051 The Unattainable Is Always the Most Desired

Today is the grand reopening of Jinyu Workshop, so naturally, I must lift my spirits. Yet I have already given all necessary instructions, and with Uncle Jin’s competence, everything will be handled well; there is no need for me to manage every detail personally. It suffices simply to observe, for it would not do for me to appear too publicly. Still, I cannot help but go and have a look myself to feel at ease.

As for the mighty presence behind Jinyu Workshop—Prince of the Night, Li Yexuan—I have never mentioned it. Should word of this spread, what would I do if his sworn enemies came for me? It would also breed arrogance among my own people, which is never a good thing.

Dawn has only just begun to lighten the sky, yet inside Jinyu Workshop’s main hall, many figures are already bustling about. When I arrive, everyone, led by Uncle Jin, greets me with a respectful “Young Master.”

“You’ve all worked hard. Go about your tasks; pay no mind to me.”

“Yes, sir.”

My brushwork may not be that of a renowned artist, but it is still presentable. I drew a few of the shop’s jewelry pieces and had the paintings posted at the entrance. The sketches are somewhat vague, intentionally lacking in detail so as not to give too much away to our competitors. Conveying a sense of artistic allure is enough—the true aim is to attract customers.

What leaves me feeling desolate is that, whether painting or writing, I must always alter my style, lest someone from my past recognizes it. Each time a piece is finished, I find it awkward to look at, wishing to tear it up and start anew, yet I restrain myself.

Sunlight pours into every corner, and the street outside grows ever more crowded as the weather improves. I give Jinhu a look, and he immediately understands, taking firecrackers outside.

The crackling sound draws a sizable crowd. At this moment, Uncle Jin steps forward and delivers the speech I had prepared for him.

“Good neighbors and elders, my surname is Jin, and I am the chief manager of Jinyu Workshop. Today marks our grand reopening, and everything is being sold at the lowest prices—only for today. Please do come in and take a look. Many thanks to you all.”

He bows, and many people enter to browse.

Uncle Jin is both manager and overseer; I am merely the silent owner behind the scenes. It is not that I am particularly lazy, only that I prefer to keep a low profile—though laziness does play a small part. At least, compared to a certain someone who demands ten percent of the profits without ever showing his face, I am much better.

The reopening is much like any other shop’s, using common materials from the Yuehua Kingdom. Our designs are simply more novel, and the prices are mid to high range—my honest assessment of our shop.

Fortunately, I had people rush to make plenty of stock, and sales are surprisingly good. After all, who doesn’t appreciate affordable and innovative items?

From ordinary townsfolk and servant girls to the noble ladies who eventually came in person, it’s clear our wares are well received.

Finding the bustle tiresome, I withdraw to the rear courtyard. Ever since Li Yexuan recognized me last time, I sought out a teacher, intending to learn the art of disguise, but alas, she knew nothing of it.

However, I did learn quite a bit about cosmetics, and at a glance, I no longer resemble the old Mu Fan.

By evening, everyone is elated; we’ve sold out entirely. Thankfully, I had warned them not to oversell, or everyone would be clamoring to fetch more stock.

I distributed generous rewards to each staff member. Aunt Jin, with her four female apprentices, hurried back to work, and the assistants tidied up.

I called Uncle Jin over to ask his opinion.

He replied that everything was excellent.

“Aunt Jin’s craftsmanship is, of course, superb. When there’s time, buy five more servant girls to lend a hand. But from tomorrow on, things will not be as hectic. Though our shop carries both expensive and affordable items, quality must be assured, and the quantity should not be excessive.”

Uncle Jin agreed, though he seemed not to fully understand; I believe he will in time. After all, it is human nature to covet what cannot be easily obtained.