Liangjian Rongtian lamb bone hotpot restaurant in Beijing holds the top spot in the city's hotpot category on a major Chinese food review platform. While patrons praise the food quality, with an average spend of about 100 CNY (approximately 375,000 VND) per person, the restaurant's nearly 3,000 reviews primarily reflect deep respect for its late owner.
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Luan's photo appeared at the "Beijing Model Citizen 2024" award ceremony. Photo: News.cn |
The restaurant's founder was Luan Liuwei, originally from Tai An, Shandong province. In 2017, he and his wife, Xue Qiaoyan, opened the 200 m2 establishment, specializing in lamb bone hotpot. Luan personally designed the entire restaurant layout and operational procedures.
Tragedy struck in 8/2024. While on vacation in Hebei province, Luan, 41, heard cries for help from the riverbank. He plunged into the water, saving three struggling children. However, when he returned to try and save a 4th person, Luan became exhausted and was swept away by the current. He died on his youngest daughter's birthday.
Luan's courageous act deeply moved the Chinese public. The Shandong provincial government posthumously honored him as a martyr.
Transforming grief into action, Xue Qiaoyan decided to take over the business. She maintained her husband's original decor, adding only a small sign outside that reads: "Hero Luan Liuwei's Restaurant".
From being a supportive partner behind the scenes, Xue learned to manage every aspect of the restaurant, from sourcing ingredients to serving tables. She confessed that at times the pressure was overwhelming, and she could only look at her husband's photo and cry.
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Customers dine at Xue's family lamb hotpot restaurant. Photo: News.cn |
The story of the "hero hotpot restaurant" quickly spread, drawing crowds to the establishment. During peak hours, hundreds of people are willing to queue. Many customers traveled from afar, deliberately overpaying to donate to Xue and her three children, but Xue politely refused.
Inside the restaurant, the walls are gradually filled with honorary flags, handmade cards, and customer-drawn portraits of Luan.
"It feels like he never left," Xue said, fiddling with her wedding ring.
By Nhat Minh (According to SCMP, Hongxing News, Jimu News)
