It was a sunny afternoon, and I took off my military uniform and returned to my hometown after a long absence. After many years of working as a cook, I have an indescribable affection for food. So, I decided to open my own restaurant and share the skills I learned in the military camp with more people.
Business at the restaurant is unexpectedly good, perhaps because of my unique military temperament that attracts a lot of customers. And among these many customers, there is a familiar figure that caught my attention.
Her name is Xiaofang, and she was also a female soldier who came to my restaurant after being discharged from the army. The two of us met like we had our own arrangements in the dark. That day, she was wearing an ordinary T-shirt, and her hair was simply tied back at the back of her head, but with those determined eyes, I recognized her at a glance.
"Xiaofang, is that you?" I couldn't help but ask.
She was stunned for a moment, then smiled: "Yes, cooking squad leader, I didn't expect to meet you here." ”
The conversation between the two of us seemed to go back to that time in the military camp all at once. At that time, I was her cooking squad leader, and she was the female soldier who loved to laugh.
However, good memories are always short-lived. Xiaofang told me that she never found a suitable job after she was discharged from the army, and now works as a cashier in a supermarket. When I heard this, I couldn't help but feel sorry for her.
"Xiaofang, would you like to come to my restaurant to help? I believe that with your ability, you will be able to help me take care of this restaurant. "I sincerely invite her.
She hesitated for a moment, then nodded: "Squad leader, I am willing." ”
In this way, Xiaofang became my right-hand man. We study the dishes together and deal with all kinds of emergencies in the restaurant together. During that time, we supported each other and faced the hardships of life together.
However, the good times were short-lived. One day, a large hotel near the restaurant opened, and their wide menu and good prices attracted most of the customers at once. Our restaurant business is getting bleaker day by day, and Xiaofang and I are under tremendous pressure.
During that time, we both fell into deep anxiety. I knew that if we didn't do anything else, the restaurant would go out of business.
"Squad leader, we can't just give up." Xiao Fang's eyes flashed with determination.
"Yes, we can't give up." I nodded, already having a decision in my mind.
That night, I dug out the recipes I learned in the barracks and decided to launch a series of special dishes, and together with Xiaofang, I made a final struggle for the fate of the restaurant.
After a lot of hard work, we were able to develop a few unique dishes. On the day of the new dish, the restaurant was full of seats and customers were full of praise.
"Squad leader, we succeeded." Xiao Fang's eyes flashed with tears of joy.
I smiled and squeezed her hand tightly: "Yes, we succeeded. ”
Since then, our restaurant has been revitalized. And Xiaofang and I also gradually developed a deep relationship during these days of working together. We have gone through difficult days hand in hand, and finally ushered in a bright future.
Now, the business of the restaurant is booming, and the two of us have come together. Every time I think back to that time, I feel emotional. Life is always full of unexpected surprises. And those former comrades-in-arms are the most valuable wealth in our lives.
The days were as calm and fulfilling as flowing water, the business of the restaurant was booming, Xiaofang became my right and left hand, and together we made the restaurant a warm place, not only a place to fill your stomach, but also a place for veterans to gather. Those former comrades-in-arms often visit our restaurant, and everyone sits together, talking and laughing, as if they have returned to the hot barracks.
One day, a familiar figure pushed open the door of the restaurant, it was my old company commander. He put his hands behind his back, his eyes were like torches, and although he had been retired from the army for many years, the majesty of that soldier was still undiminished.
"Lao Li, I heard that you have become a veteran's stronghold here, how can I not come and take a look?" The old company commander's voice was loud and full of energy.
I hurriedly greeted him and said excitedly: "Company commander, it's great that you're here!" This restaurant can have a little appearance, all thanks to everyone's support. ”
Xiao Fang also hurriedly served our best dish, and the old company commander tasted it, and a hint of surprise flashed in his eyes: "Well, this taste, authentic!" ”
We chatted while eating, and the old company commander mentioned some interesting things from the year, and everyone laughed, as if they were young again. Before leaving, the old company commander suddenly told me mysteriously that there was a veteran party being planned, and he wanted to invite me and Xiaofang to participate.
On the day of the party, we prepared special dishes early and brought them to the party. Veterans from far and wide gathered there, hugging each other and sharing their latest news. Under the introduction of the old company commander, the story of Xiaofang and I infected many people, and they applauded us and cheered us on.
At the end of the meeting, the old company commander suddenly proposed: "We should do something for the veterans, such as setting up a mutual aid association, where everyone can help each other in life and solve difficulties together." ”
My heart moved, and the proposal was immediately and enthusiastically responded to. Xiao Fang looked at me with a glint of anticipation in her eyes. The two of us stood up in unison and expressed our willingness to contribute to this mutual aid association.
Since then, our restaurant has not only become a paradise for food, but also a base for veterans to help each other. Xiaofang's life and I have become more fulfilling, and we have helped many veterans find a new direction in their lives, and we have also witnessed them regain their worth and dignity.
