Siheyuan: The Era of Struggle

Chapter 10 Buying a Car
In the 50s, there were not many state-owned hotels in Kyoto. They were mainly opened for business travelers. Locals rarely went there, because to eat in a hotel, money alone was not enough. Food stamps were also needed.

At this time, the food stamps are enough to provide the family with a month's worth of food, and few people are willing to go to restaurants to luxuriate.If anyone goes to a restaurant, he can chat with relatives and friends for months.

So when He Yuanchao walked into this restaurant, which was only [-] to [-] square meters, he only saw a few people eating.

After finding a slightly cleaner table and sitting down, a waitress came to He Yuanchao's table with a small notebook with a pen.

He said with an impatient look: "Whatever you want to eat is on the wall. Hurry up, we are still busy." It must be said that most state-owned employees in this period were very virtuous and arrogant.

He Yuanchao didn't pay attention and turned to look at the wall with the menu signs.

Old He was delighted when he saw this. Directly above the wall, there was a rectangular wooden sign that read "Do not beat or scold customers without reason."

He Yuanchao was enjoying himself here, but the waiter next to him was not happy anymore.He opened his mouth and reprimanded: "What are you looking at? I'm asking you to order, not your handwriting. Order quickly. If you don't want to eat, go out quickly. Don't waste my time."

Okay, let’s order quickly.If he continued to mess around, the waitress would really dare to kick him out.

"One braised pork, two steamed buns, and a bottle of Arctic Ocean." He Yuanchao said numbly as he looked at the menu on the wall.

The waiter made a note on the small book, then stretched out his hand and said: "One dollar and fifty-five cents, plus half a catty of meat stamps and half a catty of food stamps."

He took out the money check from his bag and handed it to the eldest sister, but he didn't get a good look from her.He said expressionlessly: "Wait." He turned around, twisted his waist, and walked slowly to the kitchen.

He Yuanchao put his satchel on the table and glanced around, but no one could say anything.There's no point in waiting like this.I could only take out the cigarette lighter from my pocket and smoked in boredom while waiting for the food to be served.

The speed of serving food in the restaurant was also extremely slow. After He Yuanchao finished smoking a cigarette, he waited for another ten minutes. Not to mention the food, he was not even given a glass of water.

He Yuanchao didn't dare to rush. If he did, he was really afraid that the chef would bring a kitchen knife from the back kitchen and come to chat with him.

Alas, there is no way to explain it. You have to spend money to eat and have to look at people’s faces. Do you think it’s frustrating?

After waiting for more than 20 minutes, the waiter finally brought the food slowly.

Bang, as soon as the things were put down, the waiter who didn't look like he was smiling turned around and left.

Seeing the food on the table, Lao He was no longer aggrieved. He threw away his chopsticks and started eating, a bite of meat, a bite of steamed buns, and occasionally a bite of Arctic Ocean.Although the service attitude is not great, the food is really good and delicious.Especially the Arctic Ocean, I haven’t had this taste in many years.

In a short while, the food in front of him was wiped out by He Yuanchao.Satisfied, he was about to have an after-dinner cigarette when he saw the unpleasant-looking waitress and glanced at him several times.He Yuanchao, who was afraid of being kicked out, stopped smoking, raised his buttocks, picked up his bag and left quickly.He was leaving late, and he was afraid that the waiter would say something casual and yell at him.

After walking out of the hotel, He Yuanchao, who was full of food and water, smoked a cigarette and went straight to Di'anmen Department Store.

After more than 40 minutes of hard walking, He Yuanchao finally saw the gate of the mall.

There was really nothing to visit in shopping malls during this period. Although there were a wide variety of products, the styles were relatively single.There are only a few styles of shoes and clothes.

Even so, there are many people in the mall.Groups of three and two were hanging around in front of various counters.Occasionally, I would stand in front of the counter and comment on the goods with the people next to me as if I knew something about it.The salesperson will ignore those who say good things about the product, but some will give you a look that tells you that you know the product. If they say something bad, the salesperson will immediately jump out, pinch your waist and talk to you.You won't give up until you understand it.At this time, most people will choose to leave in despair.But there are also a handful of stubborn people who will fight with salespeople.

He Yuanchao ignored these and went straight to the counter of tobacco, alcohol and non-staple food.

He said politely, "Comrade, please bring me two bottles of Maotai liquor and three cartons of Qianmen cigarettes." He took out the money tickets from his satchel.

The male salesman was also a bit of a talker. While taking things, he said, "Hey, gay people live a very fulfilling life."

After taking the things and putting them on the counter, he said in a familiar manner: "Brother, do you still have cigarette tickets? If so, I will give you a piece of Chinese. This thing is in short supply. Take it out." More face."

He Yuanchao really wanted it, but after thinking about it he decided not to do it.For an eighteenth-level cadre, it is enough for him to pay [-] cents for the front door. If he pays [-] cents for the Chinese government, he will be hated by others.

It's better to keep a low profile during this period. Why can't we be too arrogant, otherwise we will bring disaster to ourselves?

"What do you think? Let me order some, buddy." Looking at He Yuanchao who seemed to be hesitating, the male salesman said eagerly.

"Forget it, I can't afford this cigarette. Even these things are for ceremonial purposes."

Pointing to the cigarettes and wine on the counter, He Yuanchao seemed to explain.

Then he said to the salesperson: "Brother, I appreciate your kindness. If I need it next time, I will have to trouble you. Let's settle the payment this time first."

The total cost of tobacco and alcohol is 16 yuan and [-] cents, three cigarette tickets and two alcohol tickets.

After taking He Yuanchao's money, the salesperson took out the paper and string and packed it quickly while saying to He Yuanchao: "Brother, we have met now. We are going to buy some tobacco, alcohol and food in the future. Just come to me.”

Looking at the enthusiastic and smooth salesperson in front of him, He Yuanchao started to think about making friends, so he left in no hurry and stood in front of the counter to chat with him.

After everyone reported their homes, salesperson Wang Ping'an grinned and said, "Brother, I have long seen that you are not an ordinary person. You are dressed in green, with three-jointed leather shoes, and you have such a temperament. Tsk tsk, you are not an ordinary person."

After saying that, he looked at He Yuanchao proudly.Lao He looked down at his outfit, smiled, and then changed his subject to talk about bicycles.

After knowing that He Yuanchao wanted to buy a bicycle, he said hello to the colleague at the counter next to him and led He Yuanchao to the counter selling bicycles.

Having acquaintances makes things easier.Under the warm reception of the bicycle salesman, He Yuanchao paid 150 yuan and a bicycle ticket and chose a permanent [-]-type bicycle.

After loading the invoices, the two chatted for a while to consolidate their relationship. With Wang Ping'an still full of complaints and expressions on his face, He Yuanchao pushed his bicycle and left the mall laughing.

　Dear readers, you are welcome to comment, otherwise you will feel as if no one is watching and feel empty in your heart.

　　
　
(End of this chapter)