Chapter 124 (Bonus Chapter for 29,000 chapters of nutrient solution)
Chen Lifang is slowly walking and rehabilitating at home with the help of a walker. After nearly a year of treatment, her legs have made significant progress. Although she cannot walk independently yet, she can already walk a short distance with the help of the walker.
Gao Gongming, along with the rehabilitation department of Anping County People's Hospital, is also treating another young patient who was paralyzed due to a car accident. Although the results are not as good as hers, it is a leap forward compared to the previous lack of progress.
The head of the rehabilitation department is inviting Gao Gongming to collaborate on a paper about these two cases.
Chen Lifang often practices at home, and her condition is much better than before when she could only stay in bed.
Hearing her mother's words, she wiped away her sweat, somewhat surprised and delighted: "Then, can you also apply for housing in the staff quarters?"
"Use a towel!" Granny Chen quickly handed her a towel, then smiled and said, "Yes, Miss Lu has specially set aside ten spots for us outside partners, but it's by lottery, it depends on the odds."
She helped Chen Lifang sit down carefully and looked around the small house. It was an old house from more than forty years ago, a one-bedroom apartment of more than forty square meters. The living room had been converted into Chen Lifang's bedroom, so there was no common space, and the lighting and ventilation were not very good.
"This house should have been moved a long time ago," Grandma Chen sighed.
She and her husband had actually saved up some money to buy a new house, but her husband died young, and then their daughter encountered this misfortune. They had almost spent all their money and even incurred debt. Fortunately, they still had this place to live.
Chen Lifang also felt attached to this house, even though it wasn't comfortable.
“Buy it.” She nodded. “People always have to look forward, Mom. It’s time for us to start a new life.”
Grandma Chen: "Even if we don't win the lottery, we can still buy an apartment in the county center, one with an elevator, so it'll be more convenient for you to go up and down the stairs. It should be a bit bigger, with three rooms, one of which can hold your rehabilitation equipment, so you'll have space to practice at home..."
Buying a house is now an easy thing for her.
Grandma Chen's fried mochi consistently ranks among the top ten best-selling snack shops in Zone 2 of Qinghe Ancient Town. She has hired two helpers, but her monthly net profit still reaches six figures.
Grandma Chen never imagined that she would have the possibility of becoming a female boss at the age of sixty.
Listening to her mother's rambling, hopeful chatter about the future, Chen Lifang couldn't help but smile. Suddenly, she remembered something and asked Grandma Chen, "Mom, shouldn't we sign a contract with the ancient town?"
All the snack shops in Zone 2 were selected through a food competition, with the condition that the ancient town would grant them a one-year rent-free period. Now, the year is almost up, and it's time to consider renewing the lease. Renewing the lease, of course, means paying rent.
“We’ll definitely renew.” Granny Chen wasn’t stupid. She patted Chen Lifang’s hand. “Don’t worry, Miss Lu is very kind. I looked at the rent table. The rent is 15,000 yuan a month, which isn’t expensive.”
This price wouldn't be available at other tourist attractions; if it were, it would only be for people with connections.
Grandma Chen knew that most of the snack shop owners in Zone Two planned to renew their contracts, even those who had come from afar. No one would miss such a good opportunity.
But to her surprise, when she went to the ancient town early the next morning to open her shop, she was approached by the owner of another snack shop in Zone 2.
This snack shop mainly sells rice noodles, cold noodles, and roujiamo (Chinese hamburger). The owner, surnamed Ding, has good skills and the business is quite good. However, it failed to meet the hygiene standards three times in the weekly hygiene inspections and has been ordered to rectify the situation. If it fails to meet the standards again, it will be shut down.
Granny Chen and Boss Ding had only met once before and were not very familiar with each other, so she was wondering why he wanted to see her.
Boss Ding rubbed his hands together, a smile plastered on his face, but his eyes flickered uncertainly.
He lowered his voice and said to Granny Chen, "Sister Chen, look at this rent, 15,000 yuan a month. Isn't that a bit too high? We work ourselves to the bone, and all the money goes to the ancient town! And they, on the other hand, are always pointing fingers and criticizing us. They can't stand even a little bit of sanitation being a little off. They're being way too nosy!"
Grandma Chen was quickly wiping the stove, wondering why she was saying all this out of the blue.
Complain?
She looked up, her brows furrowed: "Mr. Ding, just say what you have to say."
