As the four men emerged from the office building, the employees in the courtyard were still busy at work, discussing Xu Zhengyang's background and his relationship with Cao Gangchuan, Zhang Hao, and Liu Bin. They planned to find the two men and ask them about it once they finished their work.
To everyone's surprise, as Zhan Xiaohui accompanied Xu Zhengyang out of the office building, he noticed Xu Zhengyang curiously observing the people and things in the courtyard. An idea struck him, and he clapped his hands to signal everyone to listen to him. When all eyes were on him, he introduced Xu Zhengyang with a serious expression and humble attitude: "Let me introduce you all. This is Xu Zhengyang, the real boss of Jinghui Logistics Company! Please welcome him!"
After saying that, Zhan Xiaohui took the lead in clapping and looked at Xu Zhengyang with great respect.
Deng Wenjing clapped second, and the employees, who had been stunned for a moment, quickly freed their hands to clap in welcome. Several even shouted, "Welcome, President Xu, to the company for an inspection..."
Xu Zhengyang was burning with excitement... he was so happy!
This is really impressive! This guy was never this arrogant when he was the owner of Gu Xiang Xuan...
Keep a low profile, keep a low profile. Xu Zhengyang muttered to himself for a moment, then forced a smile and waved for everyone to quiet down. He said, "Don't be so polite, everyone. Just call me Xu Zhengyang from now on. This company still belongs to President Zhan and President Deng. I don't know anything about it. I'm just a hands-off manager who makes a living off others' money..."
Everyone burst into laughter, but no one truly believed Xu Zhengyang's blunt truth.
They all thought: This Mr. Xu is probably the son of some wealthy family, and he's just too lazy to manage what he considers a small logistics company.
Xu Zhengyang naturally understood the meaning behind everyone's glances, and felt deeply ashamed. He repeatedly greeted them politely, then hurriedly walked towards the courtyard gate, calling out to Cao Gangchuan and Liu Bin, who were standing at the gatehouse, "Come on, come on, let's have a meal together..."
Cao Gangchuan and Zhang Hao were increasingly stunned, forcing smiles as they noticed the confused looks in the eyes of the company employees...
Volume 3, Judge Chapter 119: New Shop Opening, Guests Arrive in droves
This winter's snow must have been accumulating for too long. It couldn't hold back any longer, could it?
So after the first snowfall, which came later than usual, it snowed lightly every few days for the next two weeks, and the weather never cleared up. On the morning of the first day of Gu Xiang Xuan's opening, a heavy snow fell, with the snow depth exceeding ten centimeters in most areas of Fuhe City.
Fortunately, the sky cleared up that night, revealing the bright moon and stars; early the next morning, the bright red sun rose from below the eastern horizon.
Standing in his second-floor office, Yao Chushun looked out the window at the bright, reddish sky and exclaimed with delight, "A good omen! A very good omen!"
Xu Zhengyang, who also got up early, was very happy. It was rare for God to be so kind to him.
Downstairs, people were already busy preparing for the grand opening of the new store. The signboard of Tianbaozhai had been changed to the name of Guxiangxuan a few days ago. Now, under Jin Changfa's arrangement, it was decorated with red ribbons and colorful decorations, and bright red couplets were pasted on. The doors and windows were also covered with paper-cut window decorations with auspicious phrases such as "bringing in wealth and good fortune."
"Zhengyang, there will be quite a few people here today," Yao Chushun said with a touch of emotion.
Xu Zhengyang smiled and said, "That's right, with Master Gu's reputation, who wouldn't give him face?"
"It suddenly feels like a dream." Yao Chushun tilted his head slightly. His triangular eyes narrowed, and he sighed, "Thinking back to when I started Tianbaozhai, I struggled for several years... This time, Guxiangxuan, in just a few months, has squeezed Zou Mingyuan out of business. People in the antique industry in the whole province probably haven't fully recovered yet."
"Master Gu's skills are still sharp, and his might remains undiminished, hehe." Xu Zhengyang praised him, knowing that Yao Chushun was feeling a mix of emotions, so he calmly sighed, "Zou Mingyuan brought this upon himself!"
