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Those Years I Opened A Zoo

Chapter 56 Jia Jia Restaurant (Volume 1)

The newly completed oceanarium at Ling You Zoo currently included the rainforest area, the touch tank, the seabed area, the polar region and others. A total of over six thousand cubic meters of seawater and fresh water were used.

The rainforest area would feature freshwater fish, primarily displayed in large wall-mounted aquariums, and the entire exhibit was arranged to mimic a rainforest environment.

Marine life would be showcased in the seabed area, which used an aquarium tunnel system commonly found in Asia for visitors to experience a walkthrough embedded within an underwater world.

The exhibit was also designed to reflect the seabed environment, with the display progressing from shallow to deep sea, creating an immersive experience for visitors.

The polar region, as the name suggested, mimicked polar environments. It was planned to introduce penguins, seals, and other species. That part of the project was still in the planning stages and might be slightly delayed compared to others, but it was essential as it would attract citizens of Donghai City, where the climate was like spring all year round.

The touch tank would feature marine animals suitable for human interaction, such as sea turtles, starfish and more, providing visitors a chance to view and touch them up-close. It included several areas, including a simulated beach.

Since the oceanarium at Ling You Zoo had completely canceled marine life performances and did not have any space for performances, the touch tank would become the primary focus of their marketing strategy.

Many oceanariums also introduced diving programs, which were great, but considering the abundance of diving entertainment options in Donghai City, as well as those programs being held in actual seawater, it was not their primary promotional focus.

Based on Duan Jiaze and Bai Haibo’s discussions and plans, it was decided that after the grand-opening, the touch tank would implement a voluntary shift system with a reward mechanism.

Building an oceanarium was truly challenging. If it were the old Cape Zoo, it would have been impossible to build. Moreover, the visitor traffic of Donghai City alone would not be enough for the oceanarium’s recoupment.

A facility of that scale required tens of millions in investment. If it were not for the system’s assistance, Duan Jiaze would have struggled with paperwork alone.

Currently, Huang Qi has not secured all the marine life. The task was too complicated. Just when he was still having various worries, he found that one of Duan Jiaze’s “friends” had already airlifted a large number of freshwater fish and a small portion of marine life.

A rough count revealed that the quantity and variety of freshwater species have already exceeded the requirements specified by Duan Jiaze and Huang Qi!

“These are my donations,” Bai Haibo said coolly. Having mingled in human society for over a thousand years, he naturally had some connections. From transportation to donation and registration, all procedures were carried out legally.

Huang Qi was astonished, watching as workers continuously brought in the fish. He asked Duan Jiaze, “Director, do you have any more friends like this?”

There was no burden on the zoo’s costs, just a few more of those and Huang Qi would not have to work at all! It was worth noting that the speed was so fast that he had not even finished training the staff responsible for the oceanarium.

Duan Jiaze replied, “For now… it’s just him.”

As Donghai City served as the base for Linshui temple, while Ling You served as a friendly unit of Linshui temple, it was truly remarkable to have a demon come forward on its own…

Huang Qi glanced at Bai Haibo with admiration and continued, “Director, I suggest relocating the Arctic fox to the polar exhibit. According to our survey, the number of visitors from within the province has increased significantly, and the number of visitors from outside the province is also rising. The advertising effect is taking hold and gradually gaining momentum. With the arrival of the tourist peak season after the start of the year, we are expecting a significant increase next year— Our popular animals will also be ready for display, so we can start considering making souvenirs.”

Initially, Ling You’s reputation was low and known within a small scope. It only started to expand online. At that time, it was short-staffed, so considerations for souvenirs were naturally absent.

Now that popularity has been established and a new batch of volunteers came in, there was a need for more staff, and of course, plans for souvenirs could be considered.

“Sure, once we find someone specifically responsible for merchandise, we can start planning,” Duan Jiaze said, “The restaurant is also under renovation. I’ve assembled a kitchen team, so you should plan an event for the grand-opening.”

The contracted barren mountain has been camouflaged by planting black bamboo and the five grains, then cultivated with diluted mango pomelo sago dessert. It could be harvested approximately once a week. Once the mango pomelo sago was used up, it would return to its normal cycle, with significantly fewer quantities. However, by then, the restaurant should be running stably, so it should not be a concern.

At that moment, the workers had finished placing all the freshwater fish into the wall-mounted aquariums. Schools of ornamental fish swam within. All of them were sourced by Bai Haibo from rivers, lakes, and seas.

