"Sleep now, you can use my thigh as a pillow," Li Yang said, gently patting her shoulder. He had never had a younger sister, but at that moment, he felt a strange sense of comforting a sibling.
Lin Xiaoyu didn't say thank you. This time, she changed her usual demeanor and unceremoniously adjusted her position, using Li Yang's thigh as a pillow, and slowly fell asleep.
Neither Li Yang, Boss Jin, nor the few helpers nearby could have imagined that the words spoken moments ago would have such a profound impact on this pure, beautiful proprietress who was already capable of independently managing a business that was profitable by over five million yuan.
Jin Buchuan glanced at her, as if seeing his past self, and gave a wry smile. "It's truly bizarre. They say the older you get, the more stable you become, but for me, the older I get, the more I'm haunted by the shadows of my youth."
Then he turned to his helpers and said in a low voice, "Let's call it a night."
"Yes, boss." The helpers were stunned for a moment, then nodded.
They were all native to Yunnan province. People said Kunming city in Yunnan was the most beautiful in the world, but it had little to do with them. In their teens, they didn't even know what Kunming city was; they only knew their own small village was vast, and the town was indescribably large.
Many of their childhood friends had gone to big cities to work, and some familiar faces had even become flower sellers.
At the time, their feelings were complex.
But as time passed, people gradually became numb.
Seeing Lin Xiaoyu's situation now, their numb hearts began to regain feeling. Even without Jin Buchuan's words, none of them would have wanted to sell flowers tonight.
The food was served quickly. Li Yang patted Lin Xiaoyu's shoulder and chuckled, "Did you sleep well?"
"Not very well, Brother Li. Your thigh is so hard, it's all muscle, isn't it?" Lin Xiaoyu mumbled, rubbing her eyes. It seemed nothing had changed from before.
Li Yang laughed, "Consider that a compliment. Here, let me give you a papaya to quench your thirst and help your digestion."
"Papaya can be eaten? Isn't that an ornamental item placed in studies to add fragrance? Similar to quince?" Lin Xiaoyu asked in surprise.
Li Yang smiled, "I can't speak for other places, but people in Kunming have a way of preparing it. Try it, it's delicious."
"Mmm, it's so sweet! How did you do that?" Lin Xiaoyu took a bite, and her eyes immediately lit up.
Li Yang chuckled, "I don't know. Boss Jin, you tell her."
"Haha, it's simple and complicated at the same time," Jin Buchuan laughed. "The people here prepare a special water. They soak the papaya in it, much like putting glass in saltwater. Not only does it make the normally inedible papaya edible, but it also enhances its crisp texture."
"However, the difficulty lies in the fact that this special water is a trade secret of the business, usually not revealed. Moreover, the water used to soak the papaya is called papaya juice, which is very refreshing in the summer."
"So that's how it is. No wonder papaya can be eaten." Lin Xiaoyu took another bite of papaya, then reached for the papaya juice. After taking a sip, she gave a thumbs-up and said, "Delicious!"
"This is just the beginning. These specialty dishes are even more delicious. Try them all!" Jin Buchuan said with a smile.
They all enjoyed the meal. After eating, Jin Buchuan said a few words and then returned to his room to do his accounts. After all, the interest on so many debts was not low.
If he couldn't repay them quickly, the interest alone would be enough for him to live on for a lifetime. Therefore, he had to be meticulous and calculate every penny.
Although the helpers knew their boss was in financial difficulty, they couldn't sit idle. Not wanting to upset Lin Xiaoyu, they went to a nearby internet cafe to play games.
Lin Xiaoyu tugged at Li Yang's arm and asked, "Brother Li, do you have time?"
"Yes, tell me what it is."
"I want to go for a walk. If I go back to my room right after eating, I won't be able to sleep," Lin Xiaoyu said.
Li Yang smiled, "Sure. You arrived here before me, so you must know some places. Why don't you take me around?"
"Brother Li, you don't need to be so polite with me. Didn't you see I used your thigh as a pillow earlier without even thanking you?" Lin Xiaoyu said, looking at him.
Li Yang playfully tapped her forehead. "This isn't politeness; it's good manners. Say thank you quickly, or we won't go."
"Oh, Brother Li, you're messing up my hairstyle."
"It looks good even if it's a little messy."
"Hehe, Brother Li, you're so eloquent. No wonder Sister Shui is cooperating with you," Lin Xiaoyu said, linking her arm with his and walking forward with a smile.
Li Yang chuckled, "We can cooperate too."
"No, my jade shop is too small compared to yours. Although it's been trending lately, it won't earn millions a year. Your gemstone gambling field probably makes more than that daily, right?" Lin Xiaoyu shook her head.
Li Yang replied, "There's still an opportunity. Acting as an agent for our finished jade products is also a form of cooperation. What do you think?"
"Wow, you're going to sell such high-end jade jewelry in my small shop? Aren't you afraid it will lower the class?" Lin Xiaoyu looked at him in surprise.
Li Yang smiled, "Not at all. The grade and craftsmanship of jade jewelry itself are the representatives of class. Brand effect is not significant. So, even on the street, as long as the product is good, it can still sell at a high price."
"Then thank you," Lin Xiaoyu said happily. "I've been debating whether to expand my shop's area this year. Brother Li, your offer to let me be an agent is perfectly timed."
"It's just a matter of mutual benefit, no need to thank me," Li Yang said with a smile.
Currently, the transaction volume of jade jewelry at Fuhao Gemstone Gambling Field had reached saturation. Even with some being sold at Li Hao Antique Shop, it remained saturated, with many items stockpiled in warehouses.
Once Lin Xiaoyu agreed to be an agent, they could move the finished jade products that were stagnant in the warehouse, and even incurred some storage fees, providing another channel for monetization.
The ultimate goal of most businesses is profit and realization!
Most importantly, realization!
Only when products are converted into money does value become tangible wealth flowing into the hands of merchants. With money, merchants can expand their industries, increase competitiveness, and earn more.
Especially in today's commercial society, with more and more people entering the jade industry, some carvers, with just two or three people, dare to open companies and create brands.
If Fuhao Gemstone Gambling Field remained complacent and self-satisfied, the result would be being overtaken by newcomers, and it would eventually go bankrupt.
Moreover, Li Yang had also learned about Lin Xiaoyu's character earlier, recognizing her as a girl who could be entrusted with important tasks. Shui Xiang also had a very good relationship with her, so trust between them was not an issue.
Why would he not want such a perfect collaborator?
That would be madness!
"Wow," Lin Xiaoyu suddenly looked up at the sky and exclaimed in amazement, "Look, Brother Li, someone has found Imperial Green!"