Yao Chushun turned his head, stared at Xu Zhengyang for a few seconds, and then said seriously, "Zhengyang, thank you."
"Don't thank me, I should be thanking you." Xu Zhengyang waved his hand, took out a cigarette and handed one to Yao Chushun, then lit one for himself and chuckled, "I never dared to imagine that I could be a hands-off boss every day and still make money every day, with millions in savings..."
"I'll be richer in the future," Yao Chushun said listlessly.
Even now, Yao Chushun still harbored some doubts about Xu Zhengyang. This guy could easily acquire a ton of antiques to sell for money, but since the antique shop started making a profit, he seemed less eager to sell his collection. Moreover, Yao Chushun realized that some of his previous assumptions about Xu Zhengyang were completely wrong. Because this kid… he wasn't one to follow that kind of path at all. Otherwise, where would he get so much free time? And why had he never bothered with such matters?
The question is, where did he get so many antiques? And why does he seem so indifferent to money? He's usually a very frugal person.
"Let's go down and take a look. Everyone's busy down there," Xu Zhengyang said.
"No rush." Yao Chushun pulled Xu Zhengyang, who had already turned his head away, and then let go. His triangular eyes gleamed, and he rarely showed his former somewhat sleazy face again. He said with a smile, "Zhengyang, as a boss, it is appropriate to be approachable, but you should also put on a bit of airs. Otherwise, it will backfire."
Xu Zhengyang scratched his head and laughed, "I understand, but you're the boss, and I'm not."
"Then what are you?"
"A hands-off manager." Xu Zhengyang grinned shamelessly, then chuckled and walked out the door.
Yao Chushun stood there stunned for a long time, then walked out with a helpless bitter smile.
The new Gu Xiang Xuan hall is more than twice the size of the old one, and the decoration is much better and more magnificent. It is grand and majestic, yet retains the elegant and timeless charm of antiquity. The counters and shelves around the hall are filled with all kinds of exquisite antiques and curios, all wiped spotless.
Jin Changfa and Jin Qiming were busy going back and forth inside and outside the shop, checking if this was appropriate and if that was suitable; Chen Chaojiang, wearing a leather jacket, stood in the cold wind outside the door, staring coldly at the northern horizon, as if something there was attracting him.
Inside the shop, behind the counter, a young man who looked only sixteen or seventeen was meticulously wiping the glass shelves with a cloth, carefully avoiding touching the valuable antiques. His name was Wang Jiayu, not yet seventeen, the son of a neighbor from Jin Changfa's hometown. His family was very poor, and he dropped out of school after junior high. Despite his young age, he was handsome and somewhat effeminate. According to Jin Changfa, when he was at home browsing books about antiques, this boy would always come closer, looking very interested. Occasionally, when Jin Changfa had nothing to do, he would ask Wang Jiayu some questions about antiques. To his surprise and delight, the boy could recall things he had seen and remembered, which greatly surprised and delighted Jin Changfa. Moreover, while Wang Jiayu was usually talkative and cheerful, when he picked up such books or listened to Jin Changfa talk about antiques, he would sit quietly to the side, saying nothing, only occasionally mentioning related questions when Jin Changfa paused.
Jin Changfa lived idly in his hometown village. Perhaps because he had lived in the city for a long time, he didn't have much to talk about with many people in the village. His children were all busy all day, and his grandchildren were all in school. So, he would like to teach Wang Jiayu some knowledge about antiques, just to pass the time.
Gradually, he grew to like the boy more and more, because although Wang Jiayu didn't have any other strengths, he possessed a rare talent for antiques. This time, Yao Chushun asked Jin Changfa to help him out of his seclusion. Jin Changfa was idle at home and, after dealing with antiques for most of his life, felt a bit empty inside. So he agreed and spoke to Yao Chushun, saying a few words on behalf of Wang Jiayu, the young man who couldn't find a job or earn money because of his young age, and got him a job as a shop assistant at Gu Xiang Xuan.
