"No worries, just wait, I’ll be back soon," Xu Nian’an called out, waving his hand as he did.
This was the school entrance and it was very safe. Xu Nian’an knew where to find a specialist for plastering walls, but he had to go early to catch them.
Inside the store, Xu Nianhua was left alone looking at the bare space. She shook her head helplessly, then went to a nearby department store to buy a basin and a broom. She left the shop’s door slightly ajar and began to clean up the attic after filling the basin with water.
When the previous owner left, they had cleaned the place quite thoroughly, so all she needed to do was wipe away the dust.
While Xu Nianhua was cleaning, she heard the door being opened again. She rushed downstairs to find Xu Nian’an directing a group of workers.
"Thank you for your hard work, sirs," she said.
After Xu Nian’an gave his instructions to them, he handed over the breakfast he had bought to Xu Nianhua.
"Little sister, it’s time for breakfast," he said.
Xu Nianhua was already hungry. Before she could ask, she heard Xu Nian’an explain, "They said they can finish painting the walls in two days. As for the attic, we’ll go buy some stock this afternoon and maybe get some furniture too, how does that sound?"
"Sounds good," Xu Nianhua nodded.
Xu Nian’an continued, "Today we’ll send the goods to Shuyuan. In a few days, Shuyuan should receive them. But, we need to make the unit prices clear on the invoice, or else Shuyuan will be totally confused. Remember to bring a notebook and pen, so we can jot everything down accurately."
Xu Nianhua glanced at their luggage and asked, "What about our stuff?"
"It’s fine, just leave it in the attic. There’s nothing valuable," Xu Nian’an reassured her as he carried items upstairs. He even specifically mentioned to the workers to take care of their stuff, to which the craftsmen readily agreed, "Don’t worry, we won’t go up to the attic. Your belongings will be safe."
"Thank you," she said gratefully.
Xu Nian’an, in return, felt grateful, but the craftsmen, seeming a bit embarrassed, said to him, "We should be thanking you."
After all, Xu Nian’an was offering them a salary significantly higher than what others would give.
Once they had discussed the shop, Xu Nian’an dragged Xu Nianhua back out. That morning, he took her to the wholesale market.
"This is the wholesale market?"
Xu Nianhua felt like she was broadening her horizons—she couldn’t fathom how each tiny shop could contain such an enormous range of items.
"Yep, I’ll take you to a store I frequently visit," Xu Nian’an said as he led Xu Nianhua through the market with ease, finally stopping at a shop run by a somewhat plump auntie.
"Plump Auntie, happy New Year, wishing you prosperity," Xu Nian’an greeted her warmly.
"Happy New Year, young man," the plump auntie responded with a cheerful smile that was particularly friendly, her eyes landing on Xu Nianhua.
Xu Nian’an introduced her, "This is my younger sister, Xu Nianhua. School hasn’t started yet and she can’t go anyway, so she’s here to help."
After exchanging greetings, Xu Nian’an began selecting the new stock. His banter with the plump auntie was quite an eye-opener for Xu Nianhua.
At the same time, it made Xu Nianhua appreciate the hard work of her elder brother. Purchasing wasn’t just about having a good eye; it also required care and patience.
The sight of him, a tall man nearly six feet in height, picking out girlish items like hair clips and earrings... well, that was quite a picture.
Xu Nianhua quietly offered her suggestions from the sidelines about what girls would definitely like. Xu Nian’an frequently praised her, "Little sis, you do have a better eye."