I am aging gracefully in the world of famous books

Facing his serious-looking elder brother, Pei Xiang simply put away the two hundred pounds he got from Sergeant Victor.

She said sweetly that she thought the problem was simple before, and only thought that the money was the principal of Mr. G's entrusting her to do something, and she didn't think deeply about the unreasonableness of this entrustment.

"Brother, you are right. For no reason, why would Mr. G give so much money to a young girl who has never done business? He also gave me [-]% of the investment profit. Such a condition is too much It’s so rich, it really makes people have to think about it.”

Seeing that his younger sister was so well-behaved and sensible, Edward's solemn and stern look disappeared instantly.The young brother even regretted it a bit, feeling that he shouldn't have spoken in the serious and cold tone just now.

Sighing slightly, Edward patted Pei Xiang's head lightly.

"You just said that Mr. G asked you to use the money to open a store, and he will provide the main source of goods. That is to say, Mr. G will meet with you in the future, right?"

Pei Xiang nodded lightly, her beautiful misty blue eyes were full of trust in her elder brother, looking like a pure and weak lily.

"Brother, I will listen to you. I will return the money to G after I see G next time. You don't have to worry."

"Lucy, anyway, Mr. G saved you this time, and I am grateful to him from the bottom of my heart. If he needs someone to do something for him, I can help as much as I can. If he needs your help, and you will not If you are hurt in any way, do it.

"But we can't accept money gifts from Mr. G anymore, remember? My brother won't stop you from becoming friends with Mr. G, we don't have to be so particular. But, my girl, don't give your heart to someone who can't promise married man, okay?"

Pei Xiang blinked, raised his hand and promised:

"I promise that any man who does not pass the test of Mr. Edward Hoffman, even if he is the most handsome knight in England, will not win the heart of Miss Lucy Hoffman."

Edward's breath paused, and it was not difficult to guess from Lucy's words in his heart that a man's wealth did not attract her much, but his appearance played an important role.

——This... is actually not very good, after all, there is never a shortage of fair-spoken little boys in this world...

As a result, the elder brother with a strong sense of responsibility had new anxiety.

Of course, this sudden inexplicable anxiety only left a shallow shadow in Edward's heart.He soon fell into the busyness of moving, shopping, cleaning, meeting new neighbors, starting a new job, and learning new knowledge, and lived a fulfilling life of going out early and returning late every day.

After Pei Xiang got acquainted with the new living environment and Edward's daily schedule, she immediately "forgot" all the guarantees she had made when she pretended to be cute, and started her business plan.

—— Making money is a very meaningful thing.

Pei Xiang soon found a suitable rental shop in Liverpool, a busy seaport industrial city.She signed a three-year lease as James Hoffman and began to scout the market.

After Pei Xiang became familiar with the sources of raw materials, processing plants, and circulation channels for books and art, her new store was also redecorated.

This store named "Brown House" is located near the neighborhood where celebrities and wealthy businessmen live. It is separated from the busy commercial street by two alleys and adjacent to a quiet and elegant green park. static means.

"The Thorn House" has a total of three floors, mainly dealing in various books and artworks.Of course, health and beauty products prepared by Pei Xiang may be added in the future.

There are many types of books, not mainly books published by local British publishing houses, but mainly selling various non-English books in foreign languages, second-hand books with collection value, and niche academic works that are on the verge of being out of print.

— Thanks to language skills and hard work in the previous world, I was able to pick out good books that were really worth it, and the occasional secondhand book market.

Obviously, this kind of collection does not have a wide range of customers.But Pei Xiang knew that this was a long-running business. Once he gained a good reputation among some small but elite groups, the rewards for each transaction would be huge.

——Besides, I can also provide high-quality translation services, which is another derived channel for making money.

As for the works of art sold in the store, they are mainly paintings. In addition to some excellent works consigned by "unknown" artists, there are more instant landscape paintings and imitations of famous paintings from a hundred years ago.

Unlike books in unpopular foreign languages, these small oil paintings are moderately priced and of good quality, and are mainly targeted at the middle class with extra money.

Whether they are nouveau riche, factory owners, or wealthy families who desperately want to move closer to the life of the upper-class aristocracy, they are all willing to buy a few beautiful paintings to decorate their houses.In short, this is actually a business with great market potential.

A month later, the "House of Thorns" officially opened, but there were no customers.

But Pei Xiang is not in a hurry, she has already been optimistic about some target customer groups before, and will always find a way to attract people to the store.