“I was thinking,” Boss Ding leaned closer, “if all twenty-odd shops in Zone Two could unite and make a scene with the management office, demanding a rent reduction, they’d definitely be scared! We’re the star restaurants here; if we all closed for a day, how much would they lose? We’re sure they’d agree! Even if it’s not 50%, a 20% reduction should be achievable, right?”
Granny Chen slammed the rag in her hand onto the counter, straightened up, and glared at Boss Ding: "Are you crazy? How could you even think of such a despicable thing?"
Mr. Ding was startled by her reaction and shrank back, saying, "Sister Chen, what are you saying... I'm just doing this for everyone's benefit..."
"For everyone's benefit?" Granny Chen raised her voice, attracting the attention of several shop owners who had arrived early. "How did we get in here in the first place? It was Miss Lu who organized a food competition and tasted every single dish! She even gave us a year's rent waiver, making the entire Second District a hit! Now that business is good, are you trying to kick us while we're down?"
She grew angrier as she spoke, pointing her finger at Boss Ding's chest: "They're strict because it's for everyone's good! How can they be justified in not meeting hygiene standards? Without such strict management, would so many tourists feel safe eating here? How can you be so ungrateful?"
Grandma Chen regards Lu Xiaoqi as her savior. If it weren't for Lu Xiaoqi, she wouldn't be where she is today, and neither would Chen Lifang!
She never expected there to be such a despicable person as Boss Ding. This was the first time the usually kind old lady had ever lost her temper like this in public.
Grandpa Feng and his wife Grandma Li, who were selling hot rice noodles nearby, thought something had happened and quickly came over: "What's going on?"
Mr. Zheng, who sells breakfast, also came over: "Mr. Ding, what kind of trouble have you gotten yourself into now?"
Grandma Chen angrily recounted the matter in front of Boss Ding, and Grandpa Feng also showed his disapproval, shaking his head first: "That won't do, my hot rice noodle shop is doing much better business than when I was setting up a stall."
He'll definitely renew the lease. Before, setting up a stall meant braving the wind and rain, and business was unstable; it's nothing like it is now.
Grandma Li was even more direct. She curled her lip and said, "Boss Ding, I'm not trying to criticize you, but your hygiene has been substandard for several times. Instead of rectifying it properly, you're always thinking of these crooked ways. If you want to cause trouble, go ahead and cause trouble yourself. Don't drag us down with you."
Boss Zheng noticed that Boss Ding's expression was also off: "Old Ding, your shop is doing very well, and you can't afford a five-figure monthly rent? And you still think it's too expensive?"
Everyone here is in business and is very sensitive to shop rent. Shop rent in scenic areas is already more expensive than outside, especially in scenic areas with such high visitor traffic. This price is really just a token amount. If the ancient town wanted to make money, it could easily double the rent, and people would still be scrambling to buy shops.
Mr. Zheng understood Ms. Lu's intention: she hoped that the prices of the food in Zone 2 could remain at their original levels and not increase due to rent.
The other shop owners also expressed their opinions:
"That's right, the rent for this place in the ancient town is really not expensive!"
"Their management is excellent, and with such a large customer flow, it's worth the price!"
"Mr. Ding, you should focus your efforts on rectification!"
Mr. Ding blushed with embarrassment after being criticized by everyone, but he still stubbornly retorted, "What do you know? They just think we're easy to bully! So what if we earn an extra ten or twenty thousand a month? I don't believe they would really dare to do anything to us! Without our brand, would tourists be satisfied?"
"Besides, it's perfectly reasonable to ask for an exorbitant price and then try to negotiate a lower one. Why are you letting them take advantage of you?"
Grandma Chen put her hands on her hips and said, "Miss Lu is fair, but you insist on courting death. Let's see if she dares to clean house! When we run a snack business, taste is fundamental and reputation is the guarantee. We don't rely on such despicable means!"
Seeing that no one responded, Boss Ding muttered "ungrateful" in embarrassment and slunk back to his shop.
As soon as he entered, his wife was preparing ingredients. Seeing his pale face, she asked, "How did it go? Did Granny Chen agree?"
Mr. Ding ripped off his apron and threw it on the chair in a huff: "Agree my ass! That old woman led the charge in scolding me! Everyone else listens to her!"
