Gu Nian transmigrated to the 1990s. She tidied up the storefront her family had left behind and opened a little restaurant outside the courthouse.
The entire judicial compound scoffed at the idea:
Everyone who came to court was already red-faced with anger. Who would have the leisure to eat while reading a judgment?!
A few days later,
The plaintiff and defendant were arguing fiercely outside the courthouse when they suddenly caught the aroma of cold rice noodles coated in sesame sauce and chili oil. The atmosphere instantly fell quiet.
Some time later,
The sternest old court president slipped out with an enamel mug in hand and whispered, "Xiao Gu, give me a serving of crab roe tofu."
Later on,
Criminal cases all but disappeared, while the new case files made the case-filing division's staff twitch at the corners of their mouths:
One plaintiff accused a defendant of cutting in line and stealing his sweet-and-sour ribs.
One defendant had "borrowed" a braised pork lion's head and refused to return it.
One plaintiff, after waiting in line for days and repeatedly losing out to a defendant, failed to get a clay-pot rice with preserved meat. The angrier he got on the way home, the more he demanded compensation for emotional distress...
A television report announced:
"Over the past year, the rate of mediation and withdrawal of lawsuits in this city's judicial system has soared by 200%. Join us as we visit the courthouse and uncover the secret to residents living in peace and contentment."
The camera moved from the solemn emblem mounted high above to the line of diners stretching hundreds of meters down the steps.
Grinning, Gu Nian called out, "Show your mediation agreement for a serving of fermented-rice dumplings. Both plaintiffs and defendants get one!"
Enjoying the gossip, cooking delicious food, and making a little money.
Enjoying the juiciest gossip, making the tastiest food, and making lots and lots of money.
Theme: Getting along harmoniously
