1995: From a small restaurant to a culinary genius

Chapter 62 Xu Liang's Recruitment

The setting sun painted the town's streets orange-red, and the street vendors began to pack up. Pedestrians hurried by, mostly neighbors rushing home to cook.

Xu Liang locked the restaurant door, dusted himself off, and headed towards the next unit.

He didn't take a long detour and arrived at Aunt Lu's house in just a few steps. The gate was ajar, and the sound of washing clothes could be heard from inside.

Xu Liang gently knocked on the door and called out.

"Aunt Lu, are you home?"

"Hey, it's Xiao Liang! Come in, come in!"

Aunt Lu quickly put down the washboard in her hand, wiped her hands, and came out to greet them with a kind smile on her face.

"Shouldn't you be busy at the shop right now? What brings you here?"

Xu Liang walked into the courtyard and saw that it was clean and tidy, with flowers and plants arranged neatly. He felt even more that he had found the right person.

He didn't beat around the bush and spoke with a smile.

"Auntie, I've come here today because there's something I'd like to discuss with you."

"You said, anything that Auntie can help with!"

Aunt Lu pulled him to sit on a small stool in the yard and warmly handed him a glass of water.

"My restaurant has been getting busier and busier lately, and I can't manage it all by myself. I'd like to find someone to help clean the restaurant, set up the tables and chairs, and serve the dishes. It's not hard work, just tidying up after the restaurant is done during the day. It won't interfere with your family matters."

Xu Liang spoke sincerely and explained the work details clearly.

"I thought you were quite relaxed at home, so I wanted to ask if you would be willing to come and lend a hand. I promise to pay you a fair wage, more than or equal to the wages of other small shops in town, and I will pay you on time every month without fail."

Aunt Lu's eyes lit up, and she paused for a moment in her water glass. She had been idle at home for more than half a year. After her children got married, she didn't have to worry about them anymore. Staying at home all day was indeed boring. Being able to earn some pocket money to supplement the family income was perfect.

Moreover, it's about helping Xu Liang. This kid has been sensible since he was a child, his restaurant business is booming, and he's a reliable person. I feel at ease working for him.

"Yes, yes! Of course I'm willing!"

Aunt Lu nodded eagerly, her face beaming with joy.

"I was worried you'd think I was too slow! I can do this job! Cleaning is my specialty; I'll make sure your shop is spotless inside and out, and the tables and chairs are arranged neatly!"

"I have complete confidence in what my aunt does."

Xu Liang breathed a sigh of relief and added.

"If you feel you can't manage it all by yourself, Aunt Bai across the hall can come over if she's free. It'll be easier if you work together, and I'll still pay you separately."

Upon hearing this, Aunt Lu immediately slapped her thigh and said...

"Leave it to me! I'll go talk to Aunt Bai in a bit, she'll definitely be happy to help. She's always talking about wanting to find an easy job to pass the time!"

Having settled the matter with the cleaner, Xu Liang felt much relieved. After chatting with Aunt Lu about work hours for a while, he got up to say goodbye and headed towards Chen Yang's house on the same street.

Chen Yang's home wasn't far from the restaurant. He was sitting at his doorstep tidying up when he saw Xu Liang approaching. He immediately stood up and greeted him, "Liangzi, what brings you here? Are you done at the shop?"

"I'm done with my work, I need to talk to you about something."

Xu Liang walked up to him and got straight to the point, "My store is currently short of a cashier to handle cash, bookkeeping, and customer service. I was thinking that you used to work in a supermarket and are familiar with this, so I wanted to ask if you would be willing to work in my store."

Chen Yang was taken aback at first, then a look of surprise flashed in his eyes.

After he quit his job at the supermarket, he couldn't find a suitable job. Either the work was too tiring or the salary was too low. He had wanted to ask Xu Liang for help before, but he was afraid of causing trouble for him. Unexpectedly, Xu Liang took the initiative to come to him.

"I do! I absolutely do!"

Chen Yang patted Xu Liang's arm, his tone resolute.

"Don't worry, I'm an expert at cashiering and bookkeeping. I guarantee there won't be a single mistake. I can also handle the customers perfectly. I won't let you down!"

"I'm relieved to hear that."

Xu Liang smiled and nodded. He trusted Chen Yang's abilities and character. By handing over the cash register to him, he no longer needed to worry about the accounts.

"Working hours coincide with the store's meal times, so it won't be too tiring. Don't worry about the salary; it will definitely satisfy you."

