“Hmm, can Master Ke really make this?”

“Yes, yes, yes! It’s definitely doable. Your sketch is very detailed, it’s guaranteed to be made.”

“Then I’ll have to trouble you, Master Ke. Do you know when you’ll be able to finish it?”

“Ugh, well, that’s a bit uncertain…”

As he said this, Ke Lizhu continued to look at the sheets of rice paper in front of him.

There were about seven or eight sketches in his hands, with images of stools, chairs, desks, even a bed…

Clearly, this was a full set of furniture.

This kind of custom-made furniture is usually ordered by people who are moving into a new home.

After finishing his inspection, Ke Lizhu asked, “Has Miss Jian selected a date for your move?”

He needed to check if it was feasible to complete the furniture in time for her move, as such events are very important and cannot be delayed.

If it wasn’t possible, he would have to make the furniture in separate batches, otherwise, he might spoil the good day for her.

“Master Ke, don’t worry. The house is just beginning to be built. At the fastest, it’ll take a little more than a month, maybe even longer!”

Though construction in this area was quick, her house was large and complex, with many novel features.

Considering that, a month might not be enough to finish. Plus, once it was completed, she would still need to choose an auspicious date for the move.

So, realistically speaking, it would take more than a month, and at worst, up to three months or even longer.

“Ah, that long? No problem, I’m sure I can finish it.” Ke Lizhu said confidently.

With business coming in, especially such innovative designs, how could he not be happy?

After saying that, Ke Lizhu turned to Jian Xiu and asked, “Miss, did you really draw these designs yourself?”

“Why not? Who else could have done it?”

“Ah… And the designs, were they also your idea?”

Hearing this, Jian Xiu raised an eyebrow, giving a “I’m very easy-going” expression and replied, “Of course, I imagined them in my head, then designed them myself. Is there a problem with that?”

After saying this, Jian Xiu smiled slightly, watching Ke Lizhu.

She wanted to see if he really had a business mind.

The location of his wood and pottery shop was excellent, it was in the busiest part of the whole county.

Yet, despite this prime location, his shop was still the least profitable.

Even Jian Xiu felt sorry for him.

Sure enough, as soon as Jian Xiu finished speaking, Ke Lizhu’s eyes immediately lit up.

After a brief pause, he cautiously asked, “Miss Jian, there’s something I’d like to discuss with you. Would that be alright?”

“Master Ke, you want to use my designs, don’t you?” Jian Xiu replied calmly.

“Hahaha, I won’t hide it from you, Miss Jian. Look at my shop—there isn’t even a fly around here. I know it’s because my designs are too outdated.”

“But the furniture styles outside aren’t to my liking. I’m just this way—if it’s not good, I’d rather stay true to my original style.”

“But the designs you have are different. I’ve only glanced at them, and I already like them.”

“If Miss Jian agrees, I would like to use your designs. Once made, I’ll display them in my shop. As for the money…”

At this point, Ke Lizhu paused, thought for a moment, and then asked uncertainly:

“Miss Jian, you name your price. If it’s reasonable, I’ll buy the designs. How about it?”

Jian Xiu was stunned upon hearing this.

She couldn’t help but think, Ke Lizhu really wasn’t cut out for business.

If this had been Rong Zhihe, he wouldn’t have thought this way.

But Jian Xiu also understood that if she were too blunt, it might cause displeasure.

After a brief moment of thought, Jian Xiu spoke up:

“Has Master Ke considered that once this furniture is made, it’ll soon spread, one telling ten, and ten telling a hundred? Soon, all furniture shops will be carrying the same designs.”

“And at that point, your shop won’t be unique anymore, and after a while, it’ll return to its current state, with not even a fly inside!”

Jian Xiu was fairly direct in saying this, but Ke Lizhu didn’t get upset.

Instead, he looked curious and asked, “I know that will happen. So, what do you suggest I do to maintain my business?”

“It’s simple. As long as you maintain quality and constantly innovate new designs, your business will thrive,” Jian Xiu explained.

“That’s easier said than done!” Ke Lizhu said, looking quite troubled.

He wanted to innovate, but if the style wasn’t something he liked, he wasn’t willing to try it.

“Master Ke, if you don’t want to make those designs, why not find an apprentice to make them for you? At least your shop won’t stay as it is now…”

At this point, Jian Xiu had to admit, Ke Lizhu really was stubborn.

It was hard for her to understand why he didn’t get it.

“Find an apprentice?”

“Yes, just find an apprentice.”

“Sigh… Miss, you don’t understand. Finding an apprentice is easy, but the style… that’s the hard part. And it has to be innovative too!”

“Oh? Then what do you think of the designs I have here?”

By now, Jian Xiu wasn’t going to hold back.

Sure enough, as soon as Ke Lizhu heard this, his eyes lit up with disbelief.

He asked, “So, what you’re suggesting is…”

“Commission-based. For every design I sell, I’ll take 20% of the profit. How does that sound?”

“Miss Jian, you’re indeed straightforward! Alright, it’s settled then, but I do have one condition!”

“Please, Master Ke, go ahead.”

“From now on, all your designs must be drawn like today’s, with the dimensions clearly marked. That way, it’ll be easier for us to work, right?”

“Of course! Even if you hadn’t mentioned it, I would have marked it clearly.” Jian Xiu responded calmly.

“Hahaha…”

The two of them then signed a contract.

Looking at the terms, Jian Xiu realized that Ke Lizhu was actually quite meticulous.

From the contract, it was clear he was someone who paid attention to details, even though he might not be the best at business.

“Now that the contract is signed, in the future, when convenient, it might be a little troublesome, but it would be great if you could send me some new designs every few months.”

“Of course. The more designs there are, the better the business will be!”