We catch up with the manager of a Beijing-style barbecue joint, who goes Wu Jie (Sister Wu). “People younger than me, people older than me – everyone calls me Wu Jie!” she tells us.
How are you feeling today?
Very happy.
What are all these grills for?
This is for kaorou [roast meat], laobeijing style.
What’s that photo of a dude with a bug behind you?
Another laobeijing thing – it’s an old man with the cricket he’s training to fight.
What’s the first thing you thought when you woke up this morning?
I need to get to the restaurant as soon as possible!
What’s the most surprising thing that’s happened to you?
About 12 years ago, I found a random bag of money back in my hometown in Sichuan.
Who are your best customers?
I like when customers are happy and when there’s a lot of them. When I see happy customers, I feel fulfilled. I like customers who give me advice – like what I’m missing, or what they want more of.
Who are your worst customers?
People who look down on me and my store.
Which living person do you most admire?
My boss’s sister. She’s very kind and good at communicating. She has high standards for everyone in her life.
When and where were you happiest?
I’m pretty happy now, actually. I like talking to people!
Which talent would you most like to have?
I would like the ability to make more money.
What do you consider your greatest achievement?
Making my parents and my brother proud.
If you could change one thing about your life, what would it be?
I’d make my family happier.
What is your most treasured possession?
My house.
What trait do you most value in a person?
Their communication skills – whether they’re polite or not, the words they choose to use.
What do you most dislike the most?
I’m not good at computers. I hate doing anything on a computer.
What always makes you laugh?
Quality time with family, and whenever my kids say, “Mom, when do you get off work?”
Which era of China’s history would you most like to have lived in?
I like the present. It’s peaceful – we’re not at war!
You can try Sister Wu’s kaorou in an alley just off Jiaodaokou Dongdajie, next to the new Ron Mexico location.
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