After finishing our meal, Karina went to the small alley to play with her new friends.
Karina came from a big city and had such a cute and lovely appearance. Her big eyes sparkled like stars, which made the other kids adore her. And since she was down–to–earth, everyone was happy to play with her.
Once she started playing, she forgot about everything else and laughed heartily in the alley.
Her laughter was clear and melodious, just like that of a little lark.
I didn’t stop her from playing with other kids; I wanted her to be free.
Inside the house, only the three of us adults remained.
The dim lights created a really serene atmosphere.
William never showed any signs of distaste on his face, and he seemed to enjoy this simple and
warm environment.
“Mr. Ripley, can you tell me about the plan you mentioned earlier?” I asked straightforwardly.
William nodded and smiled warmly. “Mr. Arthur’s shoemaking craftsmanship is truly exquisite, and
it would be a pity if it were lost. What I mean is…”
“Oh, everyone’s here.”
Before William could finish his words, a loud voice from the doorway interrupted him.
The three of us turned our heads to see Auntie Violet standing there.
Unlike before, she was dressed more neatly, and she had tidied up her hair.
In her hands, she held a basket of fruits and walked in casually, saying, “Ah, my son just picked
these from the garden. I picked the best ones and brought them for you to taste.”
She grinned widely, and her laughter was exaggerated.
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She took out an orange from the basket and wiggled it in front of us, saying, “This is a top–notch navel orange, specially used to entertain distinguished guests.”
Auntie Violet’s ingratiating behavior was undoubtedly an attempt to avoid settling the rent issue
with me.
Having lived here for several years, the accumulated rent would amount to tens of thousands.
I looked at Auntie Violet.
Though she was nosy and gossipy, she also had a warm side.
For example, she was the one who informed me that Dad went to find the Quinn family with a knife, and she had taken care of Karina for a while.
She was not heartless, so she wouldn’t really come to settle the rent.
I thanked her and planned to pay her for the fruit.
But Auntie Violet refused adamantly, and her eyes quickly shifted to William, saying, “Oh, this must be your husband. Handsome and talented indeed. I was wondering why Anya came back with a child alone. Turns out her husband was following behind. You care so much for Anya, coming after her so quickly.”
She said so with her mouth, but the gossip in her eyes never ceased. In her words, she probed whether there was a rift between the two of us, causing us to return separately.
The countryside woman, preoccupied with trivial matters, had a somewhat voyeuristic desire.
“No, you misunderstood. This is just a guest who came to see the shoemaking process,” Dad coldly replied, knowing that I disliked being scrutinized.
A couple of “Oh” and “Ah” sounds were uttered by Auntie Violet, and her gaze towards me went through yet another change.
In the end, she didn’t say much and awkwardly left.
“Sorry about that, Mr. Ripley. She’s just a nosy woman from the countryside.” Dad apologized to William after Auntie Violet left.
William shook his head, showing that he didn’t mind, but his gaze couldn’t help but turn in my
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direction.
When Auntie Violet paired him with me just now, he didn’t feel repulsed or offended.
“Mr. Ripley, please continue with what you were saying earlier,” I reminded him, bringing his
thoughts back to the topic.
Only then did William regain his composure and continue, “What I meant was to purchase your craftsmanship, Mr. Arthur, and organize a group of apprentices for specialized learning. Of course, while ensuring the quality, there will be some appropriate improvements.”
“Purchase. What does that mean? Does it mean I won’t be able to make shoes anymore in the
future?” Dad’s expression turned unpleasant.
His only hobby in life was shoemaking, and without it, life would lose its meaning.
William smiled. “You are a master of ancient shoemaking. How can our shoes have a soul without you making them?”
He lightly pressed his lips, allowing the half–length hair to fall freely on his forehead, adding a touch of antiquity to his appearance.
“However, with more people learning, you may take on the role of a technical consultant, guiding them in the shoemaking process. So, you will have less time for shoemaking.”
“A technical consultant?” Dad didn’t have a clear concept of this position.
“It’s similar to being a master,” I explained.
Dad nodded. He was a man of few words, feeling more comfortable working with his hands than with his mouth.
“In this way, more people will learn your techniques, and more people will wear shoes made in the ancient way. Your skills won’t disappear, and everyone won’t have to wait half a month to wear a pair of shoes. It’s a win–win situation,” William summarized.
Dad lowered his face, and the wrinkles on his face tightened under the soft light.
After much contemplation, he said, “Let me think about it some more.”
William didn’t push him. “Sure, Mr. Arthur, whenever you have made up your mind, just give me a
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call.”
He placed his business card in Dad’s hand, maintaining a respectful attitude throughout.
Dad didn’t say much and went into the backyard to make shoes.
I watched the stooped figure of my father and let out a soft sigh. Shoemaking was not only Dad’s means of livelihood but also his only hobby and another beloved passion besides me.
Therefore, even the slightest change could cause him immense shock.
“Mr. Ripley, are you sure about venturing into the shoe industry?” I shifted my gaze back to William.
“Yes,” William nodded.
“Your Ripley family has never been in the shoe business. Suddenly entering the footwear industry, don’t you think it’s risky?”
“Perhaps it is a risk, but this line of business is still profitable, isn’t it?” William looked steadily at me, understanding what I was thinking to some extent, and then explained, “I propose to purchase your father’s shoemaking craftsmanship because during your livestream, many people placed orders.”
He took out a list with some data, precisely the figures from my livestream.
“At that time, there were five million people in your livestream room, and within three minutes, 638 orders were placed. This is a high volume of orders.”
He flicked the paper and placed it in front of me. “Afterwards, you declined to sell shoes, but there were still five percent of people expressing their willingness to purchase. This is a tremendous business opportunity, and as a businessman, I can’t ignore it.”
Backed by the data, William’s words were precise, leaving me speechless for a moment.
The next day, Dad had a lengthy conversation with William alone.
I didn’t know the details of the conversation, but when Dad came out, he had an additional contract
in his hand.
Clearly, Dad had agreed to William’s request.
“Dad, is this… okay?” I asked with concern.
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In this matter, I was quite cautious.
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Dad nodded with a smile and said, “Mr. Ripley is a shrewd businessman and meticulous in his work. I don’t understand business, but as long as he can help me pass on this shoemaking craftsmanship, I
will be satisfied.”
I took the contract and carefully read through it.
William’s contract was very professional, but it didn’t impose too many restrictive requirements on
Dad.
As I continued to read, I suddenly sucked in a breath of cold air.
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