Chapter 003: Emerging on the Scene

Manager Wu's alcohol tolerance is not high; after having two cups, he is already feeling a bit tipsy. He unexpectedly starts talking about how he has no son, wishing that Xiao Tian were his son.

One thousand taels, a full one thousand taels! I must force them to repay, but I fear being accused of kicking someone when they are down. If my reputation in this business is ruined, it will be difficult to conduct trade. " Manager Wu sighed deeply and downed another cup of wine

Although Xiao Tian's actions were somewhat irregular, Manager Wu had no time to think about that. He grasped Xiao Tian's hand and repeatedly called out to the inside: "Pan Nan, add an extra dish for dinner, and heat up a pot of wine. I want to drink a few cups with Xiao Tian!"

Xiao Tian found it amusing; such a trick of substitution was quite common in his era. The guest with the surname Meng had left first and then returned, which he had already noticed. With a bit more attention, what was difficult to discover? He quickly fabricated an excuse and managed to brush it off.

The two turned around to see Xiao Tian. Manager Wu immediately felt displeased and was about to reprimand Xiao Tian for his lack of decorum, but then he saw Xiao Tian approach Mr. Meng and politely say

Do not be overconfident. Although Chen Shaodong is a second-generation rich kid, he is always surrounded by a group of ruffians. If you don't have money and try to get close to him, you might end up getting beaten up first, and there will be no one to attend to you.

Mr. Meng sneered repeatedly, picked up the winter pearl, and walked away. However, upon reaching the door, he suddenly turned back: "Shopkeeper, please take a closer look. The value of this precious pearl is beyond a thousand gold. I deal in jewelry, and you deal in pawnbroking; we are both professionals and are well aware of the market price. I am in urgent need of money and cannot part with it for less than five hundred. If you offer four hundred, I can find another twenty small pearls to make up the five hundred taels of silver. What do you think?"

Manager Wu smiled apologetically, just as he was about to ask the finance officer Jin to issue a receipt for the silver, when suddenly a voice interrupted from the side: "Wait a moment!"

"Shopkeeper, since Brother Xiao is so capable, why not let him try to collect the money from the Chen family?" the accountant suddenly suggested.

In less than half a year, the little inheritance left by the Chen family is on the verge of being squandered completely. I have gone to ask for money several times, but Chen Shaodong always makes excuses that there is none. His mother constantly weeps over her son's lack of ambition. Considering the old shopkeeper's reputation, I do not want to make things too difficult for the mother and son. Alas, it seems that the money is likely gone.

Who would have thought that just when Xiao Tian was feeling troubled about his studies, an opportunity would present itself to him the very next day

Throughout the entire day, Master Wu did not allow Xiao Tian to do anything, only permitting him to accompany himself and inquiring how he discovered the guest's switch.

The addition of a street vendor to the "Xi" brand is quite a common occurrence; after all, this is an old brand among the merchants of Shanxi, and no one bothers to inquire further about it

Upon seeing it, Master Wu remarked that this pearl was exquisite and smooth, a treasure worth a thousand gold pieces, and hurriedly said: "Put it on the screen."

Wu Pan-nan lowered his head, sipping his drink, only occasionally glancing up at Xiao Tian. The wine flushed his cheeks, and under the light, he appeared exceptionally beautiful. Unfortunately, Xiao Tian's thoughts were far from women at the moment; he simply kept his head down, drinking cup after cup.

On this day, Xiao Tian was just about to go out when suddenly a guest entered. Dressed in luxurious attire, the shopkeeper Wu exclaimed upon seeing him, "A distinguished guest has arrived, please have some tea"

Manager Wu inwardly exclaimed "luck", thinking that if it weren't for Xiao Tian this time, losing a large sum of silver would be one thing, but if this were to spread, what face would he have left to meet his peers? He would no longer be able to make a living in this county.

Ten years? Could it be that coming to this era means merely lingering in a pawnshop? Xiao Tian let out a bitter laugh and said nothing.

