National Tide 1980.

Chapter 531

It was a quarter past twelve at noon, which was the busiest time for the "Altar Palace" restaurant.

Today, the tour guide of the Beijing Overseas Chinese Travel Agency brought a 53-member large Hong Kong City tour group.

So the restaurant, which was supposed to have an [-]% occupancy rate, suddenly became overcrowded.

Moreover, customers in Hong Kong City have different preferences for Chinese food than European and American customers, and they all eat casual meals.

The kitchen was even more overloaded, and it was bustling like never before.

I saw flames churning on the stove in the kitchen.

Just listen to the collision of pots and spoons and various stainless steel utensils one after another.

As for the waiters in charge of delivering the food, at least a dozen or so must have gathered here, anxiously waiting in line for the food.

Some people even crowded in front of the serving counter impatiently, begging to be the chef.

"Master Cheng, you go to our 'Circular Mound' dishes first, I'm quick! They are all soup dishes..."

"I'm sorry, Master Jiang, we can't wait any longer for the tables of the 'Shen Yue Department'. Those people seem to be starving and impatient. How about ordering out the two noodles first..."

"Master Chang, is your rock sugar turtle and peach blossom pan ready? The guests of the 'Praying Valley Altar' are all in a hurry, and they really want to complain..."

"Master Ai, how long will the roast duck be out of the oven? Yes, my five ducks are all from '72 Connected Room', okay, I will prepare the feeding tray right away..."

Along with the names of various vegetables, the scenic spots in the Temple of Heaven Park are also told at the same time.

This is not surprising, because this month, Ning Weimin took the advice of Du Huiti, the deputy manager of the administration department.

All private rooms in the "Altar Palace" are no longer distinguished by numbers, but are distinguished by plaques hung on the main landscape of the Temple of Heaven Park.

At this time, Pan Long, the manager of the restaurant, also hurried into the kitchen with an urgent voice.

"Is the official main course of the 'Emperor's Palace' out yet? I've been waiting for a long time."

The chef in charge of approving the dishes quickly responded.

"Not yet. There are still a few orders in between, Brother Pan, you see we are so busy here, I'm afraid we will have to wait a few more minutes..."

Pan Long ignored that and ordered a bit domineeringly.

"No, I have to do it right away! Move the other orders to the back and advance my dishes..."

One waiter had probably been waiting too long and was really in a hurry.

Regardless of the gap between superiors and subordinates, they argued hard.

"Then what should I do? Manager Pan, my customer is also in a hurry..."

But Pan Long refuted him without a doubt, and the reason for Gasser was quite good.

"Let go of this first! This is a special situation for me. The 'Huanggan Palace' is hosting guests from the Tourism Bureau and the Garden Bureau today. It's okay if you don't wait. Don't you want the brand that we have designated for tourism..."

So neither the waiter waiting for the food nor the chef who approved the food had anything to say.

After a while, two large dishes were served with four braised bowls, and they were freshly baked.

The chef in charge of approving the dishes shouted loudly, "Crab meat and sea cucumber, it's like honey, the main dish of the Imperial Palace! Brother Pan..."

Pan Long didn't delay, and immediately put the dishes on two large trays, holding each one high.

Then he quickly walked out of the kitchen with these things, and boarded the elevator with several other waiters who were carrying the dishes.

After arriving on the second floor, he walked along the elegantly decorated corridor until he arrived at the private room with the plaque of "Emperor Qiandian".

He waited until the waiter guarding the door opened the beaded curtain at the door, and then walked in.

The atmosphere in the private room is completely different, it is comfortable and leisurely, and harmonious.

The seven or eight people sitting on the table were either sipping wine or puffing cigarettes, and they didn't delay in putting down their chopsticks.

"...Don't worry, there is no problem. Our bureau has already held a meeting on your project, in order to build the first modern amusement park in the country. Our tourism bureau decided to fully support it. Reform means daring to be the first in the world. That's it. The question of location, is it really appropriate to put it in the south of the city?"