His wife immediately flared up: "I told you not to embarrass yourself! Our store makes a decent profit every month, you should be content! Why do you have to be so greedy for a little bargain! What's wrong with spending a little money on sanitation improvements? You're always so lazy..."
Frustrated by what he was being said, Boss Ding yelled, "What do you know? They're meddling too much! They even want to know where to put the rags! Am I the boss or are they the boss?"
His wife slammed down her spoon: "They're right to manage! Don't think Qinghe Ancient Town can't function without you! You should learn from Granny Chen, hire a few more workers, and you'll be able to handle everything and keep your shops clean and tidy. But you, you're just trying to go against the management office!"
Boss Ding slammed his fist on the table, his voice trembling with fear: "You woman are really unreasonable! I'm just trying to earn more money, what can they do to me? I was selected through a formal competition! Without my roujiamo (Chinese hamburger), Section Two wouldn't be complete!"
The voice grew softer and softer until it was almost a mutter.
He was actually a little guilty, but greed and arrogance prevented him from admitting his mistakes. While smoking in the backyard, he glanced at Granny Chen and muttered, "Just you wait, I'll teach these nosy people a lesson..."
Amidst the swirling smoke, Boss Ding was already plotting how to secretly sabotage the management office and thinking about who to team up with to put pressure on Qinghe Ancient Town, completely disregarding the sanitation improvement efforts. He stubbornly believed that the ancient town couldn't find a replacement for him anytime soon and would absolutely not dare to do anything to him.
Meanwhile, Granny Chen and the other shop owners were still joining forces to denounce Boss Ding.
"We should have a conscience. Miss Lu has been kind to us, and we should repay her kindness."
Grandpa Feng agreed: "That makes sense. People like Boss Ding..." He shook his head, "are still too self-righteous."
Boss Zheng snorted lightly: "Don't worry, he won't amount to anything."
Upon hearing this, Granny Li's heart stirred, and she quickly asked Boss Zheng if he had heard anything.
Boss Zheng smiled mysteriously and leaned closer: "Let me tell you, the investment promotion office in the ancient town has received a huge stack of applications. Everyone wants to open a shop in the ancient town and grab a spot."
Everyone present was stunned.
"That's normal. With such a large flow of people, everyone's eyeing it."
"Old Zheng, so you're definitely going to sign?"
"Sign it, of course I'll sign it." Old Zheng nodded. "I was even planning to participate in the lottery to buy a house."
They are from out of town, but after a year of running their business, they are planning to settle down in Qinghe City. If they don't get a unit in the employee housing lottery, they plan to buy a house in the county center or in Qinghe City.
Grandpa Feng chuckled: "Then we're competitors, and we're also planning to draw lots."
His daughter is about to graduate, and it's hard for college graduates to find jobs these days. Grandpa Feng plans to have her apply for jobs in Qinghe Ancient Town. If she can't get a job, then she can take over his shop. Having a skill will ensure she doesn't starve.
My daughter agreed, so buying a house became a necessity.
Grandma Chen chimed in cheerfully, "I want to draw lots too."
Everyone laughed: "Then let's each rely on our own abilities."
Everyone was busy with their own shop, and after exchanging a few more words, they dispersed. After they left, the two shop assistants that Grandma Chen had hired also came over, and the group tidied up the shop together. At 8:30, Grandma Chen started cooking the first batch of mochi.
The aroma filled the air. The iron wok was shaken, and the glutinous rice cakes tumbled in the oil, golden and tempting.
"Boss, give me one!" The tourists haven't even entered the town yet, but the photography assistants taking photos nearby came running because of the aroma.
Grandma Chen asked with a smile, "Okay, what flavor do you want?"
"I'd like one with red bean paste filling." The photography assistant looked at his phone. Not only the photographer, but also the customers had asked him to bring them. "And one with pork floss filling, and one with preserved mustard greens filling."
Now, they go to the ancient town early in the morning for their photoshoots. There's no one there, so they can take pictures however they want, as long as they avoid the cleaning staff. The assistant thinks this working environment is much better than before. After the shoot, they can go back and rest before the next shoot at noon or in the evening.
The only downside is having to get up early, but this drawback is largely made up for by the delicious food in Zone 2.
"Okay." After hearing her assistant's words, Grandma Chen immediately started working.
She felt very at ease. Her skills and her integrity were her greatest source of confidence.
News of Boss Ding's affair quickly reached Lu Xiaoqi's ears.
