Chapter Fourteen: Farewell

  After deciding to go to Weihai, on the second day early in the morning, Liu Min went to the clothing store as usual. Today he had many things to arrange. On his way to Zhenhai Gate Street, Old Cai and Lu You had already arrived earlier and hung up the shop sign, and the door board had also been removed. Seeing Liu Min arrive, both of them came over to greet him warmly.

  Liu Min had always thought that these two people were a bit redundant, but now that they were about to leave, he suddenly found them likable. He warmly greeted the two of them and entered the store, sitting down after a while. Shen Li Shi and Zhou Lai Fu, husband and wife, also arrived soon after. Zhou Lai Fu was still working his second day on the job; originally, he worked at another place but did night shifts here. He had been worried that this clothing store wouldn't last long, but now Liu Min's business was slowly stabilizing, so he finally decided to work here. Shen Li Shi quietly sat down in a corner, her desk right there, with a very wide surface where she could both sort clothes and write.

  Liu Min said with a glance at everyone: "Well, today we'll do the same as usual. First, let's have a meeting. Shen Niangzi, tell us about today's goods."

  Shen Li took out an account book, she drew a two-dimensional table to record the orders and shipments. However, Old Cai's face turned gloomy again. Old Cai was getting older, looking at the two-dimensional table made him dizzy, he couldn't learn it no matter what, and Shen Li could also do accounts, making Old Cai feel somewhat insecure in the store.

  "First, there are the goods to be delivered. Yesterday, six pieces of clothing were prepared, including one dress, four windbreakers, and one cape." After saying this, she glanced at Zhou Laifu's wife, as it was usually her who made the deliveries.

  Mrs. Zhou remained silent all along, so Liu Min had no choice but to say: "Then please ask Mrs. Zhou to see us off."

  Zhou Laifu's wife finally responded, anyway it wasn't Liu Min who arranged this, she usually didn't bother Shen Li Shi, and Shen Li Shi was used to it. She continued on her own: "Then there's the matter of making clothes, today we need to finish three windbreaker jackets and one cape, yesterday we prepared the materials, today we'll do the cutting and sewing, as for tidying up, I'll take care of that as usual."

  Shen Li did not directly tell Zhou Lai Fu to finish, lest people think she was in charge. Zhou Lai Fu had a gentle attitude and was originally kind-hearted, so he readily agreed.

  "Third is miscellaneous, today to prepare for tomorrow six sets of clothes materials, and in the warehouse should be supplemented with cloth, cotton batting, gold foil, buttons, buttonholes, leather belt, coat rack, colored thread and needles, clear out the numbers, and ask Cai brother to pre-borrow some silver, go to various shops to supplement some back."

  Liu Min also looked at Old Cai and Lu You, who were both silent, and then chimed in: "Cai Kuai Fang and Lu You will handle this matter." Only then did Old Cai and Lu You stand up to respond. "Lastly, there's the accounting. The hundred padded jackets that were outsourced a few days ago haven't been paid for yet by those families. Zhang Da Hui took the clothes yesterday but hasn't settled the account yet. That's all for today." Shen Li Shi concluded her speech lightly.

  Liu Minyou has a high opinion of Shen Lishi's talent and wants her to play the role of deputy manager, handling this example meeting. He hopes to establish her prestige, but now it seems that the effect is very poor. If he doesn't speak up, no one will listen to her. Liu Minyou can also understand that someone who gets beaten at home every day finds it difficult to establish credibility in the unit. Even Shen Lishi herself lacks confidence and never strives for anything, just diligently doing her job every day.

  Liu Min looked at Shen Li and said, "Now that everyone has finished speaking, I'll arrange one more thing. Brother Zhou will make a piece of underwear today, and tomorrow I want to see the effect, so please work hard today, Brother Zhou."

  "It should be alright, there aren't many things to do today, it should be manageable." Zhou Laifu politely stood up and replied.

  Shen Li's face turned red in the corner, that underwear was really too small. After Liu Min drew a sketch, Shen Li didn't even dare to look at it. Liu Min also tactfully didn't ask for her opinion. If it were other clothes on ordinary days, Liu Min would usually ask Shen Li if there was anything that needed improvement.

  "Also, I have something else to say, I'm going to Shandong tomorrow and may be away for a long time."

