This month, we meet Zhang at his shop, where he sells smoked duck and pickles.
What's the first thing you thought when you woke up this morning?
I thought, I’m going to set up shop early today! Since I usually open my business later than everyone else.
What is your idea of the perfect day?
When I don’t have to go to work, because then I can sleep in. That’s literally all I want to do right now. I’m so sleepy that I feel like I’m sleepwalking.
Who is your best customer?
Anyone chill.
Who is your worst customer?
I once had a drunk customer that I didn’t want to sell anything to, but he kept on insisting, and ended up trying to fight me. All of my customers lined up out front were watching.
How are you feeling today?
Exhausted. I woke up at 3am just to set up my business early, which is what I’m supposed to do, but fail to do most days [laughs, then sighs]. One of our employees got sick today, so I had to replace him instead of going back home and sleeping.
When and where are you happiest?
I’m happiest during the Chinese New Year in my hometown with my family. This is the only time of the year that I get to have such a long break and go have fun without worrying about my business.
Which talent would you most like to have?
I’ve never thought about this. I don’t have the time and energy to think about hypothetical questions. My time and energy are limited. Finishing work each day takes up most of the space in my mind.
If you could change one thing about your life, what would it be?
My job, for sure. I’d want to own a malatang shop, because there are a lot of people in Bei-jing who eat malatang, so it would be [profitable] to run one.
What is your most treasured possession?
My 10-year-old son. My motivation to earn money stems from him. I want to do anything I can for him.
What do you consider your greatest achievement?
My son, definitely my son!
What trait do you most value in a person?
A good sense of morality. I’m sad to say it, but nowadays there are very few people who actually have this.
What is it that you most dislike?
There are countless things I hate. If I were to pick just one: my job.
What always makes you laugh?
I’m always laughing or smiling! I’m a very positive person.
What's the most surprising thing that's happened to you?
I’m rarely surprised. If my profit at the end of the year is more than I expect, then I’ll be surprised.
Which era of Beijing's history would you most like to have lived in?
The Qing dynasty, because it was the most prosperous era in Chinese history.
Who is your hero?
F&B entrepreneurs. Running a food-related business is tiring, and it’s hard to make a good profit.
Which living person do you most admire?
Warren Buffett. He’s the ultimate gushen (‘stock god’). His talent for prediction is downright incredible.
Zhang's shop, Jiujiuya, is on Chunxiu Lu.
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