She scoffed. Some people are just like that—ungrateful and greedy. Not only did he not appreciate the year-long rent-free period, but he also took it all for granted.
"Did he succeed in inciting them?" Lu Xiaoqi asked curiously.
"No." The leasing director sneered. "Everyone has a brain, they're not stupid. Besides, he's not just after the rent."
Lu Xiaoqi raised her eyebrows: "What do you mean?"
The investment director handed over a report that clearly listed the sales revenue and hygiene rating of each store in Zone Two. This was the first time Lu Xiaoqi had ever seen something like this, as she usually didn't concern herself with such details.
“Boss Ding’s shop has actually ranked in the middle to upper range in terms of turnover these past two months,” the director pointed to the data, “but unfortunately, he’s too greedy and doesn’t listen to management. He’s failed three hygiene inspections. He probably wants us to keep him, even if we can’t get a discount on the rent, he can at least get some special privileges.”
Lu Xiaoqi glanced at the report and shrugged: "We gave them a full year's chance. If they don't cherish it, then please leave. District Two has no shortage of good food, nor does it lack law-abiding merchants."
The investment director nodded: "Perfect, we have quite a few options. We've been in contact with several restaurants that didn't make it into the last food competition, and they've all expressed their willingness to move in at any time. There are also many self-recommended companies, so we can also select from them."
"And..." He paused, a meaningful smile appearing on his face, "Several chain brands have also approached us, offering even higher rents."
Lu Xiaoqi raised an eyebrow: "A chain brand? What type?"
“There are established brands that make traditional pastries, as well as new-style tea shops. They’ve got their eye on our customer traffic and are willing to pay two or even three times the rent.” The director handed over another document. “This is their proposal.”
Lu Xiaoqi looked through the documents carefully, then shook her head after a moment: "Although chain stores can pay higher rents, they will ruin the unique character of Zone Two. Tourists come to the ancient town to taste authentic local crafts, not chain products that can be bought anywhere."
She said earnestly, "We need to maintain the unique charm of Zone Two. So, you should first contact those restaurants that didn't make it into the food competition, or have your later staff find others. By the way, once you find them, let everyone try them first; they can only pass if they get enough votes."
The director quickly jotted it down: "Okay. So, the chain brand side will still be in the second phase?"
The second phase of investment promotion has begun in full swing, and the investment promotion department has been busy again. However, unlike last year, this time they have received a flood of applications from all over the country while sitting in their office, and most of them are from very strong brands, including national fast food chains.
“Let’s put these fast food options in the hotel and commercial area across the lake,” Lu Xiaoqi said, unmoved. “The ancient town should retain its local Chinese characteristics, and we need to review the decoration plans first.”
The investment director nodded: "Understood..."
Once the other managers arrived, they began a meeting to discuss the second phase of investment promotion. Lu Xiaoqi also forgot about Boss Ding's matter; these were trivial matters not worth her time to handle personally.
After the meeting, the investment director instructed the person in charge of Zone 2 to inform Boss Ding that their contract would not be renewed when it expired, and that he should be prepared.
"What if he causes trouble?"
"Let it be!" the investment director said irritably. "If he dares to cause trouble again or doesn't follow the previous contract, then we'll terminate the contract..." He stopped, his face darkening, and then changed his mind, saying, "Fine, fine, we'll terminate the contract with him now, give him three days to pack his things and leave. At the same time, we'll issue a public notice explaining the reasons for the termination, as a warning to others."
He had originally intended to say that they should part amicably, but then he thought that Boss Ding's character was questionable. If he harbored resentment and caused trouble for them in the last month of the contract, it would be a real loss.
Since it's something that goes in your mouth, it's best to be cautious. It might be better to be firm and just let him go. Anyway, according to the previous contract, their unilateral termination is justified.
The employee understood: "Understood. This way, other merchants will also pay more attention to hygiene and management."
That afternoon, just as Boss Ding was plotting how to cause trouble for the management office, the official notice was delivered to him. Looking at the formal document terminating the contract, he was stunned, then flew into a rage: "How dare they?! I'm going to sue them!"
His wife looked at the notice, her face turning ashen: "I've been telling you to clean properly for ages, but you wouldn't listen! Now look what's happened!"
Boss Ding forced himself to remain calm: "What's there to be afraid of! With my skills, I can open a shop anywhere. They're the ones who will suffer the biggest losses!"
But his voice had already begun to tremble.