One weekend afternoon, Xiaofang and I were in the corner of the restaurant, quietly sorting out the materials of the veterans' mutual aid association. She suddenly raised her head, her eyes full of emotion: "Squad leader, what do you say we are doing this for?" ”
I put down the materials in my hand and looked at her seriously: "For that comradeship, for our veterans, let them feel warmth and respect in their later life." ”
Xiao Fang nodded, we looked at each other and smiled, that tacit understanding and emotion no longer need words to express. In this way, we continue to hold up a piece of the sky for the veterans in the restaurant, so that this special friendship will flow endlessly in the long river of years.
With the passage of time, the influence of the Veterans Mutual Aid Association has grown, and our restaurant has become a warm haven in the hearts of veterans. Every weekend, various events are held here, and some veterans find new jobs here, while others find long-lost comrades.
One day, a special guest came to the restaurant, he was my old comrade-in-arms, named Zhang Qiang. Zhang Qiang experienced a lot of setbacks after being discharged from the army, and the whole person seemed a little depressed. When he heard that our restaurant had become a stronghold for the Veterans' Mutual Aid Association, he couldn't help but come to him.
"Lao Li, I really don't know what to do." There was a hint of helplessness in Zhang Qiang's voice.
I patted him on the shoulder and comforted him, "Don't worry, if there is any difficulty, we will solve it together." ”
Xiao Fang made a pot of hot tea, and the three of us sat in the corner, and Zhang Qiang told about what happened to him over the years. It turned out that he tried a lot of jobs after being discharged from the army, but all of them did not stick to it for various reasons. Now, even the basics of his life have become a problem.
After listening to his story, I felt very uncomfortable. I decided not only to help Zhang Qiang find a job, but also to help him regain his self-confidence.
"Zhang Qiang, when you were in the army before, but the top soldiers of our company, so many difficulties have come over, what is this setback now?" I encouraged him.
Xiaofang also joined in, and she proposed that Zhang Qiang help out in the restaurant first, adjusting his mentality while working. Zhang Qiang hesitated, but finally nodded.
In this way, Zhang Qiang became a member of our restaurant. At first, he really didn't get used to it, but with our encouragement and help, he slowly got back into shape. He smiled more, talked more, and looked much more energetic.
A few months later, Zhang Qiang told me that he wanted to open a small shop of his own, specializing in military souvenirs that veterans loved. I listened to his plan and was very relieved.
"Squad leader, Xiaofang, thank you. You are the ones who have given me hope in life again. Zhang Qiang's eyes flashed with determination.
We helped him plan the opening of the store and contacted some veterans to help spread the word. When Zhang Qiang's shop opened, Xiaofang and I both went, and looking at his busy figure in the crowd, I knew that he had finally come out of the haze.
This incident has strengthened my conviction of the significance of our veterans' mutual aid society. We are not only helping our comrades-in-arms, but also passing on a spirit, a spirit of not giving up and moving forward bravely.
With the passage of time, the restaurant became a home in the hearts of more veterans. Xiaofang and I are also here, witnessing one miracle after another. When night falls, the lights of the restaurants light up the streets, and I always feel a deep sense of satisfaction and pride. This is our life, simple and fulfilling, full of hope and warmth.
One night, the door of the restaurant was pushed open, and a strange old man walked in. He was dressed in shabby clothes, and his face was full of exhaustion. He looked around, as if looking for something.
"Hello, what do you need?" Xiao Fang stepped forward and asked with a smile.
The old man raised his head, and there was a hint of confusion in his eyes: "Is this the Veterans Mutual Aid Association?" ”
I walked over, nodded and said, "Yes, this is the stronghold of the Veterans Mutual Aid Society." Is there anything you can help with? ”
The old man sighed and said, "My name is Lao Chen, and I am a veteran. I heard that this place can help us veterans, so I came. ”
I motioned for him to sit down, and Fang poured him a cup of hot tea. The old man took a sip of tea and slowly told his story. It turned out that he had been doing odd jobs for a living after he was discharged from the army, but he had been in poor health recently and could no longer continue working. He heard that our restaurant could help veterans, so he came here with the mindset of giving it a try.
After listening to Lao Chen's story, Xiaofang and I were silent. I know that there are many veterans like Lao Chen, who have given their youth and blood for the country, but have encountered difficulties in their later years.
"Lao Chen, don't worry, we will try our best to help you." I took his hand and said in a firm tone.
Xiao Fang also nodded in agreement: "Yes, we will definitely do our best." ”
From that day on, we began to help Lao Chen solve the difficulties in his life. We helped him apply for veterans' benefits and contacted some volunteers to visit him at his home regularly, help him with cleaning and chat with him.
Gradually, Lao Chen's mood improved, and his body gradually recovered. He often comes to our restaurant to participate in activities with other veterans and share their stories. His life was rejuvenated.
One day, Lao Chen looked at us gratefully and said, "Thank you, it is you who have given me back hope in life." ”
I smiled and shook my head: "Lao Chen, this is what we should do." We are all veterans, and it is only right to help each other. ”
Over time, our restaurant became home to more veterans. We don't just serve good food, we also provide a warm haven where veterans can find a sense of belonging and hope.
When night falls, the lights of the restaurants light up the streets, and I always feel a deep sense of satisfaction and pride. This is our life, simple and fulfilling, full of hope and warmth. We use our own strength to hold up a sky for veterans, so that they can feel loved and respected in their later years. This special friendship has flowed endlessly in the long river of time and has become the most precious treasure in our lives.