
"That's right!"
"What?"
"Back when we were in Creek City, the restaurant with the best taste and the most upscale atmosphere in my mind was Stream City No. 1. I still miss the taste of their soup base. What do you think?"
Immediately, Lu Xiaobei's eyes lit up, and she nodded repeatedly, "Mmm, delicious, delicious!"
"You really are passionate about food."
I said speechlessly, "I wonder how Stream City No. 1 is doing now. If possible, I'd like to open a restaurant similar to Stream City No. 1, mainly focusing on the taste of the dishes and a unique, high-class atmosphere. What do you think of this idea?"
"Okay, okay..."
Lu Xiaobei seemed to be injected with energy, and laughed, "I went to Creek City several times afterward, and I also visited Stream City No. 1. That building was bombed flat when the Dark Tide Army attacked Creek City. Later, it was rebuilt into a guesthouse, which is a bit of a pity. Oh, and I asked around among the people nearby, and they said that the owner of Stream City No. 1 later went to Macau and lost everything gambling. After that, the Stream City No. 1 brand completely disappeared."
"Holy crap, no way..."
I paused for a moment, then a new idea popped into my head. "Xiao Bei, do you think it's possible for me to buy the Stream City No. 1 trademark from that gambler and create my own Stream City No. 1 brand?"
"Great idea!"
Lu Xiaobei exclaimed excitedly, "I think it'll work, really!"
"Good."
I nodded, leaned back in my chair, and smiled, "Now that the direction is set, let's start implementing it step by step."
"Uh-huh!"
Lu Xiaobei nodded repeatedly. The next second, a bell rang in my ear. Sure enough, another daily task was triggered.
[You have triggered the daily quest "My Stream City No. 1" (SS-class Main Quest)! Quest content: Open a distinctive restaurant with at least one banquet hall and 15 private rooms. The brand name must be "Stream City No. 1". Quest reward: One random gold ring!]
They have quite a few requirements!
A banquet hall plus 15 private rooms—that's already considered a medium-sized hotel—but the reward is truly amazing: a gold ring, something players are currently dreaming of!
But I only have 3 million RMB right now, which is definitely not enough to open a branded restaurant of this size. Hmm, no problem, I'll just keep asking my girlfriend for more money!
"Ding Han..."
Lu Xiaobei said, "I really want to be with you, but I only have two days off and I have to go back to BH City tomorrow, so I can't stay with you. I'm sorry..."
"What are you sorry for? You weren't obligated to accompany me in the first place."
I glanced at her and said, "Your top priority right now is to prepare diligently for each concert, gain more fans, and solidify your position in the entertainment industry."
"Um."
Lu Xiaobei said, "I'm currently penniless, so I can't invest in your Stream City No. 1. Otherwise... I really want to run this restaurant with you. After all, when I come to Huaining City again, I'll stay in Lake View Room at the Feiyang E-sports Hotel and eat at Stream City No. 1."
"Don't worry, I'll try my best to meet your needs."
I rested my head on my arms and laughed, "I'm the owner of Stream City No. 1. Just mention my name when you come, and free food and drinks won't be a problem. I'll also try to choose a location near Feiyang Chain Esports Hotel. It's close to the commercial district and has a good view, making it perfect for a unique restaurant like Stream City No. 1."
"Uh-huh!"
Lu Xiaobei nodded repeatedly.
At noon, I stayed at the lakeside restaurant to have lunch with Lu Xiaobei. In the afternoon, I accompanied her to rent a small boat and go crazy on East Lake for a while. Afterward, I went home to buy groceries and cook. Today, I have to let Lin Qingying see the traditional skills of my Old Ding family.
Around six o'clock in the evening.
"Snap~~"
The door opened, Lin Qingying walked in carrying her bag. She immediately took off her high heels, sniffed the air, and smiled, "It smells so good..."
"Yes, I made braised mandarin fish, wild-caught, with garlic-flavored meat. I'll try it in a bit."
"Good!"
Soon, dishes were served one after another, and Lin Qingying and I sat facing each other and began to eat.
After taking a bite of the fish, she paused slightly, then a hint of disappointment appeared in her eyes.
