Chapter Twelve: The Celebration Banquet
I don't know what kind of background the owner of Dayang Department Store has, but he was actually able to invite Young Master Jing. Although I didn't get to see Mr. Zhu's demeanor, even if it were usual times, even with seven invitations and eight bows, it's unlikely that one could sit at the same table as Young Master Jing. Thinking this way, I immediately forgave the old boss for being late. These few people may not be as noble as Masters Zhu and Gan, but outside they are also masters who are preceded by attendants.
Seven Xi wasn't intentionally trying to be late, but everyone knew that some women couldn't help but dawdle for at least an hour before leaving the house. And since it was her first time appearing in front of the cunning fox bosses, she naturally made sure to dress up nicely. As a result, when she appeared in front of everyone, their eyes lit up, and Hong Niangzi thought: What a handsome young man! She had already felt a bit emotional when she saw that yellow-clad youth earlier, after all, who doesn't love beauty? Seven Xi entered the private room and greeted everyone, but didn't head to the top seat. In fact, it seemed like the people attending the banquet had left that seat empty on purpose. Judging from the number of people present, it seemed like most of the main members of the Sha Zhou Chamber of Commerce were already there. The current president of the chamber was Old Man Zhu, and as everyone knew, the reason why Da Yang Department Store could get such a great location had something to do with him. Seven Xi didn't head to that seat either, but instead sat down beside Hong Niangzi on her own.
Although my drinking capacity is not what it used to be, since it's a celebratory banquet, drinking is inevitable. Taking advantage of not being drunk yet, she decided to get the formalities out of the way first. She raised her cup: "I'm Liu Qixi, new here and still unfamiliar with everything. This first cup is to hope that all seniors present will take care of me in the future." With a flick of her sleeve, she downed it in one gulp.
"This second cup is naturally to wish you all a thriving business and abundant wealth, and in the future, I will inevitably have to come to you for guidance."
"As for the third cup, Qi Xi came late today and is making amends. Let's drink first to show respect." The new wine from Quan Yuan was all brewed in Jin territory and transported over, Jin territory being not only the fief of the Eastern Jin imperial family but also one of the top wine-producing regions of the Eastern Jin dynasty. Unfortunately, its quality was still far inferior to that of Wuliangye in later generations. In his past life, he wouldn't have even considered drinking this small amount of wine, which tasted like water. But times were different now, and after downing three cups of strong liquor, not only did his stomach feel burning hot, but his head was also spinning dizzily. Hong Niangzi considerately helped Qi Xi pick out a few dishes to eat.
No matter how much the Pacific Department Store under Qī Xiǎo's name shocked them, in their eyes, Qī Xiǎo was still a 14 or 15-year-old child. Thinking that Gān Jiā's second young master had taken charge of the Gān family's business at around this age, they felt relieved. As the old saying goes, "the rear waves of the Yangtze River push forward the front waves." Who knows if these front waves will die on the beach? After Qī Xiǎo finished her toast, Gān Jìng was the first to raise his cup and drink: "Although Seventh Young Lady is young, judging from today's performance, it's clear that her future development is boundless. If there's anything I can help with, please don't hesitate to ask." With one sentence, he revealed Qī Xiǎo's identity. Originally, Qī Xiǎo was young and dressed in a neutral style, plus the heroic spirit between her eyebrows, making it easy for people to mistake her for a young man.
Gan Jing deliberately shifted his gaze out the window, knowing that at this moment, Qi Xi's eyes had become so fierce they could kill. If looks could kill, his body would have been riddled with holes long ago. But he couldn't be blamed for this; it was simply unbearable to watch those old lechers sitting next to her, pretending not to notice as they occasionally reached out to hold her hand or touch her shoulder. Those shopkeepers had to deal with so many customers coming and going every day, and a single glance would tell them that Qi Xi was a young woman.
Although the invitation was issued by Sima, Qiuxi still knew some of the business celebrities in Shazhou City. Everyone came to the banquet today for two reasons: one is because of this unique shop, and the other is that they thought Qiuxi had some connection with Zhu Ye. In fact, both sides were clear in their hearts. The people from the Shazhou Chamber of Commerce naturally did not want someone to come out of nowhere and share a cup of soup with them. Of course, each family's business was done by themselves, but Qiuxi also didn't want her to encounter so many obstacles when she first arrived.
"Actually, I invited all of you seniors today because Qi Xi has something to discuss with everyone. I don't know if you're interested in setting up a special counter within Dayang Department Store?" The term "special counter" was new to the people present, and since it involved money, these cunning foxes immediately became serious. However, after hearing Qi Xi's series of preferential conditions, they still hesitated. These small-time businessmen hadn't become big sharks like Zhu and Gan yet, perhaps because their thinking wasn't flexible enough, and they were too hesitant when faced with certain things. Fame can't be bought with money sometimes.
Qi Xi proposed that if a special counter was set up within Dayang Department Store, the merchant would only need to provide goods for the first two months, while the venue and staff would be arranged by Dayang. The profit would be split 50/50 between both parties. From the third month onwards, a suitable counter rental fee would be charged. Of course, the first two months could also serve as a trial period, and it wouldn't be a problem to withdraw from the counter in the third month. However, during this time, all special counters must cooperate with Dayang's activities."
Some of the shopkeepers who usually get along well have already started whispering to each other. Those who can see the whole situation clearly should understand that this is a win-win situation. The young man in yellow clothes on the seat has been very silent, and when he toasted, he only took a small sip. Such people are naturally easy to forget at a lively banquet, but Qī Miǎo noticed him as soon as he entered, and it seems that Xiāo Bái is not familiar with several shopkeepers. Uncle Sī Mǎ's invitation tonight was only sent to a few well-known bosses on Shā Zhōu, so Xiāo Bái might have replaced Dà Bái from their family to attend. Unfortunately, he still didn't get to see that Master Zhū, and as for himself, how could a small role like him enter the eyes of others? Listening to Sī Mǎ talk about the matter on Xī Jiē Number 6, it seems that they helped them with a huge favor. Rich people are indeed strange, but Qī Miǎo still wants to find an opportunity to repay this kindness.
"The proposal of the seven girls I accept, tomorrow will send someone to discuss with you how we should cooperate. It's not that I trust the seven girls, but I trust the Pacific Department Store." The words of the young man in yellow undoubtedly played a very good leading role, and several bosses also nodded after hesitating for a while. Their eyes won't be wrong, what the young man said is absolutely trustworthy, the potential of the Pacific is definitely worth trusting."
"Come, let's toast to our future successful cooperation!" Everyone raised their glasses, but Qī Liǔ's cup was directed at the young man in yellow, Xiao Bai. Thank you! Ah, at this thrilling moment, there wasn't any good wine, and Gan Jing's family wine was a bit too bland. A dizzying spin, and I didn't know if I was a guest in my own dream.
