txolops Chapter 104 Tangtang's Expectations
Chapter 104 Tangtang's Expectations
8:30 p.m.
There were still quite a few people at Yintai Plaza, but the line in front of Lin Chen's fried rice stall was finally reduced to just two or three people.
At this moment, Lin Chen's movements were swift and efficient.
Clang.
Lin Chen slammed the iron ladle against the edge of the pot and turned off the gas valve.
"The last three portions are done."
Lin Chen divided the fried rice in the pot into three takeout boxes.
Wang Hai, who was standing to the side, had already opened the plastic bag and immediately took it.
"Here it comes! The last three servings of fried rice!"
Wang Hai turned around and shouted at the three young men at the end of the line.
"Oh my god, we finally got to the front of the line!"
The young man at the front of the line rubbed his hands excitedly. "Brother Hai, hurry, hurry, give me more of that chilled radish! I've been waiting for almost forty minutes, my mouth is practically dry!"
Wang Hai took the strainer, walked to the stainless steel bucket containing the radishes, and scooped them out from the bottom.
"Well, you're lucky today!"
Wang Hai happily packed the last few spoonfuls of white radish pieces into a small box. "All thirty catties of radish, including the broth, are here. Not a drop is left!"
If you had come any later, you wouldn't have even gotten a radish peel!
"Haha, this means I'm destined for good fortune and a delicious meal today!"
The young man readily scanned the code to pay and took the takeout bag.
On the small stool next to it.
Tangtang fought off her sleepiness, stretched out her two little hands, and rubbed her slightly sore eyes.
Upon hearing that the guest had received their food, the little girl immediately took out the last three disposable spoons from the small plastic basket, stood up, and handed them over.
"Brother, here are your spoons."
Eat it all!
Although Tangtang's voice sounded a little tired and childlike, it was still very serious.
"Thank you, Tangtang! I promise I won't leave a single scallion!"
The three young men took the spoons and left with their fried rice, completely satisfied.
Watching the last few guests walk away, Wang Hai let out a long sigh of relief, plopped down on a small stool next to him, and wiped the sweat from his forehead.
"Phew—good heavens, I'm finally done with today!"
While fanning himself with his hand, Wang Hai said, "Brother Chen, it's only a little past 8:30, and all 150 servings of fried rice, plus 30 jin of chilled radishes, have been swept up!"
The speed at which this meal was served is incredible!
Lin Chen did not respond.
He picked up a clean, damp towel and, while the iron pot was still warm, wiped the grease off the bottom of the pot and the stove.
"Get to work, pack up."
Lin Chen put the cleaned iron pot back on the tricycle and gave the instructions in a calm tone.
"Okay!"
Wang Hai immediately jumped up from his chair, as if he had inexhaustible energy.
He walked to the folding table, picked up a rag and wiped the tabletop a couple of times, then folded up the table legs and put it away with a "clatter".
Meanwhile, Tangtang also started packing her things.
The little girl picked up the empty plastic basket, walked to Lin Chen's tricycle, stood on tiptoe, and tried her best to put the basket into the back of the vehicle.
Then, she turned around and folded up her small stool as well.
"Daddy, I've put my little chair away!"
Tangtang hugged her little stool, tilted her rosy cheeks up, and looked up at Lin Chen, eager to show off her accomplishment.
"Tangtang, you've worked hard today."
Lin Chen stopped what he was doing, walked to his daughter's side, reached out and gently pinched her soft little face. "Go put on your schoolbag, we're getting ready to go home."
"Um!"
Tangtang nodded obediently, ran to the side, picked up her little backpack and put it on.
The little girl gripped the shoulder straps of her backpack with both hands, her big eyes sparkling as she looked at Lin Chen, her voice filled with undisguised joy.
"Daddy, Aunt Chen must have already given the painting to the pretty auntie!"
The pretty auntie will be so happy to see the big windmill I drew, right?
Looking at his daughter's expectant eyes, Lin Chen smiled faintly.
"Yes, she must be very happy."
Lin Chen replied.
"She'll definitely come to see me in person after she gets off work tomorrow!"
I want to save the best fried rice and radish for her!
Tangtang happily jumped up and down twice, shaking off her earlier fatigue.
"Okay, whatever you say."
Lin Chen patted her head.
"Brother Chen, I've loaded this big barrel onto the truck!"
Wang Hai carried the now-empty stainless steel bucket with both hands towards the bread cart, laughing as he went. "When I first carried it down, it was so heavy I gritted my teeth. Now it's so light I can lift it with one hand."
Wang Hai opened the trunk of the bread truck and put in the large bucket, the insulated bucket, and the folding table.
"Brother Chen, I've packed up all the trash. I'll just throw it in the big trash can when we leave the square."
Wang Hai tied several black garbage bags filled with waste paper tightly together and carried them in his hand.
"Um."
Lin Chen responded.
Everything is in order.
The once bustling fried rice stall has been restored to its clean and tidy state.
Aside from a faint lingering fragrance in the air, it was as if nothing had ever happened here.
Wang Hai opened the trunk of the van, walked to the driver's side door, and opened the door.
Instead of rushing upstairs, he took out his phone and opened the WeChat bill page.
Looking at the long list of payment records, Wang Hai's mouth stretched almost to his ears in a wide grin.
"One hundred and fifty servings, ninety-nine yuan each... Brother Chen, our revenue today is a solid close to fifteen thousand!"
"After deducting the cost of these thirty catties of radish, rice, flour, and cooking oil, our net profit is absolutely amazing!"
At this rate, we could all buy a house in the city center!
Despite Wang Hai's excitement, Lin Chen remained calm and composed.
For him, money was just a number to ensure his daughter's livelihood.
As long as Tangtang is happy and healthy every day, that's enough.
"Stop grinning like an idiot, get in the car and go home."
Lin Chen urged him on.
"Hehe, all set!"
Wang Hai put his phone back in his pocket and happily opened the back door of the car.
"Come on, little boss Tangtang, let's head back to the palace!"
Wang Hai bent down, picked up Tangtang, and put her into the pink child safety seat in the back.
"Uncle Fatty, we need to come early to set up our stall tomorrow!"
Tangtang sat in the chair, cooperating with Wang Hai to fasten his seatbelt while giving him earnest instructions.
"No problem! I promise I'll be on time tomorrow!"
Wang Hai fastened his seatbelt and closed the back door.
He turned around, got into the driver's seat, and turned the key.
"Buzz—"
The bread truck emitted a deep engine roar, and its headlights came on.
On the other side, Lin Chen had already mounted the electric tricycle.
The summer night breeze swept across the empty square, carrying away the day's hustle and bustle.
Lin Chen turned his head and glanced at Wang Hai in the driver's seat next to him.
"Let's go."