"Mr. Qiao, indeed you have a keen eye. I call it the Business Triplicate Form. The first copy is given to the customer as a receipt, the second copy is for the accounting department to settle accounts, and the third copy is for inventory reconciliation. The signed copy is personally signed by the person who handled it that day. Compared to a brush, a pencil can leave a mark and penetrate the paper, and it can be sharpened when the tip is worn out, lasting until the third copy. I believe it can provide assistance for the new business opening at the end of the month in your store, right?"
"More than just our store, the entire Yunmeng Dynasty's merchants will undergo a change! Although overseas numerical methods are not well known among our people, I must say that it is indeed concise in writing. Without going into details about the other aspects, I can see the ingenuity. Miss, I'll take as many as you have."
"Mr. Qiao, do you understand these numbers? As you said, many Chinese are not familiar with them. However, I believe that from apprentices to assistants, mastering simple conversion and calculation studies is not difficult. These small blackboards are low-cost and easy to obtain. With repeated wiping and practice, even children from ordinary families can learn a useful skill. I must confess, I only have a small number of samples, and there is much room for improvement. Also, this pancreas is infused with sulfur to treat psoriasis. With slight modifications to the formula, it can be used for different series such as shampoo, bath, stain removal, and fragrance. If you're interested, I would like to collaborate on production."
"Miss, you hold a golden pen indeed. Unlocking the hidden treasures, why did you choose my shop, which has no reputation, no scale, and hasn't even opened yet?"
Xiangbei squinted her eyes into a long, downward-curved line, lips tightened with an upward curve, smiling sweetly and innocently. "Because you look like my dad, and I like you, I trust you."
In an instant, Qiao Ziqiu's heart throbbed like a drum, his face flushing. She likes me, she likes me. Is she always this bold in speaking? Seeing her face filled with genuine joy and admiration, he realized he might have been too abrupt. Having lived nearly twenty-eight years, he had unexpectedly lost his composure. This little girl probably recalled someone very important to her when she saw someone who looked like him. That person must be deeply significant to her.
"Oh, I must meet your 'dad' when I have the chance. Thank you for trusting me. I'm very willing to sign a contract with you. Let's sign and pay the deposit today. How about cooperating in the production of these stationery items?"
"Signing the contract is fine, but it's not just stationery, or rather, not just these stationery items. I think there will also be various series of bath and body care products, daily kitchen utensils, condiments, new teas, sugars, and many more. I'll gradually make samples, and as long as you like them, we can collaborate on production. But I have a small request—"
"Although I haven't seen the samples you mentioned, just by listening, I believe they must be extraordinary. Whatever your needs are, just tell me. I will do my best."
"It's just that I would like your store name to be changed to North-South Supermarket. I looked at you with a bit of trepidation, remembering a colleague at the company who loved time-travel novels and often educated everyone about ancient people's preferences during dinners. According to him, names, residences, and businesses were quite superstitious, and they must consider the combination of five elements and characters. So even before the store officially opened, persuading people to change their name, would it make them unhappy?"
"Changing the name is not difficult. The original signboard of this grocery store was left behind by the previous owner when they sold the business. Since we're starting to cooperate, it's appropriate for the young lady to name it. However, does 'supermarket' have any special significance?"
"Coming from the north and going to the south, goods reach customers. North-South is good. As for 'supermarket,' let me draw it for you." Xiangbei took a sheet of rice paper and started drawing while explaining the layout, product classification, arrangement, and purchase settlement methods of a modern supermarket. Two hours passed without them noticing. Qiao Ziqiu was so shocked by this ingenious and massive system that he didn't even pour water for the two. It wasn't until Xiangbei put down her brush, licked her somewhat dry lips, and took a few sips of the cold tea nearby that he finally reacted. The time had already passed noon, so he apologetically invited Xiangbei to go to the restaurant for some lunch before continuing the conversation.