Zhang Zhaohai

Biodata

Background / History

Before his family’s circumstances improved, Zhang Zhaohai and his wife Song Wenqin ran their household frugally while worrying about their son Zhang Yang’s future housing, car, savings, and marriage prospects. Zhang Yang’s 3.5-million-yuan raw-stone sale was the first major windfall that convinced him their family’s prospects had changed. 29

Zhang Zhaohai remained actively involved in the family restaurant’s daily operation, working in the kitchen and personally preparing dishes during busy service. 108 As Haiqin Restaurant’s popularity surged, he and Song Wenqin faced the practical demands of expansion: hiring additional chefs and service workers, managing a full dining room, and responding to staff-poaching attempts from competitors. 242 251

The restaurant business later developed into a chain. By the opening of its thirtieth restaurant, Zhang Zhaohai had become a recognized local businessman, and Zhang Yang celebrated the milestone by transferring ownership of an entire office building to him. 425 443

Personality

Zhang Zhaohai is family-oriented and takes his son’s achievements personally. Even when Zhang Yang’s wealth far exceeded his expectations, he credited his son’s success primarily to Zhang Yang’s own effort and spoke of him with unconcealed pride. 420 421

He values status and ceremony, enjoying the confidence that comes with luxury possessions and public recognition. Receiving a Maybach and a Vacheron Constantin transformed how he saw himself, and he was visibly pleased to present himself as a successful middle-aged businessman. 165 169 Zhang Yang recognizes that his father cares about saving face and deliberately gives him opportunities to enjoy that recognition. 425

He is more ambitious than Song Wenqin. While she prefers their comfortable existing lifestyle, Zhang Zhaohai seeks advice from wealthier entrepreneurs, aspires to enter higher business circles, and considers further expansion of his restaurant chain. 419 425

Business

• Haiqin Restaurant — Worked directly in the kitchen during its earlier operations and helped manage its growth as it became packed with customers. 108 242
• Chain expansion — Planned multiple new branches in Yinghai with Song Wenqin and later reached the opening of a thirtieth restaurant. 425 443
• Staff management — Handled wage demands from chef Old Liu after a competitor attempted to poach him, agreeing to increase the salary while arranging replacement hires. 251
• Entrepreneurial networking — Sought business lessons and executive-program information from Mr. Zhou, who expressed interest in assisting him after he opened thirty restaurants. 419

Assets & Gifts

• Maybach S680 — Purchased by Zhang Yang in Zhang Zhaohai’s name as a gift; its delivery became a major point of admiration among his former classmates. 164 165
• Vacheron Constantin watch — A luxury watch previously worn by Zhang Yang and given to Zhang Zhaohai for formal occasions. 169
• Maybach Pullman — Received from Zhang Yang for his birthday as the family’s status and business ambitions rose. 425
• Peach Blossom Spring courtyard residence — Zhang Yang arranged the property for his parents; Zhang Zhaohai learned it had cost approximately 130 million yuan, with renovations exceeding 100 million yuan. 420 421
• Wealth Harbor No. 1 Building — Received complete ownership of the more than thirty-story office building from Zhang Yang to commemorate the opening of his thirtieth restaurant. 443

Health

Zhang Zhaohai’s medical examination showed several unfavorable indicators, prompting concern from both himself and Zhang Yang. 337 He later began prioritizing exercise and weight loss, climbing Mount Huangshan with Song Wenqin and resolving to reach a standard weight range by year’s end. 419

Relationships

• Zhang Yang — Son. Zhang Zhaohai is deeply proud of Zhang Yang’s success, while Zhang Yang supports him with luxury gifts, property, and opportunities to enjoy public recognition. 29 164 421 443
• Song Wenqin — Wife and business partner. They operate and expand their restaurant business together; she is generally more cautious about wealth and elite social circles than he is. 29 251 419 425
• Mr. Zhou — Wealthy entrepreneur he met while traveling with Song Wenqin. Zhang Zhaohai respectfully sought his business advice and hoped to learn from his experience. 419
• Zhou Shu Han — Daughter of Mr. Zhou. Zhang Zhaohai suggested that she and Zhang Yang, as similarly aged entrepreneurs, might have common topics to discuss. 420
• Old Liu — Kitchen employee whose threatened departure to a competing restaurant forced Zhang Zhaohai to negotiate a substantial pay increase. 251