Bianyifang is the oldest roast duck restaurant in Beijing, maintaining its authentic traditional oven-roasted duck and Shandong cuisine through various historical changes. During the Cultural Revolution, it was briefly renamed "New Lu Restaurant," but it returned to its original name afterward. Bianyifang spans over 2,000 square meters, with a grand dining hall and private rooms that can accommodate over a thousand diners simultaneously. The restaurant's decor is both luxurious and grand, blending modern vibes with the charm of a historic brand.
As they entered Bianyifang, Ye Xiaoming asked the approaching waiter, "Do you have a private room?"
The waiter replied, "Yes, we do."
Zhao Zhongtao said, "Private rooms lack atmosphere. It's too quiet."
Yu Zhiwei agreed, "The main dining hall is better, more lively."
The main dining hall was bustling and noisy, filled with diners, a testament to the restaurant's popularity. Led by a waiter, the four found a table and sat down. Another waiter promptly served tea.
Zhao took out a pack of Marlboro cigarettes and handed them to Yu and Liu Bing. Yu lit cigarettes for Zhao and Liu before taking out his own pack of Jian cigarettes and lighting one. Knowing that Ye Xiaoming didn't smoke, no one offered him a cigarette.
Ye handed the menu to Zhao, saying, "Mr. Zhao, you're the senior here, you order."
Zhao demurred, "None of us come here often, let's keep it simple."
Ye glanced at the menu but couldn't make sense of it. So, he told the waiter, "One roast duck, four hot dishes, and two cold dishes. Pick the signature dishes that best represent Bianyifang, and mix some meat and vegetables. Also, a bottle of Maotai."
Zhao quickly interjected, "No Maotai, let's have a bottle of 65-degree Beijing Erguotou. Four hot dishes are too much; two will suffice. This gentleman is driving and can't drink, so bring two cans of soft drinks."
Ye laughed, "Mr. Zhao, don't save money on my account. I can afford a meal."
Zhao said, "The portions here are large. Finishing this will be an accomplishment. In an old Beijing restaurant, we should drink old Beijing Erguotou. It's the real deal for true enthusiasts, the kind of strong liquor that brings you to a state of serene transcendence."
As they waited for the food, Liu Bing smoked silently, flipping through the menu, listening to Ye and the guests chat. The prices ranged from tens to hundreds of yuan. He had often wondered about the scenes inside these luxurious restaurants and how much a meal cost. Now, surrounded by opulent decor and seeing diners eat unabashedly, he felt a dizzying sense of being part of a world that once seemed unreachable. He sighed contentedly, a look of ambition in his eyes, feeling like he was grasping something intangible yet significant.
The cold dishes and drinks arrived first, and they began to toast. As their relationships were primarily business, the conversation was light and superficial, not delving into personal matters.
After a round of toasts, Yu commented, "Ye, your car is impressive."
This seemingly casual remark was a subtle probe into Ye's background and company status. Ye picked up on this, waving his chopsticks, "I'm not that fortunate. A good car is still someone else's. Unlike you, your cars are your own."
Yu laughed, "Please don't tease me like that. That car is reserved for the company's top brass when they visit Beijing. I'm not at the level to be assigned a car."
Zhao chuckled, "My old jeep can barely be called a car. You'd be embarrassed to be seen next to it."
Ye smiled and cupped his hands in a mock salute, "Mr. Zhao, I hope I haven't offended you."
Everyone laughed heartily.
At this point, two hot dishes were served: Stewed Three Shreds Shark Fin and Goldfish Duck Web, both signature dishes of Bianyifang. Just then, a cart with a roast duck arrived. The chef, wearing a white hat, expertly sliced the crispy, golden-brown duck, placing the thin slices on a pristine plate.
Wrapping a slice of duck with hoisin sauce and scallions in a lotus leaf bun, they savored the delicious flavors, feeling like they were in a divine realm.
After the satisfying meal, the group leisurely exited Bianyifang. Outside, the drizzle continued, the rain reflecting the city's vibrant lights, adding a soft beauty to Beijing's grandeur.
Back in the car, Ye suggested, "How about stopping by the store for some guidance?"
Yu responded, "Even though the invitation was late, it's still welcome."
Zhao agreed, "I've been curious about your setup, especially the potentiometers on the power amps."
Liu Bing drove through the wide streets, the car lights streaming like a flowing river. He glanced at Ye, admiring how he handled every situation with a calm and appropriate demeanor.
At Ge Lu Shi Audio Store, Liu parked near the entrance to minimize the rain exposure when getting out. Zhao and Yu paused, looking at the neon-lit sign, "Ge Lu Shi Audio Co., Ltd."
Yang, seeing the guests, held the door open and greeted them politely. The three men, slightly tipsy, exuded a faint smell of alcohol as they entered.
Ye introduced, "This is Yang." He then instructed Yang, "Boil some water for tea."
Zhao remarked, "The name 'Ge Lu Shi' is quite refined."
Ye replied, "A friend helped come up with it."
