Now the two kids had gotten used to working at the restaurant during their winter and summer breaks, and Gong Mingxia fully supported them in doing so. She happily paid them wages to help them save money.
By 2004, the restaurant's business had built a solid reputation in the surrounding commercial district—mainly due to the high quality, affordable, and varied dishes they offered. She had switched to a fast-food style assembly line model with an entrance and an exit. Customers would pay at the exit, passing by numerous display areas featuring bowl-like dishes from which they could choose during the process.
The two private rooms upstairs were also opened when crowded, usually occupied by groups from the same workplace, maximizing the use of space.