Chapter 97 – Discouraged
Majority of the stores around Wulin Gate were silk houses.
Perhaps because the New Year’s was fast approaching, and all the stores would be closing in a few days, the streets were especially crowded, with people squeezing shoulder to shoulder. Everywhere you looked, there were crowds of people.
Yu Tang followed closely behind Yu Yuan, and looked around, sizing up the stores, and soon she saw the Sheng family’s lacquerware store.
They had a door the size of eight storefronts with a large red signboard. It looked similar to the stores next to them, but they had a layer of transparent glass on the black lacquer front doors. As it was winter, many of the stores had thick cotton curtains hanging in front, but only theirs didn’t, and passer-bys could faintly see the people moving about inside. Their store was markedly different from the others.
When she got closer, she found that the store attendants in the Sheng family’s lacquerware store were all good-looking, and wore the same parrot-green silk robes, with upright postures and warm smiles on their faces. Seeing that Yutang was squeezed in the crowd, one of them even took the initiative to help her get free from the people and said to her concernedly, “Miss, please take care. Are you hurt anywhere?”
Yu Tang smiled as she thanked him.
Perhaps owing to the hot weather or his embarrassment, but his face turned red as he welcomed her and Yu Yuan into the store. The store attendant treated them respectfully and didn’t look down on them in the slightness; which was contrary to her expectations.
YuTang thought of her own family’s store attendants who treated customers with a measure of caution, and couldn’t help but sigh internally.
After entering the store, she found that it was also packed with people. The lacquerware stores that she visited before all had their merchandise on the shelves where people could just reach out and hold them. However the Sheng family’s store had a counter where things were placed in transparent glass cabinets. Whatever the customers wanted to see, the store attendant would take it out for them. Only those large lacquerware items, such as screens, folding doors and other goods were placed in the open space next to the multi-purpose pavilion, allowing people to admire and enjoy. So although there were many people in the store, they didn’t have to worry about missing items.
Yu Yuan came to view the shop yesterday and could not help but whisper to Yu Tang: “Look, their business is so good!”
Yu Tang nodded imperceptibly.
The store attendant diligently remarked, “Sir, Miss, what are you looking to buy? Do you want any recommendations? Seeing that it’s soon to be the New Year’s, do you want to buy something for your elders? Or are you just here to have a look? If you want to buy a gift for your elders, you can visit this section and see if there is anything suitable. If you’re only here to check out our items, I can introduce a few of our store’s signature products. When you want to buy something in the future, you can come back again and take a closer look.”
The store attendants were well-trained.
Yu Tang thought to herself.
In her previous life, she had also seen store attendants with similar attitudes.
Except that they weren’t as well dressed as those of Sheng Family’s Lacquerware store, nor were they as enthusiastic as them.
This Lu silk was something that only some masters from the country-side could afford to wear, but the the Sheng family actually gave them out to all their store attendants. Their wealth and generosity was something to be greatly admired for, so it is no wonder her brother felt amazed. Moreover, the Sheng family’s training of their store attendants was most likely the first of its kind in Hangzhou City.
I wonder if this method was invented by their family?
In the following years, everyone would follow suit, even in Lin’an City, there would also be some shops who trained their attendants in the same manner.
It seemed that their family not only had good sales, but also developed its own management and human resources system.
Yu Tang observed quietly.
Yu Yuan replied: “We just came over to have a look, if there are any good things, we can also buy a few pieces back.”
The store attendant glanced at Yu Tang, and got some understanding of their intentions. He smiled as he led them to a counter selling small boxes and mirrors. The attendant squeezed behind the counter, and pointed to the Yu siblings standing at one side, and said to the attendant who was in charge of selling the goods behind the counter, saying “These two customers want to see some interesting small trinkets.”
One of the attendants who just took something for another customer looked at them and immediately turned to get a tray, and placed several small objects on it and gave it to the attendant who was serving them and said, “These are all new products launched before the New Year’s, see if there is anything you like. If not, I can help to take other items.”
