Celebrating a Birthday

As a gathering place for China's time-honored brands, the birthplace of Jingcheng's early commerce and China's film industry, and the foremost repository of traditional Beijing culture, Dashilar had always been bustling. Now, with the spring breeze sweeping across the land, development naturally made it even more prosperous.

Near the Qianmen Street side stood Tea Fragrance Restaurant, which had opened in 1981 and now, seven years later, occupied three floors. It had undergone a major renovation in 1986: the exterior walls had been repainted, the interior layout altered, all the tables and chairs replaced, and even a revolving glass door installed. Its style kept up with the times while retaining Chinese characteristics, carrying a touch of old-world charm. It was quite nice.

Thanks to its delicious food, generous portions, and excellent service, it had built up a fine reputation over seven years. It had many returning customers and had become the busiest restaurant in the area. Whenever mealtime came around, it was invariably packed to the brim.

Yet during lunchtime today, a Closed sign hung outside, though plenty of people were still heading in. Those who did not understand went over to ask and learned that an old man had booked the place for his eightieth birthday banquet...

Su Meng skillfully parallel-parked the white Beetle by the roadside. Wang Yan, who had been sitting in the passenger seat, got out and retrieved a wrapped gift box from the trunk. Together with twelve-year-old Wang Bin, who had climbed out of the back seat, and Su Meng, who had turned off the engine and locked the car, the family of three headed toward the restaurant.

Han Chunming stood at the entrance with Old Guan's son and daughter-in-law, greeting the guests. Seeing Wang Yan's family approach, he hurried forward two steps. "Master Wang, you're