Zhao and Yu scanned the store's layout, their eyes quickly focusing on the unique audio setup amidst the audio racks. Yu examined the speakers, which resembled Le Sheng's flagship models but had additional drivers and a bass reflex port. Zhao's gaze fixed on the eight Sleek amplifiers and power supplies. Both had questions in their eyes.
Ye gestured to the sofa, "Please, have a seat."
Zhao suggested, "Let's go inside."
By "inside," Zhao meant a listening room, a standard in audio stores. However, Ge Lu Shi didn't have one. To avoid misunderstanding, Ye led them into the storage area, which doubled as a packaging room.
Yu, puzzled, asked, "Why are we in the storage room? Where's the listening room?"
Zhao also questioned, "Is this an audio store or a rack specialty shop?"
Liu Bing couldn't help but smile slightly.
Ye, embarrassed, explained, "The east room was meant to be a listening room, but we didn't set it up due to a lack of equipment. It's now a storage room and sometimes a place to sleep. I didn't want to seem like I was hiding it from you. That setup was only placed today; otherwise, it would've looked like a furniture store."
Yu remarked, "Ye, as an audiophile, how could you let your store turn out like this? I didn't believe it until I saw it."
Ye laughed, "Just getting by. Everyone has their challenges."
Back in the main hall, Zhao and Yu examined the audio setup closely. This was the side Ye wanted to showcase, the essential basis for engaging with industry peers. Yu studied the custom-designed speakers, while Zhao focused on the Sleek components.
Seeing their interest, Ye invited them to listen, "Please, have a seat."
This time, Zhao and Yu sat down. Ye turned on the system, playing a pre-selected track, "Zigeunerweisen" by Muter. The passionate, melancholy violin filled the room.
At the first note, Zhao exclaimed, "Great sound!"
Yu nodded, absorbed in the music. Despite lacking a proper listening room with acoustic treatments, the sound's quality was undeniable.
They listened quietly for over eight minutes until the piece ended.
Zhao, returning to inspect the setup, marveled, "What a direct line, uncompromising! It's incredible... How did you think of this... This isn't just audiophile quality; it's revolutionary!"
Yu, examining the speaker cabinets, tapped them to gauge thickness and density, then carefully lifted one to feel its weight, marveling, "Combining two sets, doubling the drive, sacrificing mid-low frequency reflection efficiency, removing false bass, enhancing true sound density... So simple, yet so effective! Revolutionary... Truly groundbreaking."
Ye, modestly, "At least I've redeemed some face. Let's enjoy the music."
Yu suggested, "Le Sheng should consider producing a batch."
Zhao humorously added, "Sleek would strongly support it. Double the speaker sales mean double the amplifier sales."
Ye smiled, "Is that possible? These speakers have seven patent applications; they're our lifeline."
Yu, understanding, smiled and shifted the topic, "Compared to Le Sheng's flagship, your price is high. What's your supply cost?"
Ye answered, "7,600 yuan."
Sensing the conversation's sensitivity, Zhao changed the subject, "Let's listen to more music."
The three CDs on the cabinet were different versions of "Zigeunerweisen." Zhao picked one up, and Ye casually commented, "Among these, Muter's lacks the intensity of a man's touch."
Zhao responded, "She's a disciple of Karajan, an iconic figure."
Yu, on the edge of a sensitive topic, picked up the other two versions by Heifetz and Friedman, asking, "What's your take on these?"
Yang brought four teacups, tea, and a kettle, pouring Dragon Well tea for everyone.
Ye invited them to sit, "Let's have some tea and continue our discussion."
As they settled, Ye explained his view, "Muter's version is good, but not great. It's filled with sorrow but lacks the rebellious spirit of the gypsy. Her hands are those of a woman, inherently refined."
Liu Bing, recalling Feng Shijie's stories, admired how Ye adeptly used this in the conversation, enhancing both his and Ge Lu Shi's image.
Zhao nodded, "What about Heifetz?"
Ye said, "Heifetz is a master but tends to show off, adding a touch of craftsmanship. Muter lacks the intensity, while Heifetz has too much. Only Friedman combines both."
Yu, impressed, "Ye, I must respect you."
Zhao agreed, "I underestimated you."
Ye humbly, "You flatter me. I have a special album here, one I've cherished through my journey."
Ye played an album, and a pure, divine voice filled the room, like an epic path to heaven.
Yu exclaimed, "'Daughter of Heaven'... Yes, the iconic album! Incredible, I have goosebumps."
Zhao added, "This is the music that turns stone into poetry."
Ye lowered the volume, "A path to paradise, one step at a time."
Zhao, leisurely, "Such a simple view! A bottle of Erguotou and 'Daughter of Heaven,' and we're already in paradise."
Yu sighed, "I was a serious audiophile. Upgrading equipment and collecting albums cost a fortune. Remembering those days is bittersweet."
Ye joked, "I went bankrupt last year."
Zhao shrugged, "I often go bankrupt, too lazy to announce it. Life is like being confined; if you can't fight it, enjoy it."
They all laughed heartily.
Liu Bing, reflecting on the moment, thought, "This is what life is about!"