Yao Chushun agreed without thinking, since the store was getting bigger and he would need to hire more people anyway.
However, when Yao Chushun saw Wang Jiayu, his heart skipped a beat. He realized how similar this child was to Zou Mingyuan from years ago—his bright, intelligent eyes and the way they shone through. His talent and love for antiques were remarkably similar! He just hoped... his character wouldn't be as ruthless as Zou Mingyuan's. Both Yao Chushun and Jin Changfa were antique enthusiasts, so seeing such a bright and intelligent child in this field, he was quite pleased, so much so that he didn't worry that the child would grow up to be like Zou Mingyuan.
Upon seeing Xu Zhengyang and Yao Chushun come down the stairs, Wang Jiayu greeted them politely and somewhat shyly: "Hello, Brother Xu, hello, Boss Yao."
Yao Chushun smiled and waved, then walked towards the door.
Xu Zhengyang wasn't in a hurry to leave. Instead, he walked up to Wang Jiayu, reached out and touched his short hair through the counter, and teased him softly, "Jiayu, pay more attention to antiques in the future. Learn from Manager Jin and Master Gu, and stop spending all your nights reading those little books under your bed."
Wang Jiayu was extremely embarrassed. His delicate face flushed red, and he nodded awkwardly, saying, "I... I'll tear it up and throw it away later." Under his bed was a pornographic book.
"Okay, let's get to work." Xu Zhengyang patted his head again before walking towards the door.
Outside the shop, everything had been swept clean, with two rows of brightly colored flower baskets lined up. Xu Zhengyang strode past the baskets, standing side-by-side with Yao Chushun and Jin Changfa, looking up at the spotless, antique-looking signboard above the newly decorated shop, bearing the three large, gilded characters in ancient seal script: "Gu Xiang Xuan" (Ancient Fragrance Pavilion). The building's decor was retro-style, with carved beams and painted rafters, upturned eaves, and from the doors and windows to the pillars, murals, and ceilings, everything was adorned with carved dragons and phoenixes, gilded and painted, exuding a rich, rustic, and elegant atmosphere.
After taking over Tianbaozhai, Yao Chushun did not renovate the building, either inside or out. Firstly, the original renovation was already very good, and there was no need to waste money. Secondly, Yao Chushun did not want people to gossip or make it seem as if he harbored a great grudge against Zou Mingyuan.
Zou Mingyuan was arrested, and there's a high probability he'll be sentenced to more than ten years, or even life imprisonment. Now, with the resentment that had been building up for over a decade finally being avenged, all that's left in Yao Chushun's heart is melancholy and a touch of melancholy about the world.
The buildings and land were all registered under Yao Chushun's name, and were worth nearly five million.
Moreover, Yao Chushun is also the legal representative of Gu Xiang Xuan, and Xu Zhengyang's name only appears in the shareholder column.
Xu Zhengyang didn't raise any objections at all. Initially, he didn't understand these things, but later, Yao Chushun offered to write another jointly signed agreement for Xu Zhengyang, and only then did Xu Zhengyang understand the intricacies. However, he didn't care. After all, Yao Chushun wasn't the type to go back on his word. Besides, even if Yao Chushun's attitude changed in the future, would Xu Zhengyang be afraid of such a small matter?
Seeing that everything was done, Yao Chushun called and ordered breakfast to be delivered. The group ate a simple meal at a few round tables in the hall on the first floor, then tidied up and began chatting while waiting for the guests to arrive.
Today they booked the entire first-floor restaurant at the Yunlai Hotel for lunchtime to entertain their guests.
Xu Zhengyang knew nothing about these matters, so he let Yao Chushun make the decisions and arrangements. Spending money was a minor issue for Xu Zhengyang. Moreover, he knew that since the opening of Gu Xiang Xuan, Yao Chushun was no longer the slovenly and extravagant person he used to be. He was now meticulous in his calculations and had not wasted any money recklessly.