Duan Jiaze poured the fish from his own little oceanarium into the wall-mounted aquariums as well, while Huang Qi recorded a short video and sent it to Xiao Su.

Seeing the fish gathered around Duan Jiaze instead of dispersing, Bai Haibo’s suspicion was confirmed. Director Duan was indeed someone with hidden talents. However, Bai Haibo, whose strength was not as great, could only accept things as they were.

On the other hand, Xiao Su posted an update on Weibo about the progress of the oceanarium and shared the video: From a bird shotgun to a cannon— Our REAL oceanarium is now introducing fish~

The comments were all similar:

I won’t admit defeat. Why is Director touching the fish? Where’s the almighty Luya?

REAL fish-touching…

Lately it’s all about oceanarium oceanarium restaurant restaurant. I don’t care, I want to see Director feed hens, boohoo…

Feed hens?? Luya will want to peck someone upon hearing this.

Editor-san used to say Director had an aquarium. Seems likeDirector’s true love is actually fish.”

New love?

Don’t y’all think this is cruel? Luya only has one master, yet the master has so many animals QAQ

Boring, I actually spent ten minutes scrolling through these heartfelt comments about humans and animals.

I don’t care, bird roll is rio (real) ! Editor, get some behind-the-scenes footage!

…

…

After relentless effort, Jia Jia Restaurant at Ling You Zoo officially opened.

The official blog and Weibo had already posted previews. The entire restaurant featured an eco-friendly and natural decor with extensive indoor greenery, seamlessly blending with the surrounding environment of the zoo.

All ingredients used were sourced from local rural areas, with fresh, organic fruits and vegetables. Even the meats, such as chickens, ducks, pigs, sheep and more… were all locally grown, ensuring freshness and being free of pollutants

There were also premium ingredients that were sourced from their own cultivation base.

After a tiring visit to the zoo, visitors could relax in the restaurant and enjoy eco-friendly delicacies.

During the first month of opening, the restaurant offered everything at 40% off, with a chance to win tickets to the soon-to-open oceanarium…

The restaurant’s promotion seemed similar to many other dining establishments, but its significance was more about announcing that Ling You now had a restaurant, so visitors no longer had to bring their own food or settle for takeout.

As a restaurant within the zoo, it was like a routine addition.

Many large amusement parks in the country had expensive, but mediocre dining options, but after Jia Jia Restaurant’s promotion, people found the dining venue for a small city’s zoo quite practical.

— Although the menu prices were not seen yet, just seeing the restaurant’s name made countless people decide that its venue was very accessible.

In fact, some even mistakenly remembered Jia Jia Restaurant as Jia Jia Local Restaurant…

As an elder of Duan Jiaze, Sun Aiping and his family specially came to support on the grand-opening day.

As the boyfriend during the inspection phase, Bai Haibo had not been given the chance to meet Sun Aiping. That day, the family of three, including the husband and wife, Sun Aiping and Liu Lian, as well as Sun Ying, all went to Ling You.

Sun Ying, dressed and ready, urged her parents, “Hurry up, let’s get there early.”

Since tasting the food at Ling You, Sun Ying had been unable to forget it. Even this visit was also something she strongly advocated for.

“What’s the rush? Is it really that delicious?” While feeding their golden retriever daughter some deworming medicine, Liu Lian spoke, “I think it’s because you eat too much cafeteria food, so I had you come home for a meal. Oh, my baby, today we’re going to see your son, but unfortunately, we can’t take you…”

Thinking about those few local dogs, Liu Lian was not resentful as before. The anger from when her daughter gave birth to those dogs had long dissipated, especially since they were no longer around. She had heard they were guarding the gates at Ling You now.

After Sun Aiping and Liu Lian got ready, they departed with the impatient Sun Ying and drove to Ling You.

It was the weekend, and many people were visiting Ling You, even though it was not due to the restaurant’s grand-opening. However, there were also several visitors who knew about the new restaurant and intended to dine there, so they did not have to worry about Jia Jia Restaurant’s customer flow.

At the visitor service center, they also saw one of the local dogs. After not seeing it for a few months, the local dog had grown up. Its fur, once white, now had a slightly yellowish tinge, like it had been slightly overcooked. Its coat was smooth and glossy. Its physique, possibly inherited by its mother, was quite huge and strong, with bright eyes and stood there with a majestic presence.

One had to admit that it was an exceptionally excellent local dog.

