As the carriage arrived at the company’s doorstep, Yan Ge hadn’t yet alighted when a cheerful voice reached his ears from outside.
“Young Master Qin, please wait for us!”
Yan Ge stepped off the carriage, curious. “Ah, so it’s Young Master Zhang, Young Master Ye, and Young Master Kang. Why didn’t the three of you come inside? It seems I’ll need to have a talk with the reception desk. My apologies for the oversight, please understand.”
Zhang Mo laughed heartily. “Brother Qin, you’re being too serious. It’s our impatience that led us to intercept you here.”
“Oh? Let’s discuss it inside,” Yan Ge replied.
“I don’t know if Young Master Qin is available? How about a visit to the Fragrant Teahouse?” Ye Feiyang extended an invitation.
“Of course. Please lead the way,” Yan Ge said.
The Fragrant Teahouse was one of the finest teahouses in the capital. Its tea had an exquisite aroma, and it was here that the former Emperor had once enjoyed a cup of tea, praising it endlessly and even bestowing a plaque himself. That’s why the Fragrant Teahouse was famous. Yan Ge pondered, considering that when the time was right, he would have Huangfu Yuchen bestow a few words upon his company as well.
Sitting in the serene teahouse, Zhang Mo personally poured a cup of tea for Yan Ge. Yan Ge contemplated why these three individuals had sought him out.
After some small talk, Zhang Mo began, “Today, it’s a rare occasion for us to come without any pressing matters. Please forgive our audacity, Brother Qin.”
“Brother Zhang, you’re being too modest,” Yan Ge smiled. “We are all straightforward individuals. Brother Zhang, feel free to speak your mind.”
Zhang Mo got straight to the point. “The Yiyi Tailoring Workshop has grown to great heights, and I believe that a single workshop alone cannot meet the demand for orders. Both Zhang’s Elegant Tailoring Workshop and Ye’s Capital Fashion Workshop are interested in collaborating with the First Company to alleviate the pressure on Yiyi Tailoring Workshop.”
Ye Ziyang added, “Both of our workshops have a decent scale, and our tailors are skilled. We are confident that we can produce garments of the same exquisite quality as Yiyi Tailoring Workshop. We just wondered if Brother Qin would be willing to give us a chance?”
Though the two appeared confident, they were actually quite nervous. Despite only having a few interactions with Yan Ge, they had already recognized his shrewd nature. If he had decided against collaborating with them, no matter how much they tried to persuade him, it would be in vain.
Yan Ge pondered for a moment before nodding. “That can be arranged. However, the two gentlemen will need to provide me with a proposal for me to review. The proposal should include details about the scale of your workshops, daily production capacity, quality inspection methods, and the number of tailors, among other factors. After I analyze it and find no issues, we can discuss the specifics of our collaboration. How does that sound?”
The good news came too easily, and Zhang Mo and Ye Ziyang exchanged surprised glances.
Ye Ziyang asked, “No problem with the proposal. What do you mean by ‘quality inspection methods’?”
Yan Ge took a sip of tea and explained, “It refers to inspecting the quality of the garments before delivery. If they don’t meet the standards, they must be returned. Yiyi Tailoring Workshop produces exquisite pieces, maintaining quality rather than quantity. We can’t let a single speck of dirt spoil the whole pot.”
Ye Ziyang and Zhang Mo nodded in agreement.
“Young Master Qin, you speak wisely. We will quickly prepare the proposal for your review,” Zhang Mo said.
Yan Ge turned to Kang Jian and asked, “And what brings you, Young Master Kang?”
Kang Jian smiled. “I came along with these two. By the way, Young Master Qin, is there really no way to remove the scar on your face?”
Zhang Mo cast a reproachful glance at Kang Jian for mentioning the scar. However, Zhang Mo was certain that Yan Ge wouldn’t be angered by it. Yan Ge’s demeanor after the injury was no different from before, so he was clearly unaffected by the scar on his face.
Yan Ge smiled gently. “Indeed, there isn’t.”
Ye Ziyang glanced at Kang Jian, a trace of disdain flickering in his eyes that the other party didn’t notice. He cheerfully said, “I heard that Young Master Kang has a sister, gentle and charming, still awaiting her marriage. Could it be that Young Master Kang intends to play matchmaker for her and Young Master Qin?”
Kang Jian’s expression revealed a hint of annoyance as he retorted, “Young Young Master Ye, are you a mind reader? How can you be so certain?”