Around 10 a.m., Xu Neng and Yuan Suqin arrived with a bunch of relatives, including Xu Zhengyang's aunt and uncle, his eldest uncle and aunt, his youngest uncle and aunt, his aunt and uncle... Xu Zhengyang had already thought that at lunchtime, he would arrange for them to sit in the innermost corner of the restaurant so as not to disturb the other guests.
It wasn't that Xu Zhengyang had become arrogant and looked down on his poor relatives now that he had some money; otherwise, he wouldn't have agreed to let his parents invite these relatives. Rather, it was because there were certain things that needed to be avoided. They had to consider Yao Chushun's feelings. The friends who came were all prominent figures, and it wouldn't be appropriate to have them sit with a bunch of country bumpkins; that would be awkward for both sides.
Yuan Suqin and Xu Neng once again made their family proud in front of their relatives, truly opening their eyes to the size and grandeur of their son's new shop. These relatives, who had previously helped Xu Zhengyang's family but had been avoiding them ever since, were now filled with envy and admiration. They all came forward to congratulate Xu Zhengyang and praised him repeatedly.
Not long after they arrived, Zhan Xiaohui and Deng Wenjing, a married couple, arrived. They had voluntarily paid for the emcee and other ceremonial services for the day, and Xu Zhengyang hadn't refused. Being too polite wouldn't be appropriate, and Xu Zhengyang knew that no matter how much he tried to express so-called equality and normalization, he couldn't make them treat him like a normal person.
Before eleven o'clock, Tang Jing, the Jade Hand, and Hu Bayi, the Smiling Buddha, arrived from the capital, having traveled a great distance. They were old friends of Yao Chushun. Although their friendship had faded when Yao Chushun was down on his luck, now that he had made a comeback, the lost friendship had naturally returned. Yao Chushun had long since come to terms with such things and didn't dwell on them too much.
However, to Xu Zhengyang's surprise, following the two antique connoisseurs were his sister Xu Rouyue, Ouyang Ying, and Diao Yishi.
It turned out that the day before yesterday, Xu Rouyue's mother, Yuan Suqin, couldn't contain her joy and called her daughter to tell her the news of the new store's opening. Xu Rouyue was naturally overjoyed and told her best friend, Ouyang Ying, about the good news. Ouyang Ying, intrigued, urged Xu Rouyue to go back for the opening ceremony. Xu Rouyue, unable to resist Ouyang Ying's persuasion, agreed. Ouyang Ying then contacted Diao Yishi, asking him to drive along, which Diao Yishi readily accepted. If it weren't for his parents' restrictions, he would love to live in Fuhe City every day, spending time with Xu Zhengyang and Chen Chaojiang. This guy had always hoped to become Chen Chaojiang's apprentice and learn unparalleled martial arts. Unfortunately, Chen Chaojiang's enthusiasm for him was met with only cold indifference.
After the guests arrive and present their gifts and monetary contributions, they will be transported to the Yunlai Hotel by vehicles from the event planning company.
Xu Zhengyang further instructed his sister to remember to keep an eye on the relatives with their parents once they arrived at the hotel, and not to approach or greet any wealthy people indiscriminately. It wasn't that Xu Zhengyang was worried they would embarrass him, but rather that they would make things difficult for themselves and become a laughingstock.
After 11 o'clock, guests began to arrive in an endless stream. Bosses and managers alike, all beaming with smiles, were generous with their gifts and money. After exchanging pleasantries with Yao Chushun, they were escorted to the Yunlai Hotel by the event planning company. Among them was even Gu Sifang, who had previously helped Zou Mingyuan cause trouble at Guxiangxuan. However, he was uninvited, and Yao Chushun, being magnanimous, greeted him with a smile. Gu Sifang specifically went to Xu Zhengyang to greet him politely, exchanging a few words with him. Xu Zhengyang, with a calm expression and a slight smile, exchanged a few more pleasantries with him, not holding a grudge. This man had unintentionally helped him swindle over three million yuan from Zou Mingyuan.