The attendant said his thanks as he took the tray and walked out from behind the counter and politely said to them “Sir and Miss, please see if there is anything you like? These few items also come in matching sets of boxes, pen and ink holders……”
Yu Yuan looked over and saw that the tray was decorated with several rouge boxes and lipstick boxes made with the “colored shell inlay” technique, and all the items were exquisite and small, pearly objects, very suitable for ladies to use.
He took a few of them in his hand and examined them carefully.
Yu Tang just took a glance at it and then stopped looking.
In her previous life, thanks to the Li family, she had seen the hundred-treasure inlay made by the inner court, so the colorful shell inlay of the Sheng family was not so impressive to her.
She was examining the customers and the staff in the store.
The store had many attendants and almost every customer was cared for, and those who weren’t, could also have their queries addressed almost immediately. Although the store was filled with a large number of customers, and was especially busy, no customer was left feeling dissatisfied.
They also had a large selection of goods in the store, from small boxes for three golden things to twelve screens, the patterns were also very diverse. In addition to the traditional mahogany longevity designs, there were also some newer ones like plum, orchid, bamboo and chrysanthemum, and various paintings, with a lot of negative space and also other complex, intricate patterns with little meaning, like the inlaid box owned by her eldest brother, which was inlaid with various kinds of shells and shone in a brilliant multicolored light.
This was not a store that could be easily imitated.
Yu Tang and Yu Yuan pushed their way out of the store without buying anything. The store attendant didn’t mind at all and still sent them to the door biding them farewell. He also introduced himself and told them to look for him the next time they came back. If they were dissatisfied with anything in the store, he could customize it for them according to their requirements.
Yu Yuan smiled and thanked the young man, and they headed off for the Gu family store. It was only until they had left the Sheng family store with a considerable distance between them that he smiled bitterly and said to Yu Tang, “Now you know why I’m dejected, don’t you? Alas, I would be contented if our store could have one-fifth, no, one-tenth of their business.”
Yu Tang smiled as she cheered Yu Yuan up, saying, “Let’s take our time. They can’t be the only lacquerware store in Hangzhou City right? Although they are the largest silk store in Hangzhou City, but other silk stores also manage to carry out their business as well.”
Yu Yuan sighed as he replied, “There is always someone pressing down on you and you can’t catch up even after spending so much effort, always chasing after their shadow. What joy is there to speak of?”
Yu Tang laughed aloud and encouraged him saying, “Let’s try and see if we can set up a better lacquerware store than the Sheng family.”
Yu Yuan hesitated for a few moments.
Yu Tang mustered up her spirits and tried to sound excited as she exclaimed loudly, “Come, let’s go and see what the other lacquerware stores sell!”
As Yu Yuan saw Yu Tang’s brilliant smile like flowers in the summer time, his mood improved and he replied with a smile, “Let’s head for the Gu Family’s store first. I heard from the Lady Gu’s nursemaid’s son that the Gu Family had many social engagements during the New Year’s, so his mother would not leave the residence during that time. If we want to meet Lady Gu’s nursemaid, we have to hurry, if we can’t meet her today, we’ll have to wait until after the New Year’s.”
The only reason why Yu Tang rushed over to the Gu family before the New Year’s was to spread the Li Family’s news so that both families would not be able to enjoy a peaceful New Year’s. If they waited until the New Year was over, then what’s the point?
“It’s not about how long the conversation lasts, rather it’s about effectiveness.” Yu Tang waved her hand unconcernedly and continued, “We still have a whole afternoon. Let’s take a look at the other lacquerware stores in Hangzhou and see what they sell and which patterns sell best.”
It would take too much time.
Moreover, the booming business of the Sheng family’s lacquerware store also dampened Yu Yuan’s enthusiasm.
“It’s like those lacquerware pieces doesn’t cost a thing.” He muttered under his breath grudgingly.
Yu Tang only grinned as she pulled her brother into a lacquerware store not far from the Sheng family.
Inside, there were only five or six scattered customers, and the store attendant was lazing around in low spirits.
Yu Tang took a closer look and saw that the lacquerware store sold a variety of lacquerware products, all of which were traditional designs.
They visited several lacquerware stores in a row, and Yu Tang’s mood was affected as well. Soon, it was time for lunch. Although Yao San’er’s business was good, but it was only enough to support his family. Yu Yuan didn’t want to disturb them again, thinking that this was a rare trip away for Yu Tang, so why not take her to eat at a good restaurant.
