After exiting the police station, Zhou Liangyun found it was nearly time to close up shop on Antique Street, so he shouldered his bag and took a stroll through the area.
The ambiance remained unchanged from when he hadst visited, yet he was surprised to find himself back here again.
Before long, a street vendor recognized him and eximed, “Oh! Isn’t this Manager Zhou from Jiqingtang? When did you return?”
Not much had altered on Antique Street; the business climate was the same, and Jiqingtang continued to be thergest store in the area. During his tenure as manager there, most people making a living on Antique Street knew of him.
Although Zhou Liangyun couldn’t recall the vendor’s name, he responded politely, “Hello, I’ve juste back to Aurous Hill.”<h3 style="background-color:DodgerBlue">
The vendor nodded and leaned in, speaking in a conspiratorial tone, “Manager Zhou, if I remember correctly, weren’t you fired by Miss Jasmine from the Moore family?”
Zhou Liangyun, unfazed, nodded slightly and replied, “Yes, I made some business mistakes back then, which led to my dismissal by Miss Jasmine.”
The vendor quickly added, “Miss Jasmine has changed since then. Back in the day, she was just in charge of Jiqingtang, but now she leads the entire Jasmine family. Be careful not to let her know you’re back; it could cause you trouble.”
Zhou Liangyun smiled and said, “Even though I was let go by Miss Jasmine, it was strictly a professional issue. I don’t think there’s any lingering conflict between us.”
He continued, “To be honest, I’ve returned to Aurous Hill to find a shop on Antique Street and start a small business. If you know of any good shops avable for transfer, I’d appreciate your rmendations.”
The vendor shrugged and remarked, “Business on Antique Street has been getting tougher. I recall you used to be in Panjiayuan. Why switch to Aurous Hill now? It seems like a step backward.”
When Zhou Liangyun had applied for the manager position at Jiqingtang, his resume highlighted his beginnings as a street vendor in Panjiayuan over 20 years ago. Many small vendors in Aurous Hill viewed him as a prominent figure, sharing stories about his background.
Panjiayuan is often considered the heart of the Chinese antiques scene. Those who have experience there can navigate antique markets across the country with ease. Zhou Liangyun’s extensive background made his return to Aurous Hill’s Antique Street feel like a decline to outsiders.
However, Zhou Liangyun chose not to borate further. He smiled and said, “I’m here to settle down. After traveling to many ces over the years, I find that I really prefer Aurous Hill.”
He then bowed slightly, cupping his hands in a gesture of respect, and said, “I’lle by early tomorrow. If youe across any good shops, please keep an eye out for me. I’ll make sure to share a little something for your help once everything’s settled.”
The vendor readily agreed, saying, “Sure thing, I’ll help you keep an eye out.”
With that, he waved goodbye to Zhou Liangyun.<fn4f3c> Follow current nov?ls on Find~Novel</fn4f3c>
Once Zhou Liangyun had walked away, the vendor didn’t close up shop right away; instead, he pulled out his mobile phone to make a call.
As soon as the call connected, he spoke respectfully, “Manager, it’s me, San’er from Beimen Liantaner… There’s something I’ve been considering for a while, and I think it’s important to share it with you!”