Chapter 122 New Jade Cream
The summer was hot and the greenery in the Imperial College was lush, but that couldn't stop the stuffiness inside. Liao Zhen sat in front of the desk, the playing cards in his hand were like a mysterious magic prop, instantly attracting the attention of the male students in the Xuan class.
"Liao Zhen, what exactly are these playing cards? How do you play them?" a disciple named Hu Jiahong asked curiously, with curiosity gleaming in his eyes.
Liao Zhen smiled slightly, a proud look flashed across his face: "This poker originated from a foreign land, and it is a very interesting game. There are many ways to play, which can not only exercise wisdom, but also enhance friendship. In short, it has many benefits."
"Hurry up and teach us how to play!" The disciples of Xuan class gathered around, each eager to try.
Liao Zhen cleared his throat and began to explain how to play poker. He picked up a card and explained, "There are four suits of poker cards, namely hearts, spades, diamonds, and clubs. Each suit has thirteen cards, namely 1 to 10, and J, Q, K, A. There are many rules of the game, and we can start with the simplest one, 'Fighting Landlords'."
The students in the Xuan class listened with great interest and picked up the cards to start learning. Liao Zhen sat aside, watching them figure out how to play and giving them some pointers from time to time.
"Haha, it turns out that playing cards is so fun!" Hu Jiahong shouted excitedly, and the cards in his hand were already played very quickly.
"Yeah, it's much more interesting than polo and cricket fighting," another disciple agreed.
At this time, a disciple named Zhao Yiming walked in. Seeing everyone playing poker, he couldn't help but frowned: "What are you doing? Don't you know that today is a class day?"
Liao Zhen raised his head and looked at Zhao Yiming, with a hint of dissatisfaction on his face: "Zhao Yiming, why are you so serious? Life in the Imperial College is so boring, why can't we have some fun?"
Zhao Yiming snorted coldly: "You can have fun, but you can't miss the point of doing business. If you indulge in such things, how can you serve the country in the future?"
Liao Zhen's eyes widened, and he was about to refute, but he heard Hu Jiahong say: "Zhao Yiming, you misunderstood. This poker game is not just for entertainment, it can train our thinking and adaptability. If you don't believe me, try it, I guarantee you will fall in love with this game."
Zhao Yiming hesitated for a moment, but finally sat down, picked up the cards and started trying. Gradually, his expression changed from confusion to surprise, and finally he smiled: "It turns out that playing cards are really interesting and can really train people's thinking."
The Xuan class disciples laughed when they saw this. From then on, the Xuan class disciples of the Imperial College had one more entertainment activity, which was playing poker.
"Do you want to play poker?" Seeing this, Jiang Zhiyu couldn't help but look at the two roommates beside him.
"You guys go ahead." Qi Zimo smiled at Jiang Zhiyu and Liu Mengmeng, "There's something else going on in the shop, I have to go there."
Liu Mengmeng said with a smile: "Okay, Zimo is the big boss now, he is too busy to spend time with us!"
"Liu Mengmeng, you're making fun of me again." Qi Zimo frowned slightly, but with a smile on his face, he shook his head, "When I finish my studies at the Imperial College, I will definitely make time to accompany you."
Jiang Zhiyu gently patted Liu Mengmeng's shoulder, signaling her to stop teasing Qi Zimo, then turned to Qi Zimo and said, "You go and do your work, we will also study hard. By the way, can you handle the matter of the shop?"
Qi Zimo nodded and said with a firm look, "Don't worry, Zhiyu. I founded this shop myself, so there won't be any problems."
Looking at Qi Zimo's leaving figure, Liu Mengmeng sighed: "I never thought that Zimo could turn from a little scholar into a successful businessman. It's really admirable."
Jiang Zhiyu smiled slightly: "This is Zimo's unique charm. He always seizes opportunities and moves forward courageously. We should also learn from him."
As they were talking, they came to the classroom of the Imperial Academy. In the classroom, students were listening attentively to the teacher's explanation of classics, history, and miscellaneous works. Jiang Zhiyu and Liu Mengmeng found a seat and sat down to start listening to the class.
As night fell, the students of the Imperial College dispersed. Jiang Zhiyu, Liu Mengmeng and Qi Zimo came to Zuiyue Tower. In the private room upstairs, the three of them sat together, chatting and laughing.
"Zhi Yu, what are you studying recently?" Qi Zimo asked.
"I am studying the Book of Changes and I find it very interesting," Jiang Zhiyu replied.
"Oh? What do you think?" Qi Zimo asked curiously.