Undoubtedly, her cooking skills have improved rapidly, but she still has a long way to go to reach my god-like level.
"Is it tasty?"
"So delicious..."
"Then eat more, I'll cook for you often in the future."
"Good!"
Lin Qingying lowered her head and took a bite of rice, then looked at me. "Ding Han, I have a familiar feeling... Like I said, there's no such thing as a free lunch... Is there something you need?"
"What could possibly be wrong with me?"
I said sternly, "As your boyfriend, what's wrong with me cooking for you after a long day at work? How dare you question me? Please apologize."
"Sorry!"
Lin Qingying immediately put down her chopsticks and apologized sincerely and earnestly.
"Keep eating, eat more."
"Good."
After a moment, I coughed and said, "There is indeed something..."
Lin Qingying gave a helpless smile.
"I really can't just stay idle like this. It's draining my fighting spirit and ambition. So, Xiaoying, I've decided to start another business..."
"Ah?"
Lin Qingying asked with a smile, "What are you planning to do this time?"
"Back when we were in Creek City, there was a restaurant there called Stream City No. 1, do you know it?"
"I don't know, you've never taken me to eat there before."
Her words carried a hint of sarcasm, as if she had already guessed that I must have eaten there with Lu Xiaobei.
"That..."
I was a little speechless. "You can't blame me, after all, we weren't that close back in Creek City, and you were so aloof, you wouldn't even say a few words to me."
"Is there?"
Lin Qingying fell into deep thought, "But I used to go to internet cafes to find you all the time. How can you say I didn't want to talk to you? I even brought you mangosteens once. Do you think I would just give food away to anyone?"
Woman, your memory is truly terrifying.
They even remember the incident involving Mangosteen.
"Cough cough..."
I was slightly embarrassed. "Let's get back to business. Xiao Bei, Milo, and I went to Stream City No. 1 once, and the food was excellent, especially the soup served before the meal, it was simply amazing. So I'm planning to open a lakeside Stream City No. 1 by East Lake, with the goal of making it the most upscale boutique restaurant in Huaining City. What do you think of this idea?"
"Have!"
Lin Qingying nodded without hesitation and said earnestly, "Ding Han, I really think you have a very keen market insight. Think about it, you invested in Feiyang Internet Cafe and made the brand a huge success. Then you invested in an e-sports hotel, which is also quite well-known throughout the city. If you plan to open Stream City No. 1, I will definitely give you my full support!"
"Okay, now that you've said that, I have no more doubts."
I nodded. "Starting tomorrow, I'll begin planning for Stream City No. 1. Finally, I won't have to be so idle every day; even I'm getting a little restless."
She smiled and said, "It's alright. I like seeing you lazing around; it makes me feel much more at ease than seeing you carrying a gun and fighting swarms of insects."
I:"..."
It's late at night, time to go to sleep.
Lying in bed, I thought about it for a long time and finally decided that I should discuss this with Cheng Shuang. After all, she works in the catering industry and has more experience and connections in this area, which can save me a lot of trouble.
She sent a message: "Cheng Shuang, are you asleep?"
"Just about to sleep."
Cheng Shuang said, "You're looking for me so late, did something bother you and want me to come out and have a drink with you?"
"Ahem, no, that's not it."
I said, "Are you free tomorrow morning? Let's meet and talk. There's something I need your help with."
"Okay, I'm free tomorrow morning. You can come see me anytime."
"OK!"
The next morning, after Lin Qingying to work, I hailed a taxi and headed to Cheng Group.
On the shore of East Lake, the cool morning breeze felt especially comfortable on my face. I chatted with the driver for a long time, and he was very resentful, feeling that the whole society owed him something and that the Crimson Dragon Country was doomed.
Get off the bus and go upstairs.
Cheng Shuang's office was still bright and clean. The rows of Explosive Gun bullets were neatly fixed in a metal container on the table. The container seemed to be specially made; she really put a lot of thought into it.
Tea or coffee?
Cheng Shuang, dressed in a professional and elegant manner, smiled and said, "It's rare that you would take the initiative to come here."
"So busy..."
"Busy dating Manager Lin?"
