1995: From a small restaurant to a culinary genius

Chapter 55 Revenue Reaches New Heights

The next morning, as the first light of dawn broke on the horizon, a thin mist still lingered over the small town in Sichuan and Chongqing.

In the morning, the street corner was filled with a cacophony of noise.

A large crowd had already gathered in front of Xu Liang's small restaurant.

The rich aroma of wheat and the spicy fragrance of Sichuan and Chongqing wafted far on the morning breeze, captivating passersby and making them unable to move their feet.

Steam rose continuously from the steamer, seeping out through the gaps in the lid, making the small shop feel warm and cozy.

Xu Liang stood guard in front of the stove, his eyes fixed on the steamer basket in the pot, his hands precisely controlling the heat of the steaming process.

"Boss, how much longer until it's ready? The smell is making my mouth water!"

A young man's urging voice came from the doorway. The speaker was Li Lei, a worker at the town's brick and tile factory. He was eighteen years old, a time when he had a big appetite and was still growing.

Every morning, Li Lei would eat two white steamed buns and drink a bowl of thin porridge. He ate this day after day, and he was already tired of it.

He had just passed by the small restaurant this morning when he was drawn in by the spicy aroma and stopped to eat.

Moreover, he was at the very front of the line, waiting.

"Almost done, almost done! It'll be ready in five more minutes!"

Xu Liang responded by lifting a crack in the pot lid, and steam instantly gushed out.

The unique aroma of the steamed buns grew stronger, eliciting gasps of surprise from the crowd.

Just then, two tall and straight figures walked through the crowd and stood steadily at the entrance of the restaurant.

It was the middle-aged man who had dined there yesterday, along with his young attendant.

The man was still wearing a well-fitting navy blue Zhongshan suit, but today he had added a dark coat. His demeanor remained calm and reserved, and his gaze was fixed on the steaming restaurant, with a faint smile on his lips.

The young attendant was carrying a clean cloth bag, clearly there to collect the steamed buns he had ordered yesterday.

However, it might have been bought for the cadres in the group, or it might have been bought and frozen so that it could be steamed at home.

"Comrade Zhang, you've finally arrived!"

Xu Liang recognized the two at a glance, and immediately put down his work to greet them warmly.

"The steamed buns will be ready soon. I've set aside the dozen or so you ordered, and I guarantee they'll all be soft, fluffy, and flavorful."

The middle-aged man in front of me, referred to as Comrade Zhang, whose full name is Zhang Jingchen, was clearly no ordinary guest, as I could tell during our meal yesterday.

Xu Liang knew that this was a distinguished customer of the small shop. If Jiang Haiping, the former noodle factory manager, was a diamond VIP, then this person was a platinum VIP. Therefore, Xu Liang had to treat him with utmost hospitality.

Zhang Jingchen nodded slightly, his gaze sweeping over the crowd gathered at the door. A hint of surprise flashed in his eyes, then he smiled and opened his mouth.

"It seems that Mr. Xu's steamed buns are very popular with the villagers."

"It's all thanks to everyone's support; the people of our small town just love this spicy flavor."

Xu Liang responded politely, then turned to look at the kitchen stove.

"It's almost done, it'll be ready to serve soon!"

As soon as he finished speaking, Xu Liang quickly walked back to the stove, put on the coarse cloth gloves he had prepared in advance, and lifted the pot lid.

In an instant, scalding steam shot into the sky, and a rich aroma exploded, filling the entire small restaurant.

Inside the steamer, the spicy flower rolls are a vibrant blend of white and red, with their layers of pleats unfolding and their surface gleaming with a warm sheen.

The red and green in the patterns complement each other, clearly indicating a combination of chili peppers and scallions, which looks incredibly appetizing.

"Out of the oven! Sichuan-style spicy steamed buns, 50 cents each, piping hot!"

Xu Liang called out to the diners, and the crowd at the entrance instantly erupted in excitement.

"Give me two!"

Li Lei was the first to take out a dollar and hand it to Xu Liang, his eyes fixed on the kitchen, as if afraid he wouldn't be able to grab it.

"I want three! My kid loves spicy food, and these steamed buns smell just right!"

Aunt Wang from the next village, carrying a vegetable basket, squeezed to the front.

She came to the town market early in the morning, and couldn't resist the aroma, thinking of buying a few for her family.

"Boss, four please! I need something to eat on my long-distance bus journey!"

Old Zhao, a long-haul truck driver, parked his old-fashioned bicycle on the side of the road and waved it over.

He has been a truck driver for many years and has tried all kinds of light breakfasts along the way, but this spicy steamed bun was the first time he had ever seen one, so he immediately decided to buy a few more.

For a moment, the small restaurant was filled with the clinking of change.

The sounds of diners urging them on and the aroma of steamed buns filled the air; this scene was unlike anything the street-side breakfast stalls in town had ever witnessed.