  "Ah!" Shen Li suddenly lifted her head, she had just heard about this matter and was momentarily flustered, and actually cried out. The whole room full of people looked over in surprise, everyone hadn't even spoken yet when she let out this cry.

  Shen Li hastily turned red and looked away, not daring to ask again. Her time working here was the most relaxing time for her. Although others were a bit cold towards her, it was still much better than the atmosphere at home. At least no one would suddenly rush over and hit her, and Liu Min had always taken good care of her. She could feel a kind of respect. She took every matter in the clothing store seriously, and each time she received praise from Liu Min, she felt a sense of accomplishment that she had never experienced before. Now, every day, she looked forward to leaving that house and entering this store. Every morning, when she saw the storefront, she felt a sense of familiarity. But just now, when she heard that Liu Min was going to leave, she suddenly felt empty inside. She didn't know what kind of feeling it was.

  "Uh-huh." Liu Min cleared his throat and continued, "You all know about Chen Xin's situation. I'm going to follow him too, but this clothing store needs to stay open."

  Everyone felt relieved after hearing this, as long as the clothing store was still around, at least they would have food to eat.

  Zhou Laifu asked: "Master Dong, how long have you been away?" Liu Min noticed that Shen Lishi slightly raised her head out of the corner of his eye.

  "After the Spring Festival, I should come back once. Brother Zhou, from now on, don't call me Dongjia, just call me by my original name."

  Everyone heard that Liu Min was back after the Spring Festival and knew he had things to arrange in the store, so they all quietly waited for him to speak.

  "In-store affairs are handled by Zhou Laifu, and it's the same every day as today. Others still follow their current division of labor and do their own things."

  Zhou Laifu got up and declined, saying that he had just arrived and was not suitable for managing things. Liu Min insisted, and Zhou Laifu accepted with excitement. He had been a tailor for many years and had never been in charge of the shop before. It was rare for someone to appreciate him, and he was very grateful to Liu Min for his kindness.

  Lao Cai looked at Zhou Lai Fu, the new shopkeeper, with discontent in his heart, but he didn't dare to show it. He wasn't afraid of Liu Min, but he was a bit intimidated by Chen Xin. He carefully asked: "Master, if you leave, what will happen to the silver collected every day?"

  "Miss Zhao comes to collect every two days, leaving the silver for stockpiling, and handing over the rest to Miss Zhao." Liu Minyou and Chen Xin had discussed it, and Zhao Xiang was Old Cai's former employer, who had shown great strength and organization in handling the funeral this time, and should be able to keep Old Cai under control. Indeed, as soon as Old Cai heard about it, he felt even more disheartened knowing that the two still didn't trust him.

  Liu Min reminded him of Chen Xin's arrangement and said to Old Cai, "It's not just the clothing store business on this side, Chen Xin has arranged more important things for you to do on his side, he will instruct you himself when the time comes."

  Several people in the store turned their heads to look at Old Cai, they all didn't know what was more important, but Old Cai immediately thought of Hai Mao's procurement and wealth deputy, it seems that Qian Hu Da Ren still attaches great importance to his own, compared to Qian Hu Da Ren's side, the salary in this clothing store is really nothing, suddenly feeling that his level is higher than others by at least one level, with a sense of pride, stroking his few whiskers, smiling complacently, with an air of petty self-satisfaction.

  Liu Minyou didn't bother with him either, and one by one arranged several important styles for winter, instructing some precautions, and finally mentioned Shen Li. Liu Minyou said lightly: "Brother Zhou, the new styles you come up with must be shown to Miss Shen, her opinions are usually insightful. Miss Shen, please assist Zhou Laifu more, he's new here and many things are still unclear."

  Shen Li also agreed, still not raising her head, that previous blush was too severe and hadn't faded yet.

  "Everyone must work together sincerely. This store is not just mine and Chen Xin's, everyone does a good job, when we come back in the spring, if we make more money, I will give everyone more bonuses."

  Several people, upon hearing this, became spirited. What attracted them most to this clothing store was the so-called bonus. As long as the store made more money, they could also get a larger share for themselves, unlike other stores which only paid a fixed monthly salary. Therefore, their motivation to work in this Orchid Clothing Store was greater than before.

  Liu Min quietly observed the expressions of everyone, only Old Cai was not too concerned, guessing that he was looking forward to making a big profit from going out to sea, and naturally didn't care about the prize money for the clothing store.

