Zhao is the former boss of the restaurant where Wu Ming worked as a second cook. He is described as being stingy with salaries and bringing in a relative to replace the head chef, which caused Wu Ming to resign in anger. Zhang Tao also left because of Zhao’s poor treatment. In the story, Wu Ming and Zhang Tao curse him for his unfair practices. Zhao represents the mismanagement common in state‑owned enterprises and serves as a contrast to Wu Ming’s independent venture. He is indirectly referenced as a negative example, highlighting the reasons behind Wu Ming’s decision to start his own business.