"Thank you very much. We have done sufficient planning and research on the location selection. The original intention is mainly to change the lack of parks in the south of the capital. Moreover, high-end restaurants have opened successively in Chongwen District this year, and the number of tourists to Temple of Heaven Park has also increased significantly. .So we are very confident that this amusement park project will land in Nancheng. Even if it does not destroy the green area, it will definitely improve the quality of life of the citizens and increase tax revenue for the country..."

"Yes, yes, Chongwen's economic construction and development in recent years are indeed quite good. This district government seems to be ambitious. I heard that the district is still planning a modern residential area. From this point of view, it may not take long. , Chongwen will be able to catch up with the East City and West City. But if the location is not a problem, then how to solve these modern amusement equipment? We can’t provide it in China. How do you think about this?”

"Our original idea was to cooperate with an American company to import. After all, the paradise called Di is famous all over the world. But a retired veteran cadre in our bureau met many Japanese businessmen during calligraphy and painting collection activities. He made an opinion that Japan The equipment is much cheaper than in the United States. If we cooperate with Japanese companies, it seems that we can save a lot of foreign exchange. At present, our bureau means the United States and Japan.

"Yes, the United States and Japan have their own advantages. We have to go around and choose. Let's see whether Mickey Mouse and Donald Duck are suitable, or Astro Boy is a good deal. This matter We support, absolutely support. The related expenses can be shared by both of us...Hey, the food is served, hurry up, everyone eat while it's hot..."

Pan Long moved around the dining table with the tray, and another waiter in the private room brought the dishes on the tray to the table one by one, and replaced the bone dish by the way.

At this time, Pan Long saw that outside the bead curtain in the private room, there seemed to be a person in a suit standing still and looking inside.

Following him, he recognized his backer, Du Hui, the deputy administrative manager.

So he understood immediately, and walked out of the private room by carrying the bone plate.

The two of them walked another three or four meters away in a tacit understanding before talking in a low voice in a relatively secluded corridor.

"Brother Du, what's the matter?"

"I'll come over and have a look. Is there any problem with you? Are the leaders of the Tourism Bureau and the Garden Bureau satisfied?"

"Fortunately, I appreciate the color and taste of the dishes. It's just that the main course was almost missed just now. Today our restaurant is full for the first time, and the kitchen is too busy. Especially the two tables in the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests, pure sincerity Make trouble, delayed for half an hour, just in time for the tour group. Otherwise, the situation could be better..."

"Well, we're all rushing together today. If you don't have time to serve the dishes at the Emperor's Palace, forget it. When you leave, you can bring some palace pastry gift boxes for the leaders. Remember, go to the back kitchen today. Don't compete with the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests, give in as long as you can, Manager Zhang is guarding there, don't mess with him, just hit the gunpoint yourself..."

Pan Long was surprised by this statement, and he expressed his displeasure.

"Ah? Isn't the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests the winner of the costume contest holding a celebration banquet? Our side is the Tourism Bureau and the Garden Bureau, not to mention that it's the fault of that side? Me? Let him?"

Du Hui said seriously, "Look, I knew you were going to be confused. Don't even think about it, why did Mr. Ning give the best private room over there? He also asked the kitchen to prepare ice sculptures? Mr. Ning is not here today, Manager Zhang went to receive the reception in person, and even sent a bottle of real French champagne on behalf of Manager Ning. What does this mean? In Mr. Ning's heart, is there any need to talk about it? We are not Mr. Ning's cronies, but we must With a little wink, I recognize my position. I can't do anything, even if I'm exhausted..."

"Oh..." Pan Long opened his mouth and turned his head, but his expression was quite negative.

Du Hui couldn't help shaking his head.

"Don't be so naive, I know he attacked you today, and you are not happy. But if someone punches you, you have to fight back right away? The future will be long, and you have to look at the long-term. Besides, cronyism is the same everywhere. Otherwise, why should I put you Transferred here? The important thing is to pay attention to methods and strategies even in the fight.”