Xu Liang deftly placed the steamed buns one by one into a clean, rough porcelain plate, then took out a food-grade plastic bag he had prepared in advance and packed them up one by one, his movements quick but orderly.

He carefully packed the sixteen steamed buns that Zhang Jingchen had ordered and handed them over, saying, "Comrade Zhang, here are your steamed buns."

Zhang Jingchen's young attendant, named Xiao Lin, quickly took the cloth bag, took out money from his wallet, and handed it over.

"Boss Xu, here's eight coins for you."

"Okay."

Xu Liang took the money and secretly calculated that this one order alone brought in eight yuan, which was equivalent to most of a day's wages for an ordinary worker.

Zhang Jingchen picked up a steaming hot steamed bun, gently broke off a piece, and put it in his mouth.

The soft, fluffy noodles melted on his tongue, the aroma of wheat perfectly complementing the numbing spiciness. The Sichuan peppercorns were pure and numbing, the chili peppers were irresistibly spicy—it tasted exactly the same as yesterday. He nodded in satisfaction.

"It still tastes great; Mr. Xu's culinary skills are truly remarkable."

"I'm glad you like it. Please come again anytime," Xu Liang replied with a smile, then turned to greet the other diners.

Li Lei received two steamed buns and eagerly took a big bite. The scalding aroma spread in his mouth, and the soft dough wrapped in spicy seasoning became more and more fragrant with each chew.

He couldn't help but squint his eyes and exclaim in admiration.

"It's so delicious! A hundred times better than plain steamed buns! Only 50 cents each, it's such a great deal, I'll buy it every day from now on!"

He finished one in a few bites, with a little chili powder on the corner of his mouth, but he didn't bother to wipe it off. He picked up a second one and started eating it, which made the diners around him laugh.

Aunt Wang took three steamed buns, broke off a small piece to taste, and found that the spiciness was just right, the aroma was rich and numbing, and the dough was soft and fragrant, not dry at all.

She beamed with joy.

"These steamed buns are really authentic. We Sichuan and Chongqing people love to eat them. I'll get some for my husband to try when I get home, and I'll buy more next time!"

Truck driver Lao Zhao tucked the steamed bun into his coat to keep it warm and gave Xu Liang a thumbs up.

"Boss, your steamed buns are amazing! I'll definitely buy from you again next time I'm on a long trip!"

More and more people are drawn to the fragrance.

Factory workers, students from the town, villagers going to the market, and street vendors all flocked to the restaurant entrance, forming a long queue.

Xu Liang was so busy he barely had time to breathe.

Collecting money, giving change, packing, and steaming flower rolls—there's never a moment's rest.

The first batch of over forty steamed buns sold out in just over ten minutes.

He quickly placed the second batch of steamed bun dough he had prepared in advance onto the steamer and started steaming them again.

Some people in the queue were getting impatient but reluctant to leave, so they stood at the door chatting.

"Before, breakfast in town consisted of nothing but plain steamed buns and thin porridge. We got tired of it after eating it for over ten years. Finally, something new to try!"

"Boss Xu's skills are really good. The steamed buns are exquisitely made, and the taste is authentic. They're only 50 cents each, and the portion is generous. It's such a good deal!"

"I don't need to eat dry steamed buns for breakfast anymore. I can just buy steamed buns here. They taste delicious even with just boiled water!"

Among the crowd was Chen Xiulan, a teacher from the town's primary school.

She was passing by with her students when they were attracted by the aroma and lined up to buy two.

She usually eats light food, but she was also captivated by the flavor of these spicy steamed buns. The spiciness was just right, not too strong, and the more she ate, the more delicious they became.

Moreover, Xu Liang's small steamed buns also offer different levels of spiciness, including mild, medium, extra spicy, and extremely spicy.

"Boss Xu, your steamed buns are really well-seasoned, with just the right amount of spiciness. Both adults and children can enjoy them. I'll come here to buy them every morning from now on."

Chen Xiulan said with a smile.

Her words were echoed by several teachers around her, who all decided to choose this spicy steamed bun shop for breakfast from now on.

The second batch of steamed buns was quickly cooked and sold out again.

Looking at the endless stream of customers in front of him, Xu Liang became even more convinced that his decision to focus on the breakfast market was absolutely right this time.

He prepared enough dough in advance to make eighty steamed buns, and it was all steamed and sold out before eight o'clock.

Many diners who missed out looked disappointed and kept asking when more would be available.

"Sorry, I didn't prepare enough dough today. I'll make more tomorrow so everyone can get some!"

Xu Liang apologized repeatedly, but looking at the empty steamer, he was filled with surprise.

During the break, he wiped the sweat from his forehead, looked down and counted the change in his hand: one cent, five cents, one dollar, the banknotes and coins piled up in his hand, heavy with weight.

Just the spicy steamed buns alone, all eighty of them sold out, which cost forty yuan!

In addition, more and more customers came to have breakfast, ordering a bowl of vegetarian soup and a side of pickled vegetables.

