The supermarket passed inspection, and the goods were arranged for display. Gu Xingzhao made several trips back and forth, overseeing the entire process. She even hired a few influencers to take photos in advance to promote the opening.
The ancient-style supermarket was not only the first in town but also the first of its kind in the city, and perhaps even the province. Its design mirrored the other preserved ancient buildings in the town.
The first floor was the sales area, while the second floor offered a paid dining experience with prepared foods. There were stylists available for paid ancient-style makeovers. Along with tea and pastries, the second floor featured board games like chess and Go. The amount of thought and money invested was unprecedented.
Gu Xingzhao chose an auspicious day for the grand opening.
The opening day was spectacular—nothing like the town or even the city had ever seen before. Curious customers flocked in, attracted by the unique concept and the pre-launch promotion.
On opening day, everything was discounted by 12%, and shoppers who spent over 488 yuan were eligible for a lucky draw. The second floor was open for free, offering photo ops, and the styling services were available at promotional prices.
Gu Xingzhao even hired dancers to attract out-of-town tourists and locals passionate about ancient culture.
Sitting on the second floor, looking down at her bustling supermarket packed with customers, she felt a sense of achievement like never before—something she hadn’t experienced when running her smaller stores.
Lu Suo sipped his tea, watching the young people in their beautiful outfits come and go. He marveled at the scene and said to Gu Xingzhao, “You young people have such innovative ideas. This supermarket is truly well done.”
Seeing how well Gu Xingzhao had managed to set up such a large supermarket, he couldn’t help but admit that the kid had grown up, while he himself had gotten old.
Gu Xingzhao poured him another cup of tea and offered some snacks. “Uncle Lu, now that you’re retired, feel free to bring your friends over for tea and a chat whenever you have time. I’ll make sure this prime spot is always reserved for you.”
Lu Suo chuckled and nodded, “That’ll have to wait until I’m back from my travels.”
“Xiaozhao, after seeing this today, I can say I’m truly at ease with how far you’ve come.”
Hearing about his upcoming trip made Gu Xingzhao genuinely happy for him. After decades of working day and night, he was finally getting the break he deserved.
“Uncle Lu, are you taking the high-speed train or flying on Saturday? I’ll come see you off.”
Lu Suo shook his head. “I’ll just drive myself, no need to see me off.”
Gu Xingzhao protested, “That won’t do…”
“I’m not disappearing forever. No need for a big farewell,” Lu Suo insisted. “I’ll be back in a few months at most. If you really want, you can come pick me up then.”
Gu Xingzhao sighed, “Alright, but at least let me know when you leave, and send me some pictures from your travels.”
Lu Suo’s smile was warm. “Of course.”
As they chatted, the manager of the second floor came over with two guests. From a distance, Xu Shisan waved enthusiastically at Gu Xingzhao.
Seeing the person behind Xu Shisan, Gu Xingzhao was surprised. Xu Shisan had come to congratulate her on the opening, but why was Xu Zian here?
As soon as he saw Gu Xingzhao, Xu Shisan was in high spirits. “Ah Zhao, your supermarket is fantastic. We should collaborate sometime.”
Since Gu Xingzhao had given him the jade pendant, they hadn’t seen each other in person, though they exchanged messages occasionally. Strangely, even though the pendant had made him happy, something felt off. Without seeing her, life had seemed dull and even the pendant felt less appealing.
When he found out today was the grand opening of her supermarket, he immediately came. And now that he’d seen her, his previous gloom had lifted.
Hearing Xu Shisan talk about collaboration, Gu Xingzhao almost laughed. Collaborate? On what? An antique supermarket?
She knew collaboration wasn’t likely, but she still gave a polite response. “Sure, if the opportunity arises.”
Behind him, Xu Zian set a box on the table. “Miss Gu, this is a small gift, a token of appreciation.”
Gu Xingzhao accepted the box, smiling as she thanked him, planning to open it later.
When Lu Suo saw the two unfamiliar men approaching, he discreetly observed them. Whether it was the younger or the older one, their attire and demeanor screamed wealth and status. He wondered when Xiaozhao had made such connections.
The two men spoke and carried themselves with grace, giving the impression that they were worth getting to know.
But it wasn’t just Lu Suo sizing them up; they were also assessing him.
Quickly, Gu Xingzhao introduced them. “Uncle Lu, these are my friends. This is Xu Shisan, and the man next to him is Xu Zian.”
Both men politely smiled and greeted Lu Suo respectfully “Uncle Lu.”
Lu Suo nodded. “Both surnamed Xu? Are you brothers?”
Xu Shisan quickly waved his hands. “No, no, he’s my younger uncle.”
He turned to look at his uncle, about to tell Xu Zian that he would stay while Xu Zian could leave if he had business, but then he noticed the odd expression on his uncle’s face as he looked at Lu Suo.
Initially, Xu Shisan had planned to come alone, even selecting a gift from the old family home to bring. But when he mentioned his plans, his uncle insisted on joining him.
This was odd because Xu Zian rarely left home unless there was an urgent matter. To accompany him on a casual errand like this was a first.
Xu Zian’s eyes darkened as he sat down across from Lu Suo and asked, “I heard Miss Gu call you Uncle Lu. May I ask your full name?”
“Lu Suo,” he replied, a bit surprised that a younger man would ask for his name.
He had a good impression of these two, and after decades of working, he trusted his instincts about people.
After a commotion downstairs required Gu Xingzhao’s attention, Xu Shisan eagerly followed her, leaving Xu Zian to drink tea with Lu Suo.
After they left, Xu Zian poured Lu Suo another cup of tea and casually remarked, “You look very much like someone I used to know.”
“Oh?” Lu Suo raised an eyebrow. “Who was that?”
Xu Zian’s fingers lightly stroked the edge of his teacup as he slowly said, “He was also named Lu. A man of great skill, courage, and strategy. You might meet him someday.”
Lu Suo smiled but didn’t take his words too seriously.
Years of experience told him that this young man, despite his calm appearance, carried a lot on his mind. He didn’t seem as simple as he appeared, though there was no malice in him.
“You seem close to Xiaozhao?”
Xu Zian paused for a moment. “Not very, but Shisan is.”
Lu Suo nodded and hesitated briefly before saying, “She doesn’t have many close friends. It may be a bit forward of me to ask, but if it’s not too much trouble, I hope you’ll look after her when you can.”
For reasons unknown, he felt an inexplicable trust in Xu Zian.
Xu Zian’s eyes darkened even further. “I will.”
Lu Suo smiled warmly. “Thank you.”
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