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Since the opening of "Jiang's Repair and Renovation Shop," business has been booming like a snowball rolling downhill. Especially the renovation services, which, thanks to Jiang Tao's ability to "transform decay into wonder" and prices far below those of new products, have become highly sought after in the market. Every day, as soon as the doors open, customers come in asking if there are any refurbished televisions, bicycles, or sewing machines available; orders are even backed up for half a month.
With this surge in business came Jiang Tao's ever-increasing workload and his energy being pushed to the limit. During the day, he had to deal with a constant stream of repair customers in the shop, and at night, after closing, he would be alone in the back warehouse or his residence, using his spatial Ability to repair and renovate the old items he had acquired. Although his Ability greatly enhanced his efficiency, the prolonged consumption of Mental Power still left him feeling utterly exhausted. Moreover, many routine repairs did not actually require his direct involvement but consumed a significant amount of his precious time.
"This won't do; I need to find a reliable assistant," Jiang Tao decided one evening as he looked at the mountain of old goods waiting to be renovated in the warehouse and rubbed his temples, which throbbed from overuse of his Ability.
He needed someone who truly understood the craft, possessed excellent skills, and could be trusted to share the daily repair work. Ideally, this person would also be able to mentor apprentices to prepare for future expansion.
The first person that came to mind was Liu Quanfu, whom he had considered a "pearl covered in dust" back at the Red Star Repair Department—Master Liu.
Old Master Liu was in his fifties and one of the most experienced and skilled craftsmen at the Red Star Repair Department. Whether it was repairing electrical appliances or mechanical devices, he had remarkable skills. Unfortunately, his straightforward nature and lack of social finesse meant that he had been marginalized under Ma Guoqiang and Master Qian's leadership. He was stuck with the lowest salary doing menial tasks like cleaning warehouses while his talents went to waste.
"Yes! It's Old Master Liu!" Jiang Tao exclaimed as he slapped his thigh. "His skills are top-notch, and he's trustworthy. Most importantly, he must be feeling frustrated at Red Star; if I invite him over, it just might work!"
With determination set, Jiang Tao began taking action. He first reached out to a few old colleagues still working at Red Star with whom he had decent relations to inquire about Old Liu's current situation and address. Upon learning that Old Liu was struggling due to his unwillingness to compromise his principles and even considering early retirement, Jiang Tao felt that the timing was perfect.
After confirming Old Master Liu's address, Jiang Tao made a special trip to a supply store to buy two bottles of decent "Tuo Pai Qu Jiu" (a type of liquor) and half a pound of snacks before choosing an evening time to pay him a visit.
Old Master Liu lived in an old staff apartment building. The place was small and somewhat dimly lit but kept clean enough. The door was opened by a middle-aged woman with a worried expression—Liu Shimu. Upon seeing Jiang Tao, she paused for a moment; clearly, she remembered this young man who had been expelled from Red Star after causing a stir.
"You are... Xiao Jiang?"
"Auntie, it's me, Jiang Tao," he replied with an honest smile. "I came to see Master Liu."
"He... he's inside," Liu Shimu hesitated but eventually stepped aside to let him in.
Old Master Liu was sitting at a table staring blankly at a lamp with poor connectivity. When he saw Jiang Tao enter, surprise washed over his face. "Xiao Jiang? What brings you here?"
"Master Liu, I came to check on you," Jiang Tao said as he placed the liquor and snacks on the table. "I heard you've been... having some tough times lately?"
Old Liu sighed and waved his hand dismissively. "Ah, don’t mention it; that broken unit is full of smoke and mirrors—better off not being there! But you—I've heard you’ve opened your own shop? Sounds like it's going well?"
"Just scraping by," Jiang Tao downplayed before getting straight to the point. "Master Liu, I’m here today because I want to invite you out of retirement!"
"Invite me out?" Old Liu looked taken aback.
"Yes!" Jiang Tao spoke earnestly. "I’ve started a repair and renovation shop that’s doing alright; I just need someone who truly understands the craft and can handle things calmly. I know you've been wronged at Red Star and have great skills that are going unused. My shop may be small, but I treat my workers well! If you're willing to come help me out, I'll offer you double—no, triple—the salary! Plus year-end bonuses! You’ll just need to handle daily repairs and mentor some apprentices; when it comes to technical matters, you'll have full authority—no outsiders will interfere!"
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