Chapter 106: I Presumed Too Much

TL: Etude

Standing before the shop, Xu Dong could hardly believe his eyes. He remembered when Chen Jianghai first came to buy a single component from him. In just over a month, Chen Jianghai had managed to open his own shop.

Moreover, opening such a sizable shop on the bustling Pozijie Street and with such grandeur was indeed a significant move. Xu Dong felt a tinge of regret. When Chen Jianghai had invited him a few days ago, he hadn’t taken it seriously. Arriving empty-handed now, he felt somewhat embarrassed.

However, Chen Jianghai overlooked this, greeting him warmly: “Brother Dong, you finally made it!”

“Jianghai, look at me. I…” Even the usually thick-skinned Xu Dong felt awkward.

“Brother Dong, don’t mention it. Your presence today honors me enough,” Chen Jianghai reassured.

Hearing this, Xu Dong felt touched and chuckled: “Jianghai, I knew I wasn’t wrong about you!”

“Brother Dong, let’s go inside and talk!”

As Chen Jianghai was about to chat with the guests inside, Lin Wanqiu approached and whispered: “Jianghai, Director Qi is here.”

“Director Qi?” Chen Jianghai paused, then remembered, “The director of your workshop?”

Lin Wanqiu nodded: “Yes, that’s him.”

“What’s he doing here? Did you tell him?” Chen Jianghai raised an eyebrow.

Lin Wanqiu was also puzzled and shook her head: “I didn’t tell him. It seems he came on his own.”

Chen Jianghai didn’t dwell on it and nodded: “Okay, I’ll go and see.”

Outside, he saw Qi Liang’an examining the entrance.

“Director Qi, what brings you here?” Chen Jianghai greeted.

Qi Liang’an smiled slightly: “Why? Am I not welcome?”

“Not at all! Your visit graces my humble shop,” Chen Jianghai responded eagerly.

Qi Liang’an waved him off: “Jianghai, I didn’t expect you to open a shop so soon. Young and promising indeed!”

“You flatter me, Director Qi. It’s just good luck,” Chen Jianghai modestly replied.

Qi Liang’an shook his head: “Even with luck, one needs capability. I wish you a very prosperous opening!”

“Thank you, thank you. Let’s talk more inside!” Chen Jianghai urged.

But Qi Liang’an stayed put: “No need. I have something to say, and then I’ll leave.”

Chen Jianghai, seeing Qi Liang’an’s insistence, waited quietly for him to continue.

“I’ve spoken with the factory. Wanqiu can return to work anytime,” Qi Liang’an said.

Chen Jianghai didn’t expect this to be the topic of discussion.

“You know about this matter?” he asked.

Qi Liang’an nodded: “I inquired about it. It’s related to Feng Renjie.”

“Did you deal with Feng Renjie?” Chen Jianghai asked with a hint of amusement.

Qi Liang’an shook his head: “I tried talking to him, but he ignored me. Later, for some reason, he approached me wanting to resolve the issue.”

Chen Jianghai nodded slightly, attributing the change to Brother Ma’s influence.

“Thank you for your efforts, Director Qi,” Chen Jianghai said with gratitude.

“Tell Wanqiu she can return to work,” Qi Liang’an said before turning to leave.

Chen Jianghai called out: “Director Qi, thanks for your kindness, but I’m afraid Wanqiu won’t be returning to her job.”

Qi Liang’an was about to ask why, but as he saw the shop behind Chen Jianghai, he understood immediately.

“Ah, I assumed too much, assumed too much!” Qi Liang’an said with emotion. “With a capable husband like you, she can indeed rest easy at home.”

Hearing this, a tender expression flickered across Chen Jianghai’s face. He earnestly agreed, “Director Qi is right. I made her suffer in the past, but that won’t happen again.”

Qi Liang’an chuckled, “Good to hear. Lin is a good woman; cherish her.”

“I will,” Chen Jianghai replied seriously.

Qi Liang’an then wished him well: “I wish you prosperity in business and success in both family and career. I won’t disturb you further. Goodbye.”

“Take care.”

Watching Qi Liang’an’s departing figure, Chen Jianghai felt a twinge of poignancy. Many people in this era had their bright spots. He knew Qi Liang’an’s clothing factory was destined to close in the future and thought he might help him if the opportunity arose.

But right now, Chen Jianghai had little time for deep thoughts, as a crowd inside and outside was waiting for him.

“Thank you all for coming to my shop’s opening day!” Chen Jianghai entered the shop and addressed the customers examining the interior.

Boss Jin responded with a smile, “It’s what friends do.”

Li Detian, Brother Ma, and Xu Dong echoed his sentiments.

Chen Jianghai continued, “I’ll be busy today, so I might not be able to attend to everyone. Tonight, I’ll host a dinner at Fuchun Restaurant. Please be sure to come!”

“Sure, no problem.”

“We’ll definitely be there.”

“Jianghai, you go ahead with your work. I won’t keep you from doing business!”

Understanding the situation, the four men bid farewell to Chen Jianghai and left.

Outside, the crowd grew impatient.

“When will it start?”

“Yeah! I’m waiting for the lottery!”

“Lottery? Didn’t you see the conditions? You need to spend at least a hundred to get a chance to enter.”

“That’s still a good deal. Buying a second-hand TV costs several hundred!”

“It depends on your luck!”

After the departure of Boss Jin and his group, only four people remained inside.

“Wanqiu, you handle the cash register; Aiguo, answer customer queries like prices and after-sales service; Rongxin, you assist me with the repairs; Changgui, you’ll set off the firecrackers, then help Wanqiu at the door.”

Chen Jianghai quickly assigned tasks and everyone began to prepare. Although they had rehearsed the previous day, everyone except Zhao Changgui felt a mix of nerves and excitement. Chen Jianghai noticed this but wasn’t overly concerned. These weren’t difficult tasks, and they would soon adapt.

At 9 AM, amidst the crackling and festive sounds of firecrackers, the shop officially opened.

The crowd outside surged in, filling the spacious shop to the brim.

…

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