Jiang Zhiyu smiled and said, "The Book of Changes says, 'Heaven moves vigorously, and the gentleman strives to improve himself.' I think this sentence is very suitable for us. We must continue to learn and make progress in order to gain a foothold in this world."
Liu Mengmeng interrupted, "Yes, I am also studying the Book of Songs, and I have learned a lot of life philosophy from it. For example, 'Your green collar, my heart is filled with longing.' This sentence made me understand that we should cherish the people around us and the time in front of us."
Qi Zimo nodded in agreement: "Zhi Yu and Meng Meng are both right. We should not only learn, but also learn to cherish. By the way, what do you think of the academic atmosphere of the Imperial College?"
Jiang Zhiyu thought for a moment and said, "The academic atmosphere in the Imperial College is very good. The teachers are knowledgeable and the students are diligent and studious. Here, I feel the joy of seeking knowledge."
Liu Mengmeng added: "Yes, the Imperial College is not only a place for learning, but also a cradle for our growth. Here, we have made many like-minded friends and made progress together."
At this point, the three of them smiled at each other. They knew that this time would become the most beautiful memory of their lives.
After dinner, the three of them came to the top floor of Zuiyue Tower to enjoy the night view. The moonlight sprinkled on the lake, sparkling. Jiang Zhiyu sighed: "Such a night view is really intoxicating."
Liu Mengmeng said softly: "Yes, this kind of night makes people can't help but think of those beautiful poems."
Qi Zimo looked at them and felt a warm feeling in his heart.
"The three of us are like the night, complementing and illuminating each other," Qi Zimo said with emotion.
Jiang Zhiyu and Liu Mengmeng nodded in agreement: "Yes, we will always be best friends."
……
Early that morning, Qi Zimo walked through the busy market to set up a stall in the south of the city. The sun shone on the bluestone road, reflecting a busy scene. The stalls were filled with all kinds of goods, and the hawking sounds were one after another, making it very lively.
Qi Zimo found an open space in a corner of the south city, spread out his stall, and displayed his goods. These goods were all special items he collected from all over the place, including exquisite jewelry, beautiful fabrics, and various strange gadgets. He looked up at the sky, and a satisfied smile appeared on the corner of his mouth. He knew that today was another good day, and business would be good.
After a while, a woman in green came to the stall. She was Qi Zimo's good friend, Su Rongrong. Su Rongrong bent down to look at the goods on the stall, with a flash of surprise in her eyes.
"Zi Mo, your things here are becoming more and more distinctive. Look at this jade pendant. It has fine carving and mellow color. It's really a treasure." Su Rongrong picked up a jade pendant and exclaimed in admiration.
Qi Zimo smiled and replied: "Rongrong, you have a good eye. I bought this jade pendant from a small village in the south. The craftsmen there are very skilled."
Su Rongrong put down the jade pendant and picked up a piece of embroidered fabric: "This fabric is also very beautiful, the colors are very harmonious, and it feels very comfortable. Zimo, can you teach me how to collect so many good things?"
Qi Zimo smiled, a hint of pride flashed in his eyes: "Rongrong, this is a science. First of all, you have to understand the local customs and habits of each place, and know what special items are there. Secondly, you have to know how to identify the quality of goods, which requires a long period of accumulation and practice."
Su Rongrong listened attentively and couldn't help but sigh: "Zi Mo, you are really a genius. However, I still think it's too lonely for you to set up a stall here alone. Do you want to consider finding a helper?"
Qi Zimo shook his head: "I'm fine now, and setting up a stall is also a kind of enjoyment. When the business grows bigger in the future, I will consider hiring help."
At this moment, a thin young man came over. He was another good friend of Qi Zimo, Li Yu. Li Yu looked at the goods on the stall, with a hint of envy in his eyes.
"Zi Mo, the things you have here are really good. I want to buy them all." Li Yu said with a smile.
Qi Zimo glared at him and said, "Yu'er, you are my good friend. I can't let you get away with these things."
Li Yu made a face and smiled: "I know, I know. But I still want to ask, where did you get these things from?"
Qi Zimo smiled slightly: "Yu'er, you are really curious. Let me tell you, I collected these things from all over the place, and some were even dug out from deep mountains and old forests."
A hint of surprise flashed in Li Yu's eyes: "Wow, that's amazing. Zimo, can you take me to go hunting? I also want to dig up treasures with my own hands."
Qi Zimo smiled and said, "Yuer, you are still young. This kind of thing is too dangerous. When you grow up, I will take you with me."
The three were chatting enthusiastically when a woman in red came over. She was Qi Zimo's childhood sweetheart, Lu Xiaoxiao. Lu Xiaoxiao looked at Qi Zimo with a hint of concern in her eyes.
