Rebirth 1983: Building My Business Empire-Chapter 146 - 137 Two Things

Chapter 146: Chapter 137 Two Things

Master Qian said, “Tell me, what would you like me to do?”

Lu Jiaxin didn’t beat around the bush and replied, “In troubled times, gold is valuable; in prosperous times, antiques are. I believe that antique calligraphy and paintings will be very valuable in the future.”

Master Qian’s expression changed, “You’re thinking of tomb raiding… Let me tell you, I dare not do such a thing that hurts moral integrity.”

Lu Jiaxin was stunned. Tomb raiding, that was indeed a bold thought. No, why was his first thought about tomb raiding? Puzzled, she asked, “Master Qian, what exactly did you used to do?”

“Don’t worry, I’ve never done anything that is against morality or the law.”

Lu Jiaxin also felt it was unlikely, thinking that someone of Gu Wenfeng’s status wouldn’t introduce a person with a criminal record, “Master Qian, tomb raiding is illegal, and I’m not short of money. Why would I do that kind of thing?”

As long as it wasn’t tomb raiding, that was good. Master Qian asked, “Then what do you want me to do?”

Lu Jiaxin explained her plan: “I want to open an antique shop in the Ancient Capital, and hire a reputable expert with a good eye to help me manage it, specializing in collecting antique calligraphy and paintings. But I’ve had a falling out with my dad, and I don’t have any connections, so it’s difficult for me to find such a person.”

“So you want to open an antique shop!”

Seeing Lu Jiaxin nod, Master Qian said, “There are many smart people in this world, and it’s not hard to open an antique shop, but it’s hard to make a lot of money from it. However, if you’re just dabbling, that’s a different matter.”

Lu Jiaxin said with a smile, “I just like some old objects and want to collect them for my own enjoyment. It would be great if they can make money, but if they can’t, then keeping them is fine.”

Calligraphy and all sorts of exquisite patterns, all these could bring inspiration to her creations. With financial power, naturally, the more the merrier.

After pondering for a while, Master Qian said, “I know a person, surnamed Sun; his ancestors made their fortune through tomb raiding, but later they went straight and entered the antique business. He’s been exposed to antiques since he was young and took over the family’s antique shop in his twenties. Who knows if it was karma from too much tomb raiding, but from a large family of over thirty people, only he and his five-year-old grandson are left now.”

“He’s looking after a grandson; would he be willing to go to the Ancient Capital to help me run an antique shop?”

“Go to the Ancient Capital?”

“Yes, to the Ancient Capital.”:

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Master Qian said, “His grandson’s health is poor, and in recent years, medical expenses have depleted their savings; he needs to make money for the child’s medical bills. But opening a shop so far away without any backing, you’re likely to be squeezed out of business.”

Lu Jiaxin wasn’t worried about that, “My father’s old war buddy’s son-in-law works at the Public Security Bureau, and he holds a high position. If someone targets my shop, seeking his help should do the trick.”

“But I thought you had a falling out with your dad?”

Lu Jiaxin chuckled lightly and said, “I may have had a falling out with my dad, but my big brother and he are friends. If someone attempts to mess with my shop, my big brother would definitely not ignore it.”

She wouldn’t let Lu Jiaguang work for free, planning to invite him to invest. Of course, it would all be a verbal agreement, not written down, as the written word could become evidence if it got out. And later, instead of cash for dividends, she would give antiques.

With such backing, opening an antique shop in the Ancient Capital wouldn’t be a problem. Master Qian said, “Let’s see how well you’ve learned the Eight Silk Brocade first, and we’ll go find him in a couple of days.”

“Thank you, Master Qian.”

Master Qian asked, “Is there anything else you need me to do, aside from this?”

Xiao Gu had said over the phone that Lu Jiaxin was looking for someone with a wide network. Finding someone knowledgeable in antiques wasn’t difficult in the Forty-nine City, as long as she put in the effort, she could find one. Therefore, he thought there must be something else at play.

Lu Jiaxin originally planned to talk about this matter later, but since Master Qian brought it up, she said, “Do you know anyone in Yun Province?”

“I know a few friends.”

“I’m looking for someone in Yun Province who is good at cultivating orchids.”

Master Qian expressed his confusion, “To find someone who cultivates flowers, you should be able to find someone in the Forty-nine City. Why go all the way to Yun Province to look?”

Lu Jiaxin shook her head and replied, “There are many people who can cultivate flowers, but very few who are skilled at cultivating orchids. And orchids are particularly delicate, prone to dying in winter.”

Master Qian had been living there for a little over a week and said, “You don’t have a garden here, what do you need someone skilled at cultivating orchids for? If you really like them, just buy some, and if they die, buy more.”

“I am planning to buy a large quantity and then hire a gardener to take good care of them. It would be even better if the gardener could grow them on their own.”

“Why buy so many flowers?”

Lu Jiaxin didn’t explain, simply stating it was useful, “Master Qian, I wonder if you could help me with this?”

Master Qian was just probing earlier, but upon hearing this, he knew there was a mystery here. Nonetheless, as the matter was neither dangerous nor illegal, he naturally wouldn’t refuse, “I will ask around for you, and let you know if I find someone.”

Lu Jiaxin said, “Xiaoxiao’s dream is to own a house in the Forty-nine City. Master Qian, if you handle these two matters for me, I’ll pay you a salary of three hundred a month. After a year, if there are no complications, I’ll give you a bonus of twenty thousand. With that money, you could buy a house with some left over.”

Master Qian’s face blossomed into a broad smile as he replied cheerfully, “Miss Lu is quite generous. I will make sure to handle these two tasks well for you.”

After completing this deal, he could retire and wouldn’t need to work anymore.

After finishing their discussion, Master Qian returned to his room. Qian Xiaoxiao quickly followed him, asking why he had come back just now.

Master Qian didn’t answer her question but instead asked, “During this time, have you noticed anything unusual about Miss Lu while following her?”

Qian Xiaoxiao thought for a moment and replied, “Sister Xin has a kind heart and is generous. Last winter, she bought me three outfits. Also, we have meat every day here, and she doesn’t mind that I eat a lot. At the end of the year, when I said I wanted to send three months of wages home in advance, she agreed without hesitation.”

“What about her character?”

Qian Xiaoxiao said, “Sister Xin is very compassionate. A niece from her family got into the best high school in the county, but due to a family emergency, her father passed away, and her mother wouldn’t let her continue education, even forcing the girl to marry an idiot. When Miss Lu went back to her hometown and learned about this, she sponsored the girl to continue her studies.”

“Grandpa, Miss Lu is a person who clearly distinguishes between kindness and resentment. After her dad favored his new wife and disregarded her life or death, the relationship between father and daughter grew very cold; her eldest cousin and Fifth Brother cared a lot for her and supported her, so she helped her eldest cousin tutor his children and accompanied Fifth Brother in making money. Right, she also bought Xue Mao a large house in the Ancient Capital.”

Master Qian asked, “Do you also want to have a house in the city?”

Qian Xiaoxiao nodded and said, “I want to buy a residence in the Forty-nine City, not too large, just enough for us to live in. That way, it would be more convenient for you to see the doctor.”

The old man’s health was good, but over the years, he had sustained many hidden injuries. There used to be no signs, but now they were starting to show. The Forty-nine City had many good doctors, which should mean suffering less.

Knowing that his granddaughter was filial, Master Qian smiled and said, “Then, work hard.”