"You've gone astray; you've even learned to criticize."
She chuckled and said, "I'll order two coffees; I haven't had any this morning."
"That's not right..."
I joked, "I heard a joke before that drinking coffee to stay awake is a privilege reserved for cattle and horses. Real rich people don't need coffee to stay awake when they're tired; they can just sleep. Why is it different for you?"
Cheng Shuang laughed and said, "That's nonsense. For entrepreneurs, they are probably more tired than their employees. They have to consider all sorts of things, it's not just ordinary tiredness. As for the rich people that ordinary people understand, they are a bunch of parasites, a bunch of people who enjoy the fruits of others' labor. They are two completely different types of people."
"That makes some sense."
A moment later, Cheng Shuang's assistant came in and placed two cups of coffee on the table.
Cheng Shuang pulled her short skirt tighter and sat down, picking up her coffee and asking with a smile, "What's the matter?"
"I'm thinking of opening a boutique restaurant, so I'd like to hear your advice."
"Oh?"
A slight smile played on her lips, "You've come to the right person. I'm an expert in this field; you could call me an authority."
"Sharp."
My perfunctory straight man role.
"Tell me more specifically, what kind of restaurant?" she asked, continuing to sip her coffee.
"Cheng Shuang, have you ever heard of a restaurant in Creek City called Stream City No. 1?"
"I've actually heard of it."
Cheng Shuang said, "I've seen the restaurant reports from various cities in Jiangning Province before, and I've seen the data for Creek City before. The turnover of Stream City No. 1 was top-notch among restaurants of the same size as Stream City No. 1. Just like you said, this restaurant was a boutique type. However, this restaurant later went out of business, and I don't know why."
"An irresistible factor: the Dark Tide army breached Creek City and leveled Stream City No. 1 with a single cannon shot."
"I see..."
She was relieved. "So you're planning to buy the Stream City No. 1 trademark?"
"Clever!"
I nodded and smiled, saying, "I heard from Xiao Bei that the owner of Stream City No. 1 lost everything gambling. I wonder if he sold the trademark."
"That's easy. I'll have someone check who owns the Stream City No. 1 trademark."
"Okay, get it done right away!"
"~~~"
She got up silently, made a phone call, and received a call back shortly afterward.
"We've found out."
Cheng Shuang sat down again and said, "The Stream City No. 1 brand trademark is currently registered under the name of a person named Sun Zhiyou, and it can be confirmed that this person is the former owner of Stream City No. 1. Although he has gone bankrupt, he is unwilling to sell the trademark and still holds onto it. However, in my opinion..."
She pursed her red lips. "The commercial value of this trademark is practically zero. After all, the Stream City No. 1 store is gone, and outside of Creek City, this trademark has almost no influence."
"It's okay, I just like this trademark, I'm a bit obsessed with it. Besides, once I get the trademark, I can inherit the brand's history, like a century-old brand or something..."
She couldn't help but smile, "You've really thought things through... Sun Zhiyou currently lives in Donghai City. I can find his address, but not his phone number. He must have changed his SIM card."
"Changing SIM cards is normal; this kind of person is heavily in debt, so their old phone number is definitely unusable."
I thought for a moment and said, "Are you busy? If not, would you like to come with me to Donghai City?"
"Not busy at all, not busy at all."
She smiled slightly, "However, I have one request. I'm also very satisfied with the idea of the Stream City No. 1 brand and the boutique restaurant, so I plan to become your partner by investing. Don't worry, I won't interfere with all your ideas. I just want 10% of the shares, just to have a sense of participation."
"Can."
I nodded. "Then let's set off for Donghai City?"
"Okay, let's go!"
Around 11 a. m.
In Donghai City, a crowded and cramped old-style residential area was so densely packed that cars almost couldn't get in.
"It's this building."
Cheng Shuang looked at the address, confirmed it, and then said, "Let's go up to room 505."
"OK!"
I nodded and walked ahead.
The neighborhood was indeed dilapidated, with walls covered in small advertisements for things like document processing, plumbing repair, and dating services.
Dressed in a sophisticated business attire and smelling strongly of perfume, Cheng Shuang seemed completely out of place in this environment.
