Zhang Tao is a friend of Wu Ming and a supplier of pre‑made pastries. He drives a black Mercedes and delivers semi‑finished buns, steamed bread, and tea eggs to Wu Ming. He discusses the restaurant business with Wu Ming, complains about their former boss Zhao, and offers to invest in Wu Ming’s venture. He is supportive but skeptical of Wu Ming’s plan to open at 4 am. He introduces Wu Ming to a tea merchant (Tea King) and provides a 80% discount. He is a modern businessman who runs a factory that supplies breakfast chains, and he values the quality of Wu Ming’s cooking after tasting the stir‑fried dishes. His character bridges the modern commercial world with Wu Ming’s culinary ambitions.
