Chapter 0007: The Store Bullying Customers

The fellow was momentarily taken aback, but soon a smile appeared on his face, albeit one filled with disdain: "Esteemed guest, it is not that I am unwilling to inform you, but our shopkeeper is quite busy with numerous matters on a daily basis. Generally, trivial matters can be decided by either myself or a steward. If you have any requests, feel free to let me know. As for your so-called 'big business,' it would be better to discuss it with me. However, from my perspective, your so-called 'big business' is at most a matter of a few taels of silver. Although I am not particularly talented, I can still take charge for you."

Of course, the Gathering of Treasures is fundamentally a business that welcomes customers, so it is quite normal for visitors to come. It would be unusual if there were no guests at all. The reason that surprised everyone is quite simple: this guest was dressed in a plain blue robe and wore a pair of cloth shoes, which clearly appeared to be of cheap quality. The total value of his attire would not exceed four taels of silver. Such a person would certainly lack the means to make purchases at the Gathering of Treasures. This is akin to how an average wage earner in later times would never casually wander into Sotheby's auction house without a purpose.

After the sky brightened, as the innkeeper opened the door while yawning and sweeping the inn, a person stood in front of him

"Tsk tsk... it is truly beautiful." Standing in front of the attic, Yang Feng gazed at this attic, rich in traditional Chinese style, and couldn't help but express his amazement. In the cities of modern China, everywhere is filled with monotonous concrete buildings, and such authentic architecture is no longer seen. Even so, some departments are desperately trying to take action against the few remaining ancient buildings, euphemistically calling it "maintenance demolition," which is truly laughable.

Good morning, esteemed guest

Upon seeing the shiny silver in Yang Feng's hand, the shop assistant's eyes immediately lit up. A commoner's outfit costs at most four or five coins, and by helping this esteemed guest purchase a set of clothing, he could earn more than half a month's wages. Only a fool would pass up such an opportunity

Yang Feng's expression gradually became unpleasant. Looking at the smiling face of his companion, he felt for the first time that this smile, which he had previously considered polite, was now painfully glaring. At this moment, although he wanted nothing more than to smash this companion's smiling face into a mess, he held back. Years of experience in society taught him that in such situations, if he dared to act, it would not be long before a large group of enforcers armed with iron rulers, chains, or weapons would surround him. At this moment, although he wanted nothing more than to smash this companion's smiling face into a mess, he held back. Years of experience in society taught him that in such situations, if he dared to act, it would not be long before a large group of enforcers armed with iron rulers, chains, or weapons would surround him. This was not a modern society that valued human life; killing someone without a witness would be no more difficult for the powerful in this society than crushing an ant.

Yang Feng did not waste any words and directly said to the attendant: "I have some items I would like to sell to your Jubaoge, and I wonder if you could invite your manager to take a look."

This ... ...

Yang Feng took a deep breath and walked through the entrance of the Gathering Treasure Pavilion

This is the place.

The smile that had been on the face of this fellow had vanished; he stared at Yang Feng for a while before saying: "Of course not, our Jujiaozhai is not a black shop, how could we engage in coercive buying and selling? Please rest assured and leave, but from now on, if you have no business, it would be best not to come to our humble establishment."

However, since we have opened for business, and guests are always welcome, it is only natural that we do not drive away our customers. Moreover, this particular customer is carrying a somewhat peculiar leather bag of unknown material. A staff member approached with a smile, slightly bowing, and asked the visitor: "Esteemed guest, how may I assist you at our humble establishment? Is there anything I can help you with?"

This statement is rather malicious, as it clearly insults the Jubaozhai as a black shop. The expressions of the customers who are currently selecting items in Jubaozhai have also changed somewhat. Regardless of whether they had just mocked Yang Feng, who was dressed in plain clothes, in their hearts, no one would enjoy patronizing a place that takes advantage of its customers.

Although everything appears to be so harmonious, this harmonious scene quickly became somewhat frozen, as a person walked in from the doorway

"Alright!" The innkeeper smiled and said, "Rest assured, as long as you mention it, I will definitely keep the guest room for you, so you can be completely at ease!" At this point, the innkeeper noticed that Yang Feng was holding a rather peculiar-looking package and couldn't help but take a few more glances, curiously asking, "Sir, are you going out to take care of some business?"

Haha... I certainly know. Yang Feng sneered, "Although I have long resided in the South Seas, I have always believed that the Ming Dynasty is a place of talented individuals and cultural refinement, where everyone is well-versed in poetry and propriety. However, I never expected to encounter such a situation as a shop taking advantage of its customers. But please rest assured, young sir, the threshold of the Gathering Treasure Pavilion is too high for me to reach, and I will not trouble you again in the future... Farewell!"

"Rest assured, I will be back shortly, and I guarantee your satisfaction!" After taking the broken silver from Yang Feng's hand, the shop assistant immediately ran off without a trace...

