In our monthly series 'Getting Moderately Deep With... ' we ask a food vendor tough questions. Well, sort-of tough.
This month we meet Li, the owner of a diner specializing in bone soup and malatang, and a true cat lover.
What is your idea of the perfect day?
The perfect day is one in which we can live as we please, according to our heart’s desires. Today we tend to live under great pressure from every side and to have the freedom to live as we want is a rare luxury.
What is the first thing you thought when you woke up this morning?
I thought, “It’s Thursday, two more days to go!”
Who is your best customer?
My best customer was a guy who came here just after the opening and with whom I started a good friendship that goes on to this day. He’s both a loyal customer and a friend, the perfect combination.
Do you have some bad customers then?
Mine is a restaurant with few pretenses. The customers that decide to come usually do not complain about the service or the presentation of dishes. I think I've never really had bad customers who complained or refused to pay.
Which living person do you most admire?
Although there are many personalities that I truly respect, I really admire what Xi Jinping has done for the country, introducing a lot of important new policies to help the most backwards parts of China and the disadvantaged.
When and where were you happiest?
It was the day I got married. That day I turned from a single man to part of a family, a change that had a significant impact on me and brought me great joy.
Which talent would you most like to possess?
To predict the future. This is because everything today changes so fast, it is very hard to keep up! For example, I just found out a few days ago from a friend that Victoria’s Secret now does not just sell lingerie but has a whole range of day clothes. When did that happen?
If you could change one thing about your life, what would it be?
Right now, I would really like to change my apartment.
What do you consider your greatest achievement?
To have lived in good health up to this day. It’s not a given at all.
What is your most treasured possession?
My friends. Many in China, like me, are only children, and friends for us become new family members that help us out and that we can confide in.
What trait do you most value in a person?
Honesty.
What is it that you most dislike?
Hypocrisy.
What is your motto?
I really like the phrase “Everyone is in charge of their own destiny.” Keeping in mind that my fate is mine to make helped me in many situations and to overcome pressure.
What always makes you laugh?
Interesting things that stimulate me… and messy people.
You can find (and taste) Li's soups and other specialties at Miao La 喵辣 at 11 Dongyangwei jie, Dongzhimen, Dongcheng 东城区东直门东扬威街11号
Read more Getting Moderately Deep With...
0 User Comments