The invitation came from the Jiang family, one of the five great families. Their business primarily involved the manufacturing of weapons – swords, arrows, spears, and the like. Of course, they also produced everyday items like cleavers, woks, scissors, and farm tools.
They were a well-established name in the city of Quezhou, trusted by everyone.
However, they also owned their own tea houses, not many, just two.
They were looking to source some pastries from Cheng Hao and Su Miaomiao, so the shopkeeper approached the Jiang family's manager. The manager then reported to the patriarch, who agreed, allowing the shopkeeper to negotiate with the young couple.
For a business like this,
the patriarch wouldn't need to get involved; he would delegate to his subordinates.
But this person represented the Jiang family.
The shopkeeper dared not be careless. This was his own idea, and if it went well, it would boost business and increase his year-end bonus. Therefore, he made sure to invite the young couple with great care.
He had already ordered the preparation of fine food and drinks.
He personally led a group of people to wait at the grand entrance of the tea house.
When he spotted the approaching sedan chair from afar,
the shopkeeper became excited and quickly instructed his subordinates to be attentive.
He had also learned that the Cheng family held some renown in Fengcheng, and their fabrics were even sold here, having been fashionable for some time. Thus, people were somewhat familiar with Cheng Xing Cloth Shop.
After doing his homework, the shopkeeper realized the caliber of the person they were dealing with. This young man, despite his age, was already capable of handling major affairs. Upon entering the city, he had already caused a small stir, clearly not an ordinary young master of a wealthy family.
Building a good relationship with such a person was naturally beneficial, and for business, it was even better.
He had previously overheard customers discussing two types of pastries that had suddenly become popular. He had quietly paid attention, then asked a shop assistant to buy twenty to thirty jin. Within two hours, they were all sold out. After receiving numerous compliments from patrons, they were repeatedly asked if more pastries were available to take home for their families to try. The popularity was evident.
The shopkeeper could only pacify the customers for the moment. He immediately sent word upwards, and after receiving approval, he dispatched an invitation to the couple, eagerly awaiting their arrival.
He was naturally excited.
When he saw the beautiful young couple alight from their carriage, he couldn't help but sigh. He felt that young masters and ladies raised in wealth were truly exceptional. The noble aura surrounding them, the moment they stepped down, outshone all the surrounding scenery, drawing everyone's gaze and commanding their admiration.
The shopkeeper wasn't unaccustomed to seeing attractive people, but it was rare to find a couple as well-matched and comely as these two. Many young masters and ladies from wealthy families, even if not inherently beautiful, possessed a certain elegance due to their silk robes, fine fabrics, and pampered upbringing. Their fair complexions made them far more appealing than ordinary people.
But compared to the young couple before him, they were like fish eyes compared to pearls.
The shopkeeper found them a pleasure to behold, yet he dared not stare. Direct eye contact would be rude. He quickly bowed courteously and introduced himself.
"We have been eagerly awaiting your arrival, and now that our esteemed guests have finally come, we are truly delighted. Please, please, come in. A small banquet has been prepared inside. We invite you to proceed. The place is humble; we beg your indulgence, your indulgence!"
His words were down-to-earth yet not overly obsequious.
Cheng Hao was well-equipped to handle such pleasantries. He offered his arm to Su Miaomiao and surveyed the tea house. While not opulent, it was not a place that ordinary people could afford.
He simply smiled and replied, "Shopkeeper Hao is too modest. How can such an elegant tea house be called humble?"
He was also skilled at such exchanges.
Su Miaomiao rolled her eyes inwardly. She actually disliked this kind of polite banter the most. When her efforts were truly needed, it was a different matter. For instance, when coaxing her "cheap father" in this life, a few perfunctory words could make him happy. But in general, she didn't particularly like engaging in such exchanges.
They were all mere pleasantries.
Boring.
It was the same in her previous life in modern times. Her parents were in business, and such insincere formalities were common. This is how Su Miaomiao developed her aversion, though sometimes she had no choice but to play along.
Like now.
Cheng Hao also disliked it, but he had to engage, as business was at stake.
Making money.
There was nothing to be ashamed of!
If it meant putting on an act, then so be it.
Su Miaomiao understood this. She merely grumbled internally, her outward demeanor calm, even maintaining a standard smile that made her look quite demure.