In 2005, Beicang District, though already beginning to plan for development, still appeared relatively dilapidated in Tan Jincheng's eyes.
The urban area was full of barren land.
Taking Xingan Street as an example, people were mainly concentrated around Changjiang Road, Mingzhou Road, and Songshan Road.
In addition, there was the Tianrunfa Supermarket commercial area, which had been open for two years.
Honestly, Beicang didn't have many good restaurants at this time.
Perhaps due to the developed foreign trade, there were Western restaurants of all sizes everywhere on the streets.
Whether they were authentic was unknown, but they were certainly expensive.
Except for some local seafood restaurants, these two sisters happened not to be used to eating seafood, so finding a Chinese restaurant that suited everyone's taste was truly not easy.
This restaurant was most famous for its lamb, freshly slaughtered daily and supplied in limited quantities.
Even with fewer customers approaching Chinese New Year, reservations were still required in advance.
Opening the trunk, Tan Jincheng took out a box of cake from inside.
Zhang Xupeng's eyes flickered, as if he had guessed something.
"Boss, why are you bringing a cake to dinner?"
Li Jinglan asked.
Tan Jincheng smiled,
"Today is your Boss Zhang's birthday. We're celebrating it for him."
Last year, the two of them spent their 19th birthday together on the boat.
In his previous life, Zhang Xupeng would have been spending his 20th birthday with his family at this time, but things had changed in this life.
"How about it? Aren't you touched? This is the first time I've ever bought a cake for someone in my life,"
Tan Jincheng said, winking at Zhang Xupeng.
"Get lost, what kind of birthday does a grown man celebrate?"
Zhang Xupeng mumbled, but his face was full of smiles.
His good brother remembered his birthday.
He had wanted to mention it a few days ago but felt a bit embarrassed.
"Let's go. There's no Mom's homemade longevity noodles, but I'll get you a bowl of lamb noodles later. Make do with that."
In fact, Tan Jincheng didn't have much experience celebrating his own birthday.
In his previous life, when he was home, his mother would cook a bowl of noodles, add two eggs, and give him some pocket money, and that was it.
After entering society and getting busy with work, he paid even less attention to these things.
The first time he ate his own cake in his previous life was when he was dating his ex-wife, and she had prepared it for him.
Since they had already made a reservation, the dishes were served quickly.
The food was rich and luxurious!
Li Jinglan, her mouth greasy from eating, exclaimed that she was taking advantage of Boss Zhang's birthday, otherwise she wouldn't get to eat such good food.
"Come, let's wish our Boss Zhang a happy birthday, and also wish Sister Li and Jinglan a happy New Year in advance."
Tan Jincheng raised his cup.
"Happy birthday, Boss Zhang, and happy New Year to both bosses."
"May Boss Zhang have many happy returns; and may both bosses get rich."
"May our company prosper next year, and may we all make money together."
There was no alcohol in their cups, and only four people, but the atmosphere was very lively.
After several months of busyness, they finally completely relaxed.
A hearty lunch left all four, having put down their work, feeling a bit stuffed.
After the meal, Zhang Xupeng voluntarily asked for the bill, stating that he would treat them.
Tan Jincheng didn't stop him, letting him pay.
Anyway, a meal costing a few hundred yuan was already affordable for Zhang Xupeng.
"Boss, you're not even 20 yet, why do I feel like you're older than all of us?"
While Zhang Xupeng was paying the bill, Li Jinglan curiously asked Tan Jincheng.
She knew that both bosses were young, a bit younger than her sister, but she didn't expect them to be so young, especially Boss Tan, who still had several months until his 20th birthday.
"Doing business, you have to pretend to be a bit more mature, and you get used to it after pretending for a while."
"Oh, right. It seems doing business isn't easy. Boss Tan has to deal with a group of people older than himself every day."
"It's quite difficult. Some people say very unpleasant things, and you can't even get angry. Money isn't that easy to earn."
Li Yanning listened quietly to the conversation between her sister and Boss Tan.
Boss Tan's tone was like he was teasing a child, but her sister didn't pick up on it.
Like her sister, Li Yanning also felt that Boss Tan was very mature.
If you didn't look at his face or know his age, you might even think Boss Tan was much older than her.
From company decisions to even small matters, Boss Tan could arrange everything in an orderly manner.
As employees, they only needed to follow instructions, which gave them a great sense of security.
After more than three months of working together, Li Yanning was very convinced by Tan Jincheng.
With such a capable boss, there was no worry that the company wouldn't prosper.
In just these three months, plus the year-end bonus, she received over 20,000 yuan. At this rate, she would be able to save 100,000 yuan by the end of next year!
At this moment, Zhang Xupeng returned after paying the bill.
"Let's go. You've eaten enough and rested enough. I'll take you back to your place, and also, be sure to pay attention to safety on your way home."
There were trains from Yongcheng to their hometown.
It was unknown when these two sisters managed to buy tickets, which was quite resourceful of them.
Every time Tan Jincheng passed a train ticket agency, he saw long queues.
In 2005, there were no high-speed trains or 12306 (online booking system); plane tickets were expensive.
During every Spring Festival travel rush, train ticket agencies had long queues throughout the day, stretching for miles, much like certain scenes during the three-year special period.
The two sisters lived in a bungalow in an urban village they rented, sharing it with the landlord. The environment was slightly better than typical rental housing, but the surrounding area was a mixed bag.
"Your income is higher now than before. You should change houses next year. This area doesn't seem very safe,"
Tan Jincheng reminded them.
Tan Jincheng had met many people in the past six months and was quite well-informed.
He would occasionally hear them talk about this gang and that gang, fighting at the drop of a hat.
Public security was far from the apparent tranquility.
"We'll see next year," Li Jinglan said indifferently.
This house was cheap, only 600 yuan.
Each person only needed to pay 300 yuan in rent per month, and it had an independent bathroom and a place to cook.
Where could they find something so convenient and cheap?
"There are also gift packages in the trunk for the two of you to take home for Chinese New Year, two boxes each. Please take them."
"Ah? There's this too? Thank you, Boss."
They were mostly dried goods, nut gift packs, and such, not worth much money, but it was the thought that counted.
Actually, there were also things like rice, flour, and oil sent by many suppliers.
Considering the two of them were going home for the New Year, Tan Jincheng didn't bring them over.
During festivals, it was customary to give gifts.
Jinpeng Trade also gave out many.
Previously, Tan Jincheng had also specially ordered a batch of calendars to give to suppliers and clients.
After the two sisters moved their things down, Tan Jincheng smiled at Zhang Xupeng and said,
"Let's go, birthday boy; we should also go back and pack."
"Let's go, let's go, I've been impatient for a long time, finally going home, haha!"
Zhang Xupeng burst into laughter.
Tan Jincheng was silent, feeling a bit melancholic; after many years, he was going home for Chinese New Year once again.
While parents are alive, one should not travel far; it was merely a luxury.
(End of chapter)
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