“Oh my,” Liu Lian exclaimed, “Which sibling are you? You used to be so little, but you’ve grown so fast. You even look… a bit like our baby now.”

Although Xu Wen had never met Liu Lian, she recognized Sun Aiping and Sun Ying. She came over, “Director Sun, this is the eldest, Xiao Hong. The other three are stationed elsewhere. They are our security chiefs and have thwarted several theft attempts.”

In crowded times at the zoo, theft was not uncommon. Those dogs were so adept at recognizing thieves that many thought they were retired police dogs. Since they were around, thefts had almost disappeared.

“Really? Well, they are suited for this line of work, but our baby only knows to run away with the bad guys.” Liu Lian still preferred her own adorable baby.

Xiao Hong, also known as Mo Lihong, usually would not let strangers approach. To Xu Wen’s surprise, it walked up to Liu Lian, sniffed her, and then rubbed against her hand.

Xu Wen found the situation unfathomable, “It’s very well-trained and never approaches strangers.”

Liu Lian was momentarily stunned as she felt the soft fur in her hand. That dog clearly had a strong affection for her.

Sun Aiping sighed with a sense of nostalgia, “I remember you were the one who helped our baby deliver her litter, and took care of them for a while later on. It probably either recognizes you, or the scent of our baby on you.”

When the Four Heavenly Kings were sent to Ling You, they were just a month old. Now they have grown so much. Could they really still recognize her and Baby (Bao Bao)?

Liu Lian’s expression grew complex as she crouched down to pat Xiao Hong’s head, “Little darling, do you really remember me and Mom?”

Xiao Hong could not speak, but it whined and rubbed against Liu Lian’s legs, seemingly responding to her words.

After leaving the visitor service center, Liu Lian took Sun Ying around the zoo, also curious to see if the other dogs would recognize her.

Sun Aiping had no interest in the zoo tour. Since he had been there before, he went straight to find Duan Jiaze. With Duan Jiaze’s company, he could enter the yet-to-open oceanarium in advance.

“This place of yours is really nice, the decoration is done very well!” Sun Aiping, who liked to keep fish, was excited to see the freshwater ornamental fish room. He did not need Duan Jiaze’s help and could spend quite a while looking around.

By noon, Duan Jiaze invited Sun Aiping and Liu Lian to the restaurant. The place was quite crowded, with the outdoor seating fully occupied. Luckily, he had reserved some spots in advance.

Liu Lian eagerly said, “Guess what? Those dogs really recognized me! They were so affectionate, but with other visitors, they turned fierce if they tried touching them.”

Recalling the fierce demeanor of the local dogs, Liu Lian felt slightly shaken. Fortunately, it was not directed at her.

Liu Lian thought that living in the zoo and frequently seeing wild animals must have contributed to their exceptional growth.

Sun Aiping was hungry. Although he thought he was fine at first, upon entering the restaurant, he felt a sudden hunger, probably due to the smell of food from other tables.

Many visitors were small families with children, and they ordered a variety of dishes including meat, vegetables, and soup. The food looked like simple home-style cooking, but they were colorful, not greasy, and somehow particularly appetizing.

Not only was Sun Aiping hungry, but many guests also found themselves particularly appetized. Some who originally planned to go to the barbecue place next door even decided to stay.

A plate of stir-fried free-range chicken was particularly enticing. The chicken was golden yellow with a slight crispiness and a glossy sheen. Guests found the flavor well-balanced, with tender meat, making it a perfect accompaniment to rice. They showed satisfaction, even licking the oil off their lips…

Sun Aiping was distracted by watching how much others enjoyed their food and responded vaguely to Liu Lian’s comments. He quickly glanced at the menu and found the prices reasonable. For example, the stir-fried free-range chicken was only 35 yuan, even cheaper with the discount.

However, when he saw the top section of recommended dishes, Sun Aiping was stunned.

Farmer God Series:

Farmer God’s Five-Grain Porridge: 100 yuan/bowl (discounted to 60 yuan)

Wheatgrass Juice: 40 yuan/cup (discounted to 24 yuan)

Soy Milk: 50 yuan/cup (discounted to 30 yuan)

…

Laka* Series:

[*T/N: “Laka” (洛迦) is short for “Mount Potalaka”(普陀洛伽山), which is associated with Guanyin and where the black or purple bamboo forests are found]

Cold-dressed Bamboo Shoots: 120 yuan (discounted to 72 yuan)

Fresh Bamboo Shoot Soup: 180 yuan (discounted to 108 yuan)

…

The prices for the dishes made from various grains or bamboo shoots were very high. Even after the discount, the price was unbearable. Fifty yuan for a cup of soy milk? Did they add ginseng or something?