When Zheng Ronghua, chairman of Ronghua Group, arrived, he brought two friends with him: Yu Zhenbang, secretary of the Fuhe City Party Committee, and Pang Zhong, director of the Public Security Bureau. Both of them were old classmates and friends of Zheng Ronghua. Inviting these two high-ranking figures from Fuhe City was truly intended to help Yao Chushun gain prestige.
Yu Zhenbang and Pang Zhong remembered Xu Zhengyang very clearly. Although the young man hadn't left a deep impression on them, he was unforgettable. However, the two of them didn't pay much attention to Xu Zhengyang's presence and didn't greet him.
Xu Zhengyang remained seated in a corner, receiving everyone except for his own guests, who were all greeted by Yao Chushun. He knew that young people like him were often met with disdain or ignored in the past; who would treat him like an important person if they didn't know him? Did he expect Yao Chushun to introduce every guest?
Xu Zhengyang wasn't that concerned about saving face; he was happy to have some peace and quiet.
However, there were also people he had to get up to greet. Leaving aside those who arrived earlier, he had to stand up to welcome and thank Zhong Shan, the head of the Criminal Investigation Division of Cixian County Public Security Bureau, Zhao Qing, the county's Public Security Bureau Chief, and Su Lu, who arrived later. Zhong Shan's arrival was expected, but as for Zhao Qing, although an invitation had been sent, his presence still surprised Xu Zhengyang slightly.
Besides these prominent figures, several of Xu Zhengyang's buddies also came. They discussed it and decided to forgo their monetary gifts, as they felt it wouldn't be presentable. They figured Xu Zhengyang would understand and wouldn't get upset about it. After arriving, they offered verbal congratulations, chatted idly for a while, and then, as arranged by Xu Zhengyang, went to the Yunlai Hotel.
Almost everyone we invited had arrived, so Yao Chushun suggested we go over too.
Xu Zhengyang nodded slightly disappointedly, then headed to the Yunlai Hotel with Yao Chushun and Chen Chaojiang, as they couldn't keep the guests waiting for them at the hotel.
At Gu Xiang Xuan, Jin Changfa, Jin Qiming, and Wang Jiayu stayed behind to look after the shop.
Xu Zhengyang was disappointed because Li Bingjie hadn't come. Li Bingjie and Li Chengzong had visited the day before yesterday, and Xu Zhengyang had asked Li Chengzong to send an invitation home, politely inviting Li Bingjie's family to attend. Although Xu Zhengyang knew in his heart that the old man, who lived a secluded life by the mountains and water, leading a life of leisurely contemplation like picking chrysanthemums by the eastern fence and gazing at the southern mountains, would never actually come.
Inside the large restaurant on the first floor of the Yunlai Hotel, more than a dozen large round tables were already full of people.
The guests didn't need any special arrangements; they had already formed groups based on their interests and preferences, choosing to sit at tables with like-minded people or those they got along with, and chatting enthusiastically.
Zheng Ronghua, Yu Zhenbang, and Pang Zhong sat at the middle table, which looked rather empty.
After Yao Chushun, Xu Zhengyang, and Chen Chaojiang arrived, Yao Chushun sat at the middle table, while Xu Zhengyang, who was supposed to sit there as well, sat with Chen Chaojiang at the two tables in the innermost corner. At the tables were Xu Zhengyang's relatives from the countryside and a few of his buddies, as well as Zhong Zhijun and Zhou Qiang.
Volume Three, Judge Chapter 120: Birds of a feather flock together.
The large restaurant on the first floor of the Yunlai Hotel was packed with guests, but the lively scene that Xu Zhengyang and his friends and relatives had imagined did not materialize.
Most guests sit at the table, chatting and eating quietly and elegantly.
What could compare to the lively atmosphere of a grand banquet in the countryside, with its boisterous shouts, drinking games, and boisterous toasts? However, this kind of scene did bring Xu Zhengyang a certain joy; both in the past and present, he disliked such heckling behavior. This meant that when he and his buddies drank together, they rarely drew the ire of outsiders.
Only when Yao Chushun, carrying a wine glass, walked to a table would some cheerful laughter erupt, which would quickly subside as Yao Chushun politely departed.
