After signing the lease with Jiang Guohui, preparations for the new branch officially began. The first step was renovation.
Jiang Da didn’t have time to handle everything himself, so he entrusted the work to an old friend who managed construction projects.
The friend brought along a team of a dozen workers, and they signed a proper renovation contract with all terms clearly specified.
Jiang Da: “We’ve been friends for so many years; do I still need to worry about you?”
“Friendship is friendship, but work is work. This way, you can be at ease, and I’ll have peace of mind too.”
Later, Jiang Fuyue reviewed the contract. It not only ensured quality standards for the renovation but also strictly controlled the timeline, with both parties’ responsibilities clearly laid out.
“It’s reliable.”
Jiang Da puffed out his chest. “Of course! Do you think I’d hire someone who’d mess things up?”
“…” Recently, her dad seemed to be getting a bit cocky.
Han Yunru remarked, “That’s a good thing. Your dad’s always been a bit too naive; learning a bit of shrewdness could be beneficial.”
“Oh.” Your husband, your call.
The next step was hiring staff.
Based on past experience with hiring Aunt Liu, they knew this process wouldn’t be smooth.
First, the work in a small shop was more fragmented than in a chain restaurant, making it tough for some young people. Second, Han Yunru had high standards—aside from the basics like a neat appearance and good health, she wanted someone who was clean, had a pleasant smile, and was quick on their feet.
Jiang Da: “Where will we find someone like that? With those qualifications, they’d have gone somewhere better! Why would they settle for a small shop like ours?”
Eventually, Han Yunru lowered her standards, keeping only health and cleanliness as requirements, and letting go of the rest.
Soon, they held two rounds of interviews. The process was simple: Han Yunru would first select candidates who looked clean and neat, then they’d work a two-day trial at the shop.
Those who passed would sign a contract and officially join Jiang Ji. Those who didn’t would be paid daily and sent on their way.
But after two rounds, no one made the cut.
Sighing, Han Yunru sat in the shop. “Why is this so hard?”
Jiang Da muttered under his breath, “With your standards, it’s almost like matchmaking—of course it’s hard…”
A sharp look from Han Yunru silenced him instantly.
On Saturday, after Jiang Fuyue finished twelve math practice sheets, she went to the shop to help.
Her younger brother tagged along happily.
Upon arrival, they found Han Yunru dismissing the third round of candidates.
Jiang Da, both exasperated and amused, made a shrugging gesture toward Jiang Fuyue.
Sensing this, Han Yunru turned her head instantly.
Jiang Da: “!”
At noon, the store wasn’t busy, so Jiang Da cooked a few dishes, and the family shared a meal there.
Aunt Liu joined them and happily talked about her son, Hu Ben, who seemed to be doing well recently.
“…He’s finally staying on the right path. He goes to work every day, no more hanging out with those bad friends, and whether he earns a lot or a little isn’t as important as the stability.”
Jiang Fuyue nodded subtly. Since his public scolding in front of Liu Jinzhong, Hu Ben had been trying hard to improve, getting rid of many bad habits.
Little Six was more stable than Hu Ben, and there had hardly been any major issues.
Surprisingly, the two bars were running quite well under their management.
While Jiang Fuyue was lost in thought, Little Brother Jiang had already reached for the sweet and sour ribs on the plate several times.
“Dad, this is so good! Even better than before!”
“Really? Let me try…” Jiang Da picked up a small piece and put it in his mouth, chewing thoughtfully. “Not bad. This time, I added a few drops of lemon juice when thickening the sauce. Didn’t expect it to enhance the flavor. But the meat still isn’t tender enough—next time, I’ll try blanching it in rice soup and see if that helps.”
When it came to cooking, Jiang Da transformed from a man of few words into a chatterbox. Ask him anything, and he could talk endlessly.
Pancakes were his specialty, but that wasn’t the only dish he excelled at.
The dishes on the table were just a small sample of his skills.
It was said that one of the main reasons Han Yunru agreed to marry him back then was because of his cooking.
People say that to win over a man, you must first win over his stomach. The same principle applied to women.
Jiang Fuyue tasted the ribs—they were indeed better than before.
A sudden curiosity struck her. Where did Jiang Da learn to cook?