Compared with the problem of the source of customers, what Pei Xiang urgently needs to face at this time is Edward Hoffman's disbelief.

"'The House of Thorns'? James Hoffman? Who's that?"

"It's me, and my public identity is my cousin." Pei Xiang sat on the sofa in a well-behaved manner, looking at his brother with a bad face.

Being looked at pitifully by such moist and innocent misty blue eyes, Edward held his breath in his chest.

"Lucy, what we said before..."

"Yes, I remember. But you also said that G saved me, and if he needs my help, I can help him. Edward, G is a romantic man with artistic pursuits. He wants to open a family in Liverpool. The shop consigned his paintings, and couldn't spare time to manage it himself, so I asked for my help."

Edward pinched the bridge of his nose, and there was a hint of compromise in his eyes.He didn't know that there was an allusion in the East that "cut first and play later", but he has already experienced the helplessness in it.

—Otherwise what else can I do?

——The store has already opened, and his very smart sister personally supervised the preliminary work, and Mr. G didn't show up, so he just kept the store and start-up funds.

——If I resolutely object, shall that shop be closed down?Do you want the benefactor who helped the Hoffman family lose money?

Sensing Edward's vacillation, Pei Xiang hurriedly pursued the victory:

"Brother, I really helped G run the 'House of Thorns'. He will pay me a salary, and will not share the profit as originally imagined. Therefore, this cannot be regarded as accepting a gift of money. Well, this is what I use Work for pay, Edward."

"What's your salary?" Edward asked with raised eyebrows.

"Well, three pounds a month."

Edward looked at Pei Xiang and said nothing.

Pei Xiang had no choice but to continue to confess: "This is the basic salary. If I can help G sell the paintings he deposited at a high price, there will be a commission."

Hearing this, Edward sighed. He knew that the salary was too generous, but... it wasn't too outrageous.

When the elder brother was worried about letting his younger sister run around outside alone—although before he didn't know it, the girl had been going out for more than half a month.

So, Edward took a few days off and worked with Pei Xiang every day to help her.

He followed Pei Xiang to the wharf yard, to the raw material market and processing factory, to the second-hand book market and art dealer's office, and to the streets and alleys of the busy city of Liverpool.

After that, they visited some official relations and got some necessary operating permits.The brother and sister are busy from morning to night every day, and the business plan of "House of Thorns" is gradually improving.

At the same time, Edward's mood became more and more complicated day by day.

Edward thought that when he left home when he was young, he hoped to provide a stable and comfortable living environment for his family when he became famous in the future.But he didn't expect that during the few years of his absence, his sister had unknowingly grown to such an extent.

Of course, maybe Lucy was not so mature and rational in the first place, but after the incident in Vera Garden, this gentle and innocent girl had to grow up quickly.

—Adversity and danger can best temper the human soul.

Three months later, everything is back on track.

"Professor Daniel, the Russian version of "Distribution and Overview of Ferns in Eastern Europe" that you selected was only published once, and there were not many copies. It is hard to find it on the market now. I made a special trip to London , I got it from a down-and-out nobleman after relying on several relationships, so..."

"James, make an offer."

"One pound, Professor Daniel."

"Oh, that's rather expensive. I bought twelve shillings for a new set of three volumes at Moulton's last time, and yours is nearly double that."

Pei Xiang thought that he had spent most of the day, risking skin itching and allergies, to find this book in a musty, dark old library, and felt that his asking price was not expensive at all.

——Even if I only spent two shillings and five pence at the time, labor and time costs have to be included.

Therefore, she gently but firmly rejected Professor Daniel's request for a price reduction.

However, Professor Daniel, who has a rich family, is a regular customer in the store and has brought new customers before, so she can't just not give any discounts.

"Professor Daniel, the price of the book really can't be lowered, otherwise I will really lose money. However, I can give you a jar of throat lozenges."

Pei Xiang pushed a small sugar bowl with exquisite designs and colors to the customer, and said warmly:

"When you were just picking out books, you kept clearing your throat. I guess it's because of the cold weather recently. This kind of throat lozenges is good. Take one when your throat is tight. It can cool and refresh you and eliminate tiredness, you can try it.”

Professor Daniel raised his eyebrows, thinking that he is not a child, what do you want a can of candy for?

He was about to say something when he felt some discomfort in his throat and couldn't help but cleared his throat again.