He thought for a while and led Yu Tang to a small alley and looked for a small noodle shop with only seven or eight tables, but there was a long line of people waiting outside. He said to Yu Tang: “This small noodle shop is very popular and it has been in business here for generations. Yao San’er brought me here to eat during my last visit. The signature dish is their bamboo shoot noodles. Try it and see if it’s to your liking.”
Ever since she was a young child, she loved to go outside, and just like almost every child, always felt that the food outside tasted better than the ones at home. Although she has grown up, but in her previous life, she was trapped in the Li family for six, seven years, therefore, her love for exploring the things outside only further intensified.
She smiled happily as she followed Yu Yuan and they waited for quite a while before finding two available seats.
Yu Yuan expertly ordered two bowls of bamboo shoot noodles and lowered his voice as he spoke about the lacquerware store, “I was thinking to stay in Hangzhou City for a few days after the New Year’s, and keep watch over their store to see what they sell every day ……”
Although this approach was time-consuming and unsophisticated, but it was quite practical.
However, her brother would be married in March, so does he intend on leaving his new bride alone and travelling to Hangzhou City?
Yu Tong felt it was a little unrealistic, and was about to advise Yu Yuan, when she heard a familiar voice sounding out, “Boss, how long more do we have to wait?”
She looked up and saw a young man of seventeen or eighteen years old standing at the door of the noodle shop with a woman who looked like she was in her early thirties, with a round face and big eyes, and she looked very warm.
This was really a case of maximum gains with minimal effort.
They actually met Gu Xi’s nursemaid and her son in this small noodle shop.
Even more coincidentally, the couple sitting across from them had just finished eating and were about to get up to settle the bill.
Yu Tang immediately tugged on Yu Yuan’s sleeve.
Yu Yuan understood and waved towards them saying, “Brother Gu, here!”
It was as though the four of them planned to meet up, and both Yu Tang and Yu Yuan came in advance to reserve their seats.
Chapter 97 – Discouraged
Majority of the stores around Wulin Gate were silk houses.
Perhaps because the New Year’s was fast approaching, and all the stores would be closing in a few days, the streets were especially crowded, with people squeezing shoulder to shoulder. Everywhere you looked, there were crowds of people.
Yu Tang followed closely behind Yu Yuan, and looked around, sizing up the stores, and soon she saw the Sheng family’s lacquerware store.
They had a door the size of eight storefronts with a large red signboard. It looked similar to the stores next to them, but they had a layer of transparent glass on the black lacquer front doors. As it was winter, many of the stores had thick cotton curtains hanging in front, but only theirs didn’t, and passer-bys could faintly see the people moving about inside. Their store was markedly different from the others.
When she got closer, she found that the store attendants in the Sheng family’s lacquerware store were all good-looking, and wore the same parrot-green silk robes, with upright postures and warm smiles on their faces. Seeing that Yutang was squeezed in the crowd, one of them even took the initiative to help her get free from the people and said to her concernedly, “Miss, please take care. Are you hurt anywhere?”
Yu Tang smiled as she thanked him.
Perhaps owing to the hot weather or his embarrassment, but his face turned red as he welcomed her and Yu Yuan into the store. The store attendant treated them respectfully and didn’t look down on them in the slightness; which was contrary to her expectations.
YuTang thought of her own family’s store attendants who treated customers with a measure of caution, and couldn’t help but sigh internally.
After entering the store, she found that it was also packed with people. The lacquerware stores that she visited before all had their merchandise on the shelves where people could just reach out and hold them. However the Sheng family’s store had a counter where things were placed in transparent glass cabinets. Whatever the customers wanted to see, the store attendant would take it out for them. Only those large lacquerware items, such as screens, folding doors and other goods were placed in the open space next to the multi-purpose pavilion, allowing people to admire and enjoy. So although there were many people in the store, they didn’t have to worry about missing items.
Yu Yuan came to view the shop yesterday and could not help but whisper to Yu Tang: “Look, their business is so good!”
Yu Tang nodded imperceptibly.
