Siheyuan: Xu Damao's New Life

The tavern was actually easy to find, just around the corner near Dashilan. The two parked their car and stall, opened the door curtain and entered the tavern. Although it was not yet evening, due to the cold weather, there were three or four tables of people drinking in the tavern.

The guests at those tables who knew Pian Ye greeted him one by one, and Pian Ye responded one by one. The two found a random table and sat down, "Pian Ye, I'm not familiar with this place either, how about you recommend something? You can order whatever you want, I'm a newcomer and I appreciate your help."

"Okay, then I won't be polite. Xiao Zhao, the same old rules. Bring me two pots of wine and some side dishes." Pian Ye shouted inside.

Xiao Zhao was a waiter employed by the tavern. After serving all the items requested by the guests, he went to the kitchen to clean up. The guests were mostly acquaintances, so they would just shout out if they needed anything.

The tavern is a store in front and a yard in the back. It used to be the property of the He family, Xu Huizhen's husband's family. The Xu family arranged for her cousin Xu Huizhi to go on a blind date, but the two fell in love. When Xu Huizhen was giving birth, her husband He Yongqiang eloped with his sister-in-law Xu Huizhi. The elders of the He family were so angry that they died, and left a will that the tavern and the estate would be inherited by Xu Huizhen. They have been running the tavern until shortly after the founding of the People's Republic of China and started a public-private partnership.

"Okay, wait a moment, I'll get it for you." Xiao Zhao recognized the voice of Pian'erye and responded. A moment later, Xiao Zhao came out with a tray, on which were two pots of wine and a few side dishes. Xiao Zhao quickly arranged the food, "Enjoy your meal, and call me if you need anything."

"Xiao Zhao, why don't I see your Manager Xu? A new friend came today, and I was planning to introduce her to her." Pianerye asked.

"Hi, our Manager Xu is counting the accounts in the back and will be here soon." Xiao Zhao said.

"Okay, then you go and do your work first. Brother Xu, come, let's go first." Pianerye said.

"Oh? Then I have to try it carefully." Xu Damao raised his glass to signal Pianerye, then drank it all in one gulp, and then picked up some side dishes to taste.

Seeing that he was happy, Pianerye drank it all in one gulp. Then he started talking. "Don't be fooled by the small size of this tavern. Not only are the side dishes here very famous, but the wine here is also extraordinary."

"Oh? What's so unusual about it?" In order to get more information, Xu Damao was willing to be the supporting actor.

"Manager Xu's mother's family is a wine-making family. Her father is the director of a winery, and she herself is very interested in winemaking. The wine she sells is directly from the Niulanshan factory where her father is the director. No one dares to fool her, so you can drink this wine without worrying about it. It is absolutely authentic and never diluted with water."

"It's authentic, but I think it tastes just so-so. I usually drink Xifeng and occasionally Wuliangye, and seldom drink other kinds of liquor. Maybe I'm just not used to this kind of liquor." Xu Damao's tone was flat, but others felt that he deserved a beating when they heard it. He came to me without any trouble.

In fact, the audience of the tavern is mainly some people at the bottom of society. Their income is limited. In this difficult period, being able to drink wine without water is already very good. Xu Damao didn't know these situations when he first came. He was often dragged by Deputy Director Li to drink. He met all kinds of powerful people and drank good wine. It was normal to say so.

"Hey, let me see who is so arrogant, saying that my wine is not good and yet he drinks Xifeng and Wuliangye every day." The door curtain of the back kitchen was lifted, and a woman in her thirties walked out. She was not dressed gorgeously and had exquisite makeup, but she had a kind of charm that was pure and natural, which made people want to get close to her involuntarily.

This woman is not simple. She has a very good eye for people and a relatively accurate grasp of the current situation. She is a rare business talent. Even after becoming rich, she never forgets to make money with the people around her. She is a loyal and righteous woman. Xu Damao suddenly came up with an idea, which is to pull Xu Huizhen on board his pirate ship and build his own business empire together in the future.

"Pianerye, is this Manager Xu?" Xu Damao asked.

"Hey, this brother looks unfamiliar. Is this your first time here? You just said that my wine tastes average, right?" Xu Huizhen asked.

Seeing that the atmosphere was a little strange, Pianerye said, "Brother Damao, come here, let me introduce you. This is Manager Xu Huizhen of the tavern. This is Brother Xu Damao whom I met on the street, at... at..." He stuttered for a long time before he remembered that he didn't know where Xu Damao worked.

"I work in the publicity department of the steel rolling mill and live in Nanluoguxiang. I've heard that the fabrics and craftsmanship of the silk shops here are very good. I came here today to order some custom-made clothes and to see what this famous tavern is like." Xu Damao noticed Pian'erye's embarrassment and took the initiative to introduce himself.

Xu Huizhen glanced at the wine pot on the table and said, "The wine you want is not our best wine. We have good wine, but the price is..."

Xu Damao took out five big black coins and slapped them on the table, saying proudly, "If you have good wine, just serve it. Serve a pot of good wine and two plates of small dishes to each table of the young and old present. It's my treat."

As soon as these words were spoken, everyone drinking in the tavern applauded and cheered. This also attracted the attention of an old man who was sitting alone drinking wine. This man was not very tall but had an energetic and extraordinary bearing. This man was Master Niu.

"You're a nice young man. Do you mind if an old man like me go over and share a table with you?" said Uncle Niu.

If Pian'er Ye is a teasing name, then this Niu Ye is really a Ye. There is a rule in the tavern that the drinks must not be adulterated and no credit is allowed, but Niu Ye is an exception. Since the time of Xu Huizhen's father-in-law, Niu Ye can put on credit. Does Niu Ye need money? No, he just wants this face.

Everyone knows that Niu Ye's family is well-off, but no one can tell what he does specifically. All we know is that Niu Ye is a righteous man, has a say among all kinds of people, and can often analyze problems incisively. He also has a deep study of antiques, and is deeply recognized and respected by everyone.

Xu Damao speculated that this Mr. Niu was probably the descendant of a fallen noble or high-ranking official from the previous dynasty, and his identity was definitely extraordinary. "Haha, no way, I can't welcome you enough, come here quickly, old man, I'll help you get the things." Xu Damao enthusiastically stood up and helped Mr. Niu get the things.

Seeing this, Xu Huizhen didn't say anything more, turned around and went back to get the wine.

Xu Damao took out a Daqianmen and gave it to the two of them, "Pianerye, let me tell you about someone. Do you recognize him? Maybe you have some connection with him."

"Oh, then tell me about it." Pian Ye became interested, and Niu Ye also pricked up his ears.

"I live in the Nanluoguxiang area. There is a third uncle named Yan Bugui in our yard. He is an elementary school teacher and a stingy person. He looks very similar to you." Xu Damao said.

"The surname is Yan, Yan Bugui, I have an impression of this name, let me think..." Pianerye took a puff of cigarette, frowned and thought hard, and suddenly slapped his thigh, "I remember, it's that miser, he is my cousin, but we haven't been in touch for a long time."