The Art of Smashed Cucumber

Old Wang was a chef, or more precisely, a chef who made smashed cucumbers. His smashed cucumbers weren't sliced with a knife but rather "smashed" using a family-inherited "unique technique." The result was cucumbers that were crisp, flavorful, and unmatched by any other establishment. This made Old Wang a prized asset at the "Four Seasons Spring" restaurant.

The "Four Seasons Spring" owner, known as Old Slick, raved about Old Wang's smashed cucumber technique and even applied for it to be a "preliminary project for Intangible Cultural Heritage." The restaurant profited handsomely from this dish, successfully venturing into food delivery platforms, and Old Wang had played a vital role.

But Old Wang wasn't happy. He felt his life was like the cucumber, flattened and stripped of its edges. He wanted to "smash" other things – eggplant, potatoes, even watermelons. But Old Slick disagreed, saying, "You stick to smashing cucumbers, don't mess around!"

Old Wang, unable to bear it any longer, submitted his resignation. Old Slick sneered, "Fine, but your cucumber-smashing skill is a trade secret of our restaurant. If you dare use it, we'll see you in court."

Old Wang, refusing to believe it, changed restaurants and continued to smash cucumbers. He used the same force, the same rhythm, the same secret. The result? "Four Seasons Spring" sued him for 100,000 in damages.

In court, Old Slick spoke with righteous indignation: "He has infringed on our intellectual property. Our restaurant's smashed cucumber technique is one of a kind!"

Old Wang argued back: "This technique was passed down from my ancestors, it's not yours! Besides, I'm smashing cucumbers, not your cucumbers!"

The judge, caught in a dilemma, finally ruled: Old Wang had to compensate "Four Seasons Spring" 50,000 and could not use "Four Seasons Spring's" smashed cucumber technique in any restaurant.

Old Wang, refusing to accept the verdict, appealed, only to lose again. He was utterly devastated, feeling his life was like a cucumber on a cutting board, at the mercy of others.

One day, while walking down the street, Old Wang saw a vegetable market with people selling cucumbers. A sudden thought struck him. He bought a few cucumbers and went home to start "smashing."

This time, he didn't use his hands. Instead, he used a specially made "smasher" with tiny holes all over it. He placed the cucumbers in a customized container and tapped them with the "smasher."

Something magical happened. The cucumbers were not only crisp but also had an unprecedented unique taste. Old Wang gave the "smashed" cucumbers to his neighbors, who all praised their deliciousness, asking how he made them.

Old Wang laughed heartily, "This is 'smashing' art, 'smashed' cucumbers!"

Old Wang set up a small stall, specializing in selling these "smashed" cucumbers, and business boomed. He became known far and wide as the "Cucumber Artist."

Old Slick, upon learning of this, flew into a rage. He rushed to Old Wang's stall, pointing his finger and scolding, "You little brat, you're doing it again! Isn't this using our technique?!"

Old Wang smiled faintly and took out the "smasher" covered in small holes, saying, "Old Slick, look closely, this is 'smashing', not 'hitting'. Moreover, this is art, not a trade secret."

Old Slick was so angry he almost blew a gasket, but he had nothing to say. He finally understood that Old Wang wasn't after smashing cucumbers, but freedom.

Later, Old Wang’s “smashed cucumber” became famous. There were even artists who created a series of performance art pieces based on his "smashing". In one performance, they dressed cucumbers in glamorous clothes and tapped them with the "smasher" in a theater. The crisp sounds resonated throughout the theater, becoming a form of avant-garde music.

Old Wang didn't attend any of these performances. He simply continued his daily routine, smashing cucumbers. His "smashing" wasn’t just about smashing cucumbers; it was about smashing this absurd world. And those who had once mocked him were now scrambling to buy his "smashed" cucumbers. Only Old Wang knew that he was still smashing, smashing the self that had been "flattened" by life and rules.