505, I knocked on the door.
Who are you looking for?
The person who opened the door was a middle-aged man who looked to be around 40 years old. He was slightly stocky and looked a bit like Ma Dong-seok. He was holding a mop.
"Excuse me, are you... Sun Zhiyou?"
"Sun Zhiyou?"
He frowned. "No, no... that was a previous tenant here. I'm the landlord. Sun Zhiyou moved out about six months ago."
"Oh, I'm sorry..."
I nodded. "Then, may I ask... do you have his contact information here?"
"No, no!"
He was getting impatient.
At this moment, Cheng Shuang stepped forward and said, "If you have any, could you help me find it? It's very important to us. Xie Xie you so much, landlord!"
"..."
The landlord stared at the beautiful Cheng Shuang for a full three seconds, feeling like his soul was about to leave his body.
"Wait a moment, I'll look for it."
"Okay, thank you very much, landlord."
A moment later, the landlord pulled out a number from his phone and said, "I deleted Sun Zhiyou's number. He owed me a month's rent and left without saying a word. His number is no longer in service. But this number is from a friend of his; maybe it can help you."
"Good!"
I immediately wrote down the number and thanked him repeatedly.
The landlord didn't even glance at me; his eyes were fixed on Cheng Shuang.
Fearing the landlord might have malicious intentions, I quickly took Cheng Shuang downstairs. After getting into the car, I gave Cheng Shuang the number and said, "You call this number. Women are easier to talk to, especially women with such sweet voices."
"Is that so?"
Cheng Shuang asked with a smile, "Is my voice really that sweet?"
"Mmm, it's very sweet."
"How does she compare to Lin Qingying?"
"My Yingbao has the sweetest voice!"
She immediately handed the number back. "You can call that yourself."
"Yours is sweet too, just a little less so!"
"~~~"
Cheng Shuang glared at me, then dialed a number, sweetly calling the person on the other end "Big Brother"...
A moment later, she hung up the phone and then received a text message.
The text message contained Sun Zhiyou's new address, but no phone number.
I immediately located the address, and the navigation showed that it was in a small fishing village on the eastern edge of Donghai City.
"Sun Zhiyou is a man of some talent."
I couldn't help but think, "They've hidden themselves away from their debts in such a secluded paradise."
"Go straight there."
Cheng Shuang said, "We'll arrive there around one o'clock in the afternoon. We'll have lunch then."
"OK!"
We'll set off immediately for the small fishing village.
It was a little before one o'clock in the afternoon.
Cheng Shuang's MC20 slowly came to a stop in front of a tiny restaurant in the small fishing village, a place with hardly any decor. It was so deserted that not a single car was parked in front of it.
Get off.
Cheng Shuang and I stood in front of the small restaurant, dumbfounded.
This tiny restaurant is also called Stream City No. 1, but it's only about the size of a palm. Inside, there are a few folding tables, and the kitchen is right next to it. The owner is wielding a large ladle, passionately stir-frying food.
"What would you two like to eat?"
The owner served a dish of freshly stir-fried razor clams to the only table of customers, a young couple who seemed to be tourists. However, their eyes looked slightly mischievous, giving the impression that they had stumbled into a shady establishment.
"Give us a few of their signature dishes, and two bowls of rice."
"Okay!"
Let's eat first; we can talk about things after we've eaten.
Moreover, it's unknown whether this man who is both the owner and the chef is actually Sun Zhiyou.
The food was indeed quite good, but it wasn't the same style as Stream City No. 1; it was more like the flavor of Quzhou, Zhejiang. The seafood was all stir-fried on a slightly spicier side.
"It tastes good," Cheng Shuang commented.
"It's actually not bad."
I nodded, and then ate an extra bowl of rice.
After finishing my meal, I took out my phone and said, "Boss, the bill, please."
"It's 62 in total, just scan the code and pay 60."
"Okay!"
After paying, I looked at the shop owner and smiled, "Boss, are you called Sun Zhiyou?"
"You..."
The boss was taken aback at first, then his eyes showed obvious panic.
He probably mistook me for a debt collector.