Pei Xiang smiled slightly, opened the sugar bowl and took out a candy and handed it to Daniel:

"Try it, if it's not good, I won't recommend it to my customers."

Looking at the amber-colored hard candy on the small silver clip, the well-educated Professor Daniel took it politely and put the candy in his mouth to try.

The sweet and slightly cool taste immediately filled the mouth, and Daniel's eyes lit up.He thought, he likes this type of sweetness.

After a while, Daniel touched the position of his throat hesitantly, wondering if it was an illusion, but he actually felt that his throat was much more comfortable, so he couldn't help picking up the sugar bowl and looking at it.

Pei Xiang didn't continue to speak well of the throat lozenges he made. Anyone who has tried them knows how effective they are.

On this day, Professor Daniel, a frequent visitor of "House of Thorns", bought an old Russian book for one pound and got a small jar of throat lozenges as a gift from the owner.

Ten days later, Professor Daniel, who had no plans to buy books in the near future, visited Pei Xiang's store again, followed by his two friends.

"Hey, Miss Hoffman, you're in the store today. Where's James? Where's the other clerk?"

Pei Xiang put down the book in his hand, looked up and explained:

"James went to London to search for good books and works of art. He is not in Liverpool for the past few days, and the clerk has also asked for leave. I will come over to help take care of it and read books by the way. Professor Daniel, are you here to choose books today?"

"Oh no, I'm not going to choose a book today."

Professor Daniel shook his head, then asked:

"Do you still have those throat lozenges that James gave me last time? I need to get some more. God, since I brought the candies that James sent me to the office, the candy disappears a lot faster."

Pei Xiang smiled slightly. Professor Daniel was not the first repeat customer who came here to buy candy. She pointed to a newly cleaned area behind her and said:

"There are still a few tins of throat lozenges on the shelf, Professor Daniel, you can go over there with your friends and have a look."

Daniel looked up, and what caught his eyes was the neatly stacked bottles and cans on the wooden shelves on the half wall.

"Last time, there was only one type of sugar for sale. Are there so many types now?"

He approached curiously, and looked down at the text on the price tag.

Daniel found that in addition to the throat lozenges he ate last time, there were candies with various functions on the shelves.

For example, those that refresh the mind, prevent vomiting, and freshen the breath are all packed in the same series of exquisite tin cans, which makes people want to have a piece of each kind of candy.

At this time, one of the two friends brought by Daniel suddenly laughed, and the man pointed to another row of glass jars and asked:

"Prank candy? Can eating one of these really fill the mouth of the wrong person with a bitter taste all day long, as the label says? Oh, and garlic, oops, vampires sure Don't like this... and this, the candies in this box look exactly the same, do they really have 27 strange flavors?"

Pei Xiang nodded, indicating that the other party can try before buying.

While Daniel and his friend Mueller were discussing and visiting the health food area, another friend who came with Daniel stopped in the art display and sales area of ​​the store.

"These two imitation paintings...the painter's brushwork is very exquisite, and the handling of color and light and shadow is also very good. It not only has the style characteristics of the original work, but also makes people see the difference and novelty. Miss Hoffman, these two Are the copies by the same hand?"

Pei Xiang heard the prestige and found that the tall gentleman was standing in front of the work she had painted herself, admiring it.

——A very sincere look!

"It's the same author," Pei Xiang walked to the customer who came for the first time, and enthusiastically introduced, "The two paintings hanging here are all made by the same person. Sir, there are many similar imitations in the store. Part of it is on the second floor, if you are interested, you can go upstairs to visit."

The man thanked him politely, and he admired the painting for a while before walking towards the second floor.

Looking at this gentleman's tall and handsome back and his well-made leather shoes, Pei Xiang's eyebrows twitched suddenly.An uneasy throbbing joy and uncontrollable expectation suddenly hit her heart, making her lose her mind for a moment.

Pei Xiang's sixth sense told her that this was the man, the rich and discerning customer she had been looking forward to for a long time!

"Sir, do you need me to introduce these works to you?"

Pei Xiang left Professor Daniel and his friend who was keen on prank candy, and hurriedly followed her predicted benefactor to the second floor.

"My name is Lexa," the man walking in front stood in the open space in front of the stairs on the second floor, turned around and waited for Pei Xiang behind him, with a soothing and gentle tone, "If it won't take too much time for you, I hope you can appreciate it." to the other works of the painter just now."

