The Sea Queen of 1985

Chapter 281: Chapter 281: Feng Shui Master Seeks Cooperation

The exhibition had now ended. Just as Han Xiaorui was preparing to have someone take the ornamental fish away, she saw a large group of people approach her booth.

”Are these ornamental fish for sale?” Mr. Zhao asked. ”It would be such a hassle for you to ship them all the way back! And these fish tanks—sell them to me, too! I’ll buy everything!”

Han Xiaorui glanced at the rare breeds and shook her head. ”I can sell you the common varieties, but we’re not selling the rare butterfly tails and goldfish.”

Hearing this, Uncle Zhao grew anxious and quickly took out his business card. ”I’m not a fish farmer, I’m preparing to open an ornamental fish shop!”

”You’ve seen the economic development here in Yue Province, haven’t you? It’s changing day by day, and the number of wealthy people is growing!”

”People here also believe in feng shui. Many types of goldfish and carp with auspicious meanings are believed to ward off evil and attract wealth.”

Han Xiaorui took Mr. Zhao’s business card and read it: ”Human Environment Research Lab.”

”Excuse me, sir, but did you give me the wrong card? You’re in ’human environment research.’ Why would you be selling ornamental fish?”

Mr. Zhao gave an awkward laugh. ”Actually, I’m a Feng Shui Master. In this new era, our profession is considered a branch of human environment research.”

”This isn’t some feudal superstition. We use the thousands of years of historical and cultural heritage of Hua Country to help people improve their human environment.”

Hearing this, Han Xiaorui didn’t know whether to laugh or cry. ”Mr. Zhao, you could have just said so! Without your explanation, I had no idea what ’human environment research’ even meant!”

Uncle Zhao beamed. ”Well, if I just say I practice feng shui, people call it feudal superstition.”

”Our profession requires real skill. We have to be versed in everything from astronomy and geography to various cultural customs and even modern technology.”

”People here in Yue Province have always believed in these things, and they believe even more strongly over in Hong Kong and Macau! I can be your distributor here in Yue Province.”

”Not only can I sell these things to the wealthy people in Yue Province, but I can also sell them to people from Hong Kong and Macau.”

Han Xiaorui was slightly taken aback by his words. ”Mr. Zhao, do you really have that kind of capability?”

”How about this: I heard the chartered train back to Shencheng for you folks doesn’t leave until 3 PM tomorrow. Tomorrow morning, I’ll pick you up and take you to my Human Environment Research Lab for a look.”

Han Xiaorui and Zhou Wei were indeed planning to recruit distributors in major cities across the country. That was the only way to expand their business.

In the initial stages, domestic business might not bring in as many orders as foreign trade, but Han Xiaorui believed that as the economy developed and people’s living standards improved, the market for ornamental fish would continue to grow.

Han Xiaorui looked troubled. ”I’d like to go see it, but this is my employees’ first time in Yue Province. They heard the small commodities here are great and wanted to do some shopping to bring things back home.”

Hearing this, Mr. Zhao waved his hand dismissively and pointed to the apprentice beside him. ”This is my apprentice, Yao Ziqian. He knows the area well. He can take your employees shopping tomorrow. With a local guide, I guarantee they’ll find good quality items for a great price.”

Yao Ziqian quickly added his own assurance. ”Ms. Han, don’t worry. My sister is a manager at the largest wholesale market here. If I go with them, nobody there will dare to cheat me.”

At this, Han Xiaorui nodded. ”Since Mr. Zhao has put it that way, it would be impolite of me to refuse. Alright, I’ll bring some people with me to take a look tomorrow. If what you say is true, and your capabilities meet our standards for a distributor, then we can discuss a potential partnership.”

Mr. Zhao nodded. ”It would be my honor. I’ll send someone to pick you up tomorrow.”

After setting the appointment, Han Xiaorui returned to the guesthouse and apologized to everyone. ”I can’t go shopping with you all, but I’ve found you a local guide. His sister works at the biggest wholesale market here and is in charge of the vendors.”

”He won’t rip you off; he’ll even help you bargain. But of course, if you think something is too expensive or not good quality, don’t buy it. Take your time, and don’t feel like you have to buy everything you see.”

Wu Lingling nodded. ”Okay, I get it, Sister Xiao Rui. I work in sales too. I’ve got a sharp eye; it’s not that easy to cheat me.”

Han Xiaorui smiled. ”When you get back, I’ll give you the money and their sizes. Help me buy some clothes for Xiao Jing, Wu Jiao, and Wu Yao. Just get them the same styles you buy for yourself.”

Wu Lingling agreed without hesitation. ”Sure. If we buy more than they can wear or use, we can always sell the rest to other people.”

Many people were now sourcing goods from Yue Province to sell all over the country.

Many people in Shencheng also sourced their goods from Yue Province to sell locally. The new styles and cheap prices made them highly sought after.

But it was no wonder, given how close it was to Hong Kong.

And Hong Kong was one of the places most connected to the international world; it could lead trends across Asia in everything from fashion to culture.

「The next morning」

Han Xiaorui, along with Zhou Wei and two male employees, went with the person Mr. Zhao had sent.

He had even sent a car to pick them up. Whether it was his own or a rental, it showed Mr. Zhao was very sincere.

They stopped near a three-story building in a bustling area. Mr. Zhao came out personally to greet them. ”Ms. Han, please, come see. This is my place of work.”

Han Xiaorui looked at the large words ”Ping’an Human Environment Research Lab” written by the door and smiled to herself. ’Anyone who didn’t know better would think it was a government institution.’

”The first floor is where we keep things like calligraphy, paintings, antiques, and jades for feng shui rituals. The second floor is the reception area, and the third floor is my private lounge.”

Han Xiaorui looked at the decor inside. It was indeed very high-class, with mahogany furniture and a very harmonious arrangement that made one feel comfortable.

’So this is feng shui?’

’Maybe it’s not about defying fate, but just about using objects and the external environment to make people feel better and more comfortable.’

”Many of the things you have here need to be kept in a dry environment. If you put ornamental fish in here, it will affect your other items,” Han Xiaorui suggested.

Mr. Zhao pointed to the shop next door. ”That building is also mine. It’s a large, three-storefront shop. I’m planning to convert it into an ornamental fish store. The reason I brought you here first was to prove that I’m serious about cooperating and not some swindler.”

”From a feng shui perspective, it’s not just fish that can ward off evil and attract wealth; some types of turtles can as well. For example, the Money Turtle is especially popular for attracting wealth. Then there’s the flame turtle, which has black skin with flame-like patterns, making it highly ornamental. Keeping one at home can boost a family’s popularity and fortune!”

”And the pig-nosed turtle. The pig-nosed turtle is a famous wealth-attracting turtle. It likes to eat aquatic plants, and keeping one at home is said to make wealth roll in for the owner and greatly improve their luck.”

Han Xiaorui’s eyes lit up. ’This is another great way to make a fortune!’

She smiled. ”No wonder so many local people get rich. It turns out everyone believes in this!”

Mr. Zhao was modest and had a sound perspective. ”Of course, these are just supplementary aids. The main thing is the nation’s overall trend. When the nation’s fortune rises, wealth follows.”