Chapter 16

If they hadn't broken up, then Miss Shu would be two-timing.

Making Qiao a passive "other man."

A "certified" other man.

If that's really the case, then Miss Shu is truly someone you can't judge by appearances; she hides things too deeply!

"It's not certain yet." Qiao Muting did not want to wrong Shu Xia.

"Don't worry, Qiao, I'll go check right now!"

"Mm."

——

Shu Xia was busy from nine in the morning until her lunch break, when Zhang Dechun ordered takeout.

Sichuan cuisine with rice.

Besides Zhang Dechun, there was usually one other employee in the shop.

A boy who had just turned eighteen named Gu Cheng; he said he didn't like studying and came straight to Zhang Dechun's after graduating high school, but since people from all over the world seemed to visit the shop, he could switch between English, German, and French with ease, and he likely had a great talent for languages.

Zhang Dechun paid him a monthly salary of 3,500, providing meals but not lodging, and there were also perfect attendance bonuses and commissions.

He was young and liked to livestream; he was handsome and had a sweet tongue, often selling goods on his streams, and he was quite popular.

Yesterday, he sold a big-ticket item, and the commission alone was 50,000.

One has to admit that the livestreaming industry is truly in its prime right now.

"Shu Xia, I'll treat you to hot pot tonight!" Gu Cheng said while shoveling food into his mouth, trying to ask Shu Xia out.

Before Shu Xia could refuse, Zhang Dechun shot him a glare; he was getting on in years and couldn't stand the flippancy of these half-grown boys.

"She's been restoring the Ancient Painting all day, she's so tired, what hot pot? Focus on your livestreaming this afternoon, and you'd better sell all the new stock that arrived these past two days."

Shu Xia smiled faintly, "I have to go home tonight to keep my elder company; the elder is ill and needs someone there."

Gu Cheng was a bit disappointed, "Alright then."

"Once that painting is restored, I'll treat you and Zhang Shu to hot pot together," Shu Xia added.

Seeing Gu Cheng reminded her of her younger brother, Shu Hong; the two of them were about the same age.

Maybe she could introduce them to each other when there was a chance in the future.

"Alright." Gu Cheng felt very disappointed when he heard the boss was invited too; he wanted a date with Shu Xia alone!

When he came to work two days ago, he discovered there was a woman in the shop restoring an Ancient Painting; at first, he thought it was an old woman and felt bored, but it turned out to be a girl as beautiful as Shu Xia!

His grandfather had always wanted him to settle down and learn antique restoration, but he didn't have the patience for it.

Seeing Shu Xia sit there for half the day, her serious expression really made him admire her!

Plus, she was beautiful—a hundred times prettier than those plastic-surgery faces he had seen.

Just then, Zhang Dechun received a call.

"What a coincidence, I do happen to have a Northern Song painting here; yes, a landscape painting, it's been restored exceptionally well! I just acquired it two days ago."

"I was just about to send it to auction."

"What? Qin Lao wants it?"

Shu Xia heard Zhang Dechun's words and knew he was talking about the painting she had sold him.

Zhang Dechun looked a bit troubled, "It's not a matter of money; I've already made an agreement with the auction house. I have two other paintings in my hands, both from the Northern Song period, and I'm currently restoring them. How about I send them to Qin Lao to look at once they're finished?"

The person on the other end of the line must have agreed in the end.

After Zhang Dechun hung up, he looked at Shu Xia with a grin, "Xiao Xia, Uncle will give you a raise. Can you come in earlier or stay later every day to finish the restoration as soon as possible? Northern Song paintings are very popular lately."

He wanted to take the opportunity to make a killing.