By 11 PM on a winter night, the Old Farmer's Stew Restaurant was still brightly lit, bustling inside and out. Secretary Zhou and Ouyang Xue parked the car, and the group entered the lively dining hall. Han Chufeng, Li Zhijiang, Manager Ma, and the driver, Xiao Zhao, were already there and greeted them warmly.
After the initial greetings and introductions, everyone took their seats.
Old Farmer's Stew Restaurant was known for its hearty northern Chinese stews. It lacked the simplicity of roadside eateries and the extravagance of business banquet halls, making it perfect for family or friends' gatherings. A large ceramic pot was placed over a slow fire on the table, filled with various meats, vermicelli, tofu, and vegetables, simmering together for a wholesome and satisfying meal.
The waiter handed over the menu, but Han Chufeng didn't need to look. "We'll have a large pot of stew without chili, some country-style stir-fries, a bottle of Wuliangye, a bottle of white wine, and some almond milk and colas. Also, bring us eight bowls of mixed noodles, but we'll let you know when to start cooking them."
With the orders taken, Han Chufeng lit a cigarette. "Some of you might not know each other. This is Li Zhijiang, manager of an antique shop and a friend of mine and Yuanying's. This is Rui Xiaodan, a criminal investigator from the ancient city's Public Security Bureau. This is Ouyang Xue, manager of the Venus Hotel and the soon-to-be chairman of the newly established Ge Lu Shi Audio Company in Beijing. Although we haven't met before, we have collaborated on financing for Ge Lu Shi. And this is Manager Ma from Zhengtian Building."
Rui Xiaodan stood up and shook hands with Li Zhijiang due to his connection with Ding Yuanying. The others nodded and smiled politely.
To ease the unfamiliarity, Han Chufeng mentioned, "This place's mixed noodles are a specialty, prepared individually with dried sweet potato leaves. Nowhere else in Beijing serves them like this."
Manager Ma added, "The sweet potato leaves are only available once a year. The whole village dries them to supply this restaurant, selecting tender leaves, washing them thoroughly, and blanching them before drying."
Li Zhijiang laughed, "If you try to open a restaurant like this, you'd go out of business."
Manager Ma responded, "True, the secret recipe stays secret, or the owner would lose out."
The stew and drinks arrived shortly, and everyone filled their glasses. Han Chufeng raised his glass. "It's a pleasure to gather here by chance. Let's toast to Ouyang Xue's new audio company and its early success!"
Everyone raised their glasses, some with liquor and others with soft drinks.
Han Chufeng turned to Xiao Yawen. "Ouyang Xue and her team are new to Beijing. If they need your help, don't hesitate to lend a hand. You never know who might be able to assist."
Yawen smiled, "They're just looking for a store, a warehouse, and a few reliable agencies. It's all simple errands. If it were difficult, they wouldn't ask me because I wouldn't be able to handle it."
Han Chufeng inquired, "A warehouse? Isn't there space in the store?"
Yawen explained, "There is, and we could squeeze out a couple of rooms for stock. But Ding always specified a warehouse of 150 to 200 square meters with fire, theft, and moisture protection, indicating it's for long-term storage, not just temporary goods."
Understanding the need, Han Chufeng realized the importance of proper storage for valuable audio equipment, which could cost up to several million yuan.
He asked, "Where's the warehouse you found?"
Yawen said, "I contacted a few, and while they're suitable, they're a bit far. We haven't finalized anything yet since the store won't need the warehouse immediately."
Han Chufeng suggested, "You shouldn't have to run around. Ask Manager Ma; paying the rent is enough."
Yawen declined, "That's not something I'd consider. If Ding wanted Manager Ma's warehouse, he'd call directly, not involve me. If he entrusted me, it means he didn't want to bother Manager Ma with such a small matter."
Manager Ma reassured, "Not at all, it's no trouble."
Li Zhijiang joked, "If I were Ding, I wouldn't involve you either. Why owe you a favor when money can solve it?"
Manager Ma laughed, "Does that mean Ding wanted to owe Yawen a favor?"
Han Chufeng clarified, "You're mistaken. Yawen and Xiaodan's relationship isn't about favors."
Manager Ma added, "Then Ding is being too considerate. I'll call him to scold him later." Turning to Yawen, he said, "The basement levels of Zhengtian Building are warehouse areas. Most serve the tenants, and some are rented to nearby merchants. The rent is higher, but the competition is fierce. Our warehouses are professionally managed, with security, fire protection, and ventilation, like a bank's safe deposit box, making it convenient for storing and accessing goods."
Yawen agreed, "I'll visit Zhengtian Building soon. Thank you, Manager Ma."
Manager Ma insisted, "Don't mention thanks, or it'll create distance between us."
Han Chufeng encouraged everyone to eat. They enjoyed the hearty stew and rounds of drinks. After a while, Yawen put down her chopsticks and addressed Han Chufeng.
"Han, I have something to say, and I hope you'll correct me if I'm wrong."
"Go ahead," Han Chufeng encouraged.
Yawen began, "Once, during a dinner with Ding, I asked how to handle things appropriately. Ding said, 'Appropriateness is false; it's not the true essence.' I asked him what the true essence was, and he said, 'Everything.' I didn't understand and asked for practical advice. He told me, 'Adapt to circumstances, cherish relationships, and don't seek beyond your reach.' I've always remembered that."
Han Chufeng nodded, "I remember that."
Yawen continued, "Last time Xiaodan came to Beijing, I saw you from a distance at the station with Xiao Zhao holding a sign. I knew stepping forward would be overstepping, so I went to work instead. Tonight, we're fortunate to sit together, but it feels like I'm just another pair of chopsticks at the table. If following Ding's advice, I hope you'll give me a chance to host a meal for my friends."
Han Chufeng was moved. "There's no 'if.' Tonight, it's your treat."
Li Zhijiang agreed, "Yes, if Han were paying, we'd all be extra chopsticks except Xiaodan. If Yawen is paying, there's no excess."
Rui Xiaodan smiled, and the unease she felt earlier dissipated.