Peter found himself at the heart of Antique Street, unaware that favonovel.com had already attracted someone’s attention upon his arrival. He made his way to the entrance of Vintage Deluxe, the grand three-story building standing tall amidst the antique-style structures that filled the street.
At that moment, Vintage Deluxe was still open.
Antique Street had a unique arrangement where vendors would open their stalls in the morning and close them in the afternoon, while the shops would open later in the morning and close later in the afternoon. This way, the early market catered to customers with less spending power or those seeking bargains. Once they left, customers with more purchasing power would arrive at a leisurely pace.
Peter stepped into the center of Antique Street, right at the entrance of Vintage Deluxe.
Manager Carey had just concluded a meeting with a few colleagues in the back. He turned to them and asked, “Do any of you have plans for the evening?”
Everyone shook their heads and replied in unison, “No, nothing at all…”
Manager Carey nodded and suggested, “Since we have nothing to do, let’s stay in the store and work overtime. We can order some spicy crayfish from the nearby lobster restaurant and grab some beer. Consider it our working meal.”
In Vintage Deluxe, there was an unwritten rule that if the staff had to work overtime occasionally, they wouldn’t receive extra pay, but the store would provide them with dinner. The manager could access a reserve fund of 30,000 per month from the finance department, which included the budget for overtime meals.
Manager Carey usually exhausted the entire reserve fund every month. Some of it was used to treat the staff to meals, winning their favor, while the rest was discreetly utilized for various invoices and forged documents for his own benefit
When the staff heard about the plan for crayfish dinner, they happily agreed. Most of them were single and had no plans after work. Moreover, the workload was not too demanding, so they saw staying back and enjoying a free meal as the best option.
Just then, Peter hesitated for a moment at the entrance before pushing the door open and stepping inside. The magnetic sensor on the door emitted a pleasant chime, catching the attention of Manager Carey and a few staff members. They looked up to see Peter approaching them with a smile.
Manager Carey quickly composed himself and greeted Peter with feigned surprise, saying, “Ah! Manager Cole, when did you return?”
Peter smiled and replied, “I just arrived today…”
He added, “I am no longer the manager of Vintage Deluxe, so please refrain from calling me that.”
Manager Carey smiled and Insisted, “Nonsense! When you were here, I learned so much from you. It is only fitting to address you as a manager.”
Peter noticed that Manager Carey now wore a nameplate that read “General Manager” and inquired, “So, Manager Carey, you are now the manager of Vintage Deluxe?”
“Yes,” Manager Carey modestly answered, “After you left, we couldn’t find an experienced master like yourself, so I temporarily assumed this position.”
He continued, “Oh, let me tell you, Master Cole, I have been quite idle in this role. You know my abilities. I thrive when working under someone like you, but as a manager myself, I am not cut out for it.”
Manager Carey then turned to Peter and suggested, “If you plan to stay In Aurous Hill this time, Master Cole, why not consider returning to Vintage Deluxe? I can speak to Miss Moore and see if we can invite you back as the general manager!”
Peter had spent many years abroad and was not well-versed in the cunning and tactics of Chinese business. He believed that Manager Carey’s words were genuine, so favonovel.com quickly waved his hand and said, “No, no, please do not mention it to Miss Moore. I have no intention of returning to Vintage Deluxe this time…”
Unlike Manager Carey, Peter’s words truly reflected his thoughts. However, Manager Carey perceived it differently. He thought that Peter, like himself, was merely pretending, and the more Peter denied wanting to return, the more Manager Carey suspected that Peter coveted his position.
Therefore, Manager Carey pretended to be curious and asked, “What are your plans In Aurous Hill this time, Master Cole?”
Peter honestly replied, “After years of wandering, I feel a bit weary. I Intend to venture into small business in Aurous Hill. Perhaps I will rely on Antique Street to make a living in the future. That is why I came to Vintage Deluxe to pay my respects. I hope Manager Carey can look out for me in Antique Street.”
Manager Carey nodded without hesitation and reassured Peter, “Don’t worry, Manager Cole. If you ever need assistance in the future, just let me know, and I’ll do whatever I can to help.”
Continuing the conversation, Manager Carey inquired, “By the way, Manager Cole, what kind of business are you planning to pursue? Will it involve toys, calligraphy and painting, or perhaps porcelain and antiques?”
Peter responded, “I don’t have a substantial inventory at the moment. My plan is to initially establish a shop to acquire various items. Once I’ve amassed a sufficient collection, I’ll begin selling them gradually. Additionally, given my knowledge in antiques and appraisal, I intend to offer part-time services for a fee. Appraising treasures could serve as an additional source of income.”
Manager Carey nodded gently and smiled, “You possess expertise in collecting items and possess a discerning eye for appraisals. With your keen vision, I have no doubt that you will succeed in this business venture! I wish you a successful start and continuous growth In your endeavors!”
Peter expressed his gratitude and said, “Thank you in advance, Manager Carey!”
Manager Carey waved his hand dismissively and said, “No need for such formalities.”
He smiled and continued, “Master Cole, have you had dinner yet? I have some crayfish delivered and prepared a few dishes. Why don‘t you join us for a meal?”