Yan Ge intervened to defuse the situation. “Let’s not joke around, gentlemen. I should have mentioned earlier that I already have… a husband.” He didn’t want to address Huangfu Yuchen as his husband, but in this era, it was not uncommon for men to have multiple wives and concubines. If he didn’t indicate his status as a married man, he feared that certain individuals would go out of their way to matchmake him with women. It was better to clarify things early on and avoid unnecessary trouble.
The realization dawned on Zhang Mo and the others. So Yan Ge was a married man. If someone as remarkable as Yan Ge had managed to “marry” someone, then that person’s identity must be extraordinary as well. They made a mental note not to invite Yan Ge to any places of temptation in the future to avoid any potential complications.
Yan Ge felt relieved that he was “married”. In this world, at least he didn’t have to endure judgmental gazes from others.
Zhang Mo poured him a cup of tea and changed the subject. “In a few days, it will be the grand opening of the First Company’s jewelry store. We would like to extend our early wishes for your prosperous business and abundant wealth, Young Master Qin!”
“Thank you.”
——–
When Linlang Pavilion opened, they only set off a few firecrackers during the unveiling to ward off evil spirits and attract good fortune. Although the commotion was small, there were still many people who came. Ladies and their entourages, including maids and servants, arrived in a continuous stream. Every woman who entered Linlang Pavilion received a bouquet of freshly picked and carefully wrapped flowers from the handsome shopkeepers. Their faces blushed with shyness, and even before entering the store, they had already developed a favorable impression of the shop.
The first floor showcased jewelry with prices ranging from two to ten taels. Even families with average means had to spend money to provide their daughters with presentable dowries to prevent them from being looked down upon in their new households. And for those with sons getting married, they had to be willing to spend on betrothal gifts. This was a sizable group. Although the jewelry on the first floor was relatively inexpensive, the craftsmanship was exquisite without any negligence. Earrings, silver hairpins, and rings, all of them were exquisitely made. The girls gathered around the counters, their eyes sparkling with delight.
Madam Yan, accompanied by two maids and two young male attendants, also blended into the crowd. She surveyed the lobby on the first floor, her face filled with satisfaction and pride. Due to Yan Ge’s special status, she only exchanged a distant glance with him without approaching to speak with him. Yan Ge discreetly instructed the two clever shop assistants to attend to her well.
“Young Master Qin, congratulations, congratulations!” Zhang Mo and Ye Ziyang appeared with gifts. They were accompanied by another unfamiliar man.
“Brother Zhang, Young Master Ye, thank you for coming.” Yan Ge took out two silver cards from his sleeve. “These are VIP cards for Linlang Pavilion. With these cards, you will receive a discount at the pavilion.”
Zhang Mo and Ye Ziyang looked at the cards, which bore the emblem of the First Company. Apart from that, there were some strange symbols, which were actually Arabic numerals. Currently, only Yan Ge and his trusted associates could understand them.
Yan Ge explained, “Different symbols represent different individuals, and even if someone finds this card, they won’t be able to impersonate.
Yan Ge sternly said, “This one is more suitable to be given to a lady, a beloved one or a younger sister.”
Zhang Mo had the shop assistant bring it out for him to see. “It’s precisely for my younger sister. She will definitely like it. Wrap it up.”
“Is this a ring?” Ye Ziyang pointed at a pair of rings and asked.
“Young Master Qin, your remarkable and ingenious ideas are admirable,” Zhang Mo sighed, pulling the man beside him. “Young Master Bao, didn’t you ask me to introduce you? This is Young Master Qin, the owner of the First Company. Young Master Qin, this is Bao Zhiheng, the owner of Zhuguang Tower.”
“Young Master Qin, I’ve heard of your great reputation,” Bao Zhiheng assessed Yan Ge with a hint of doubt and disdain. He couldn’t believe that such a young person could manage the First Company.
Yan Ge disregarded his skepticism and said, “So, it’s Young Master Bao. It’s a pleasure to meet you both. Shall we go upstairs to see what’s there?”
“That’s precisely what we had in mind,” Ye Ziyang chuckled. “I’ve heard that the jewelry in Linlang Pavilion is exorbitantly priced, and I’d like to be astonished. Even if we can’t afford to buy anything, we can still feast our eyes on them. What do you think, Brother Zhang?”