"Don't get me wrong, I used to be a regular customer of Stream City No. 1, and I really like the taste of your food."
"Oh, I see..."
He finally relaxed and said sullenly, "I thought they were debt collectors. I've hidden in this godforsaken place, it's really hopeless that anyone could find me."
"Can we talk?" I asked.
"Okay."
He laughed and said, "How about I cook a couple more dishes, and we'll have a couple of drinks, brother?"
"Alright!"
I swiped another 300 yuan and said, "Put it on my tab, you can cook as much as you want."
Beside her, Cheng Shuang started playing on her phone; she knew that the men's drinking segment was about to begin.
Unfortunately, I can't hold my liquor, so I could only have a little beer with them.
Sun Zhiyou didn't need to be urged to drink; he just drank it all by himself.
"My brother is suffering..."
He started pouring out his grievances.
First, it was said that the house in Stream City No. 1 was razed to the ground by the Dark Tide Army, but the government did not provide any compensation.
Then he talked about how he was heavily in debt and had been chased by creditors so much that he had to hide in this kind of place.
Moreover, he was separated from his wife and children; his wife ran off with Xiao Bai, and custody of his son was awarded to his wife.
As he spoke, tears began to fall from his eyes.
However, I felt no empathy whatsoever. Gamblers deserve any kind of hardship in the world and are not worthy of any sympathy.
"Now, I'm all alone. Apart from the Stream City No. 1 trademark, which is worth a little money, all I have left is my wretched life."
He looked at his small shop, probably thinking about how glorious Stream City No. 1 used to be, and his smile was full of bleakness.
"Mr. Sun, to be honest, I came here specifically for the Stream City No. 1 trademark."
I finally steered the conversation back to the main point, saying, "I'm thinking of opening a Stream City No. 1 myself. It's not that the trademark is particularly valuable, but I just like the name Stream City No. 1. So, would you consider selling the Stream City No. 1 trademark to me?"
"You want a trademark?"
Sun Zhiyou was taken aback, then turned his gaze to Cheng Shuang and said, "No wonder you brought such a beautiful girlfriend to this godforsaken place. Although this place is supposed to be a 3A tourist area, we don't have any tourists at all."
"She isn't..."
I was only halfway through my sentence when Cheng Shuang looked up and smiled, "I'm Cheng Shuang from the Cheng Group. Since Mr. Sun is in the catering business, you should have heard of this name."
"The Cheng Group..."
Sun Zhiyou suddenly realized. "So it was you..."
He then fell back into a state of despondency due to alcohol consumption.
I said, "Mr. Sun, my name is Ding Han. I want to buy the trademark for Stream City No. 1. I'm very sincere. Name your price."
"Stream City No. 1 is my lifeline, and you want to buy my lifeline?"
Sun Zhiyou looked at me, then at Cheng Shuang, and said, "Okay, I'll sell it to you for 2 million."
He's asking for an exorbitant amount; he must be insane.
Cheng Shuang and I smiled at the same time.
"You..."
Sun Zhiyou looked a little embarrassed.
"Mr. Sun."
I said solemnly, "I came all this way to buy your trademark because I had a wonderful time there with friends, and it's because of those memories. Whether it's called Stream City No. 1 or not is really unimportant. I could register Creek City No. 2 or Creek City No. 3. What's the difference? Stream City No. 1 has been closed for more than half a year. You don't really think this trademark still has much commercial value, do you?"
Cheng Shuang said, "Besides, it's just a restaurant's trademark. If Ding Han hadn't been so fond of Stream City No. 1, I wouldn't have bothered coming all this way here."
You are the best wingman, Cheng Shuang!
I appeared calm on the surface, but inside I was panicking terribly.
The name "Stream City No. 1" is locked in by an SS-rank mission, so you absolutely must take it down!
"I see..."
Sun Zhiyou seemed somewhat lost, his mind racing. He quickly said, "How about this... Ding Han, Cheng Shuang, I can let you use the Stream City No. 1 trademark for free, but I require that the trademark be converted into shares, a partnership. I don't need too much, just 20% of the shares will do. What do you think..."
Wow, he thinks a lot!