The pricing was significantly higher compared to the rest of the menu, which was marked as “limited quantity, while supplies last.” Many wondered if anyone would actually order those.

Without comparing them to other boxed lunch places, at least their own menu had regular porridge, and its price was quite reasonable.

Sun Aiping also overheard some new visitors saying, “Holy crap, what’s up with the Farmer God’s Series and Laka Series? The boss must be crazy, a discounted price of sixty yuan for a bowl of porridge.”

“How can this be so expensive? The rest of the dishes are pretty affordable, especially with discounts. Why are these so high-priced?”

“Do they really think these are planted by Farmer God and Guanyin? Selling them at such high prices is crazy.”

Someone called over a waiter to ask, “Is there anything special in these Farmer God’s Series dishes?”

The waiter, a bald man, smiled and replied, “Good day to you, the ingredients are exactly as described. Five-grain porridge is made from rice, wheat, and other grains, and the soy milk is made from pure soybeans. However, all the ingredients come from our specialized cultivation base, where we’ve developed rare varieties. They are much more delicious than ordinary ones, so the higher price is justified, but it’s definitely worth the price.”

That kind of talk sounded exaggerated, almost like the aggressive marketing tactics of those micro-businesses. Everyone exchanged skeptical glances.

Seeing the prices, most visitors just laughed it off and ordered the dishes at the bottom of the menu. However, a few young tourists jokingly decided to try those rare varieties to see if they were really worth the high price.

Meanwhile, Duan Jiaze, as if he had not heard the comments, went ahead and selected the Farmer God’s Series dishes, along with some local specialties.

Remembering how his daughter had praised the porridge and dishes there, Sun Aiping wondered if they were truly worth the hype.

Since the porridge and other similar items were pre-prepared, both Sun Aiping’s table and the young tourists’ table were served the five-grain porridge and the wheatgrass juice almost simultaneously. The wheatgrass juice was even chilled.

The young people over there only ordered one bowl, and it was all just for fun. Now that it had been served, the tourists who initially wanted to complain were at a loss for words.

The color of the porridge was bright and vibrant, with the grains appearing distinct, plump, and soft. The steam rising from it carried a delightful aroma, making them gulp in anticipation.

Coincidentally, everyone temporarily ignored giving comments about the food’s first impression and picked up their spoons, scooped up a spoonful and took a bite.

On the other side, Sun Aiping and the others also took a sip of porridge. What’s different was that they each had a bowl.

Almost simultaneously, a voice of admiration was heard from both Sun Aiping’s table and the young tourists’ table, “Delicious!”

All the words in the world could only be summed up in one sentence. There were no other adjectives to describe it.

The delicate texture and the rich fragrance of the grains made every bite seem like a concentrated burst of flavors. The combined taste of the five grains was harmonious yet distinct. It could instantly invigorate and improve one’s appetite.

After the praises, the young people that were sharing a single bowl of porridge quickly finished it within minutes by taking turns to scoop up every last bit. Even the little bit of residue at the bottom was scraped clean. Each of them could not eat much, and by then, they were even hungrier.

One girl even dumbfoundedly slapped her forehead and spoke in frustration, “I forgot to take a photo…”

She had planned to photograph the expensive porridge to post online, but the moment it arrived, she completely forgot.

Sun Aiping and his companions had a bowl each, so there was still quite a bit left. At the moment, they were also lowering their heads and drinking the porridge eagerly.

Nearby diners were somewhat skeptical. They could also smell the aroma, which was indeed very fragrant, but was it necessary for the young people to snatch the food? What if it was just a setup?

The other local dishes at the restaurant were already quite delicious, with fresh, authentic ingredients. To say that they were freshly picked and slaughtered from nearby villages in the morning was absolutely believable.

Moreover, there was something uniquely comforting about the restaurant’s atmosphere, perhaps it was the great environment that heightened their appetites.

Yet, the more it was like that, the more the others felt tempted compared to those people.

Seeing others enjoying their food so much, perhaps there really was a reason why the expensive ones were worth their price?

Under such temptation, although it was only a few, some tourists indeed could not resist and ordered dishes from the Farmer God and Laka series.