Xiao Tian did not expect that Manager Wu actually had this kind of kindness. After thinking for a moment, he asked, "Manager, how much silver does the Chen family owe you?"

Manager Wu suppressed his anger and pushed Dongzhu and the twenty small beads in front of Mr. Meng, saying, "Sir, please take your leave; this shop will not keep you for long."

As Master Wu was fully focused on selecting the small pearls, Mr. Meng glanced sideways at him and mocked, "You truly are meticulous to the extreme. It would be better to first secure the winter pearls; do not be overly concerned with the small pearls. I will redeem them in a month."

Xiao Tian positioned the large screen to shield the two individuals, standing to one side, waiting for Manager Wu to call out when needed. He then heard Manager Wu respectfully say, "Mr. Meng, may I ask how much you would like to price this pearl?"

The gentleman referred to himself as Meng, a jewelry merchant from Hejian. Due to the delay in the arrival of funds, he intended to pawn a winter pearl for a period of one month, and as he spoke, he took out the winter pearl.

This street running, also known as top business, simply refers to attracting clients for sales. This is not Xiao Tian's specialty; being unfamiliar with the area, he does not know where to start or how to approach the books.

five hundred taels of silver

The person with the surname Meng picked up the bead and, in a flustered manner, ran out. Upon reaching the door, they did not forget to turn back and glare fiercely at Xiao Tian.

Manager Wu's eyes sparkled with excitement; how could there be any refusal? Yet, Wu Pannan coldly remarked from the side:

Xiao Tian fell silent for a moment: "Shopkeeper Wu, if you trust me, please give me the IOU, and I will try to help you collect it."

This is a lucrative deal, and after some consideration, Manager Wu agreed to it.

Mr. Meng's expression changed dramatically, and Manager Wu suddenly realized what had happened. He picked up the winter pearl again to examine it closely, and upon closer inspection, he was greatly shocked to find that the genuine winter pearl had been replaced with a counterfeit.

The shopkeeper Wu immediately revealed a troubled expression: "Sir, this pearl is indeed a fine item, but I can only offer you four hundred taels at most, and that is after deducting a month's interest..."

As dinner time approached, Manager Wu had the meal prepared early and dined with Xiao Tian and Jin Zhangfang. Wu Pannan poured wine for several people and filled a cup for herself as well, sitting down beside them on the kang.

Xiao Tian was momentarily taken aback. Before he could speak, he heard Wu Pan Nan disdainfully say, "The Chen family? That second-generation heir? The family assets have all been squandered by him; where would there be any money left for us?"

This matter is rather lengthy to explain. The Chen family was originally well-acquainted with us. Later, they borrowed a sum of money from me to engage in business, but unfortunately, they encountered bandits who caused chaos, and their goods were completely stolen. Manager Chen was both anxious and frightened, and he died on the road. He had a son named Chen Shaodong, who is quite disappointing, well-versed in drinking, gambling, and other vices. On the day his father met with misfortune, he was still in a brothel. Originally, Manager Chen was there to keep an eye on him, but once Manager Chen was gone, this person was left without any restraint.

The tea servant did not know where he had gone, so Xiao Tian simply made the tea himself and handed it to that gentleman

Manager Wu repeatedly expressed admiration, stating that Xiao Tian, being young and accomplished, would surely be able to rise to the position of manager after working in his shop for ten years

Xiao Tian curiously asked further, and he saw Manager Wu put down his wine cup and let out a long sigh

Sir, this winter pearl is a precious gem; I kindly ask you to keep it safe. The shop is afraid of any damage, as we cannot afford to compensate for your jewel

Wu Pan-nan hurriedly came out, inquired about the situation, but merely responded with a faint "oh" and turned back to his own affairs.

This girl is indeed peculiar; clearly worried about herself, yet she speaks to herself in such a manner. Xiao Tian drank the wine in his cup and pretended not to hear.