  "Huh." Liu Min suddenly reacted, this old Cai usually collects his salary from the clothing store, but when it's time to do something, he's been called away by Chen Xin. It's as if he's being supported by Chen Xin for free. "This bastard, what a great idea!"

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  This bastard was now respectfully kneeling on the floor of the main hall: "Junior pays respects to Mrs. Zhao!", Chen Xin didn't find it awkward this time, Mrs. Zhao was very gentle and also Zhao Xiang's mother, after all better than kneeling to those so-called big shots.

  "Get up!" Mrs. Zhao smiled at Chen Xin, her complexion had improved a lot compared to two months ago. Since the engagement was settled, Zhao Xiang had found a sense of belonging, especially since Chen Xin agreed that their first son would bear the surname Zhao. She seemed to have regained hope in life, and even her hair had darkened a bit.

  "Thank you, Madam Zhao!" Chen Xin got up after kowtowing again. Zhao Xiang, dressed in mourning attire, stood beside Madam Zhao. She hadn't seen Chen Xin for a long time and was overjoyed to see him today.

  Chen Xin suppressed his smile and bowed solemnly again: "Nice to meet you, miss."

  Zhao Xiang also returned the courtesy: "Wanfu, sir." As he spoke, he stuck out his tongue at Chen Xin, and nearby Ju Xiang almost burst out laughing, hurriedly covering her mouth.

  Madam Zhao couldn't see Zhao Xiang behind her and said gently, "Please sit down, Chen Accountant." She was used to calling him Chen Xin, still using the original name, and Chen Xin wouldn't mind either.

  Chen Xinyou sat upright, wearing a blue robe, with a square flat scarf on his head, looking elegant and refined. Mrs. Zhao, as the mother-in-law, looked at her son-in-law with increasing delight. Chen Xinyou had now become a first-class thousand-household official, although being a military household sounded unpleasant, but even if it was inferior, it was still a fifth-rank official, and their family didn't lack silver either, having this official position made them even more glorious.

  "Madam, Miss, I have come to bid you farewell today."

  "Ah!" Zhao Xiang couldn't help but exclaim when she heard that Chen Xin was leaving again. She forced a smile and apologized, and Madame Zhao gave her a stern look before turning back around.

  Madam Zhao turned around and smiled: "Chen Zhangfang, are you going to Weihai? What's the hurry?"

  "As I was saying to your wife, that's exactly how it is. The Wei River hasn't completely frozen over yet, and if we wait any longer, we won't be able to cross."

  Zhao Xiang interrupted, "It's better if you can't leave."

  "Madam Zhao didn't turn her head to look at her this time, a benevolent smile appeared on her face, and she said: 'A man's ambition is in all directions, how can you, a small woman, hold him back? Besides, it's also a proper matter, which official doesn't take office? As long as he doesn't go far away, wherever he goes is fine.'"

  Chen Xin knew she was referring to going to Japan for trade, and at the moment it was indeed not going, even if he wanted to go, he wouldn't tell her. He said to Mrs. Zhao: "I'm just about to take office, but after the Spring Festival, I'll be back, and in the future, I won't travel far, at most, I'll send someone else to go once."

  Mrs. Zhao understood his meaning and sent others to Japan, as long as her daughter didn't have to live a widow's life, that was all that mattered. Having communicated this point, she said to Yan Yuese and Chen Xin: "Don't blame me for being nosy, it's just that after all these years, whenever he mentions going to that place, my heart is troubled day and night..."

  Her eyes turned red again, and Chen Xin hurriedly persuaded her. Mrs. Zhao waved her hand, still looking very peaceful: "For now, I'm just looking forward to you and Xiang'er getting married next year and giving me a grandson for the Zhao family." She kept thinking that the first child should be named Zhao, and after following Zhao Dong's pirate family for many years, she had also become quite bold. Her words were so straightforward that they made Zhao Xiang's face slightly red, and she stuck out her tongue behind her back.

  Chen Xin's face was thick enough, he didn't even remember if he had ever blushed in his life. He nodded and said: "I will definitely work hard and let my wife hold our grandson as soon as possible."

  This made Zhao Xiang thoroughly embarrassed, and Ju Xiang couldn't help but laugh out loud beside him. Madame Zhao saw Chen Xin's attitude and her eyes smiled with pleasure. She said contentedly: "Chen Zhangfang is going to Weihai this time, is there anything difficult that needs my Zhao family's help?"