"I'll tell you, I used to go straight and straight. I only knew how to work hard, and I suffered a lot. Otherwise, I haven't been transferred to the first level in the service bureau for three years. If it wasn't for luck this time, I ran into someone else called 'Tan Gong'." I will never have a chance to take up a beautiful job that is regarded as a drudgery."

"Pan Zi, I treat you like a brother, that's why I'm telling you this. You have to think about it this way, Mr. Zhang may not always be able to make Mr. Ning trust as much as he does now. And our restaurant, it's good, don't look at it At present, there is only one in Nancheng, which is actually nothing."

"Compared to this, Beishen's Kitchen covers thousands of square meters! If it really opens there, it will be in our hands. Then you don't need to wear this gray coat, just change into a suit. Don't be so shallow!"

Now Pan Long really understood, and his tone was filled with excitement.

"Hey, don't worry. I understand, fat is not fat..."

At this time, in the "Altar Palace" restaurant, in the most luxurious and spacious "Praying Harmony Hall" private room, there was another scene.

Two large round tables filled with cold meat and hot dishes were not only covered with the most gorgeous brocade tablecloths.

And there is a big flower basket in the middle of the table.

All the chopsticks for the banquets at the two tables were also made of silver.

A large bottle of authentic French champagne that has been opened is inserted in the ice basin sprinkled with flower petals, waiting for the guests to call.

There is also an ice sculpture phoenix at least one meter long and sixty centimeters high, which is placed on the isolation table between the two banquet tables.

Not only was it emitting heavy smoke, but it was also dripping like water into the ice tray below.

But it was such a ostentatious feast, but the atmosphere was really weird.

Not for anything else, just because Qu Xiao's father tried his best to persuade his relatives to drink and serve food despite showing a smiling face.

Even Qu Xiao's mother came to the table of the model team to make a fuss, so that Qu Xiao's little sisters must eat and drink well.

But Qu Xiao himself sat on the seat like a wooden man and bowed his head in silence.

From the fact that she doesn't touch the chopsticks at all and doesn't talk to people much, it can be seen how depressed she really is.

So how could today's guests be happy?
Everyone's response to Qu Xiao's parents is naturally not very positive, they are all indifferent and perfunctory.

For this scene, even Zhang Shihui, who personally organized the celebration banquet, felt embarrassed.

He didn't want to mess up this matter, so he weighed it in his heart and found a chance to call out Qu Xiao.

Relying on mutual acquaintance's friendship and advice.

"Xiao Qu, everyone came here to celebrate you today. What's the matter with you? I'm afraid that you will cry on the spot, and everyone will be so embarrassed. Can't you be happier? ?”

"Brother Zhang, you are laughing at me. I want to be happy too, but I can't do it. It's not like you don't know that Brother Ning and Xiao Shitou didn't come today. They both promised me..."

"Didn't I explain it to you? Weimin is going to the head office for a meeting today. Mr. Pierre Carton is about to return to China. As the big boss, he must have ordered a lot of things. There's no way, he's serving other people's bowls , you have to obey others. Besides, he has been thinking about you all the time, and this hall is specially arranged for you. You are the only person who can enjoy ice sculptures and champagne treatment at our place..."

"I know, I'm very grateful to Brother Ning, I don't blame him. But little stone, she... She's my best friend... How could she? How could she not come? How could she not count her words? She's mad at me, she doesn't consider me a friend anymore. If I had known I wouldn't have participated in this competition..."

As he said that, Qu Xiao's eye circles were really red, and tears began to condense in the eye sockets.

Zhang Shihui couldn't help sighing.

"Xiao Qu, we are old colleagues, and we joined the model team together again. I witnessed with my own eyes how hard you put in your efforts and achieved today's good results. That's why I keep calling you 'Brother Zhang' and 'Brother Zhang'. I I also have to advise you a few words."

"Girl, don't be angry. In fact, who wouldn't want to win the championship? It is your luck and blessing to become famous in one fell swoop and attract thousands of attention. How many people would like to become you. But there is only one champion , if you hold it, others will lose it. Naturally, they will be jealous of you, even the best friends."

