Year 1983: I was a carpenter in Northeast China

Chapter 166 Advisor

Afterwards, Xu Bei delivered a batch of goods to Fan Baoli and earned more than two hundred yuan.

In a short period of time, he earned the wages that many workers in that era could only earn in a year. If anyone knew this, they would definitely be extremely envious and jealous.

However, Xu Bei naturally wouldn't let that happen, always adhering to the principle of making money quietly.

Even his closest family members wouldn't reveal that he was the real boss of the wood products processing business, let alone other outsiders.

As for the goods the Chen brothers wanted, Xu Bei deliberately delayed going to the train station to arrange for shipment of a large portion of them, and also sent a telegram explaining that he would make up the rest as soon as possible.

After finishing the plastering work at the new store and leaving, although it was already March, the weather was still a bit cold, and we couldn't open the windows for ventilation as freely as in summer and autumn.

Because when a cold wind blows, the freshly applied white paint is very prone to cracking, peeling, or even falling off.

So in order to dry the food faster, Xu Bei often came to the shop to light the stove.

That morning, two staff members from the city's industrial and commercial department finally arrived to conduct an on-site inspection of the location where the shop was to be opened.

It's almost identical to the work process of the Forestry Bureau back then.

After inspecting the store inside and out, recording some data, and asking a few questions, I was told that I could go to the Industry and Commerce Bureau to apply for a business license when I had time.

Practice makes perfect. Since I had already done it once, I was much more adept at it this time.

Therefore, Xu Bei did not stay overnight and went to the Industry and Commerce Bureau that afternoon with all the prepared materials.

After some effort, the business license, with his name handwritten by the staff, was finally ready.

Although the fields for name, employees, business items, business scope, capital amount, business location, and issuing authority are printed, the rest must be handwritten.

However, the people in most organizations who are responsible for filling out the forms are usually skilled calligraphers who write in a strong and powerful regular script, which also carries the unique official document style of that era.

Xu Bei looked at his name and the other words written on it, which were written in a free and elegant style, and a satisfied expression appeared on his face.

After leaving the Bureau of Industry and Commerce, Xu Bei carefully held the business license, which still smelled faintly of ink and bore a bright red seal. Instead of rushing home or to the new store, he planned to find a place to frame it.

After all, it would be a big problem if this thin business license were damaged if not properly preserved.

Instead, having someone use thin wooden strips to sandwich the glass inside the license and then hang it on the wall gives customers the impression of a legitimate and compliant business operation, while also allowing relevant department staff conducting routine inspections to see it clearly, saving them the trouble of searching for it.

Following the route in his memory, Xu Bei quickly arrived at an alley near the Xinhua Bookstore.

He remembered there was a privately owned framing shop here.

Don't let the small storefront fool you; the master craftsman's skills are impeccable, though he can be a bit stubborn.

When Xu Bei pushed open the door, an old man wearing reading glasses was working at a workbench.

He merely glanced up at her and asked indifferently, "What are you planning to do?"

Xu Bei knew that some people were just like that, so he didn't mind at all. "Sir, can you frame a business license here?"

The experienced craftsman glanced at the brand-new business license, then at Xu Bei, and said, "It's possible, but you'll have to wait. We have too much work. Come pick it up tomorrow morning."

"Sure, I'm not in a rush. I'll just do it as I see fit."

Xu Bei agreed, inquired about the price, and left the business license at the store.

After leaving the store, he saw the Xinhua Bookstore standing not far away. He glanced at the time on his watch and strolled over.

I plan to buy myself a few novels to pass the time, and also some study materials and extracurricular books for my younger sister.

As soon as I entered the Xinhua Bookstore, I almost bumped into a girl carrying a book as soon as I lifted the cotton curtain.

When Xu Bei realized that the other person was Zhou Qingwan, he was very surprised and delighted, but also somewhat confused.

After all, Zhou Qingwan should have been at school at this time.

"What a coincidence, we've run into each other again tonight! Why aren't you in class?"

The moment Zhou Qingwan saw Xu Bei, a hint of shock flashed in her eyes.

Although I heard that the other person had moved to the city and was going to open a shop, six or seven days had passed since we met on the fifteenth day of the first lunar month. I never dreamed that we would meet like this.

In particular, she was annoyed by Song Guomei a few days ago, and in a moment of impulsiveness, she even—

A shy yet complex smile appeared on Zhou Qingwan's face. "Brother Xu, I never expected to meet you here."

"Um—I took some time off to run some errands and also bought some books and study materials to take back."

Xu Bei didn't presume to pry into what he was doing on leave. Instead, he looked down at the books the other person was holding and asked, "What did you buy? Will my sister be able to use them?"

Zhou Qingwan had tutored Xu Juan for a while before the Lunar New Year, and had automatically taken on the role of a little teacher, answering directly, "She's only in her first year of high school, she hasn't learned that yet."

"I won't buy the same thing until she's learned it," Xu Bei laughed heartily and continued, "I was just planning to buy her some extracurricular books and review materials, and I happened to run into you. Do you have time to help me think of some suitable books that she can use right now?"

Zhou Qingwan blinked; in fact, she had expected the invitation.

Besides, Xu Bei and his mother had been kind to her, and given the subtle mutual attraction between them, it was impossible for her to refuse.

"Sure, Brother Xu, I'll help you choose."

"Great! It really is better to be early than early."

As Xu Bei spoke, he naturally walked side by side with Zhou Qingwan into the Xinhua Bookstore, which had very high ceilings.

Thinking back to the last time I came here, I ran into my brother-in-law from my past life. He helped me out by buying a book for a few cents. He also subconsciously glanced at the rows of waist-high wooden display stands in the bookstore, which usually had various new and best-selling books and some periodicals laid out on them.

Zhou Qingwan, who was walking beside him, had no idea what Xu Bei was thinking. She just saw him looking in that direction and followed his gaze.

"Brother Xu, the study materials suitable for Xiaojuan are over there on the bookshelf. Let's go pick some out."

Xu Bei looked away and said with a smile, "Okay. By the way, Qingwan, what's the latest you can get back to school?"

Zhou Qingwan tucked a stray hair behind her ear and, instead of answering, asked, "Brother Xu, why are you asking this?"

Xu Bei said matter-of-factly, "I can't let you help me for nothing, so I'd like to treat you to something to eat."

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Zhou Qingwan quickly waved her hand and said, "Brother Xu, you're too kind. This is just a small matter and doesn't even count as helping. Besides, I have to go back to school soon and attend evening self-study."

T

Xu Bei could tell that the girl was really anxious and unwilling to accept the invitation to dinner, so he could only say, "Oh, then let's do it another day when you're free."

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