Chapter 178 Becoming Famous

He was wearing a slightly worn Zhongshan suit and a pair of shiny black leather shoes.

He stood at the shop entrance, smiling broadly, and said, "How could I not come to Old Zhou's shop for its opening? I wish you booming business and abundant wealth!"

This caused quite a stir.

His arrival was not just to show his support, but to openly endorse the event!

The news caused a sensation throughout the entire street.

Zhou Shufen's department store became famous overnight, becoming a popular place in the neighborhood known for its "connections, powerful backers, and adherence to rules."

Yang Qingshan was busy running around the store all by himself, keeping accounts, arranging goods, and greeting customers. He didn't even have time to drink water.

As the number of customers increased, he became anxious and broke out in a cold sweat, repeatedly shouting, "I can't hold on any longer!"

Zhou Shufen saw this and posted a job advertisement on the door.

It's written clearly in black and white on white paper.

We are looking to hire two shop assistants. Requirements: honest, hardworking, literate and able to do math.

Kang Liangwen stood motionless in front of the notice.

He was wearing an old, faded cloth shirt with pilling cuffs and frayed collar.

Just as he was engrossed in watching, Zhou Shufen pushed open the door and came out.

Kang Liangwen was taken aback, then his eyes suddenly lit up.

He took a few steps forward, his hand unconsciously rubbing against his trouser leg again and again.

“Mr. Zhou… Mr. Zhou, my name is Kang Liangwen.”

He took a deep breath, and his voice became more steady.

"I am the son of Kang Yongli, the old accountant."

Zhou Shufen paused for a moment, her fingertips gently resting on the last bead.

She slowly raised her eyes, her gaze falling on Kang Liangwen's face as she carefully examined him.

Those eyes really look like his father's.

She remembered Lao Kang; when he was in charge of the accounts for the Zhou family, he was the most famous "iron abacus" in the entire western part of the city.

He calculated with lightning speed and precision, the abacus clicking away with a clatter.

The accounts were clean and transparent, with even the whereabouts of a single penny recorded clearly.

She was still young then and often secretly peeked out of the accounting office to watch Lao Kang write.

Later, the Zhou family suffered a misfortune, and overnight their home became deserted and their fortunes declined.

The landlord closed the shop overnight, and all his wealth was gone.

Old Kang didn't say much, but silently packed a few things and took his family back to his hometown through the frost.

Before leaving, he carefully locked the account books in the cabinet, handed the key to the housekeeper, and didn't ask any questions.

"How is your father...?"

Zhou Shufen finally put down her abacus.

Kang Liangwen lowered his head, his Adam's apple bobbing.

"Father... passed away the year before last."

"Before he left, he kept saying that the Zhou family was kind and generous, giving him 20% more money per month than other families, and never forgetting to bring him new tea during festivals."

"He sipped his tea and said with a smile, 'The most fortunate thing in my life is that I once worked for the Zhou family.'"

Yang Yunmu, who was standing nearby, came over carrying a freshly brewed cup of hot tea.

She didn't speak, but gently placed the celadon teacup next to Kang Liangwen.

A wisp of white steam rose from the rim of the cup, and the aroma of tea quietly filled the air.

Kang Liangwen quickly thanked him and picked up the teacup with both hands.

He took a sip; the tea was slightly bitter but had a sweet aftertaste, and it slid down his throat.

"My father taught me the abacus for ten years, rain or shine, hot or cold."

"The family's account books are so worn that every page is frayed. Those numbers are etched into my mind."

"I heard a few days ago that Boss Zhou was hiring, so I thought I'd give it a try."

"Whether it's managing accounts, doing odd jobs, sweeping, carrying water, or moving goods, I can do anything. As long as the Zhou family can use me for one more day, I will do my duty for that day."

Zhou Shufen tilted her head slightly, her gaze inadvertently sweeping over the bag he had placed on the corner of the table.

The cloth bag looked a bit worn, with frayed edges.

But inside was an abacus, old-fashioned in style, clearly an old object that had been passed down for many years.

The wood has become shiny and smooth from years of being rubbed by fingers.

She suddenly remembered that Mr. Kang often talked about this.

This was passed down from his father; his ancestors for three generations were all accountants.

Will you use the new bookkeeping method?

Zhou Shufen suddenly spoke, her tone serious, her gaze fixed on him.

She wanted to know whether this young man had simply inherited his father's old craft or had also kept up with the pace of this new era.

Kang Liangwen was taken aback, then realized what he meant and immediately nodded with a sincere expression.

“I studied it, for a full two years.”

“My dad said that times have changed and the old ways are no longer effective. Account books are no longer just about keeping numbers; you also need to understand how to classify, categorize, and reconcile transactions.”

"He even showed me the Zhou family's early account books, saying that your family's accounts are clear and detailed, with everything in balance, and that you can rest assured just by looking at them."

He said that being able to work for the Zhou family was the most respectable thing for a scholar.

These words struck a chord with Zhou Shufen.

When she was a child, her father managed several shops in the Zhou family, and he respected Mr. Kang's accounts the most.

He once said that Lao Kang kept accurate accounts, down to the last penny.

It can clearly tell you which money came in, which money went out, when it was received, when it was paid, and even the interest.

"I remember it more accurately than my own heartbeat."

That was a phrase her father often said.

"Come to work tomorrow."

Zhou Shufen finally made up her mind, picked up her pen, dipped the tip in ink, and solemnly wrote her name "Kang Liangwen" on the roster.

"Accounting, monthly salary eighty."

Kang Liangwen suddenly looked up, his eyes lighting up instantly.

His lips trembled slightly, his voice shook a little, and he could hardly believe his ears.

"real?"

"I will work my hardest to live up to Boss Zhou's kindness and my father's expectations!"

"Don't just talk the talk."

Zhou Shufen responded indifferently, her tone turning cold again.

"The purchase orders and sales orders from last month are all here. Calculate the net profit."

"I want to see the results in an hour."

She paused, then added, "If you're wrong, go home."

Kang Liangwen didn't waste any words.

He carefully took out the heavy abacus.

Then he opened the account book.

His fingers lightly rested on the abacus, and with a flick of his wrist, he achieved this.

Fingertips fluttered back and forth among the beads like butterflies.

The crackling and popping sounds moved rhythmically throughout the room.

Sunlight streamed in through the window, falling on his downcast eyes.

He was completely unaware that fine beads of sweat had appeared on his forehead and were slowly sliding down his temples.

In less than an hour, he handed over the calculated bill.

The handwriting on the paper is neat and clear, with straight lines.

The characters were exactly the same as Mr. Kang's handwriting.

Just looking at it makes one feel relaxed.

Zhou Shufen took the ledger, frowned, and pondered for a moment.

He then picked up the calculator on the table and began to check everything carefully.

Her fingers flew across the keyboard, her eyes comparing the screen and the paper, meticulously calculating everything from the first purchase payment to the last miscellaneous expense.

As time passed, her expression gradually relaxed, changing from initial caution.

In the end, a barely perceptible smile even appeared on the corner of his mouth.

From beginning to end, not a single number was wrong.

She gently closed the calculator, looked up at Kang Liangwen, and nodded.

"OK."

"Be at the store at 8 a.m. sharp tomorrow morning, and I'll have Qingshan show you around."

Upon hearing this, Kang Liangwen slowly stood up.

He clasped his hands together in front of him, bowed deeply, and straightened his back.

Just as he turned to leave, he suddenly stopped, as if he had remembered something.