Several workers who arrived early ordered stir-fry with steamed buns, and their morning revenue was a whopping 62 yuan!

It's important to understand that in an era when the average worker's monthly salary was only a little over three hundred yuan, Xu Liang's small restaurant used to only serve lunch and dinner, with a daily revenue of only thirty or forty yuan.

Now, the revenue in just one morning exceeds that of a whole day in the past, setting a new record for single-day revenue since the store opened!

Xu Liang clutched the money in his hand, his fingertips trembling slightly, his heart filled with long-awaited excitement.

This is not just about the money he earns, but also about how his spicy steamed buns have gained the complete recognition of his fellow villagers.

The small shop's breakfast business has finally gained a firm foothold.

At this moment, Zhang Jingchen and Xiao Lin hadn't left yet. The two stood on the street corner, watching the bustling scene in front of the small restaurant. Xiao Lin couldn't help but speak up.

"Director Zhang, Mr. Xu's cooking skills are truly amazing. His breakfast business is unique in the town."

Zhang Jingchen looked at Xu Liang, who was busy running around but always had a smile on his face, and said with admiration in his eyes.

"He's a hard worker, skilled, honest, and knows how to seize business opportunities. It's no wonder his business is thriving. It's a pleasant surprise that we can find such authentic Sichuan cuisine in this small town."

He paused, then continued.

"After we get back, we'll let the town's guesthouse know that our work group will have our meals at this restaurant from now on. The food is reliable and we'll enjoy our meals there."

Xiaolin quickly agreed.

"Okay, I'll arrange it right away."

The two looked around for a few more moments before turning and leaving, disappearing into the morning crowd.

Xu Liang was busy serving customers and didn't notice this scene. If he had known, he would have known that this seemingly ordinary Comrade Zhang was actually a leader from the town who was on an inspection tour.

They even plan to book all the work team's meals at his restaurant, which will probably bring even more surprises.

Over here, the customers who hadn't managed to buy any steamed buns still refused to leave, surrounding Xu Liang and constantly giving him instructions.

"Boss, please make extra tomorrow! I'm lining up early this morning!"

"Leave me five; I'll come pick them up first thing tomorrow morning!"

Xu Liang nodded repeatedly, agreeing to everything.

"Don't worry, I've prepared 150 steamed buns for tomorrow, that's plenty! And besides steamed buns, I'm also making spicy meat buns, so everyone can come and try them tomorrow!"

Upon hearing this, everyone cheered even more, eagerly anticipating breakfast the next day.

After finishing his steamed bun, Li Lei from the brick factory wiped his mouth and patted his chest, saying...

"Boss, I'll come right after my night shift tomorrow morning to buy some for all the workers in my team, at least ten!"

"Okay, I'll save it for you!"

Xu Liang smiled and agreed.

Aunt Wang also said.

"I'll go back and tell all the neighbors in the village, and everyone will come and buy them. Your steamed buns will definitely be a hit throughout the whole town!"

As time passed, the bustling crowd gradually dispersed, and the noise at the street corner slowly subsided.

Xu Liang looked at the empty steamer basket, then counted the revenue in his hand, and couldn't hide his smile any longer.

Sixty-two yuan—his income for the morning was something he never dared to dream of before.

In the past, the small shop only served lunch and dinner. During the off-season, the daily revenue was only about 20 yuan, and after deducting the cost of ingredients, there was very little left.

Having pioneered the breakfast market for a long time, a single spicy steamed bun has ignited a business boom.

It not only filled the restaurant's morning slump but also brought in substantial profits and accumulated a large customer base.

He tidied up the stove and washed the cutting board and rolling pin he had used. Looking at the clean and tidy restaurant, he was filled with anticipation.

At this rate, it won't be long before he can offer a full range of breakfast items, with spicy meat buns, brown sugar potstickers, and scallion pancakes to follow.

Of course, the restaurant's revenue will only continue to increase.

In this small town, his little restaurant will sooner or later become a renowned establishment praised by everyone.

Moreover, thanks to the approval of these two distinguished guests, Zhang Jingchen, and the recommendations from the neighbors, the shop's reputation spread far and wide.

In this age of limited information, word-of-mouth is the best advertisement; it spreads from one person to ten, and from ten to a hundred.

Xu Liang walked to the door and looked at the gradually bustling town streets. Sunlight pierced through the thin mist and shone on the streets and alleys, warm and bright.

In the distance, workers hurried to the factory on their old-fashioned bicycles, vegetable farmers carried their loads on shoulder poles and called out at the market, and children skipped and hopped to school with their schoolbags on their backs.

Today is just the beginning of the breakfast trend.

In the days to come, his small restaurant will surely become a huge hit thanks to this spicy steamed bun and many other breakfast dishes with Sichuan and Chongqing characteristics.

If this continues, the restaurant's revenue will break new records time and time again.

In the 1990s, Xu Liang was able to establish himself firmly in Huaikou Town with his solid skills and stride towards a better life.