Chapter 8

Zhang Tianyuan did not rush to sell the calligraphy by Mr. Qi Gong. In the past few days, he had already started working at Xu Gang's jade shop. Whenever he had free time, he would wander around the antique market and the calligraphy street in Xifeng City. First, he naturally wanted to determine the exact value of Mr. Qi Gong's calligraphy, and second, of course, it was for his dream of getting rich.

The antique market and calligraphy street were not without genuine items, but the prices were too high. He was there to make money, not to collect, so buying them would not be cost-effective. Besides, he didn't have that much money. At this point, he realized he had underestimated people. Even without knowing the six-character true incantation, there were still many people who understood antiques and collections. Although there were times when people were fooled, such good deals were not easy to come by.

Later, he set his sights on damaged calligraphy, paintings, or ceramics caused by accidents, but he found nothing. What surprised him most was that some people deliberately broke fakes and then pretended they were genuine items that had been broken, claiming they were selling them at a discount.

Zhang Tianyuan knew, even without the six-character true incantation, that these were not genuine based on his years of experience. However, there were still people who fell for it, either because they were blinded by greed or truly ignorant.

In just a few days, Zhang Tianyuan saw someone buy a pile of broken ceramics and load them into a truck, not knowing what they were going to do with them. Out of good intentions, he privately warned the person not to be deceived, but it turned out that being a good person could also bring trouble. The person cursed him for causing trouble, saying he should focus on his work instead of meddling in others' affairs.

Zhang Tianyuan was furious and cursed, "Damn, I really am meddling in other people's business. Forget it, I won't bother with this anymore."

From that day on, he stopped going to the antique market and calligraphy street. He couldn't find anything good, and he felt it was better to use that time to gain more knowledge. The six-character true incantation was indeed useful, but he also needed to know about famous calligraphers and artists from ancient and modern times. Otherwise, when he really needed it, he would regret not knowing enough.

Since Zhang Tianyuan started helping, Xu Gang hardly ever came to the shop. Every day, after dropping Zhang Tianyuan off at the jade shop, he would leave and usually return in the evening. He rented a house in Xifeng City because going back to his hometown every day was too troublesome and unsafe. Most of the time, he stayed in Xifeng City. Because the house was large, he invited Zhang Tianyuan to move in as well.

Zhang Tianyuan noticed that Xu Gang had been going out happily and returning with a smile, as if he had hit a lucky streak. After some questioning, he found out that Xu Gang was in love. When asked about his girlfriend, Xu Gang teased him, saying he would introduce her when the time was right.

Zhang Tianyuan warned Xu Gang about the many female scammers these days, but Xu Gang confidently patted his chest and said, "Hehe, my girlfriend is a college student. Although I didn't go to college, I've been with college students."

"Have you done it?" Zhang Tianyuan was surprised.

"Tsk, do you think everyone is like you, still a virgin at twenty-five? People would laugh at you. Alright, I won't talk nonsense with you. I have to take her to the night market today. Go home directly after work; you know the way and have the key." Xu Gang looked down on Zhang Tianyuan, saying that although he read a lot, he had become foolish. At twenty-five, still a virgin, was quite rare.

Zhang Tianyuan glared at Xu Gang and said, "I'm different from you. Everyone has the right to choose their own life..."

"Enough, I can't stand your big talk. I'm leaving now." Before Zhang Tianyuan could finish, Xu Gang ran off. Although the Buick Regal looked a bit old, being able to afford a car at twenty-five was still impressive, much better than Zhang Tianyuan.

So sometimes Zhang Tianyuan wondered, what was the point of studying? If he had dropped out and done business, he might have made some money too.

Lost in thought, he found himself at the square near the Drum Tower. The lights were dazzling, the fountain water gushed, and couples were everywhere. Zhang Tianyuan sighed, feeling out of place.

He had planned to wander around for a while before going home, but now he decided to go straight to his sister's store. He bought some snacks that his niece and nephew loved and planned to visit them.

Previously, he had given his sister over 80,000 yuan to start a clothing store in Xifeng City. Besides selling branded clothes, they also sold handmade shoes and clothes from the countryside.

Surprisingly, the branded clothes sold poorly, while the handmade items sold exceptionally well. Later, his brother-in-law's family discussed with Zhang Tianyuan the possibility of focusing solely on these handmade items and turning the store into a specialty shop.

Zhang Tianyuan fully supported the idea. After a discussion with the elders from both families, they gathered the women and elders from two villages who could make clothes, shoes, and decorations, and hired them on a piece-rate basis.

