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 sta
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.
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 Auntle 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 Thorne 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.
Bat Auntie Violet refuses adamantly, and her eyes quickly shifted to William, saying, “Oh, this must be your husband. Handsome and talented indeed, I was wondering why Ethel came back with a child alone. Turns out her husband was Rollowing behind You are so much for thel, 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, prosocupiest with trivial matters, had a somewhat voyeuriste desire.
No. You misunderstood. This is just a guest who came to see the shoemaking process. Dad coldly replied, knowing that I shishkest being scrutinised
A couple of “0” and “Ah” sounds were uttered by Auntie Violet, and her gaze towards me went through yet another change.
In the end. She didnt say much and awkwardly lett
Sery about that Mr. Ripley shes just a noss woman from the countryside” Dad apologized to William after Auntie Violet
Witham shook his head, showing that he didn’t mund, but has gare couldn’t help but turn in my direction
When Aussie Violet paned hip with me just now he didnt teet repulsed or ottended
- Riley please contine with what you were saving earlier. I reminded hum 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 grip of apprentices tot specialized leaning of course, while ensuring the quality, there will be some appengesate umjes
“Purchase. What does ti mean? Does it menti I wont be able to make shoes anymore in the future” pads expression turned
unpleasant
without it, life would lose is meant
situled. You
making. How can our shoes have a soul without you making them?
He lightly pressed his lips, allowing the half length hair to tall freely on his torehead, adding a touch of antiquity to his
appearance
“However, with more people learning von may take on the role of a techqucal consultant, gusting them in the shoemaking
A technical consultant” Dad didnt have a dear concept of this position
“It’s similar to being a master. I explained
Dad nodded. He was a man of few words, feeling more contortable working with his hands than with his mouth.
“In this way, more people will learn your techni
and more people
Your skills
won’t disappear, and everyone wont have to wast half a month to wear a pair of shoes. Its a win–win situation Wilham
Dad lowered his face and the wrinkles on his face tightened under the soft light.
“Let
After much contemplation, he said. “Let me think about it some more “
Chapter 58
William didn’t push him. “Sure, Mr. Arthur, whenever you have made up your mind, just give me a 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.
In this matter, I was quite cautious.
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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