Pei Xiang held back the upturned corners of his mouth, and politely responded:

"Mr. Rexa, hello. It's like this. The imitation paintings upstairs are all other people's works. You can take a look. Most of them are based on the excellent works handed down by Italian and French painters centuries ago. The quality is quite good." not bad.

"As for the handwritten work of the painter named G downstairs, there is still one in the store. However, that painting is not a copy of a famous classical painting, but the original work of the author himself, which belongs to consignment."

While Pei Xiang was explaining slowly, the elegant and handsome Mr. Rexa had already hurriedly looked at several nearby paintings. There was still a smile of appreciation on his face, but there was something in those dark pupils. No more touches.

"May I have the honor to appreciate some of Mr. G's consignment works?"

"Of course, please follow me, this way."

George Rexa followed behind Pei Xiang, walking neither slow nor fast, as if the distance of each step had been measured by a ruler.

After a series of colorful oil paintings and sculptures of different styles, Rexa once again saw a work that made him feel amazing.

With his back to Pei Xiang, the man stood in front of the one-person tall painting and stared for a long time, his eyes moved away from the gloomy and eerily turbulent clouds, and then fell on the clusters of black flames that seemed to burn everything up .

"Evil burns out...but who is to light the flame?"

The man sighed in a low voice, the gentleness in his eyes receded like a tide, leaving only deep indifference.

Standing a little far away, Pei Xiang raised his eyebrows, pretending that he didn't hear the whispered words that he shouldn't have heard clearly.She upholds good professionalism and leaves a space for potential big customers to purchase products quietly.

"Miss Hoffman, how much does Mr. G plan to sell this work for?"

"Since Mr. G is not famous, well, twenty-five to thirty pounds, sir, as you see fit."

"That's thirty pounds. In addition, I also want the two imitation paintings downstairs, and we will pay together. Afterwards, please send the three paintings to this place, and the housekeeper will receive them."

After George Rexa left an address on the note, he asked again:

"Will Mr. G send works over for consignment in the future?"

"Of course, if there are no accidents."

Pei Xiang smiled and nodded, sincerely praised:

"A high-grade connoisseur like you who doesn't care about the painter's reputation and only cares about the quality of the work is very rare. And Mr. G couldn't show up for some unavoidable reasons. He certainly doesn't want to lose a bosom friend like Mr. Reixa."

George Rexa bent his mouth and said sincerely:

"I also hope to see more works by Mr. G."

"If the store receives Mr. G's new work, we will definitely notify the family as soon as possible. Please rest assured Mr. Rexxar."

The two were talking, and left the area on the second floor one after the other.

Downstairs, Daniel and his friends have finished picking candies and are waiting for Pei Xiang to pay.

"Professor Reixa, do you also like that painting of G?"

"Yes, I'm already planning to make Mr. G's work one of my collections."

"Oh, you decided in just such a short time?" Daniel shouted in surprise, "To be honest, I also like that painting, but I haven't decided whether to buy it. I didn't expect to miss it like this, oops , it's a pity."

Pei Xiang thought to himself, in fact, you simply think that thirty pounds is too expensive to buy a work by Anonymous.

Reixa smiled lightly and said, "I've always liked these things, and I often spend money when my head gets hot. It's not as good as Daniel, you have more plans for your life."

Daniel puffed out his chest proudly:

"As much as I want to be humble, I have to say that I do have a knack for planning my day-to-day expenses. I've been doing pretty well since college."

Muller, another friend of Daniel's, quipped:

"Isn't it because you are married? Professor Rexxar and I don't have to bear the expenses of our wife and children, so we are more comfortable spending money."

"God, Muller my old friend, you are not like Rexxar. He exchanged money for books and collectibles, but what did you exchange money for? Compensation for blowing up the lab? After the prank An apology gift? Or a wallet stolen by a thief while drunk?"

"Oh, Daniel! It's so unfair of you to say that..."

The two friends bickered with each other sentence by sentence, and George Rexa stood by leisurely, not interested in the daily quarrel between the two colleagues.In boredom, his eyes turned slightly, and inadvertently landed on the book Pei Xiang had just read.

Here, Pei Xiang has finished processing the bill and is packing it for customers.

Over there, Rexxar's brows furrowed instantly, then widened again.

He glanced at Pei Xiang ponderingly, then turned and went to the book shopping area.

After a while, Daniel and Mueller were about to leave, but Rexxar seemed to have found a very interesting first edition of the book, and he said he would stay a little longer.

As a result, only Pei Xiang and George Rexa were left in the store.