The store attendant diligently remarked, “Sir, Miss, what are you looking to buy? Do you want any recommendations? Seeing that it’s soon to be the New Year’s, do you want to buy something for your elders? Or are you just here to have a look? If you want to buy a gift for your elders, you can visit this section and see if there is anything suitable. If you’re only here to check out our items, I can introduce a few of our store’s signature products. When you want to buy something in the future, you can come back again and take a closer look.”
The store attendants were well-trained.
Yu Tang thought to herself.
In her previous life, she had also seen store attendants with similar attitudes.
Except that they weren’t as well dressed as those of Sheng Family’s Lacquerware store, nor were they as enthusiastic as them.
This Lu silk was something that only some masters from the country-side could afford to wear, but the the Sheng family actually gave them out to all their store attendants. Their wealth and generosity was something to be greatly admired for, so it is no wonder her brother felt amazed. Moreover, the Sheng family’s training of their store attendants was most likely the first of its kind in Hangzhou City.
I wonder if this method was invented by their family?
In the following years, everyone would follow suit, even in Lin’an City, there would also be some shops who trained their attendants in the same manner.
It seemed that their family not only had good sales, but also developed its own management and human resources system.
Yu Tang observed quietly.
Yu Yuan replied: “We just came over to have a look, if there are any good things, we can also buy a few pieces back.”
The store attendant glanced at Yu Tang, and got some understanding of their intentions. He smiled as he led them to a counter selling small boxes and mirrors. The attendant squeezed behind the counter, and pointed to the Yu siblings standing at one side, and said to the attendant who was in charge of selling the goods behind the counter, saying “These two customers want to see some interesting small trinkets.”
One of the attendants who just took something for another customer looked at them and immediately turned to get a tray, and placed several small objects on it and gave it to the attendant who was serving them and said, “These are all new products launched before the New Year’s, see if there is anything you like. If not, I can help to take other items.”
The attendant said his thanks as he took the tray and walked out from behind the counter and politely said to them “Sir and Miss, please see if there is anything you like? These few items also come in matching sets of boxes, pen and ink holders……”
Yu Yuan looked over and saw that the tray was decorated with several rouge boxes and lipstick boxes made with the “colored shell inlay” technique, and all the items were exquisite and small, pearly objects, very suitable for ladies to use.
He took a few of them in his hand and examined them carefully.
Yu Tang just took a glance at it and then stopped looking.
In her previous life, thanks to the Li family, she had seen the hundred-treasure inlay made by the inner court, so the colorful shell inlay of the Sheng family was not so impressive to her.
She was examining the customers and the staff in the store.
The store had many attendants and almost every customer was cared for, and those who weren’t, could also have their queries addressed almost immediately. Although the store was filled with a large number of customers, and was especially busy, no customer was left feeling dissatisfied.
They also had a large selection of goods in the store, from small boxes for three golden things to twelve screens, the patterns were also very diverse. In addition to the traditional mahogany longevity designs, there were also some newer ones like plum, orchid, bamboo and chrysanthemum, and various paintings, with a lot of negative space and also other complex, intricate patterns with little meaning, like the inlaid box owned by her eldest brother, which was inlaid with various kinds of shells and shone in a brilliant multicolored light.
This was not a store that could be easily imitated.
Yu Tang and Yu Yuan pushed their way out of the store without buying anything. The store attendant didn’t mind at all and still sent them to the door biding them farewell. He also introduced himself and told them to look for him the next time they came back. If they were dissatisfied with anything in the store, he could customize it for them according to their requirements.
Yu Yuan smiled and thanked the young man, and they headed off for the Gu family store. It was only until they had left the Sheng family store with a considerable distance between them that he smiled bitterly and said to Yu Tang, “Now you know why I’m dejected, don’t you? Alas, I would be contented if our store could have one-fifth, no, one-tenth of their business.”
Yu Tang smiled as she cheered Yu Yuan up, saying, “Let’s take our time. They can’t be the only lacquerware store in Hangzhou City right? Although they are the largest silk store in Hangzhou City, but other silk stores also manage to carry out their business as well.”