  "The younger generation is short of some silver." The several people in the house opened their eyes wide at the same time, usually just being polite, but Chen Xin really dared to speak up.

  Madam Zhao nodded and said: "Alright, I won't pretend to be polite. Like Xiang'er's father, how much silver do you need?"

  Chen Xin calculated that he had 19,000 taels of silver, and had already used nearly 1,000 taels. He also planned to give some to Wen Ti Ren, so he needed to keep at least 10,000 taels for himself. As for the maritime trade, his share was over 20,000 taels, but he still needed around 15,000 more. So he said: "I'd like to borrow 20,000 taels."

  Mrs. Zhao closed her eyes and didn't speak, everyone quietly waited for her response. After a while, she opened her eyes, "Xiang'er you stay, everyone else leave."

  Zhang Po, Ju Xiang and another maid all went out and brought the door with them.

  "Alright, I'll lend you the silver," said Mrs. Zhao, "but remember, this is for my daughter Xiang'er's sake, and our family's property will eventually be yours anyway. However, you must promise me one thing: you cannot go abroad to Japan yourself. I want Chen the accountant to witness your oath."

  Chen Xin solemnly made a poisonous oath, promising not to go to Japan again. As an atheist, he felt no pressure at all and had no intention of keeping it, but sometimes he thought that respecting the gods might not be a bad thing after all, and maybe the gods did exist. However, due to his materialistic education from childhood, he found it difficult to completely change his way of thinking.

  "It's better to just tell my son that there are gods later." Chen Xin looked at Mrs. Zhao, who had a relieved expression after hearing the oath, and this kind of reverence for the gods actually has great benefits for moral development.

  "Wait a moment, Chen." Madam Zhao got up and went out of the door, presumably to fetch the silver note.

  "Hey." As soon as Mrs. Zhao disappeared from the doorway, Zhao Xiang waved at Chen Xin.

  Chen Xin hastily walked up to her, the flush on Zhao Xiang's face had not yet faded: "Little one, you now owe my family money, will you listen to me from now on?"

  Chen Xin said with difficulty: "There is a saying that owing debts is the biggest taboo, if I were to break the rules, it would be too unfair to the people."

  "Where did you come from? This is a family matter, what does it have to do with the people? Where are these people, call them out and let's take a look."

  "Never mind, I've heard a lot about these people and never seen them before. What I said earlier was that we can't betray the great Ming dynasty. As I told you before, teaching and education start from home."

  Zhao Xiang's mouth curled up high, and she also knew it was unlikely that Chen Xin would listen to her. However, Chen Xin's temper seemed very good, never having seen him slightly angry, should be easy-going too. Every time talking to Chen Xin, the mood will get better, unfortunately, this person is about to leave again.

  "Little man, why don't you stay for two more days? We can have a good chat."

  Chen Xin smiled and said: "The boat is frozen and can't move. Why don't you come and keep me company tonight?"

  "My mother won't allow it tonight."

  Chen Xin turned his head to look at the door, took out a paper tube and a thread from his sleeve, and whispered: "Look inside your house near the outer wall, if there is a small hole, you can speak by extending the thread."

  "Can this thing talk?" Zhao Xiang took it over with a mixture of trust and doubt, "There's only a small hole in the outer room where Ju Xiang lives, blocked by a cabinet, not even as big as a little finger, how can it talk."

  "When you arrive, remember to hand over the thread, and hold the paper tube against your ear."

  Just then, Madam Zhao's footsteps came again, and the two quickly separated and stood up straight.

  "Chen Zhangfang, take good care of the silver notes. These four were taken from Tianjin." Madam Zhao whispered a few words about the silver notes to Chen Xin, who memorized them one by one.

  "Madam Zhao said, 'Chen Xin, you'll be away for several months. Although we trust you, it's better to settle the matter clearly. Why don't we have two tables of wine and food here tonight, invite your relatives and friends over, and finalize this engagement?'"

  Chen Xin knew that such a large sum of money couldn't just be taken away like this, and anyway he didn't have any intention of cheating them, so he readily said: "Then I'll go notify them, they'll come over tonight."

  "Alright, alright." Mrs. Zhao nodded repeatedly, her eyes narrowing into a slit as she stared at Chen Xin.