"Since Director Jiang assigned it to you, you should just do it with confidence. Honestly, I don't know what to say about you," Wu Youzhi said.
"Then what should I do?"
"What to do? Tell Brother Guo the truth. Say you don't have the energy to manage the hotel and ask him to find someone else. Be sincere, don't let him have any complaints about you."
"Okay. I know what to do. I'll hang up now, I need to tidy things up here first."
As soon as Xu Liping finished tidying, Guo XuYang and Ye Zi arrived.
"Director Guo, you're here."
"Mm, how is business?"
"We had a promotional period before the Lunar New Year, and the foot traffic is quite good now. We sell about a hundred pieces of gold, silver, and jewelry daily, and about ten pieces of jade and emerald. The daily turnover can reach over a hundred million on normal days, and up to seven to eight hundred million on good days," Xu Liping said.
"Not bad. I noticed the occupancy rate at the An Ran Grand Hotel isn't too high?"
"That's my fault. I haven't really paid much attention to that side of things, focusing my main energy on the jewelry store. The hotel staff are still the original team after the reorganization, with hardly any major changes."
"Mm, the weather is gradually warming up, and the peak tourist season is about to begin. You should focus on that side a bit more and collaborate with some travel agencies for customer flow. This will help increase the hotel's occupancy rate."
"Okay, Director Guo, I'll keep that in mind. Our jewelry store also has partnerships with travel companies. We can contact them to direct clients to stay at the hotel or to become a designated reception hotel for the travel companies."
"Mm, that would be best. Once the foot traffic picks up, we won't have to worry about business."
"Director Guo, do you think we should find a suitable person to manage the hotel business? I'm handling things here smoothly, and I'm not too familiar with the hotel operations."
"Are you saying you don't want to take on the hotel business?"
"It's not exactly that. It's mainly that I'm not very familiar with hotels and I'm afraid I won't do a good job."
"This hotel is just about food and accommodation, it's not that complicated. You continue to manage it for now. We'll hand it over when we find a suitable candidate."
"Alright then. Did they find the car from yesterday?" Xu Liping asked cautiously.
"No news yet. The other party has already reported it to the police. How much inventory do you have left? How many days can you hold on?"
"We have about a hundred pieces here, and some more in the Antique Street. We should be fine for about a week."
"That's good. I've already arranged for Xiao Yun to notify Xia Li to prepare the materials. We should be able to get some more tomorrow."
"That's great. Director Guo, was our loss very significant yesterday?"
"We're waiting for the other party's result. It shouldn't be too significant; the other party will compensate for a portion. Are you free now? If you are, let's go to the Antique Street to take a look."
"I'm free. I'll let them know. Are you going now?"
"Yes." Guo XuYang said and turned to leave.
Xu Liping quickly informed the store manager and followed Guo XuYang out.
Ye Zi gave up her seat, letting Xu Liping drive, as she was not too familiar with this place.
The three of them arrived at the Antique Street around noon.
"Director Guo, you're here," Xiao Yu quickly greeted them.
"Mm. How is business at the store?"
"It's alright. Business is around thirty million a day, with a net profit of over ten million."
"Is it much worse here than on the pedestrian street?"
"The foot traffic is less here, and most are old clients from Shanghai, with more repeat customers. Unlike the pedestrian street, where the customer flow is large. However, our craftsmen here have time to carve and make jade ornaments. Manager Xu told us that all materials should be prioritized for ornaments, and then for bracelets and pendants."
"Mm. Jade is becoming rarer and rarer. It's best to create some timeless masterpieces. Bracelets and pendants are used and then they're gone; there are fewer timeless pieces."
"You can't say that. If it's a good item, it can last for three to five generations. A bracelet can still be a family heirloom."
"You're right. Have you been back recently?"
"No. I went back once last time, but my grandmother is no longer around, and there's no one left at home. I haven't been back since then."
"Where did you spend the New Year?"
"I spent it with Sister Ping. I went to her house with her."
"You've been through a lot," Guo XuYang said, pulling her closer.
Xu Liping saw this and quietly walked out with Ye Zi.
"I'm not suffering, I'm quite happy here. I'm busy every day, and I have so many friends at the store."
"Where are you living now?"
"It's still the house you bought. I'm living with Sister Ping."
"Come back and find a good person to marry."
"No. Director Guo, I will wait for you forever. Ever since I got together with you, I haven't thought of anyone else. You've given me everything; I have food, drinks, and money to spend, which is great."
"It's a bit lonely for you alone. I can't give you a home."
"You don't have to think that way. Isn't Sister Ping the same? As long as you have hope in your heart, it's good no matter how you live. Moreover, you were the one who pulled me out of the depths of despair."
"I'm not as good as you think. Really, if you meet someone suitable, I'll prepare a dowry for you."
"Director Guo, you don't have to do that. Whenever you think of me, you can give me a call, and I'll be very satisfied."
As Xiao Yu spoke, tears began to fall. Guo XuYang felt a pang of guilt; he had only thought of his own happiness and had completely forgotten about Xiao Yu. He vaguely remembered that when he held the baby celebration for Xiao Guo Yi Shun last time, Xiao Yu had also sent a gift through Xu Liping, but she hadn't attended. He had been too busy entertaining other friends at the time and had forgotten about it. Xiao Yu's words today made him feel somewhat remorseful. He was, after all, her first man, and she helped him manage his business, yet he had never called to ask about her well-being.
"I'm sorry, it's all my fault."
"Director Guo, no, I don't have any complaints about you. I'm doing very well here, really. Please don't try to persuade me to get married again."
"Okay, you wait. I'll give you a home," Guo XuYang said, kissing her forehead.
"Mm. I know you won't abandon me."
"Alright, stop crying. It's not good for people to see. Wipe your face, and let's go out," Guo XuYang said softly, patting Xiao Yu's back.
"Mm."
"Manager Xu, what's the situation between Yang Zi and Xiao Yu?" Ye Zi asked.
"How should I put it? Xiao Yu is currently an employee of Director Guo's store."
"Currently? What about before?"
"Xiao Yu used to work at the An Ran Grand Hotel. Her background is quite pitiful; she was trafficked and brought into the hotel. Later, she met Director Guo, who took her in."