Is this an attempt to get something for nothing and climb up the social ladder by associating with Cheng Shuang, who has the entire Cheng Group behind her?
"I'm sorry, Mr. Sun."
Cheng Shuang said, "Ding Han and I opened Stream City No. 1 not because we were short of money, but because of our shared interests. It's our common dream, so... there can only be the two of us as shareholders. We will not accept any other investments. Please understand."
"Mr. Sun, how about this..."
I took a deep breath. "I'll offer 100,000 to buy your trademark. If you're willing, just nod; if not, that's fine too. In my opinion, the Stream City No. 1 trademark is worth at most that much, and that's with a lot of added prestige; otherwise, it wouldn't even reach that price."
A palpable sense of disappointment welled up in his eyes.
Cheng Shuang secretly gave me a look. Well done, Ding Han!
Let me think about it.
Sun Zhiyou fell into deep thought. He really needed money, even 100,000, which could solve his immediate livelihood problems. After all, prices in Star Abyss were not too high, and 100,000 would be enough for him to live on for many years.
"Mr. Sun."
I pressed my advantage, saying, "I acquired the Stream City No. 1 trademark to open a better boutique restaurant. I will deliver quality worthy of the name Stream City No. 1. I don't think you want the name Stream City No. 1. 1 to be wasted and end up failing miserably, do you?"
"Ding Han, stop talking..."
Sun Zhiyou said, "I'll sell you the trademark for 100,000, but you have to promise me that you'll do a good job with this brand and not let the Stream City No. 1. 1' be tarnished!"
"Don't worry, I will do my best!"
"Good!"
Sun Zhiyou downed another glass of Erguotou (a type of Chinese liquor), then stood up and said, "Take the documents, we'll go to the Administration for Industry and Commerce to transfer the trademark registration."
Cheng Shuang and I smiled happily; it was done.
Evening, at the entrance of the Administration for Industry and Commerce.
The trademark transfer was completed, and I handed over 100,000 yuan to Sun Zhiyou.
He sat on the steps Administration for Industry and Commerce, clutching a wad of cash, lost in thought, just like someone heartbroken after a breakup.
This feeling is roughly equivalent to being so miserable that you ultimately have to push your beloved first love, your white moonlight, into the arms of a domineering CEO, and this 100,000 is your breakup fee with Stream City No. 1.
"Old Sun."
I took out a Liqun and handed it to him, lighting it for him, and then asked, "Who was the head chef at Stream City No. 1 back then? Do you still have any contact with them?"
"The head chef was Lao Chen, but we've lost contact with him."
Sun Zhiyou, puffing on his cigarette, glanced at me with a weary look in his eyes and said, "Ding Han, you need to run this shop well. I'm leaving."
With that, he clutched the money and drove off in his 18-year-old Skoda, which was constantly losing parts.
"What do we do now?"
Cheng Shuang asked, "Back to Huaining?"
"Are you in a hurry?" I asked.
"That's true... no rush..."
Cheng Shuang smiled slightly, "But if we're staying outside, I'll have to prepare some clothes to change into..."
That's very ambiguous, Cheng Shuang!
"Wait a minute."
I took out my phone and called Xu Tian.
I had heard that Xu Tian was the highest-level computer player in the entire Huaining City besides myself.
"Han, what's up?"
"Hey, are you at the computer?"
"Yes, I'm playing Warcraft right now."
"Okay, help me investigate someone."
"Explain."
"The former head chef of Stream City No. 1, a man surnamed Chen, please help me look him up."
"Hold on."
A few minutes later, Xu Tian called back.
"Ding Han, we've found out. This head chef's name is Chen Zhong. He's 60 years old and has already retired. However, according to the social security system records, he hasn't fully retired. He's currently working at a restaurant called Old Chen's Pickled Fish on Yonghui Road in Creek City. The reason he still works is because he has two twin granddaughters in high school, and his son's salary is low, so they're short of money. Lao Chen has no choice but to open his own restaurant to earn some more."
"Understood."
I nodded. "Thank you!"
"Polite!"
So I glanced at Cheng Shuang and said, "Shuang, I'm sorry to trouble you to drive again..."
