Chapter 98: First Customers (1)
The kids went back to school after the happy National Day of People’s Republic of China and the remodeling of Yan Shuyu’s storefront was almost completed.
“All the lights have been installed. Take a look and see what you think of them. I will have someone deliver the couch shortly and I will help you place them then.” As Chen Fei was talking to Shu Yan, he glanced over at Zhang Huaxiu occasionally.
Shu Yan glanced over at Zhang Huaxiu, who had been busying herself. She curved her lips upward a little and said, “Thank you so much for your help this entire time. If it wasn’t for you, Xiuxiu probably couldn’t handle it all on her own. Why don’t I treat you to lunch in the afternoon to thank you for your help?”
During the holidays over the National Day of People’s Republic of China, Shu Yan spent most of the time home with her kids and most of the store affairs were taken care of by Zhang Huaxiu. During that period of time, Chen Fei had been visiting her shop every day. One day he had left his drawing at the shop, the next day was to come and check on the effects of the lights, the day after he wanted to double check the measurements of the couch…
His excuses were so awful that Shu Yan felt back for him. Finally, when she couldn’t bear it anymore, she stepped up to help and expressed that as it was only women at the shop, she’d like him to come by and help with some physical labor.
The workers: Are we not men?
“Yeah, sure,” said Chen Fei, a little shy, as he looked over at Zhang Huaxiu.
During lunch, Shu Yan asked him casually, “Where are you from? Your accent seems to suggest that you are not a native of City Nan.”
“I am from Province Chuan. I am 29 years old. I was assigned to work in a factory in my hometown after I graduated from polytechnic. The unit wasn’t doing well and I felt that my future was very limited there. My uncle was working in City Nan and it seemed nice here so I followed him here. I have already been here for 8 years, practically a City Nan native.”
Even though Chen Fei was answering Shu Yan’s question, he glanced over occasionally at Zhang Huaxiu, who was eating with her head lowered.
Shu Yan couldn’t help but laugh to herself. All she asked was where he was from, where did all the other information come from? “Oh, so you are most self-taught then? Here I thought you studied design in college. I heard from Master Zhang that you are the top designer at your company and a part owner with stocks. That’s quite impressive for someone who’s only 29.”
Shu Yan wasn’t exaggerating. Chen Fei was quite impressive.
Chen Fei smiled shyly. “Not exactly self-taught. My uncle had introduced me to several masters and I trained under them for 4 ~ 5 years before I became independent. And I was lucky enough to run into a nice boss who was willing to give me an opportunity.”
“Designer Chen is so humble.” He was just shy, not reticent. That’s good. Shu Yan looked over at Zhang Huaxiu. She seemed really focused on eating her meal, if only her ears were not reddened.
Shu Yan smiled and asked again, “Are you folks still back home? What are your future plans? Will you be staying here in City Nan or going back home?”
Hearing that question, Zhang Huaxiu’s hand tightened over the chopsticks and her ears perked up.