“Exactly, exactly,” Zhang Mo echoed with a smile.
The four of them proceeded to the second floor.
The jewelry on the second floor had prices starting from 100 taels and shimmered under the lights, captivating and enchanting the onlookers. The second floor had half the number of people compared to the first floor, but there were still dozens of individuals admiring the exquisite jewelry.
Bao Zhiheng approached the counter, casually scanning the display and his attention was immediately drawn to a particular piece of jewelry. It was a hair ornament primarily crafted from gold, resembling an auspicious bird with outstretched wings. The bird’s head and eyes were made of green gemstones, and it held a blue gemstone in its beak, exuding an air of elegance and magnificence.
Yan Ge said, “Young Master Bao, if you’re interested, you can take it out and have a closer look.”
Bao Zhiheng indeed had his eyes set on the hair ornament, as his grandmother’s seventieth birthday was just a few days away. However, his main objective for today was not to make a purchase. Besides, the Bao family also dealt in jewelry, so it would be a subject of ridicule if they were seen buying just anywhere. Therefore, he hesitated.
Yan Ge didn’t say much, leading Zhang Mo and Ye Ziyang to appreciate the other pieces of jewelry.
Ye Ziyang asked curiously, “How much is the one Bao Gongzi has set his eyes on?”
Yan Ge replied, “999 taels. ‘Nine’ has the same pronunciation as ‘longevity,’ making it very suitable for wishing the elderly a long life.”
After admiring it for a while, Zhang Mo nodded and said, “Indeed, it’s worth that price.”
Ye Ziyang couldn’t help but chuckle and asked, “Do you know that Young Master Bao’s grandmother is about to celebrate her seventieth birthday?”
“I had no idea,” Yan Ge said, surprised.
Ye Ziyang whispered, “Haha… You’ll definitely make a profit from Young Master Bao’s money. His grandmother will be turning seventy in a few days.”
Yan Ge also laughed along.
“I like this one,” Zhang Mo raised his hand and beckoned Ye Ziyang to come over.
Ye Ziyang saw that he was interested in a piece of jade that depicted two little people holding hands. The jade was set in silver, giving it a playful and adorable appearance.
Yan Ge commented, “This design is more suitable as a gift for a woman, a sweetheart, or a younger sister.”
Zhang Mo asked the man to show it to him, “It is for my sister, she will like it. Wrap it up.”
“Is this a ring?” Ye Ziyang asked, pointing to a pair of rings.
Yan Ge nodded and replied, “These are couple rings. They can be worn by engaged couples or those who are already married, symbolizing their affection for each other.”
Gao Feng approached to report, “Young Master, the boss has arrived.”
Yan Ge was delighted. How could Huangfu Yuchen be here? Although he had hoped that Huangfu Yuchen would come for the opening of the jewelry store, he had assumed that Huangfu Yuchen would be busy with state affairs so he only briefly mentioned it.
“Please invite him up.”
“Is he your husband?” Ye Ziyang teased.
“I came up by myself,” Huangfu Yuchen, who was in disguise, appeared at the staircase. He happened to hear Ye Ziyang’s words and gave Yan Ge a playful glance. Yan Ge had actually mentioned him to others, which filled him with joy.
Yan Ge felt embarrassed and glanced at Huangfu Yuchen with dissatisfaction. He then introduced him to Zhang Mo, Ye Ziyang, and Bao Zhiheng, saying, “He is…”
“I am Huang Chenyu,” Huangfu Yuchen promptly took over the conversation, walking up to Yan Ge’s side and putting an arm around his shoulder.
Zhang Mo and the others greeted him one after another. “So you are Boss Huang, nice to meet you.”
“Aren’t you busy? How do you have time to come? Are you alone?” Yan Ge whispered.
Huangfu Yuchen squeezed his shoulder and whispered back, “Your new store has opened, so of course I had to come. The others are downstairs.”
Zhang Mo, Ye Ziyang, and Bao Zhiheng observed Huangfu Yuchen and silently marveled at his aura.
When they first heard that Yan Ge had gotten married, they felt sorry for him because they believed that with Yan Ge’s disfigured appearance, even if he had been favored in the past, he would surely lose favor now. But today, they overturned their previous speculation. The intimacy and harmony between Huangfu Yuchen and Yan Ge were genuine, not pretense.
“Young Master, this is a congratulatory gift from the boss to you.” Gao Yun held a sizable gift box.