He had never mentioned it before. There was no way he had mastered it entirely on his own, right?
Just as she was about to ask, a group of people suddenly burst into the shop.
The man in the lead was burly and broad, shorter than Jiang Da but stockier. As he walked, the fat around his waist jiggled.
Behind him were a few more men, all similarly plump, with well-rounded figures and shiny, oily faces.
Aunt Liu was startled, thinking they were troublemakers. She immediately reached for her phone to call her son.
Han Yunru was also taken aback.
Little Brother Jiang quickly grabbed the plate of ribs and hid behind Jiang Fuyue. He peeked out while still munching, his cheeks bulging like a hamster’s.
As the owner and man of the house, Jiang Da couldn’t afford to back down. He stepped forward with a stern expression and demanded, “What do you want?”
The burly man hesitated. “Senior Brother, don’t you recognize us?”
Jiang Da: “?”
“I’m San Panger! And this is Fuman, and that’s Xiao Douzi… Do you remember now?”
Jiang Da’s eyes widened in shock. “San… San Panger?”
“Yes! Senior Brother! Where have you been all these years? We’ve been searching for you!”
“You… How are you all here? Come in, come in!”
The group squeezed into the shop. Han Yunru, though a bit bewildered, quickly composed herself and began to host them. “Take a seat, I’ll prepare some side dishes. Aunt Liu, come help me.”
“Got it!” Aunt Liu followed her into the kitchen.
San Panger grinned. “Senior Brother, that’s your wife, right? She’s gorgeous! You’re really lucky!”
Jiang Da waved him off. “What’s all this talk about looks? We’re just an old married couple.”
Jiang Fuyue scoffed inwardly.
Hah, men.
“By the way, San Panger, weren’t you guys in F City? What brings you to Linhuai?”
“A few days ago, Xiao Douzi was scrolling through some blog thing and saw a picture of you—not just once, but multiple times! Back when you left, he was only five or six, just starting as a disciple. He knew he had a Senior Brother but couldn’t remember what you looked like. Later, when he saw a photo in Fuman’s wallet, he finally put two and two together. Otherwise, we’d have found you much sooner!”
Jiang Ji Pancakes had skyrocketed in popularity thanks to a well-known food blogger.
First, Lin Qiao posted a recommendation on her Weibo account, “Qiaoqiao the Foodie.”
Then, her father, using his “Gourmet Old Lin” account with millions of followers, shared the post, making Jiang Ji an overnight sensation.
As more and more people visited, the shop’s reputation grew. It had now become a must-visit spot in Linhuai.
Jiang Da and Han Yunru’s daily routine consisted of selling pancakes, sweet soups, and stir-fries. If they had time, they would take photos with customers upon request.
With their photos circulating online, it was no surprise that someone recognized him.
San Panger sighed. “You left so suddenly back then, and we didn’t even get a chance to say goodbye…” His voice choked up, and his eyes turned red. “Senior Brother, you were really ruthless!”
Jiang Da gave a bitter smile.
It wasn’t that he didn’t say goodbye.
He never had the chance to.
“Alright, that’s all in the past now. No need to dwell on it.” Jiang Da patted San Panger’s shoulder in reassurance. “As long as everyone is doing well now, that’s all that matters. Master would be at peace knowing that.”
“Well… doing well is a stretch.” San Panger waved his hand with a dejected look.
“Come on, Cao Ji has grown bigger and bigger over the years. As Master’s direct disciples, you should all be doing better than me. No need for fake modesty!” Jiang Da teased.
But while he was grinning, the others all looked grim.
Jiang Da furrowed his brows slightly, about to ask more when Han Yunru came out with freshly cooked dishes.
“Sorry, we didn’t prepare much today. There’s not a lot to serve you, so don’t mind the simplicity,” she said while swiftly arranging the plates and setting out bowls and chopsticks.
“Sister-in-law, you’re too kind. We barged in without warning and are already troubling you and Senior Brother.”
“We’re all family here—no need for formalities. You guys chat, I’ll clean up the kitchen.”
With that, she took Aunt Liu along and left the men to talk.
San Panger gave Jiang Da a thumbs-up and lowered his voice. “Senior Brother, your wife—she’s amazing!”