The investment promotion department brought over staff from the legal department and a security guard. Old Ding, a coward who bullies the weak and fears the strong, couldn't cause any trouble. He only argued a few times and then tried to stay until the contract expired. However, the legal department stated that the previous contract included a clause regarding hygiene; if there were more than three instances of non-compliance, Qinghe Ancient Town had the right to unilaterally terminate the contract. If he refused to leave, Qinghe Ancient Town also had the right to recover the year's rent.
After hearing this, Old Ding's face turned pale and then red. After making a scene for a while, he finally agreed to leave in a dejected manner.
This became big news in Zone 2.
The shop owners had varying reactions, but they generally felt that the ancient town management office had handled the matter decisively and efficiently, which was convincing.
Upon hearing this, Granny Chen simply shook her head, her hands moving faster as she stir-fried the mochi. She sighed to the shop's employees, "See? When it comes to being a person or doing things, you have to stand upright. Old Ding brought this upon himself."
She felt little joy, but rather a sense of melancholy.
Grandpa Feng also chatted with several familiar shop owners.
"It's good that he's gone," Old Master Feng sipped his tea. "I accidentally glimpsed his kitchen once before. The dishcloths were black and grimy, lying on the side of the cutting board. It was disgusting to look at. Our reputation in District Two is important."
"That's right, Ms. Lu and the management office are doing real work. We feel at ease doing business here!"
Some people whispered among themselves, with a hint of lingering fear: "I didn't expect the management office to be so tough, just telling people to leave without a second thought... It seems we really need to keep a close eye on sanitation from now on, we can't afford to be careless at all."
The news even reached the ears of tourists, and some regular customers from the county even came to ask Grandma Chen about it.
While packing the mochi, Granny Chen said, "Our Qinghe Ancient Town has strict management, so you can eat with complete peace of mind! You can eat as much as you want; any shop that has problems will definitely not stay!"
It was as if they had given the ancient town a free advertisement, which made the other shop owners both admire them and secretly wary.
The latest gossip about Boss Ding came a few days later when Granny Li came to Granny Chen's place to get some sesame filling.
"Oh my, you have no idea!" Granny Li lowered her voice, but her eyes sparkled. "After Old Ding went back, he and his wife fought like cats and dogs!"
Grandpa Feng and Grandma Li rented a house in the same building as the Ding family, which was very close to Qingyuan Ancient Town.
According to Granny Li, Boss Ding's wife had harbored resentment for a long time, feeling that Boss Ding was both greedy and stupid, ruining such a good business and becoming the laughing stock of the entire ancient town. The two had a big argument, and in their anger, they came to blows, smashing pots and pans all over the ground.
"She scratched Old Ding's face raw, packed her things, and went back to her parents' house!" Granny Li recounted vividly. "She said she couldn't live like this anymore and wanted a divorce! Old Ding is now penniless and heartbroken; he's lost his shop, and his wife is running away! Tsk tsk tsk..."
Grandma Chen listened silently as she continued her work, finally sighing, "It's pitiful. But if only she had known this would happen, she wouldn't have done it in the first place."
"Yes. Xiuzhen, oh, that's Boss Ding's wife, she's a good one." Granny Li felt sorry for Xiuzhen. "She usually does all the housework, she's very hardworking. It would be better if they divorced, maybe she'd be even happier."
A few days later, Mr. Ding's cold noodles and roujiamo (Chinese hamburger) stall was surrounded by fences, clearly indicating that a new shop was about to open and renovations were underway. Mr. Ding's story also disappeared from the Second District, and soon no one mentioned it anymore.
After this minor incident, the hygiene of Zone 2 has been completely renewed, and all the shop owners are extra conscientious, afraid of following in Boss Ding's footsteps.
On the contrary, Granny Chen caught a glimpse of a familiar figure on the street outside Qinghe Ancient Town one day.
It was on a small street not far from the side gate of the ancient town, where a new little shop selling liangpi (cold skin noodles) and roujiamo (Chinese hamburger) had recently opened. The shop wasn't big, but it was bright and clean, and the stove was gleaming. The woman bustling behind the stove—who else could it be but Mr. Ding's wife, Xiuzhen?
Grandma Chen paused for a moment, hesitated for a second, and then walked over.
"Xiuzhen?"