"In fact, many friends are like this. They can often accompany you when you are mediocre. It is because they need people who are not as good as themselves to set off their excellence. But when you achieve a lot more than them, they will appreciate your excellence. and grow up with low self-esteem, and start to stay away from you. This is normal."

"If you pay close attention, you will definitely find out. In fact, your life has changed a long time ago. Since you became a full-time model, has anyone from our Chongwenmen Hotel contacted you? Think again, when we joined the model team, How many of those past acquaintances are left now? This is the price of fame! Growing pains!"

Zhang Shihui's words were very effective, and the tears that Qu Xiao was about to shed just now completely disappeared.

But what was replaced was inexplicable shock and an expression of not knowing how to respond.

It took me a long time to say, "Brother Zhang, Xiao Shitou is probably not that kind of person, she really cares about me... I... I don't know what to say, anyway, if I have to choose, as long as we can still be the same as before. I'd rather give up the championship to Xiao Shitou, I won't be jealous of her anyway..."

Zhang Shihui was both amused and relieved by Qu Xiao's anxious defense.

This feeling is actually a bit contradictory.

It's like seeing a colorful bubble floating in the air.

I hope that this kind of beauty can last forever, but I also know that it is impossible.

Smiling and shaking her head, Zhang Shihui continued to persuade from another angle.

"Xiao Qu, you are a very simple girl, which is very attractive. But you are almost 20 years old, and you must not be childish anymore. The reality is, whether you like it or not, you are already a champion, and this cannot be changed .And you didn't make any mistakes in this matter, and you don't need to blame yourself for it at all."

"It is mediocre not to be envied by others. It is normal for excellent people to have different friends at different stages of life. If you cannot understand this, then you will not be able to go on this road. The same is true for Shi Kaili. If she If you can't accept the reality, she can't go on, and she doesn't deserve to be your friend anymore."

"Maybe you think my words are a bit cruel, but this is the adult world. Each of us is always growing and changing, constantly finding our own right place and adapting to new situations, rather than letting others and the environment adapt to us. And As the level goes up, you will find that it becomes more and more difficult to make true friends."

"If you don't believe it, you walk out of the 'Altar Palace' now, just look across the road and you will find it. When your model friends are here to celebrate you, their boyfriends can only push bicycles, waiting outside pitifully .In fact, during the model training, they also waited in the Drum Tower, but they rarely showed up."

"Isn't this kind of thing ridiculous? Obviously you don't mind, right? But all of your model friends are very concerned and don't want to let these men show up. Why? Just because your models are famous and rich Quickly, it is very difficult for men to catch up with you. Those men waiting outside are actually destined to be given up in their hearts, but these men still don’t know it, or they know it clearly. But dare not face reality."

"If you still don't believe me, just take a look at Weimin and me. Even if we have been getting along in harmony, can the relationship between each other maintain the original appearance and not change? I'm not afraid to tell you that now I am not equal to him, I just To be able to follow in his footsteps. Of course, I don’t want to complain, but I am grateful. This is the main reason why he and I continue to be friends. We have both adapted to our new roles and positions.”

"In other words, if Xiaoshi really cherishes you as a friend, then after a while, she may adjust her mentality. Just like Weimin and I are as proud of you. You just have to wait quietly for her to make a move." Just choose."

"Finally, let me advise you again. You have to think about your parents. You can get to this point, how much worry and pressure they have to bear, how much gossip they have to listen to. Now it's finally time to be proud of you. In the end, you are like this again, don't you make it difficult for them? Don't you have the heart to see your parents laughing for you?"

"Cheer up, girl, you should go back now like a true champion. Don't disappoint everyone, don't embarrass your parents, this is your most important responsibility..."

In this way, Qu Xiao finally changed Lin Daiyu's sadness and became a little more cheerful.

But Zhang Shihui, who spent a long time spitting, was thinking when looking at Qu Xiao's back:

This girl is completely unprepared to step into Vanity Fair and face utilitarianism and snobbery.

If that kid Ning Weimin knew, would he feel overwhelmed?

Will he regret the hands and feet he moved behind his back?

(End of this chapter)