In Jingdezhen, a city famous for its ceramics, a 48-year-old street vendor named Li Junyong has captured national attention. Known online as “chicken steak brother,” he became a major local attraction during the recent holiday. While skillfully preparing chicken steak at his modest stall, he charms customers with his humorous and sincere manner. His witty remarks, such as, “You can refuse me, but not my chicken steak,” have spread widely online. His growing influence has contributed to a noticeable rise in local tourism, with hotel bookings and cultural experience purchases seeing significant growth.

Li Junyong has been operating his chicken steak stall near a middle school for five years. Despite the long queues, he remains efficient and engaging. While preparing orders, he keeps customers entertained with lighthearted jokes like, “If your plastic bag blows away in the wind, I won’t admit you paid.” This approach transforms the often tedious waiting time into a pleasant social interaction. Additionally, he follows his own set of principles: students pay one yuan less and receive priority after 4:30 PM. These thoughtful practices demonstrate his warmth and integrity.

While his chicken steak is tasty and affordable, it’s his positive attitude and genuine connection with people that truly stand out. When asked about his work, he emphasizes pursuing one’s passion with commitment and perseverance. He believes that happiness is a personal feeling and that a positive mindset enhances even simple pleasures. He readily acknowledges the support of his family, particularly his wife, who manages most household responsibilities. In his view, maintaining customer loyalty requires consistent sincerity and dedication, as he notes that “It’s hard to keep a customer, but losing one can happen in an instant.”

His remarkable popularity underscores the significant value of emotional connection in today’s service economy, where visitors are drawn not merely by the food but also by the joyful and authentic experience he provides. This pattern mirrors other successful cases across China, where genuine local interactions have boosted regional tourism. Following his rise to fame, Li was honored as a “Jingdezhen Cultural Tourism Promotion Ambassador.” He continues to promote his hometown while adhering to his core values — delivering quality food and heartfelt service to every customer.

1. 1. What is the main reason for Li Junyong’s popularity?

A    His delicious chicken steak.

B    His humor and interaction.

C    His special care for students.

D    His long business hours.

2. 2. The underlined word “tedious” in the second paragraph is closest in meaning to “______”.

A    short and exciting

B    happy and relaxing

C    long and boring

D    quick and easy

3. 3. What makes Li Junyong’s service special?

A    Professional cooking skills.

B    Emotional value to customers.

C    Special discount for students.

D    High quality ingredients.

4. 4. What is the main idea of the last paragraph?

A    The importance of tourism development in China.

B    The secret of Li’s chicken steak recipe.

C    The history of Li’s street food business.

D    The economic value of emotional connection.