The woman, who was cutting gluten with her head down, looked up when she heard the voice. When she saw that it was Granny Chen, a complicated expression flashed across her face. She then wiped her hands with her apron and gave a slightly awkward but clean smile: "It's Aunt Chen."
Grandma Chen looked around the small shop. The location was decent, though not as crowded as the ancient town or the main street, it still attracted some foot traffic. Everything was in good order, with spice jars neatly arranged and a snow-white dishcloth, giving it a clean and tidy look.
"You came out by yourself?" Granny Chen asked tactfully.
Xiuzhen nodded, her eyes no longer showing the timidity and resentment of the past, but rather a sense of steadiness and determination: "We're divorced. He's a unreasonable person. I don't want to embarrass myself with him anymore, and I don't want to live such a messy life anymore."
She picked up a spoon and scooped up a spoonful of chili oil, which was bright red and fragrant: "The shop is small, but it's clean and tidy, and we earn money with peace of mind."
Looking at the much more capable woman before her, Granny Chen was filled with mixed emotions. Xiuzhen, who used to be silent and reserved behind Boss Ding, now ran her own small business, and although her eyes showed signs of hard work, they also shone with a new light.
"Very good, very good," Grandma Chen said repeatedly. "This chili oil smells so good! Give me a serving of cold noodles and a roujiamo (Chinese hamburger) too, I want to try your cooking."
Xiuzhen busied herself quickly and efficiently, her movements even more fluid and confident than before.
"Is it difficult at first?" Granny Chen asked while waiting.
"It's tough, of course it's tough," Xiuzhen said frankly. "Renting a shop and buying equipment almost emptied my savings. The rent here is expensive. You guys have it so much better..." She paused, then smiled. "But now I feel at ease. I don't have to follow his crooked ideas anymore."
She handed the mixed cold noodles and the hot roujiamo (Chinese hamburger) to Grandma Chen, her eyes earnest: "Aunt Chen, please try them and give me your feedback. I know that some things weren't done well at Lao Ding's place before..."
Grandma Chen took a bite of the cold noodles; they were chewy, smooth, and perfectly seasoned. The roujiamo (Chinese hamburger) was crispy on the outside and fragrant with meat, rich but not greasy.
"It tastes so good!" Grandma Chen praised sincerely, "It's much better than when Old Ding was here!"
Xiuzhen smiled sheepishly: "I was thinking that I couldn't make the food any more filthy. Taste is fundamental, and cleanliness is the bottom line."
As Granny Chen ate, she suddenly lowered her voice and asked, "Does Old Ding know you're here?"
Xiuzhen's expression softened: "We're divorced now, so even if he finds out, he can't do anything to me. He probably thinks I'd starve to death without him. Old Ding is a very proud man, and he probably felt ashamed to stay in Qinghe City, so he went back to his hometown a long time ago."
But she didn't want to go back; she still felt she could make a living by relying on Qinghe Ancient Town.
She paused, her tone calm yet firm: "I'm not afraid of coming. I'll take it slow, build up my reputation, and I don't believe I can't survive."
Grandma Chen looked at her, her heart filled with emotion. After finishing her meal, she took out some money and tried to give it to Xiuzhen, who had no choice but to accept it. As she was leaving, Grandma Chen said, "I'll invite some of my old friends in the ancient town to try your cooking another day. Your skills are excellent and shouldn't be overlooked."
Xiuzhen was taken aback, her eyes slightly reddening, and she nodded emphatically: "Oh! Thank you, Aunt Chen!"
Grandma Chen waved her hand, picked up the spices she had bought for her shop, and walked back. She glanced back at the small, brightly lit shop, where Xiuzhen was smiling and greeting a new customer.
In the end, life is something you have to live step by step, steadily and practically, Grandma Chen thought.
However, that's a story for another time.
At this moment, Grandma Chen is overjoyed because she won the lottery!
Grandpa Feng also won the lottery, but Boss Zheng was a little unlucky and didn't win, which was a great pity. After he saw the actual plans and some of the completed parts on the day of the property's subscription, he regretted it even more.
The staff housing complex, the lakeside hotel, and the commercial street were all designed by the same renowned design firm, Yuwen Kai, resulting in an overall style that is both classic and modern. The staff housing complex is also designed as a garden, with meticulously arranged pavilions and waterside terraces, winding fitness trails, and a spacious plaza specifically for the elderly to play chess and practice Tai Chi.