The two finalized the cashier job in a few words. Xu Liang didn't dare to delay any longer. After saying goodbye to Chen Yang, he immediately turned around and rushed to his childhood friend Sun Zhonglei's house.

The atmosphere at Sun Zhonglei's house was much more somber than at the previous two places.

Xu Liang walked to the door and saw Sun Zhonglei squatting at the gate, a cigarette between his fingers, his brows furrowed and his face full of worry.

Hearing footsteps, Sun Zhonglei looked up and saw Xu Liang. He immediately stubbed out his cigarette, stood up, and patted his pants.

"Xu Liang, what brings you here?"

"I just finished up at the shop and came to see you."

Xu Liang walked into the courtyard. He heard a child crying inside the house, as well as Sun Zhonglei's wife gently soothing the child. He understood what was going on and pulled Sun Zhonglei to the side of the street.

"I heard from a friend that the factory you used to work for went out of business and you haven't been able to find suitable work since?"

When this matter was brought up, Sun Zhonglei sighed, his face full of helplessness.

"Yes, I'm uneducated and can only do manual labor. There aren't many job openings in town lately. My wife and kids are waiting to be fed, and I can't sleep because I'm so worried."

Seeing his brother's worried expression, Xu Liang patted him on the shoulder and explained his purpose directly.

"I happen to need a kitchen helper at my shop. The job is to wash, chop, and prepare the vegetables. Give me a hand. It's a bit tiring and there's a lot of oil and smoke, but it's stable. I'll offer you the highest salary, and there will be additional benefits if the shop does well."

Sun Zhonglei suddenly raised his head, his eyes wide open, his face filled with disbelief.

"Ryoko, are you serious? You want me to help out at your shop?"

"Of course it's true. We're brothers, why would I lie to you?"

Xu Liang spoke with a smile.

"What I need in this shop is someone who can endure hardship and is trustworthy. You are the most suitable. Come and help me. Let's work together as brothers to make the business even more prosperous, and you can earn money to support your family in peace."

Sun Zhonglei felt a surge of warmth in his heart, and his eyes even reddened.

He and Xu Liang grew up together and were as close as brothers. Now that he was in dire straits, Xu Liang helped him without hesitation, and he remembered this kindness.

"Okay! I'll do it!"

Sun Zhonglei nodded emphatically.

"Don't worry, I'll definitely do my best. I'm not afraid of any hardship or fatigue. I can learn to wash and chop vegetables. I'll never hold you back!"

"We brothers don't say things like that."

Xu Liang patted his arm, feeling reassured.

"Come to the store tomorrow, and I'll show you around the kitchen."

Having finalized all the job assignments at once, Xu Liang walked home.

Just then, a gentle evening breeze blew by, carrying the warmth of early spring. He looked up at the sunset on the horizon and couldn't help but sigh.

gorgeous!

The days of struggling alone are finally coming to an end. With Aunt Lu and Aunt Bai in charge of cleaning, Chen Yang managing the cash register, and Sun Zhonglei helping out in the kitchen, things are finally looking up.

He was finally able to focus on cooking, refine the dishes, and run the shop better.

Back at the restaurant, Xu Liang quickly tidied up his things. Looking at the empty but clean storefront, he felt hopeful.

The next morning, just as dawn was breaking, Xu Liang rode his old bicycle to the restaurant as usual. Unexpectedly, Sun Zhonglei had arrived even earlier and was standing at the entrance of the restaurant, carrying his homemade breakfast.

Immediately afterwards, Aunt Lu and Aunt Bai arrived together, each carrying a clean rag.

As soon as I entered, I started tidying up the shop with practiced ease, wiping tables and sweeping the floor. I was very quick and efficient.

Chen Yang arrived at the store on time. Xu Liang briefly explained the rules for cashiering and bookkeeping to him, and he understood immediately and quickly got into the swing of things.

With each of the four people doing their part, the once quiet restaurant suddenly became lively.

Xu Liang stood in the kitchen, watching Sun Zhonglei carefully wash the ingredients and arrange the dishes. Although his movements were not very skilled, he was very attentive.

Outside, you could hear the sounds of the aunties tidying up the tables and chairs, as well as Chen Yang organizing the cash register.

Before long, the gas stove flames roared, the hot oil in the pot sizzled, and the aroma of the ingredients gradually filled the air.

Xu Liang gripped the spatula tightly, his eyes resolute.

From today onwards, Xiao Liangzi Restaurant will no longer be a lone battle fought by him.

With a reliable partner, his culinary journey will surely be more stable and longer.