Chapter 85
Staying nearby would allow him to rush over if anything happened.
“You decide for yourself.”
Shen You had no objections. For Gu Shaoyu, staying in a high-end hotel for a few days was just part of daily life.
“People will come at 9 AM tomorrow. Since you’re staying nearby, you can watch over things first.”
After making arrangements with Gu Shaoyu, Shen You drove home first.
Covered in dust and lacking energy to eat out, she only wanted to shower, change into pajamas, order takeout, browse her phone, and rest.
The items she had purchased according to Fang Qi’s list were all in transit and would arrive over the next couple of days.
The compressed biscuits and canned goods Fang Qi wanted were all ordered from wholesale manufacturers. Besides these, everything else consisted of durable outdoor products.
Hiking boots, climbing rope, quick-dry clothing, and similar items.
She still used the excuse of friends and outdoor clubs for purchasing. Higher prices didn’t matter. The quality had to be top-notch.
These items were all related to the lives of [Lan City] customers.
Qi Hang had also updated her on the latest progress. Stock inventory would be shipped out first, with the rest being prepared and not taking too long.
These goods would be sent to the designated warehouse of the foreign trade company, then arranged for delivery by the foreign trade company.
After all, goods purchased under the foreign trade company’s name being delivered directly to Antique Street would seem somewhat strange.
Going through an intermediary increased cost considerably, however she was making huge profits on sales, so this loss wasn’t important.
Things were proceeding methodically one by one. She also began preparing items to display at the studio.
The appearance couldn’t be shabby. Last time at Master Jiang’s studio, the collection displayed consisted of antique clothing and antique fans.
She had plenty of good items, but taking them there would be too precious to bear.
She still needed to source some items from the Great Qi period. Things that could maintain dignity without being particularly valuable.
Having made this decision, she also made a list, with remaining items to be added as she thought of them.
The next morning, before she left home, she received a call from her family.
The moving company had almost finished loading everything onto the truck. Her parents had booked seats in a ride-share vehicle and would follow behind.
They had specifically checked the almanac and waited until today to move.
However, her aunt’s voice came through the phone: “Yujing, why didn’t you tell us in advance about moving to the city? That’s too distant of you. We’ve also bought a house in Jiang City. You don’t know many people there, so we should interact more in the future.”
Suddenly running to the city, who would believe they had not made money?
Maybe that girl was also preparing to buy a house, which was why they needed to rent temporarily.
Having money to buy a house but unwilling to lend it to them for emergencies. How did the couple raise such a daughter who disregarded relatives?
“Where did you rent? Xiao You has been making quite a bit of money lately, hasn’t she? She even got you to move to the city.”
Shen You’s mother awkwardly replied, “I forgot which community it is. Xiao You said she’d send the location when we arrive.”
“When you get there, send us the community name. If it’s close to our new house, we’ll be going there for renovations anyway.”
Shen You said with amusement over the phone, “Tell her the community name, just don’t mention which building.”
Close proximity was impossible. She had specifically chosen the rental after investigating first.
Sure enough, after hearing the community name, her aunt commented disapprovingly, “Why rent there? That area hasn’t developed well and isn’t lively at all.”
Shen You heard them saying they needed to get in the car and hung up after a few reminders.
Their family could finally distance themselves from these people.
The studio procedures had also been completed. With Gu Shaoyu watching over things, Shen You confidently left at noon to help her parents settle in, then returned in the afternoon.
Over the following days, she spent most of her time at the studio.
Sometimes at noon, she and Gu Shaoyu would sit on the front steps, make do with some food, then continue working.
Gu Shaoyu was genuinely hands-on when there was work to do. To clear a section of dead tree branch, he even climbed onto the roof.
The security cabinets and accompanying alarm systems were being installed today. Due to their excessive weight, considerable effort was required to move them into the house.
Watching Shen You place the items that needed protection inside, Gu Shaoyu finally felt somewhat at ease.
Several security cabinets were assigned passwords according to usage needs. The one for storing the most precious antiques could only be opened by Shen You.
The current studio was beginning to take shape.
However, only half the restoration work was complete. The remaining workload was enormous. Shen You had been dreaming about restoring antique furniture these past two days.
Coincidentally, Professor Li introduced two students today, a man and a woman. They looked like recent university graduates, their eyes radiating clarity as they stood before Shen You.
“Hello, Miss Shen. I’m Quan Xiaosu.” Said the girl with a ponytail. “I’m a student at Jiang City University. Professor Li is my teacher’s teacher.”
“I’m Cheng Liang.”
The two observed Shen You and the furnishings in the room curiously.
A couple of days ago, their teacher had mysteriously and proudly said he had arranged a good job for them. If he were not Professor Li’s student, such good fortune would definitely not have come their way.
Before coming, they had been somewhat worried. Following unreliable navigation, they arrived outside Xi Garden’s entrance and hesitated, not daring to enter.
They were afraid they had come to the wrong place and would be caught as thieves.
The two had hesitated for a long time over who should go in first to scout, until the gatekeeper saw them and proactively asked, finally bringing them inside.
This was their first time in a private garden. Seeing the surroundings, they experienced the feelings of Granny Liu’s first visit to the Grand View Garden.
The items drying nearby were huanghuali wood! The lacquer smell had not yet dissipated.
This Miss Shen appeared to be about their age but had already established a studio in Xi Garden and had gained some reputation in collecting circles. They had all visited the Ru kiln exhibition back then!
By generational ranking, Miss Shen was of the same generation as their teacher!
“Hello, let me first show you around this place.” Shen You removed her gloves, nodded to Gu Shaoyu, and led the two on a tour.
Quan Xiaosu and Cheng Liang looked at the well-preserved ancient architecture, their faces full of excitement.
Previously, when cycling in the scenic area and seeing these houses that seemed perpetually closed, they had wondered what kind of people could live inside. They never expected to enter one themselves someday!
As they walked, Shen You said, “Currently, the main work involves restoring the furniture we just saw. Professor Li said you both know how to do this.”
“Yes!” Quan Xiaosu nodded vigorously.
“I can also do lacquer work!” Cheng Liang added.
“These next few days, you’ll work with me on restoration. Compensation will be calculated at market rates, lunch included. If you do well, you can stay at the studio afterward. How does that sound?” Shen You asked.
“We can join the studio team?!” Quan Xiaosu’s voice rose involuntarily. “Miss Shen, rest assured, we’ll definitely do our best!”
She didn’t dare imagine how happy she would be working here long-term!
Shen You smiled and took out her phone, having them join the studio group chat.
Professor Li knew she needed help here. The earliest introductions wouldn’t be poor choices. Although these two lacked experience, they were dedicated.
They also showed strong initiative, rolling up their sleeves and getting to work immediately. It was clear they genuinely loved this profession.
With the addition of assistants, progress noticeably accelerated.
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