"To Creek City?"
"Yes, on Yonghui Road in Creek City, there's a restaurant called Old Chen's Pickled Fish."
"Okay, will you treat me to sauerkraut fish when we get there?"
"Please, the big bowl!"
"It's a deal, get in the car!"
She smiled slightly and continued on her journey without complaint.
Around 8 PM, we returned to Creek City.
Sitting in the passenger seat of the MC20, I looked at the scenery outside. Everything seemed so familiar, yet everything seemed different.
Lu Xiaobei, Ding Han, and Lin Qingying are no longer in this city.
Shortly after, the car stopped on the side of the road.
The lightbox for Old Chen's Pickled Fish is flashing continuously.
Even at night, there were still quite a few diners. There were three tables of customers in the small storefront, while Cheng Shuang and I were at the fourth table.
"Old Chen, we have a guest! Hurry up and greet him!"
A familiar diner shouted.
Immediately, a kind-looking old man wearing an apron came out, holding a bill in his hand, and said with a smile, "What would you two like to eat?"
"Signature dishes."
I said, "I'll have a large portion of the pickled fish, and you can help me cook a few side dishes."
"Okay, please wait a moment!"
Soon after, dishes were served one after another.
As expected of the former head chef of Stream City No. 1, his pickled fish is also a masterpiece.
Even Cheng Shuang was full of praise for the food, saying that the old man's cooking skills were truly remarkable.
Old Chen is incredibly talented, and I already have my own ideas about him.
After I hired him, I would squat by the stove every day to learn his skills. When I could cook such delicious sauerkraut fish, I would go home and make it for Lin Qingying.
The plan is perfect!
After finishing the meal, we paid the bill: 52 yuan.
It was so cheap! That huge plate of pickled fish was only 20 yuan. It was so cheap that Cheng Shuang and I felt a little embarrassed.
"Old Chen."
I pulled up a chair and said, "There are no other guests. Come sit down and let's chat."
"Oh?"
Old Chen wiped his hands with his apron and chuckled, "Young man, do we know each other? You look a bit unfamiliar. And this young lady, it seems like I'm seeing her for the first time too."
"Old Chen, my name is Ding Han."
I shook hands with her and said with a smile, "This lady next to me is Cheng Shuang, my friend. We came to Creek City specifically to see you."
"They came for an old man like me?"
Old Chen smiled kindly, "Ding Han, what's the matter?"
"Here's the thing, I plan to open a new Stream City No. 1 in Huaining City. I've already bought the Stream City No. 1 trademark from Sun Zhiyou."
"Sun Zhiyou..."
Old Chen's expression instantly changed. "He still owes me two months' salary, where is he?"
"Ahem, he's in a godforsaken place, he's really having a tough time."
I said, "We've come here this time to rehire you as the head chef of Stream City No. 1. After all, you know Stream City No. 1's dishes, soup recipes, and so on better than anyone else, so we've come to you."
"It's not that my grandfather doesn't want to do it, it's just that he's really too old for it."
Old Chen shook his head and said, "Ding Han, I've reached retirement age. I have no desires now, and I'm quite content running this little restaurant."
"Alright, Lao Chen, let me ask you, how profitable is your restaurant?"
"I can earn several hundred yuan a day. After deducting rent, raw materials, and other expenses, the net profit is about 9,000 yuan a month. I'm just an old man, I don't have any big ambitions, and I'm content."
He waved his hand. "Find someone else for the head chef position. If you need the recipe, I can write it down for you."
"..."
Cheng Shuang looked at me, her eyes filled with worry. It seemed that Old Chen was determined to retire from his criminal life.
I've decided to unleash my ultimate move.
"Old Chen, listen to my offer first. We'll sign a two-year head chef contract. I'll give you a 50,000 yuan franchise fee for the first month, and then a monthly salary of 20,000 yuan. What you need to do is very simple: just help me train a few apprentices and pass on your skills. We'll have a formal contract, and you'll get all the Five Insurances and One Fund. What do you think?"
Old Chen put down his teacup, his expression grave.
"Ding Han, just for your sincerity, I've decided to work for you for another two years!"