Chapter Fifty-Two: The Grand Opening of the Yang Family’s Private Business

In recent days, Li Qingfeng was positively radiant with delight. He had always been one of the candidates for the next chief officer of the Nancheng City Trade Bureau. Ever since Zhu Buhuo had generously helped him procure a set of exquisitely crafted sofas, which he then gifted to the chief officer, things had taken a turn for the better. The officer’s wife adored the beautiful and comfortable sofas, and since her husband was notoriously henpecked, she sang their praises endlessly in his ear.

Just a few days ago, the chief officer had privately assured Li Qingfeng that the next chief position in the Nancheng bureau would be his. This promise, as solid as nails hammered into board, left him with nothing but overflowing joy. He knew exactly who was responsible for this good fortune and felt genuine gratitude toward Zhu Buhuo.

Upon hearing that Zhu Buhuo’s main furniture store was about to open, Li Qingfeng, unable to attend in person, sent his wife to show support. With her husband’s imminent promotion, Lady Li was delighted as well—her social standing among her peers would only grow. Determined to give Zhu Buhuo’s business a boost, she spared no effort: she invited all her usual companions and relatives, even extended invitations to their sisters, gathering a crowd to visit the furniture store together.

On this day, at the Yang Family Furniture Main Store, Zhu Buhuo had the doors thrown wide open from early morning. The wooden panels on both sides of the walls were removed, revealing the displayed furnishings. Hundreds of firecrackers were set off, marking a grand opening.

As he waited, nerves tingling, he saw dozens of elegantly dressed ladies approach, laughing and chatting, their presence so lively and charming that passersby stopped to watch. Leading the group was Lady Li herself, which gave Zhu Buhuo a great sense of relief—his gift had not gone to waste.

Lady Li greeted Mr. Zhu, then ushered her companions inside. As soon as they entered, they were struck with amazement. The store’s layout was unlike any they had ever seen. While they couldn’t quite put their finger on the reason, the overwhelming impression was one of sophistication—far above any other shop.

Upon entering, they saw a black wooden counter, atop which white stone carvings spelled out “Yang Family Furniture Main Store” in large characters. Behind the counter stood two young women, simply dressed but clean and efficient, giving a pleasant impression. They bowed together and said, “Welcome, esteemed guests,” then gestured inward, “Please, come see our furnishings. We hope you will be satisfied.”

The staff’s manners pleased the ladies. Some lingered at the front counter, reading the inscriptions, and exclaimed, “Wow, is Master Yang really so accomplished? Even from a young age, he had such ambition. Truly inspiring!”

The attendant at the counter replied, “Indeed, madam. Master Yang is considered the foremost furniture designer in Liuyun Nation. His creations are exclusive to our store. Please, do come in and see for yourselves.”

Inside, the guests found a dazzling array of furnishings. Even Lady Li was astonished. There were so many types and styles—far more than she had imagined. The guests split into small groups to explore what interested them. Immediately, attendants who introduced themselves as store “guides” stepped forward to assist, patiently explaining the products and encouraging the ladies to try them out.

“Wow, this sofa is so soft! Sitting here is just delightful,” exclaimed a noblewoman.

The guide smiled and explained, “Yes, madam, as you can see, the seat and backrest are made from rare animal hides, with precious birds’ down used as filling. The craftsmanship is excellent, the texture supple. But that’s not the most remarkable part. Notice the flowing lines of the armrest—a design Master Yang conceived after three days and nights of meditation atop South Hill, inspired by the gentle breeze. These curves evoke the spirit of the wind: elegant yet natural. Placing this sofa in your home is not only comfortable, but it is also a superb work of art...”

“Wow, this bed is so soft, I feel as though I’m sinking right in. My own wooden bed, even with layers of padding, always leaves me sore,” remarked another lady.

The guide immediately explained, “Master Yang designed this bed according to the structure of the human body. Sleeping on it, you’ll enjoy a restful, comfortable night’s sleep. Master Yang once said, ‘When body and mind are weary, where should one seek rest?’ Thus, after years of thought, he created this soft bed. See the pillows and mosquito net? Each was carefully designed, attentive to every detail, all for the sleeper’s comfort...”

“‘When body and mind are weary, where should one seek rest?’… I never imagined Master Yang would be so thoughtful,” murmured a lady, seemingly moved to tears. Zhu Buhuo, who had just brought in guests, was left speechless, wondering, “Is it really as extraordinary as all this?”

“What’s that light above? It really looks beautiful shining down,” another asked.

The attendant replied, “That’s a spot lamp, madam. If you like lighting, we have several styles, some standing lamps next to sofas, others table lamps beside beds. Look, this table lamp: when you wish to sleep, just pull this lever and the light disappears, ensuring a peaceful rest. If you need to rise in the night, pull the lever again and the light returns—very convenient. The craftsmanship is exquisite, with rare animal hide for the shade and gold thread finishing the edges...”

Zhu Buhuo spent the day at the entrance, receiving group after group of guests. Among them was Miss Zhao Xiaowan from the Zhao family, who brought a crowd of wealthy young ladies to support her good friend Su Yinxue’s business.

Aside from the families to whom he and Steward Su had sent gifts, many familiar friends came to show their support. Even disciples from sects outside Wuzhou City arrived, notably from the Miao Xin Sect.

It turned out the Miao Xin Sect was entirely composed of women, and this time they had come to observe. Arriving early in Wuzhou, they were wandering about, purchasing worldly goods to take back to their sect. Seeing so many women enter the store, their curiosity got the better of them and they went inside...

Zhu Buhuo was busy from dawn until dusk, never leaving his feet, not even stopping for a bite to eat. It had been his most exhausting day in years, and he likely lost a good deal of weight as a result. Yet his spirits soared—he knew he had made the right bet.

At the end of the day, he had received eighty-three orders. If not for worries about running out of samples to display, many guests would have taken theirs home immediately.

Some clients weren’t only buying for themselves, but also to honor elders in their families. Even the female disciples of Miao Xin Sect placed orders, though delivery could wait, as they wouldn’t depart until after Bai Muyun and Liu Changqing’s contest.

For customers within the city, they promised delivery within two days; those from outside sects would have to arrange transport themselves. Of course, if a sect leader or elder made a purchase, their own disciples would handle delivery.

All told, the day’s takings amounted to more than twenty-four thousand nine hundred spirit coins.

Money from these wealthy families was so much easier to earn, Zhu Buhuo noted with satisfaction. The cost of acquiring the store, renovating, purchasing accessories, and hiring staff totaled over fifty thousand, though he only needed to cover about twenty thousand himself—a sum that stretched him to his limits.

He estimated he would recoup his investment in just a few days. And this was only in the small area of Nancheng—Wuzhou City was vast, with boundless market potential.