I Have A Store C32

Chapter 32: Donglaishun’s Lamb Hotpot

Back at the office of the Procurement Section’s Fifth Team, colleagues immediately gathered around to congratulate him.

Jealous? Of course!

How long had he been on the job? Not only did he get his official position early, but he was also promoted two levels in one go! It made them feel somewhat ashamed. But they weren’t resentful—after all, Zhou Yimin didn’t rely on connections or favoritism. He earned everything through his own efforts.

His official appointment was due to the wild game he had procured multiple times, benefiting everyone in the team.

His double promotion? That was thanks to the water pump he developed. If it were them, they could shake their brains out, and still, no way would they come up with a water pump.

“Yimin, are you treating us to a meal?” someone half-jokingly asked.

After all, this was a big deal. A celebratory meal was in order.

Besides, since joining, Zhou Yimin had never had a meal or drink with them.

“Of course! Any suggestions?” Zhou Yimin was also eager to get along with everyone and integrate into the team.

“How about gathering at the Team Leader’s house? We can all bring some ingredients.” Someone suggested.

They had done this plenty of times before.

As procurement officers, who didn’t have access to some supplies—mushrooms, wild produce, and the like? To avoid burdening one person, they always brought something for team gatherings.

Team Leader Wang scolded with a laugh, “You bunch of scoundrels, always eyeing my stash of liquor!”

Zhou Yimin grinned. “Then let’s meet at the Team Leader’s place tonight? I’ll bring a few pounds of meat.”

A few pounds?

Everyone was speechless. Was he really the type to just feed himself and not worry about others?

If it were them, they wouldn’t be so extravagant—there were still family expenses to think about.

Seeing Zhou Yimin’s carefree attitude, Team Leader Wang finally said, “Alright, let’s have hotpot. You guys bring some cabbage, potatoes, and such. Tonight, we’ll take advantage of Yimin’s generosity.”

With the plans set, Zhou Yimin was ready to skip work and head home.

Team Leader Wang didn’t even bother asking.

As procurement officers, they spent most of their time outside. Who actually stayed in the factory all day? That would be the real definition of slacking off. The more you were out running around, the more diligent you were.

When Zhou Yimin returned to the courtyard house, he saw Li Youde and Dapeng waiting at the door.

As soon as Dapeng heard that his buddy was treating them to lamb hotpot, he immediately abandoned whatever fight he was in and left with Li Youde.

“Yimin, you really live the good life! House, bicycle— Uncle Zhou left everything to you,” Dapeng said, full of envy.

To him, Uncle Zhou was the ideal father figure.

Parking his bicycle, Zhou Yimin said to them, “Let’s go! Enough talk.”

“Aren’t we riding the bike?”

Zhou Yimin shot back, “If I ride, are you two running behind me?”

“Can’t we sit on it?”

“And where exactly would the three of us sit?”

One in the front, one in the back? My god, the mental image alone was unbearable. Three grown men? If it were women, maybe it wouldn’t be such an eyesore.

At Donglaishun

Donglaishun was a well-established restaurant. If you wanted lamb hotpot, this was the place to go.

In the 1920s, Donglaishun improved the traditional hotpot equipment and, with its reputation for “premium ingredients, meticulous preparation, complete condiments, and strong firepower,” quickly became the top choice for lamb hotpot in Beijing.

Before the liberation, due to frequent wars and social turmoil, Donglaishun went through many hardships, experiencing rise and decline multiple times. Yet, it always remained one of Beijing’s top dining establishments.

In 1955, five years ago, Donglaishun successfully transitioned into a state-private partnership with government support.

Even in this era of scarcity, when ordinary people could barely fill their stomachs, Donglaishun still had a steady supply of lamb—all thanks to one significant remark from a great leader:

“Donglaishun must be preserved forever.”

That one sentence became its ultimate safeguard.

First Time at Donglaishun

“Yimin, don’t laugh at me, but this is my first time having lamb hotpot at Donglaishun,” Dapeng admitted.

“Same here,” Li Youde echoed.

Even before stepping inside, the rich aroma of lamb hit them, making their mouths water.

“There will be plenty more chances in the future,” Zhou Yimin assured them as he led them to a quieter corner of the restaurant.

Li Youde and Dapeng both grumbled inwardly: Yeah, for you, maybe!

For them, this visit was purely thanks to their lucky connection with a well-off friend.

“Hello! We’ll have three pounds of lamb…” Zhou Yimin began ordering.

“Yimin, that’s enough, way too much!”

Three people, three pounds of meat? A pound each? Their entire family’s monthly meat ration wasn’t much more than that!

Even though they had rations, people were used to saving them for special occasions, like holidays.

“Yimin, earlier you said you had something to discuss. What is it?” Li Youde asked.

Dapeng also perked up, listening intently.

“Are you familiar with the black market?” Zhou Yimin lowered his voice.

Both Li Youde and Dapeng were momentarily stunned. Why bring up the black market? What was he planning?

Dapeng nodded. “Yeah, I’ve been there before.”

Li Youde remained silent but nodded as well.

“I have a friend who can get grain, meat, sugar, oil, and other goods. He wants to sell them on the black market. Are you interested?” Zhou Yimin fabricated a contact.

He had been thinking about getting into the black market trade himself.

If he did it alone, it would consume a lot of his time and energy—not to mention the risks.

That’s when he thought of his childhood friends, Li Youde and Dapeng.

These two had been with him since childhood and could be trusted. Besides, in novels and movies, aren’t childhood friends always the protagonist’s handy sidekicks?

Zhou Yimin knew how to utilize his resources well.

After all, brothers exist to be used!

Moreover, he knew these two weren’t doing well and genuinely wanted to help them out.

Li Youde and Dapeng exchanged glances, tempted.

It would be a lie to say they weren’t interested.

They knew their own circumstances—this was an opportunity to turn things around. Yes, selling on the black market carried risks, but it was still better than their current struggles.

Dapeng was currently unemployed, stuck at home, constantly feeling like a burden. His parents didn’t complain, but his sister-in-law did—acting as if he was just freeloading. He had even overheard her and his brother talking about it.

If he could start earning money, everything would change.

As for Li Youde, he was all too aware of his family’s hardships. He worked so hard hauling heavy loads just to ease their burden a little.

Yesterday, when his younger sister told him she was hungry, the look on her face pierced his heart.

“I’m interested! How does it work?” Dapeng immediately asked.

“My friend supplies the goods. You two handle the selling. You get a 3% commission. For example, if you sell 100 yuan worth, you earn 3 yuan.

Most importantly, stay safe. If things look risky, ditch the goods. If you ever get caught—say nothing.” Zhou Yimin laid out the details.

Just then, the lamb arrived.

As they ate, they continued discussing the specifics.

“You’re already full? No way!” Zhou Yimin teased when he saw Li Youde put down his chopsticks.

Dapeng caught on immediately. “Thinking about bringing some home for your sister?”

Realizing the situation, Zhou Yimin said, “Just eat. When we head back, I’ll give you something to take home.”

Sure, they were his “sidekicks,” but Zhou Yimin treated his sidekicks very well.