Veteran of the Catering Industry

Tang Zhi Chu chatted with them one by one, and as he chatted, he even started touching them. One uncle who ran a hot pot restaurant was incredibly built, his butt perkier than a woman's. He reminded Tang Zhi Chu of Ma Dong Seok from Korea in his past life. Tang Zhi Chu even pinched his arm.

Another had a large tattooed arm. He didn't know what it depicted, but he looked like a big shot from the underworld.

Tang Zhi Chu's free-flowing compliments had everyone laughing until a nurse knocked on the door, which made them quiet down a bit.

But when the nurse opened the door and saw a room full of burly men, she couldn't even form a complete sentence. She turned red and ran away.

"Little Tang, not bad, you brought the good stuff!" someone noticed what Tang Zhi Chu was holding.

Tang Mao De saw it too and was about to speak.

Tang Zhi Chu directly placed the ginseng in front of him: "You can have this, but not the liquor."

Tang Mao De's eyes widened. He had been happy seeing his son chatting with his good buddies, thinking Tang Zhi Chu had finally matured after being on that show.

But now, he bought liquor and wouldn't let him drink it?

"It wasn't me who bought it, someone gave it as a gift. Since Uncle is here, I'll have a drink with them at noon," Tang Zhi Chu said first, not giving Tang Mao De a chance to speak.

"Exactly, can you even drink now? Just get us some Moutai, we've got plenty."

"Don't even think about it, Old Tang, your health is more important."

Tang Zhi Chu took two steps back, then pulled out his phone and dialed a number: "Hello, Brother Jun, please reserve private room number one. I need you to prepare a table of delicious dishes today, we have a distinguished guest."

Hearing Tang Zhi Chu on the phone, many people smiled.

This kid is pretty good!

After hanging up, Tang Zhi Chu looked at Tang Mao De: "You're done with this round of chemotherapy, right? I'll go ask if you can be discharged for two days. But, you have to promise me one thing: no drinking."

With that, Tang Zhi Chu left the ward.

The group of big men looked at each other, admiration in their eyes.

The fact that they could come, especially all together, proved their friendship was solid.

Seeing Tang Mao De lying in bed, they were all moved.

They, who feared nothing, couldn't escape the constraints of time and their bodies.

It was best to get together when old friends met.

"Old brother, your life hasn't been easy, but your son is not bad," someone said.

Tang Mao De didn't argue this time, just turned his head to look out the window.

Tang Zhi Chu completed the discharge procedures for Tang Mao De, and the group left the hospital.

In the parking lot, Tang Zhi Chu felt that it was inevitable for his family's restaurant to succeed.

The least successful among these uncles were driving cars with four rings. How could a group of veterans in the catering industry not be able to support a small restaurant?

Tang Zhi Chu happened to be assigned to this car, one of the four-ring vehicles, but the owner driving was the uncle who owned the hotel.

He was the thinnest among the group. He had been introduced earlier; his surname was Yuan, and his name was Yuan Bo Shan.

"I'll give you a phone number, write it down. You can call me anytime if you need anything."

Tang Zhi Chu nodded and took the business card from Yuan Bo Shan: "Thank you, Uncle Yuan."

"No need to be polite. Actually, I've talked to your dad about you. The you he described is not like this," Yuan Bo Shan paused, then continued, "You've worked hard during this time."

Tang Zhi Chu shook his head: "It's nothing, Uncle Yuan."

Yuan Bo Shan glanced at Tang Zhi Chu and nodded: "You're a man. And don't underestimate your dad. He might seem like he's doing the worst among us, but your dad is the most loyal. Your mom might not understand these things, but you need to realize that you are his biggest concern."

Tang Zhi Chu remained silent. Yuan Bo Shan continued, "Don't think I'm being preachy by telling you this. The hot pot restaurant run by the uncle who likes fitness has at least half of its funds raised by your dad. What your dad cares about is different from what ordinary people understand. I'm telling you this so you know you can call any of us if you need anything. As long as it's not an outrageously big matter, each of us will help."

Tang Zhi Chu looked out the window, his heart stirred. After a moment, he replied, "Uncle Yuan."

"Hm?"

"Thank you for coming to see my dad."

Yuan Bo Shan was stunned for a moment, a smile appearing on his face, his eyes misting over.

He felt a sense of generational succession, like the old guard passing the torch.

The old brothers faced the setting sun, but their descendants looked towards the rising sun.

There was regret, and there was relief.

Inside private room number one at Old Tang Sichuan Restaurant.

Tao Bo sat on a stool, trembling like a timid bride, only daring to pick at the dishes in front of him.

This was why he feared Tang Mao De. Not only did Tang Mao De look fierce, but his circle seemed even fiercer to Tao Bo.

Tang Xiuju was sitting with her second brother's good friends for the first time and didn't say much.

From their brief conversations, Tang Xiuju felt that her family might have underestimated her second brother.

More or less, this large family had looked down on Tang Mao De.

They always thought he wasn't doing anything serious, that he drank and gambled, like a hoodlum.

Now, it seemed that Tang Mao De's environment might have actually hindered his development.

"Uncle, look at my arm. Tell me, how did you train it?"

"Uncle, after a while, help me check the kitchen. See if anything needs adjusting. I'll pour you a drink."

"Drink without worry. It's super easy to get a designated driver here. If you're not busy, I can arrange it. There's a pretty decent hotel next door."

Tang Zhi Chu navigated the group of burly men with ease. Wang Jun served as an exceptionally qualified assistant host, immediately replacing cold dishes and refilling drinks, while also looking after Tang Mao De.

Tang Mao De did end up having a drink, just one cup, then leaned back in his chair with a full smile.

It was a luncheon where both hosts and guests were pleased.

After the dishes had been tasted and the wine had been poured several times, Tang Zhi Chu had added seven or eight phone numbers to his contacts.

After the gathering dispersed, some called for designated drivers, others booked hotels. Wang Jun arranged all of it. Wang Jun didn't have a single drop of alcohol during this meal.

With Tang Zhi Chu as the primary host, Wang Jun had to remain sober.

"Zhi Chu, I'll head back first, then I'll come over?"

At the restaurant entrance, Tang Xiuju said to Tang Zhi Chu.

Tang Zhi Chu nodded, "No need to rush, Auntie. His old friends finally came for a visit, let them have some fun together."

A few uncles hadn't left yet. They booked a hotel and said they wanted to play cards, just like before. Tang Mao De went along with them.

"Don't worry, Auntie knows. Even if I went, I'd be worried about those big bosses not knowing how to take care of people. You go ahead with your business, I'm here. And if you're still worried, isn't there Xiao Jun?"

Tang Xiuju smiled, then glanced at Tao Bo beside her. She then said to Tao Bo, "You stay here and see if there's anything you can help your brother with."

Tao Bo let out an "Uh."

Tang Xiuju felt even more that coming to look after her second brother was the right decision, not to mention the reputational benefits.

Her nephew, Tang Zhi Chu, surprised her more and more. Facing that group of burly men, all seasoned veterans, Tang Zhi Chu still managed to hold a central position at the table.

Tang Xiuju wasn't narrow-minded. She felt that perhaps someone talented was emerging from the Old Tang family.

What about her own son? He couldn't compare.

But, she could try her best to place her son by Tang Zhi Chu's side.

Thanks to (Seventh Squadron), (First Sip of Joy), (Book Friend 20180426002614795), and (Book Friend 150720012442601) for their hundred-coin tips!

Regarding the extra updates, we'll wait until it's on the shelves. Soon, very soon!