Whether it was because Xu Rouyue, Yuan Suqin, or Xu Neng had given her some instructions, or because the relatives felt slightly inferior to Xiaoyi in front of these wealthy people, they all changed their behavior from when they attended banquets in the countryside. Instead, Xiaoyi became cautious, even deliberately lowering her voice during casual conversation. This backfired, appearing overly affected and unlike the more natural, lively conversation at the other tables.
Xu Rouyue and Ouyang Ying sat on either side of Yuan Suqin, serving her food and pouring her juice, chatting about the amusing things young women enjoy. Yuan Suqin felt so happy that she seemed to float on air.
Diao Yishi sat next to Chen Chaojiang, but Chen Chaojiang's cold demeanor repeatedly turned Diao Yishi away. Helpless, he could only occasionally chat with Xu Zhengyang across Chen Chaojiang. He also made sure to use his eyes to ask Xu Zhengyang to put in a good word for him, so that Chen Chaojiang could understand his sincere desire to become his disciple.
At Yao Chushun's table, there were many empty seats. Zheng Ronghua, Yu Zhenbang, and Pang Zhong didn't seem to mind, as if they were used to this kind of scene, and chatted casually. However, Zheng Ronghua would occasionally glance at Xu Zhengyang in the corner of the hall, intentionally or unintentionally.
When Yao Chushun returned after toasting, Zheng Ronghua said with a smile, "Master Gu looks absolutely radiant today."
"I'm getting old, I can't take it anymore, this round is really making me a little dizzy." Yao Chushun was indeed slightly tipsy, but fortunately, no one at the table made him drink too much, just a little bit, as long as the formalities were observed. Even so, after going around in circles, Yao Chushun had drunk quite a bit of wine. The phrase "rosy-cheeked" was no longer an accurate description of him; "red-faced and with a thick neck" would be more appropriate.
Yao Chushun raised his wine glass with both hands and said with a smile, "It is truly an honor for me that Secretary Yu and Director Pang could come today! Come, let me toast you both." After saying that, Yao Chushun drank the wine in his glass in one gulp.
Yu Zhenbang and Pang Zhong exchanged a few polite words with smiles, and then drank some wine as a gesture of goodwill.
Yu Zhenbang said, "It is an honor for our Fuhe City to have a figure like Master Gu. He is well-known not only in the province, but also in the antique circles of Beijing and other provinces. The opening of Gu Xiang Xuan will surely make our ancient city of Fuhe famous!"
"Secretary Yu's words have put me under even more pressure. Haha." Yao Chushun said politely, "It's all thanks to my friends for their kind words. I can't accept such praise."
Pang Zhong said, "I don't know much about antiques and curios, nor do I have any particular preferences or hobbies. Today is the auspicious day for our opening, so I shouldn't say anything unpleasant. But that's just my nature; I feel uncomfortable if I don't speak up. I hope you won't mind, Mr. Gu." After a pause, Pang Zhong continued, "Run your business honestly and make money ethically. Don't follow the same path as Zou Mingyuan of Tianbaozhai. If that happens, our police department won't show any leniency."
"Of course, hehe." Yao Chushun said with a smile, not minding at all.
Zheng Ronghua smoothed things over, saying, "Isn't this just an occupational hazard for Director Pang?"
Everyone present laughed.
That's largely the truth. Pang Zhong's words were half well-intentioned advice and half a warning. He wasn't in a good mood. Although cracking the major cultural relic smuggling case had indeed earned him praise, it had only been less than six months. Two shocking cases had occurred in Fuhe City in quick succession. On another level, Pang Zhong felt that he, as the police chief, had perhaps neglected his duties.
After exchanging a few more casual words, Zheng Ronghua asked seemingly casually, "Master Gu, why doesn't your shareholder friend Xu Zhengyang come along to make the arrangements and get to know more people?"
“Him?” Yao Chushun shook his head with a wry smile and explained, “This kid says he’s thin-skinned and gets so nervous when he sees rich and powerful people that he can’t speak… That’s just his personality; he doesn’t like to show off.”