While Wang Wei was busy with the gardens in the ancient town, he also made plans for the residential area. Now the basic shape of the area has emerged, with pavilions and towers scattered in a well-organized manner, and small bridges and flowing water taking shape. Although the trees are newly planted, one can already imagine their lush greenery in the future. The workmanship and materials used in the buildings are clearly very solid and exquisite, both elegant and comfortable.
Mr. Zheng was so regretful that he slapped his thigh and immediately decided to postpone buying the house. He would consider buying a second-hand house five years later when the property changed hands.
The other employees at Qinghe Ancient Town were also beaming with joy. The employee housing complex is connected to the second phase of the project. They had only seen the renderings before, but they didn't expect the actual result to be so good. It's definitely a high-quality development.
As a result, the sales event was very popular, and some popular orientations and floors were in high demand and had to be snapped up.
Mr. Zheng looked enviously at the villa area of the community. There were only about twenty villas in total, but they were not offered to the public and were already sold out. As far as he knew, they were all bought by senior executives of Qinghe Ancient Town, and even Miss Lu had kept one for herself.
Lu Xiaoqi reserved the innermost unit for herself, which had a private garden and a classical style with white walls and black tiles. Xiao Meiyun and Lu Xuejun couldn't stop smiling when they saw the actual unit; they were clearly very happy.
"Old Lu, did you ever imagine that we could live in a garden villa like this?" Xiao Meiyun asked Lu Xuejun quietly as she walked behind him on the tour.
Lu Xuejun shook his head decisively and whispered, "It's like a dream."
Lu Xiaoqi turned her head and asked in confusion, "Why did you stop?"
"No, I'll be right there." Xiao Meiyun replied happily, then muttered to herself smugly, "No wonder she's my daughter, she takes after me."
Lu Xuejun was speechless: ...Isn't she his daughter?
Besides their own villas, Yuwen Kai, Song Wu Sao, Zhao Feiyan, Su Jun, Zhang Zhongjing and others also had villas nearby. Since they were all used to living in big houses, they naturally chose villas.
Besides them, Xiang Ming from Xiangjia Village also bought a villa—many members of his family earn money, and his son and daughter-in-law both work, so he used all his savings at once. Everyone was excited, after all, they believed they could earn even more money in the future.
Han Yunshang and Han Yushang also bought a set together, and they recognized Huang Daopo as their godmother. From then on, Huang Daopo lived with them.
Huang Daopo had been traveling around for months, and when faced with such a major event, she only made a phone call to give some instructions. She was experienced in traveling and in good health, so no one was too worried.
Apart from that, everyone else bought apartments with elevators, mostly because they couldn't afford that much money right now, and the number of villas was also limited. However, the employees of Modern, except for Chen Yingying and Liu Chan, all bought large single-level apartments with elevators.
In Song Meina's words, living alone in such a large house makes her feel uneasy, and it's also difficult to manage; a large single-level apartment is much better. Moreover, it's not as convenient to get things up and down the stairs as it is in a large single-level apartment.
Perhaps this is the difference between ancient and modern people.
Apart from one apartment building with an elevator and a few villas reserved for staff dormitories, the rest of the staff housing was sold out on the same day. This area will be ready for handover in another month, and by March of next year, the entire fourth section will be vacated for renovation.
Time was running out. Under the buff of Yuwen Kai's "naturally perfect ancient architecture," the entire second phase of the project progressed by leaps and bounds, at least half the expected time.
Soon, it was deep winter again. Qinghe Ancient Town was decorated with lanterns and colorful decorations, and all the performances were rearranged and adjusted to celebrate the arrival of the New Year.
Zhao Feiyan has now returned to Qinghe Ancient Town. "Treading on the Golden Lotus" has begun a new run with a different lead actress, while she takes on the role of principal dancer in "A Thousand Years of Splendor." Li Guinian designed a dance for her and Gongsun Jin; one is exquisitely graceful and gentle, the other exceptionally spirited and heroic, creating a wonderful chemistry.
After someone posted this video online, the fans who had previously complained about Zhao Feiyan's decision to return to Qinghe Ancient Town fell silent.
Anyone can see the high level of skill in this dance. Even after returning to the ancient town, Zhao Yizhu has not given up her dance career and continues to offer wonderful performances.
Thinking about it this way makes me feel relieved.
What excites them even more is that the TV series "Mountains and Rivers," in which Zhao Feiyan makes a special appearance, will be released soon!
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