"Of course, from a businessman's perspective, if Li Dafu doesn't educate his son well, we'll be the ones who benefit. But we don't really need these few shops that much, after all, we have plenty of houses, don't we?"

Gu Nanxun turned his head and looked at Lin Qing tenderly, smiling as he spoke.

Although merchants value profit, they also have their own principles, and he himself is not only a merchant but also a former soldier.

"Brother Nanxun is right. We'll just let things take their course. If they sell, we'll buy; if they don't sell, it doesn't matter to us!"

Lin Qing thought for a moment, then sighed and said.

"Judging from the fact that they own so many shops, they must have been a wealthy family in the past. I never expected them to have fallen into such a state now."

Lin Qing recalled what she had seen at Li Dafu's house today, and figured that they weren't exactly well-off, so she asked curiously.

“After those years, which wealthy family could have fared well? This family is already doing alright; at least they still have so many shops left. If their son is ambitious, these shops will be enough to turn their lives around and help them rise to the top.”

Upon hearing Lin Qing's words, Gu Nanxun thought for a moment and replied. If he guessed correctly, most of their family's assets must have been handed over; otherwise, even a starved camel is bigger than a horse, and they certainly wouldn't be in this state.

Gu Nanxun's guess was absolutely correct; Li Dafu only managed to survive those difficult years precisely because he handed over most of his family fortune.

…………

"Brother Nanxun, are we going to Xiaotangshan?" Lin Qing didn't want to talk about that topic anymore, so she changed the subject.

"It's almost noon, let's go to Huai'an Street first! Let's take a look at the shop we just bought, then we'll go to the state-run restaurant there for lunch, and after lunch we'll go to Xiaotangshan."

"Okay, I was so happy that I forgot it was almost noon."

Lin Qing nodded and said with a smile.

The two returned to Huai'an Street and arrived at the door of shop number 9.

The two started looking at shop number 9 and continued until shop number 14.

Just as Gu Nanxun had guessed, shops number 10 and 11 were the two largest, each about 300 square meters, while the rest were only about 100 to 200 square meters.

All the shops along Huai'an Street are two-story buildings, but only the street-facing shops; they don't have backyards. Unlike the shops on Huai Shu Street, which come with yards, backyards, and houses. However, buying a shop at this price is still a good deal.

All six shops that Lin Qing and Gu Nanxun bought were empty, and most of them were made of wood. Because they were all empty, it was impossible to tell what these shops originally sold, but that didn't matter.

After looking at the shops, Lin Qing and Gu Nanxun went directly to the state-run restaurant.

The state-run restaurant was located diagonally opposite shop number 14, a bit further back in the area. It was also a two-story building, only slightly larger than her own shops number 10 and 11. Lin Qing guessed it was about 400 square meters.

The two ate at a state-run restaurant and then drove away from Huai'an Street.

After a two-hour drive, the two arrived at the house in Xiaotangshan.

"System scan!"

As soon as Lin Qing got out of the car, she couldn't wait to speak to the system.

The renovation blueprints they received yesterday need to be scanned by the system before renderings can be generated.

According to the system's explanation, after scanning, different styles of renovated spaces will be displayed directly. Users can enter the virtual space to view the renovated effect and choose their favorite style.

"Ding... Scan successful. The interior design rendering space has been completed. The host can now enter the rendering space to view it!"

Lin Qing silently checked in her mind, and hundreds of interior design renderings appeared in front of her.

There are ancient style, futuristic style, modern style, and even interstellar style...

The "traditional style" further includes interior design styles from different dynasties, such as the magnificent and grand style of the Tang Dynasty, the simple and elegant style of the Song Dynasty, and the solemn and elegant style of the Ming Dynasty...

Modern styles include minimalist modern with smooth lines and bright colors; light luxury American style, which emphasizes texture and details; and modern Chinese style, which blends traditional elements with modern design.

Tech-inspired styles include futuristic, cyberpunk, and minimalist industrial styles, each with its own unique characteristics, making people feel as if they are in a completely new world. Moreover, each style is full of futuristic feel, with cool lighting effects and intelligent home facilities, making people feel as if they are in a science fiction movie.

The interstellar theme includes galaxy themes, Star Trek styles, etc., with star patterns on the walls and furniture and decorations full of futuristic technology.

"Brother Nanxun, I never knew there were so many different interior design styles!"

Lin Qing was dazzled by the hundreds of decorating styles in front of her.

"This cyberpunk style is so cool! The whole space is full of futuristic feel, and the combination of lighting effects and metallic textures is simply perfect!"

Lin Qing excitedly pointed to a rendering and said.

Gu Nanxun also came over to take a look with great interest. "It is indeed good, but I prefer this minimalist industrial style. Look at the exposed pipes and brick walls, plus the simple furniture, it gives people a primitive and pure feeling."

Lin Qing nodded. Although she liked the coolness of cyberpunk, she also liked the minimalist industrial style.

"This ancient style one is also nice, especially the Song Dynasty style one. The layout and decoration are very exquisite. I feel like I have traveled back to ancient times."

Suddenly, Lin Qing looked at the Song Dynasty style in front of her and said with a look of surprise and delight, her eyes full of love.

Gu Nanxun smiled and said, "The ancient style is indeed very charming. If you like the ancient style, we can look at other ancient style styles?"

Seeing that Lin Qing liked it, Gu Nanxun smiled and offered his suggestion.

Lin Qing smiled and nodded, and then the two looked at many more ancient-style decorations.

"Actually, the most comfortable living style is probably the modern style, with smart home technology throughout the house, sofas and appliances. It would definitely be comfortable to live in, but unfortunately, these are not suitable for us now."

After looking at the current decorating styles, Lin Qing sighed and said, "These are too advanced and obviously not suitable for us. Now, the only options we can choose are ancient styles and traditional Chinese styles."

Can different styles be combined in a system?

Lin Qing thought for a moment and then asked the system.

"Can!"

The system replied.

"I want this Song Dynasty style, but I hope the water and heating systems will be installed in a high-tech style."

"Ding... The rendering has been generated, please check!"

Lin Qing's eyes lit up upon hearing this; she hadn't expected the system to be so helpful.

She pulled Gu Nanxun along, and on a whim, they arrived at the renovation space.