I Ran a Small Catering Business in the 1990s

Sheng Qiu, a woman from the twenty-first century, finds herself transported into the body of a young factory worker in 1990s Yangcheng. The original host had died from exhaustion after three days of grueling labor at the Dasheng Toy Factory. Sheng Qiu struggles to adapt to her new reality, working long hours in a crowded dormitory while longing for her old life. Her situation changes abruptly when a four-year-old boy named Sheng Nian appears at the factory gate, claiming she is his aunt. Sheng Nian is the son of Sheng Qiu's older sister, Sheng Chun, who has been missing for three days. Despite her confusion and lack of experience with children, Sheng Qiu takes responsibility for the boy, guiding him to their shared apartment and filing a police report regarding Sheng Chun's disappearance.

Realizing she cannot continue her factory job while caring for a young child, Sheng Qiu quits her position and moves into Sheng Chun's spacious apartment. She discovers a stash of cash belonging to Sheng Nian, which provides her with the capital to pursue her dream of becoming a street vendor. Drawing on her culinary skills from her previous life, she begins planning a food stall business, specifically targeting the area near an elementary school. Her cooking quickly gains attention, with neighbors like the Zhang family becoming intrigued by the aromas wafting from her kitchen. Sheng Nian, initially fearful of being abandoned, grows attached to his aunt, finding comfort in her care and the delicious meals she prepares.

As Sheng Qiu settles into her new role, she navigates the challenges of single-handedly raising a child while building a business from scratch. She purchases cooking equipment and ingredients, experimenting with recipes such as fried chicken and various pancakes. Her neighbor, Hu Li, becomes a friendly acquaintance after her son, Haohao, is drawn to the smell of Sheng Qiu's cooking. The two families begin to interact, with Hu Li bringing gifts and Sheng Qiu sharing her food. These interactions help Sheng Qiu integrate into the community and provide a support network in an unfamiliar time period.

The story follows Sheng Qiu's determination to create a stable life for herself and Sheng Nian. She balances her entrepreneurial ambitions with maternal duties, ensuring the boy receives proper education and care. Meanwhile, the mystery of Sheng Chun's whereabouts remains unresolved, casting a shadow over their current happiness. Sheng Qiu continues to work hard, using her modern knowledge and cooking expertise to establish herself as a successful vendor. Her journey is marked by small victories, from perfecting recipes to building relationships with neighbors, as she strives to uncover the truth about her sister's disappearance while securing a bright future for her nephew.