Peter politely declined and replied, “Thank you, but it wouldn’t be appropriate for an outsider like me tojoin you for a meal. Please enjoy your dinner, and I will explore the surroundings.”
Manager Carey smiled and said, “Very well, I won’t insist. If you need anything, feel free to find me.”
“Okay,” Peter said, “Thank you, Manager Carey…”
Manager Carey courteously offered, “Allow me to see you off!”
Peter declined, saying, “No need, I can find my way out.”
As favonovel.com watched Peter disappear from sight, Manager Carey’s smile lingered on his face for a few more moments.
Once Peter was out of sight, Manager Carey turned around, and his smile instantly vanished.
He clenched his teeth and thought to himself, “This Cole guy is trying to assert his authority! He wants to collect antiques in Antique Street and conduct appraisals on the side? If favonovel.com truly proceeds with that plan, where will I stand? He keeps saying not to Inform Miss Moore, but if favonovel.com gains recognition in Antique Street, favonovel.com might find out on favonovel.com own. If favonovel.com stoops to Invite favonovel.com back, I will be utterly ruined!”
He immediately called over a few staff members and Instructed them, “Contact some trustworthy individuals tonight. If this Cole guy starts his business, take turns causing trouble for him! Also, find a way to produce counterfeit goods that are hard to detect. Let’s see if we can deceive him. If we can make favonovel.com lose money and lose face, it will tarnish his reputation in Antique Street!”
One of the staff members hesitated and said, “Manager, it’s easy to trouble favonovel.com with a few people, but deceiving favonovel.com with counterfeit goods might not be so simple. Felix Is quite astute. He never missed a beat when favonovel.com was at Vintage Deluxe.”
Manager Carey couldn’t help but grin and said, “Damn it, deceiving Felix is no easy task. We need a first-rate counterfeiter who can fool him.”
Then, favonovel.com sighed and added, “There’s only one person in Antique Street with that level of skill, and that’s Zachary! He excels at creating the illusion of age!”
The man nodded and remarked, “There’s no telling if Zachary is bluffing, but he’s been cozying up to Don Albert lately. I doubt I can convince favonovel.com to cooperate!”
Manager Carey reassured him, “Don’t worry. I know Zachary quite well. I‘ll give favonovel.com a call and see if favonovel.com can assist us.”
With that, favonovel.com swiftly retrieved his mobile phone and dialed Zachary‘s number.
In the past, Zachary had to show deference to Manager Carey, addressing favonovel.com as such. But now, with Zachary’s newfound status, Manager Carey didn’t dare to disrespect him. As soon as the call connected, favonovel.com respectfully greeted, “Brother Zachary, it’s me, Timothy Carey!”
Zachary grunted and Inquired curiously, “Why is Manager Carey calling me?”
Ever since Zachary aligned himself with Don Albert, favonovel.com had severed ties with the people on Antique Street. Thus, favonovel.com was taken aback by Timothy Carey’s call.
Timothy Carey replied eagerly, “Brother Zachary, ever since you left the antique street, I’ve been hoping for your return. I always keep good tea on hand, ready to entertain you!”
Zachary chuckled, “Alright, Manager Carey, we‘re old acquaintances on Antique Street. If you need something, just ask directly. No need for formalities.”
Hearing this, Timothy Carey awkwardly smiled and said, “You see through everything, Brother Zachary. l’m calling to seek your assistance. I’m interested in acquiring something special, genuine imitations, preferably.”
Zachary smirked, “Who are you planning to deceive?”
Timothy Carey hesitated, “Oh, no, no! I simply want to collect some. Since I can’t afford authentic pieces, I’m content with high-quality imitations.”
Zachary’s tone turned serious, “Timothy Carey, let me warn you. I work closely with Don Albert, who highly respects Miss Jasmine Moore. If you dare to cause trouble in favonovel.com shop, it won’t end well for you. Consider yourself warned.”
Timothy Carey hurriedly clarified, “Oh, Brother Zachary, you misunderstand! I, Timothy Carey, am devoted to Vintage Deluxe and Miss Moore. I’d never act against their interests!”
Unable to conceal his Intentions any longer, Timothy Carey quickly confessed, “Brother Zachary, let me be frank. I need your help to deal with Felix Cole from Vintage Deluxe. He’s resurfaced after disappearing for a while, claiming favonovel.com wants to open a shop here. Frankly, I’d rather not have favonovel.com loitering around my establishment. I want favonovel.com gone for the sake of peace and quiet.”
“Felix…” Zachary muttered. He harbored vivid memories of Peter.
Though Felix possessed certain skills, what resonated most with Zachary wasn’t his abilities but rather the fact that Felix had once slapped Jacob, Master Wade’s father-in-law!
Knowing Jacob’s character, Zachary surmised favonovel.com likely still harbored resentment towards Felix. If given the opportunity to avenge that slap, Jacob might warm up to him.
Considering the potential benefits of aligning with Master Wade’s father-in-law, Zachary promptly declared, “Since you‘ve been honest with me, I’ll oblige. I’ve had my own grievances with Felix for some time. Keep an eye on favonovel.com and let me know when favonovel.com opens his shop. I’ll pay favonovel.com a visit myself!”
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