The shop assistant casually greeted and then lowered his head to start sweeping the floor, but he suddenly looked up sharply and, upon seeing the person standing in front of him, exclaimed in surprise: "Guest... esteemed guest, where have you been these past two days? Yesterday, neither I nor the shopkeeper saw you come out for a meal all day; we thought you had gone missing."

The person who arrived was naturally Yang Feng, who had just learned the news from the innkeeper. As a local native, the innkeeper of Laifuke Inn certainly knew where the best treasure shops in Nanjing were located. Therefore, when Yang Feng inquired, he immediately mentioned the name of the Jujiaoge. Prompted by this information, Yang Feng swiftly made his way to this small shop

Good morning

After speaking, Yang Feng tightened the leather bag on his body and turned to walk towards the door. However, just as he reached the entrance, he was stopped by two guards standing at the door.

Although the words of this fire attendant were quite polite, the meaning behind them was very clear. Our master holds a distinguished status, and it is best not to trouble him with ordinary matters or people; you should just discuss your so-called "big business" with me instead

Well, since you are not interested, I will not trouble you any further. I hope that your Treasure Pavilion will not regret today's events

An hour later, Yang Feng appeared on the main street of Jinyi Back Street, wearing a cap, dressed in a blue silk cotton long gown, with a black leather belt featuring cloud patterns tied around his waist, and wearing a pair of blue cloth shoes. This area, being close to the old imperial city, is inhabited by either high-ranking officials or wealthy merchants, which is why the shops here appear particularly grand.

"Yes, I need to go out for some business." Yang Feng first nodded, then his eyes brightened. Although this person in front of him was merely a clerk, having grown up locally, he surely had a much better understanding of the area than Yang Feng himself. It would be most appropriate to ask him for any inquiries.

After the fellow finished speaking, a series of soft "hissing" laughs immediately echoed around, the sound, though low, was quite jarring in the silent environment

Moreover, Yang Feng also noticed that the passersby on this road were significantly different from those in the inn where he was staying. The attire of the passersby on this road was evidently much better than that of the common folk he had seen along his journey. Many individuals were dressed in garments made of silk and brocade, indicating a level of quality that was clearly superior to that of ordinary people.

Yang Feng looked up and saw a large plaque on the second floor of the attic, on which the three bold characters "Jubao Pavilion" were inscribed in a vigorous and powerful style

Yang Feng's expression suddenly turned cold, and he turned his head with a sneer, saying: "What, is it not enough that your Gathering Treasure Pavilion refuses to do business with me? Are you not allowing customers to leave your store if they do not make a purchase?"

Indeed, indeed. The innkeeper nodded repeatedly and said, "Esteemed guest, you have paid for three days' accommodation in total. Since the time has not yet expired, we naturally cannot give your room to other guests."

Having said that, Yang Feng turned around and walked out of the door of the Gathering Treasure Studio

The fellow was somewhat taken aback; if it were an ordinary shopkeeper, it would be one thing, but what kind of place is the Gathering Treasure Pavilion? The shopkeeper here is equivalent to the general manager of one of the top 500 enterprises in the country in later times. Is it someone that just anyone can meet, especially someone who looks so ordinary?

At the northwest corner of this street stands a three-story loft, covering an area of over 1,000 square meters, constructed with blue bricks. Even though Su Jin may not fully appreciate it, one can still discern that the builder of this loft is quite extraordinary. The layered eaves, the corridors and railings that encircle each level, as well as the curved roof and the upturned corners, evoke admiration at first glance

Looking at the attendant in front of him who was smiling at him, Yang Feng secretly admired, it seems that this shop named Jubaoge truly deserves to be the largest store in Nanjing, as even a single attendant appears so courteous. In comparison, the attendant from Laifuke Inn is like the difference between a country bumpkin and a city gentleman.

Upon entering the main door, Yang Feng immediately sensed that the first floor of this loft was quite spacious. The hall, measuring at least four to five hundred square meters, appeared to have chairs and tea tables arranged in a seemingly casual manner. Several screens divided the hall into several relatively secluded individual spaces. Numerous shelves were placed around, displaying a variety of antique items with an ancient charm. More than ten elegantly dressed guests either strolled leisurely or sat on benches whispering to each other. Several young attendants, dressed in uniform attire, continuously moved among the guests, either explaining the antiques on the shelves or serving them tea and pastries.

That's good! Yang Feng nodded in satisfaction and said: "I will go out to take care of some matters now, and I will be back shortly. Please do not give my room to anyone else, understood?"

Thinking of this, Yang Feng took out a piece of loose silver weighing about one or two taels from his pocket and handed it to the shop assistant, saying: "Young man, could you please help me buy a set of well-fitting clothes? The remaining silver will be your reward for your trouble, what do you think?"

This person is naturally Yang Feng, who just arrived in this time and space last night. He lightly cleared his throat and said: "It's nothing, I just went out to take care of some matters yesterday. I just returned this morning. My guest room is still available, right?"