Chapter 29: The State-Run Commune Restaurant

From behind the counter, the staff member drawled lazily, "One plate of stir-fried shredded pork, half a jin of meat ration, fifty-five cents in cash; a bowl of egg soup, made with three eggs, six cents; flash-fried pork, six liang of meat ration, seventy cents; braised tofu, twenty cents; stir-fried eggplant, twelve cents; three jin of rice, nineteen cents per jin; totaling one jin and one liang of meat ration, two yuan and twenty cents in cash. Pay first, then collect your food."

Xiao Weiguo listened carefully, calculating the value for money at the restaurant. It sounded reasonable, not particularly expensive—essentially just covering the cost of ingredients and labor. Unlike in later years, when anything less than a sixty percent profit margin in catering would be considered abnormal.

"Let me introduce you," Shi Guanglin said, taking a seat. "This is Li Daniu, our factory’s truck driver. He’s currently responsible for the area of our third team. We all call him Dali—Strongman. He really is strong; I'll let you see for yourself later. You can just call him Brother Dali."

"Hello, Brother Dali. My name is Xiao Weiguo. My family is from Xiao Family Village, which used to be part of this town. Please look after me in the future," Xiao Weiguo said quickly.

"Weiguo will be our third team’s temporary procurement officer from now on. If there are any transport needs, Dali, you’ll have to lend a hand promptly," Shi Guanglin added, turning to Li Daniu.

"Weiguo, right? Just come to your Brother Dali in the future. All the transport for this commune is under my charge now," Dali responded.

"Brother Lin, how much longer do you have to stay in this out-of-the-way place? All because you offended the director? Isn’t it a bit petty to stick you, a team leader, in a commune collecting supplies, and then set such high targets?" Dali said to Shi Guanglin.

"Don't talk nonsense in front of Weiguo. We’ll be heading back soon. Thanks to Weiguo, our task is basically done. After that, we’ll just follow the factory’s arrangements," Shi Guanglin replied.

So, Brother Lin’s position at the factory isn't very secure at the moment. I should help him out—he seems like a reliable leader, Xiao Weiguo thought to himself.

"You two can return to the factory for new assignments, but I still have to stay at Xingwang Commune. I don’t know who they'll send over next," Dali added.

Once Weiguo has settled in, there’s a good chance he’ll be sent over here, depending on whether the section chief lets me make arrangements or steps in himself. If it’s up to me, I’ll bring you back here. Just giving you a heads-up, Weiguo," Shi Guanglin said.

"Alright, Brother Lin. I’m fine anywhere, but coming back to my hometown would be even better. I know the area well and can procure supplies for the factory more effectively," Xiao Weiguo replied.

While the three chatted, the dishes they’d ordered were ready, but they had to fetch them themselves. The servers wouldn’t bring the food to the table—nowadays, everyone was equal. A server and a factory director or mayor were all on the same level, just with different jobs; there was no hierarchy.

Seeing the food was on the table, Shi Guanglin said, "Come on, let’s eat. Don’t stand on ceremony, and make sure to finish everything." With that, he helped himself to a generous serving of flash-fried pork.

Xiao Weiguo rolled up his sleeves and dug in as well. To be honest, this was the best meal he’d had since arriving here—even the early days of the brigade’s canteen hadn’t been this good.

The restaurant chefs here were all top-notch; there were no poor cooks anymore. Take the flash-fried pork for example—it was a real treat, looking like twice-cooked pork but even more fragrant, rich without being greasy, perfect with rice.

The three of them ate like autumn wind sweeping fallen leaves, polishing off the four dishes and one soup, and cleaned their rice bowls as well, then leaned back in their chairs, thoroughly satisfied.

"Weiguo, I haven’t asked yet—where did you catch those fish? Will you be able to supply them regularly? The factory’s demand for meat is very high right now. If we have a steady source, our group’s pressure will be much less," Shi Guanglin asked, making conversation after the meal.

"Brother Lin, I caught the fish in a stagnant lake. Judging by yesterday, I should be able to supply for a while, but not for long—at most another ten days or so before it’s depleted. Also, the lake isn’t ours; it belongs to the brigade at Qin Family Village next door," Xiao Weiguo replied honestly.

"I see. I’ll coordinate with Qin Family Village then. You’ll still be the one fishing, but the bulk of the money will go to them, and a smaller share to you. How does that sound?" Shi Guanglin said.

"That works, Brother Lin. By the way, will the factory be able to process my paperwork as a temporary worker today?" Xiao Weiguo asked.

"It should be about ready. The main thing is arranging your housing. When they do, make sure not to stay in the dormitory. As a procurement officer, you should live in the city—Bali Village is too remote and makes it harder to source supplies, since most factories and resources can only be accessed from the city," Shi Guanglin advised.

Xiao Weiguo took Shi Guanglin’s advice to heart and nodded quickly. Sometimes, the words of senior colleagues were hard-earned lessons—newcomers should accept them humbly at first, and only later decide whether to heed their elders’ counsel.

"Alright, we’ve all eaten well. Let’s go back and rest for a bit. We set out at three o’clock sharp," Shi Guanglin told the others.

At this, Dali said, "Alright, I need to go buy a bottle of Erguotou to keep me alert on the road."

Erguotou?

Xiao Weiguo was shocked and quickly said, "Brother Dali, isn’t it against the rules to drink and drive? Buying Erguotou is too dangerous."

"It’s fine, just a couple of sips to stay awake. Which of the drivers in the fleet doesn’t drink? We drink it like water, and unless I down three jin, don’t expect me to fall over," Dali replied.

Cold sweat broke out on Xiao Weiguo’s forehead. He glanced at Shi Guanglin, who looked completely unfazed.

He understood then—this must be unique to this era. There weren’t many cars on the road, so maybe it was less of a concern.

Still, he resolved to stay alert on the journey—and if necessary, to jump from the truck.

Back at the depot, they loaded all the recently acquired goods onto the truck. The fish were placed in a water-filled pit partitioned off with plastic sheeting, then the top was sealed to prevent spillage.

"Weiguo, squeeze in with me in the front seat. There’s no room left in the back," Shi Guanglin said, seeing the truck bed was packed to the brim.

"Okay, Brother Lin," Xiao Weiguo replied as he hurried into the passenger seat, making himself as small as possible to give Shi Guanglin more space.

Then, Dali started up the truck, and they headed out on the road.

The three chatted cheerfully the whole way, the mood lively and warm. Shi Guanglin, meanwhile, found himself growing increasingly satisfied with Xiao Weiguo.

"Brother Dali, we’re going faster and faster! Brake, quick!" As they went down a long slope, Xiao Weiguo realized the truck was picking up speed and cried out to Dali.