The bistro’s grand opening was a resounding success. By the end of the day, the ledger showed a profit of nearly thirty Yuanbao—an impressive feat considering the menu was affordably priced and offered at a twenty percent discount. In the past, even on its best days, the bistro had never cleared more than ten Yuanbao. Wealthy patrons with money to burn frequented high-end establishments; the bistro’s target clientele consisted of people with a little pocket change who were willing to spend it on good food.
Dusk had settled in, and the sun had slipped behind the mountains, leaving only the amber glow of twilight to stain the horizon. In an era where many struggled just to fill their bellies, no one had the luxury of pausing to admire the beauty of the sky.
Dockworkers who had just finished unloading cargo walked away cheerfully, clutching the wages the foreman had just distributed. The fatigue that had racked their bodies vanished the moment they held their pay. It was the one thing they looked forward to after a long day; the sum wasn't large, but it was income—a pittance to help make ends meet for men who, being illiterate, had nothing to trade but their physical labor. Most of these laborers were villagers who had finished their field work and used their spare time to earn a little extra cash through manual labor. A group of three or four walked together, chatting and laughing, finding their own simple joy in the routine.
Chapter 435