"Brother Guo is one for the big things. He doesn't need to worry about the small details. He's our strong backing," Wu Youzhi said.
"It's mainly because my side of things is too extensive. You can make the decisions for the 4S dealership.
The raw jadeite will be handed over to Mr. Wu, Mr. Pi, and Xiao Yun and Xia Li.
President Jiang is waiting for me to depart; there are too many things to do.
While I'm away, you should discuss any matters that arise amongst yourselves.
From now on, even if we do nothing, it will be enough for us to live in luxury for a lifetime," Guo Xuyang said to Guo Xuhui.
"Brother Guo is right. In the period leading up to the new year, Zhenbao Pavilion's transaction volume exceeded ten billion.
President Pi's sales have also been good, with the two stores in Shanghai also surpassing ten billion."
"Compared to you guys, my side isn't doing as well.
Although some people bought new cars before the new year, overall sales didn't increase much compared to this time last year.
The sales revenue hasn't even reached one hundred million."
"You can't compare that. What you sell is practical, while we sell items that preserve and appreciate in value. Ten billion isn't considered a lot.
A piece of high-ice jadeite can be tens of millions, rarely below ten million.
Our raw materials are of high quality, and several pieces have reached glass-like quality.
If we sell ten pieces a day, that's several hundred million in revenue, so ten billion truly isn't a lot."
"Who can afford such expensive items?" Guo Xuhui marveled.
"There are plenty of people who can afford them. You can't judge those people by our income.
Our country's economy is developing rapidly, and many people have become part of the first wave of those who got rich.
They have surplus money and buy things like jadeite and antiques for preservation and appreciation.
After all, money in the bank depreciates."
"I understand what you're saying.
Ten years ago, a thousand yuan was usable cash. Now, ten thousand yuan might be worth what one thousand yuan was worth back then.
With more money, it becomes less valuable."
"So, there's no comparison between what we sell.
There are countless wealthy people. Even more people can afford jadeite.
Moreover, these items are now scarce; once one is sold, there are fewer.
Rare things are precious, so the price will only continue to rise."
"I understand what you're saying. But what's so valuable about these jadeite and antiques? You can't eat or drink them."
"That's where you're mistaken. Then tell me, why are celebrity calligraphy and paintings so expensive if you can't eat or drink them? Their existence itself has value.
Otherwise, why do so many people study calligraphy and painting every year, and why are there dedicated subjects for them in universities?
Look at how few people actually achieve mastery, how few become calligraphy masters.
Many dedicate their lives to study, only to end up with nothing.
The economy is developing, society is progressing, and it needs various kinds of culture.
From ancient times to the present, every dynasty had its glory, but what ultimately remains?
It's culture, it's antiques; it's a form of heritage.
And precisely because they are rare and unique, they are valuable."
It had to be said that Wu Youzhi's reasoning was very sound.
Why are they valuable? Because they are scarce and unique.
As the few of them chatted, they soon arrived at the Junyue Lai Hotel.
Liu He was having people hang lanterns and paste couplets.
"President Guo, you're here. Please come in," he said, coming to greet them.
"Mr. Wu just returned from Kyoto. We're here to welcome him.
Arrange a table for us; you'll join us later," Guo Xuyang said.
"Certainly. Please go inside and sit down first."
"Let's wait a moment; there are a few more people coming. You all carry on with your work."
"We're almost done. Lunch is being prepared. I'll have someone send it to Auntie.
I've prepared dumpling filling and various vegetables for you. Most of them are semi-finished products, just needing a little processing tonight.
I plan for these people to leave at five o'clock and return on the fifth day of the lunar new year."
"Alright. After the guests leave at noon and things are tidied up, if there's nothing else, let everyone go home.
Today is New Year's Eve, so there's no need for everyone to stay.
Also, ensure fire and theft prevention measures are in place, and provide subsidies to staff who remain on duty."
"All of that has been arranged. I'll be staying here to watch the shop for the New Year. Your sister-in-law will bring the children tonight.
Staff have also been arranged for the first to fourth days of the new year, with a subsidy of three hundred yuan per day."
"Good. You handle these arrangements.
Make sure to prepare the cigarettes, alcohol, tea, fruits, and food.
It's the New Year; let everyone have a happy Spring Festival."
"Rest assured, President Guo. These brothers are quite reliable."
As they were talking, Xiao Li and the other three arrived.
"Let's go, we're heading upstairs," Guo Xuyang said, turning to go upstairs.
Liu He gave some instructions to the people pasting couplets at the door, then went to the kitchen to make further arrangements before going upstairs.
The dishes came out quickly; eight cold dishes were served shortly.
"Come, Mr. Wu, we're celebrating the New Year early today, and it's also a welcome for you. Everyone, let's start with a toast." Guo Xuyang said, tilting his head back and drinking.
"Cheers," everyone echoed, draining their glasses.
"Time flies so fast; before you know it, we're celebrating the New Year. I've gotten another year older," Guo Xuyang remarked.
"You've gotten another year older, but I've gotten a year older," Wu Youzhi lamented.
"You're still in your prime; it's a bit early to say you're old, isn't it? You're about to become a father."
"Right, not old, not old. Looking at the baby in the womb makes me realize I'm still in my prime."
"You're so flippant," Wu Aili said, playfully chiding him.
"Brother Guo, when will you hold the full moon banquet?" Wu Youzhi asked.
"In our custom, it's nine days for a boy and twelve days for a girl. I'm not sure about the customs here," Guo Xuyang said.
"I'm actually not sure about that. I wonder if Manager Liu knows?"
"The customs here are the same as what President Guo mentioned. It's nine days for a boy and twelve days for a girl," Liu He replied.
"Then Xiao Guo Yi Shun was born on the twenty-seventh. If it's nine days, it will coincide with the fifth day of the lunar new year.
Alright, that's perfect, as we'll be reopening on the fifth day. We can hold both the reopening and the full moon banquet together." Guo Xuyang calculated by counting on his fingers.
"Then the people will be gathered. I'll call those people and invite them to come and join the celebration," Wu Youzhi said happily.
"Alright. This can be considered the first happy event of my life," Guo Xuyang stated.
"Wasn't going to college a happy event for you?" Lin Ziqi chimed in.
Lin Zixuan quickly tugged at her sleeve.
"I misspoke just now. It should be the first happy event of my life after entering society."
"Most people get married first; you, on the other hand, are holding a baby banquet first," Lin Ziqi retorted.
"Isn't this being a step ahead?" Wu Youzhi interjected with a chuckle.
He knew Lin Ziqi held some resentment.
Last time Guo Xuhui got married, Guo Xuyang had mentioned introducing Lin Ziqi to Pi Xiaoqian as a potential partner, but Li Minyu's assassin chase interrupted things.
As a result, the introduction never happened.
Furthermore, Guo Xuyang got involved with Lin Ziqi's older sister. Lin Ziqi found out about this later, so it was no wonder she kept retorting at Guo Xuyang.