Yu Yuan sighed as he replied, “There is always someone pressing down on you and you can’t catch up even after spending so much effort, always chasing after their shadow. What joy is there to speak of?”
Yu Tang laughed aloud and encouraged him saying, “Let’s try and see if we can set up a better lacquerware store than the Sheng family.”
Yu Yuan hesitated for a few moments.
Yu Tang mustered up her spirits and tried to sound excited as she exclaimed loudly, “Come, let’s go and see what the other lacquerware stores sell!”
As Yu Yuan saw Yu Tang’s brilliant smile like flowers in the summer time, his mood improved and he replied with a smile, “Let’s head for the Gu Family’s store first. I heard from the Lady Gu’s nursemaid’s son that the Gu Family had many social engagements during the New Year’s, so his mother would not leave the residence during that time. If we want to meet Lady Gu’s nursemaid, we have to hurry, if we can’t meet her today, we’ll have to wait until after the New Year’s.”
The only reason why Yu Tang rushed over to the Gu family before the New Year’s was to spread the Li Family’s news so that both families would not be able to enjoy a peaceful New Year’s. If they waited until the New Year was over, then what’s the point?
“It’s not about how long the conversation lasts, rather it’s about effectiveness.” Yu Tang waved her hand unconcernedly and continued, “We still have a whole afternoon. Let’s take a look at the other lacquerware stores in Hangzhou and see what they sell and which patterns sell best.”
It would take too much time.
Moreover, the booming business of the Sheng family’s lacquerware store also dampened Yu Yuan’s enthusiasm.
“It’s like those lacquerware pieces doesn’t cost a thing.” He muttered under his breath grudgingly.
Yu Tang only grinned as she pulled her brother into a lacquerware store not far from the Sheng family.
Inside, there were only five or six scattered customers, and the store attendant was lazing around in low spirits.
Yu Tang took a closer look and saw that the lacquerware store sold a variety of lacquerware products, all of which were traditional designs.
They visited several lacquerware stores in a row, and Yu Tang’s mood was affected as well. Soon, it was time for lunch. Although Yao San’er’s business was good, but it was only enough to support his family. Yu Yuan didn’t want to disturb them again, thinking that this was a rare trip away for Yu Tang, so why not take her to eat at a good restaurant.
He thought for a while and led Yu Tang to a small alley and looked for a small noodle shop with only seven or eight tables, but there was a long line of people waiting outside. He said to Yu Tang: “This small noodle shop is very popular and it has been in business here for generations. Yao San’er brought me here to eat during my last visit. The signature dish is their bamboo shoot noodles. Try it and see if it’s to your liking.”
Ever since she was a young child, she loved to go outside, and just like almost every child, always felt that the food outside tasted better than the ones at home. Although she has grown up, but in her previous life, she was trapped in the Li family for six, seven years, therefore, her love for exploring the things outside only further intensified.
She smiled happily as she followed Yu Yuan and they waited for quite a while before finding two available seats.
Yu Yuan expertly ordered two bowls of bamboo shoot noodles and lowered his voice as he spoke about the lacquerware store, “I was thinking to stay in Hangzhou City for a few days after the New Year’s, and keep watch over their store to see what they sell every day ……”
Although this approach was time-consuming and unsophisticated, but it was quite practical.
However, her brother would be married in March, so does he intend on leaving his new bride alone and travelling to Hangzhou City?
Yu Tong felt it was a little unrealistic, and was about to advise Yu Yuan, when she heard a familiar voice sounding out, “Boss, how long more do we have to wait?”
She looked up and saw a young man of seventeen or eighteen years old standing at the door of the noodle shop with a woman who looked like she was in her early thirties, with a round face and big eyes, and she looked very warm.
This was really a case of maximum gains with minimal effort.
They actually met Gu Xi’s nursemaid and her son in this small noodle shop.
Even more coincidentally, the couple sitting across from them had just finished eating and were about to get up to settle the bill.
Yu Tang immediately tugged on Yu Yuan’s sleeve.
Yu Yuan understood and waved towards them saying, “Brother Gu, here!”
It was as though the four of them planned to meet up, and both Yu Tang and Yu Yuan came in advance to reserve their seats.