"Zi Mo, aren't you tired of setting up the stall here by yourself?" Lu Xiaoxiao asked.
Qi Zimo shook his head: "Xiaoxiao, I'm fine. Setting up a stall is also a kind of life, and I enjoy the process."
Lu Xiaoxiao smiled and took out a package from her arms: "Zi Mo, this is the breakfast I prepared specially for you, you must finish it."
Qi Zimo took the package, a touch of emotion flashed in his eyes: "Xiaoxiao, thank you. I will definitely finish it."
Lu Xiaoxiao looked at Qi Zimo, with a hint of tenderness in her eyes: "Zimo, you have to take good care of yourself and don't get tired."
Qi Zimo nodded, with a gleam of determination in his eyes: "I will, Xiaoxiao. Don't worry, I will make the business better and let you live a better life."
Lu Xiaoxiao smiled, turned and left.
……
Seeing Qi Zimo coming in, the shopkeeper Hua Sanniang immediately came up to greet him.
"Miss Qi, you are here."
Qi Zimo had specifically instructed that people in the shop should not call her "Boss", but just call her Miss.
Hua Sanniang said with a smile, her eyes full of respect and welcome.
Qi Zimo nodded gently and responded with a smile: "Shopkeeper Hua, how is business lately?"
Hua Sanniang quickly replied: "Thanks to you, business is pretty good. Since you took over this cosmetics store, our business has been getting more and more prosperous."
As they talked, they walked deeper into the shop. Inside the shop were all kinds of cosmetics, dazzling and fragrant. Every corner that Qi Zimo looked at showed signs of meticulous care.
"Shopkeeper Hua, I recently heard about a new cosmetic called 'Yurong Cream'. It is said that the owner of the cosmetics store opposite has purchased a lot of it, and his business is extremely hot." Qi Zimo frowned slightly, with a hint of doubt in his eyes.
Hua Sanniang's smile froze when she heard this, and she frowned slightly: "Miss Qi, are you telling the truth? We haven't received any stock of this 'Jade Cream' yet. After all, we don't know the market reaction, so we have been hesitant."
Qi Zimo nodded gently: "I understand your concerns, but we can't always wait passively. How about this, you first learn about the formula and efficacy of this 'Jade Cream' to see if it is worth our introduction."
A hint of determination flashed in Hua Sanniang's eyes, and she nodded and agreed: "Okay, Miss Qi, I'll go investigate right away."
As they were talking, a thin girl hurried in. It was Xiao Cui, the shop assistant. She was holding a stack of account books in her hands, and looked a little nervous.
"Shopkeeper Hua, these are the accounts for this month. Please take a look." Xiao Cui said in a low voice.
Hua Sanniang took the account book, flipped through it roughly, and then handed it to Qi Zimo: "Miss Qi, please take a look, this month's profit has increased compared to last month."
Qi Zimo took the account book, looked at it carefully, and frowned slightly: "Manager Hua, I found that the expenses this month are a bit high, especially the purchase cost. We need to control costs and increase profits."
Hua Sanniang smiled awkwardly: "Miss Qi, this is mainly because we have introduced some new cosmetics, so the cost has increased. But I believe that once these new products open up the market, the profit will naturally increase."
Qi Zimo nodded gently: "I understand what you mean. However, we still need to manage the accounts more carefully and not let the costs be too high. Otherwise, no matter how good the business is, it will be difficult to sustain it."
Hua Sanniang nodded repeatedly: "Miss Qi is right, I will pay more attention."
At this time, a distinguished guest walked into the shop. It was Miss Su who often came to the cosmetics shop. She was wearing a gorgeous green Luo skirt, with delicate makeup and elegant temperament.
"Miss Su, welcome." Hua Sanniang immediately went to greet her.
Miss Su smiled slightly: "Shopkeeper Hua, do you have anything to recommend today?"
Hua Sanniang's eyes lit up: "Miss Su, we recently introduced a new cosmetic called 'Yurong Cream'. It is said that the cosmetics store opposite is very popular because of this product."
A hint of curiosity flashed in Miss Su's eyes: "Oh? Then I'd like to give it a try."
Qi Zimo smiled slightly, walked over and explained to Miss Su in detail the effects and usage of the "Jade Cream". Miss Su listened with great interest, nodding in praise from time to time.
Hua Sanniang watched Qi Zimo and Miss Su talking, and secretly sighed in her heart: Miss Qi is indeed extraordinary. Not only is she good at management, but she can also attract distinguished customers. She is really a blessing for the cosmetics store.