The production chain was now basically established. Despite the store being open for only ten days, the business was thriving, making many people envious.

However, envy was one thing; having the resources was another.

Today, Zhang Tianyuan planned to visit his sister, brother-in-law, and the adorable niece and nephew, bringing them some food. He knew that once they got busy, they forgot everything.

When he arrived at the store, his sister Zhang Xue and brother-in-law Lin Feng had not eaten yet. The two children were so hungry that they had fallen asleep, with tear marks on their faces, having just cried.

"Really, you two, you're hungry, and you let the kids go hungry too? How can this be?" Zhang Tianyuan, who loved his niece and nephew, was very upset.

"Brother, we're really busy. Look, there are still so many customers in the store," Zhang Xue said apologetically.

"Man is iron, food is steel. No matter how busy, you must eat. I bought some food. Wake the kids up and eat while it's hot. As for the store, I'll help you watch it," Zhang Tianyuan said sternly.

Zhang Xue wanted to say something but was stopped by Lin Feng.

Lin Feng smiled, "Brother, thank you. We'll eat right away."

"Go quickly. Luckily, I knew your habits, so I brought plenty of food. Otherwise, sigh," Zhang Tianyuan was speechless.

Lin Feng laughed and, with Zhang Xue, took the food to the back room, waking the children up to enjoy their dinner.

Zhang Tianyuan, bored, leaned on the cash register. The store was designed like a supermarket, with items priced and customers selecting them. He could handle the job, just collecting money and making sure nothing was stolen.

"Boss, how much is this scarf?" A familiar voice suddenly rang out.

Zhang Tianyuan looked up and saw Xu Gang standing there with two beautiful women.

However...

One of them he recognized, and she was his college classmate.

"Mou Ying!" The surname was unique, and the student had excellent grades, so Zhang Tianyuan remembered her clearly.

"Zhang Tianyuan!" Mou Ying was also surprised. "Why are you in business?"

No wonder Mou Ying was surprised. In her memory, Zhang Tianyuan was a true high achiever, a campus celebrity. Even if he didn't do great, he wouldn't end up in business. Although this field could make money, wouldn't the knowledge he learned be wasted?

"What's wrong with doing business?" Xu Gang, hearing this, was unhappy and pouted.

"I didn't say anything about you, go stand aside!" Mou Ying seemed to have a particularly good relationship with Xu Gang, speaking in a teasing tone, which only close people would use.

Zhang Tianyuan didn't answer Mou Ying but smiled and asked, "Is the girl Xu Gang has been thinking about you?"

"Right, right, brother, what do you think of my taste?" Xu Gang said proudly.

"This time you picked well. Mou Ying is a good girl. Many people pursued her in college," Zhang Tianyuan said with a smile.

"So what? If she's so good, why didn't you pursue her?" Mou Ying was very open, so she dared to say things others might find embarrassing.

Zhang Tianyuan smiled awkwardly, "You know, I..."

"Alright, I won't embarrass you. Why did you break up with her later? Weren't you two good?" Mou Ying asked curiously.

"Opposites don't attract. Forget it, let's not talk about her. Are you here to buy something? Pick anything you like, it's free today," Zhang Tianyuan said with a smile.

"Great, did you hear that, Meng Xun? You picked the right time, it's free," Mou Ying said to her female companion.

Only then did Zhang Tianyuan have a chance to observe the unfamiliar woman.

It's worth noting that this woman, Meng Xun, was dressed very elegantly, showing her refined taste. Her long, black hair flowed naturally over her shoulders, giving an urge to touch it.

Compared to the so-called "peach-faced goddesses" he often saw online, this woman was stunning.

Beautiful beyond measure!

So beautiful that the lights seemed to dim in comparison!

But in that moment, Zhang Tianyuan thought of another woman—Wu Tingyu. Both were beautiful, but each had their own charm, making it hard to compare.

He shook his head, dispelling his thoughts, and smiled, "Meng Xun, right? Since you're Mou Ying's good friend, it's free for you too."

"Thank you, but that's too much, isn't it?" Despite her high and mighty appearance, Meng Xun spoke politely and gracefully, clearly a well-bred lady.

"Just a small thing, not worth much. Consider it a favor, since I haven't seen Mou Ying in over three years, and Gangzi is my good friend..." Zhang Tianyuan said with a smile.

"Alright, I'll accept it then." Meng Xun nodded with a smile, a smile that, though not seductive, gave a sense of warmth and made one want to be friends with her.