Li Quan can easily be swayed by Qiao Zhenhuan, but not Gu Xu. He cannot stand seeing his wife suffer losses. Knowing someone is tampering with Huo Sining's shop secretly, he certainly won't sit idly by. What is the Imperial Capital Liang Family to him? Gu Xu doesn't even regard the Liang Family. Huo Sining acquired Tang Jinchuan's painting precisely to open the market in these Baofu Zhai of Tang Jinchuan. With Tang Jinchuan as a living advertisement, as soon as he makes a fuss outside, surely many people will learn the name Jubao Pavilion. For Jubao Pavilion to grow, sales are one aspect, and sourcing is another. Although Huo Sining can source treasures by herself, her strength is ultimately limited. If several Baofu Zhai can supply Jubao Pavilion on a long-term basis, both sides can profit together, allowing Jubao Pavilion's business to last longer. Huo Sining thinks ahead, so she does a favor for Tang Jinchuan, who previously appeared sneaky, like a street rogue. But before leaving, he even thought to remind Huo Sining to beware of the Imperial Capital Liang Family, which improved Huo Sining's impression of him. Tang Jinchuan, though not a good man, is quite open and decent among the petty ones. Huo Sining is willing to cultivate a good relationship with such a person, hoping this goodwill blossoms into positive results. As for this painting by Shen Zhou, Huo Sining had Li Quan hang it directly on the store's wall, marking its trickery openly by clarifying it's a replica with only the seal being genuine, and marked it at a price of thirty thousand. This was a principle Huo Sining had explained to Li Quan and others before opening the shop: that her business must be transparent in earnings. In the antiques business, truth and falsehood are abundant. But as long as people do not deceive her, she won't harm them. Conducting business with a clear conscience while preserving the bottom line, neither falsifying nor deluding, is the way to maintain the true essence of antiques in markets tainted with the smell of money. Huo Sining has sharp judgment and upholds principles. Previously, Qiao Zhenhuan came to Huo Sining's store only because Director Bai forced him. But after spending time with Huo Sining, he gradually became impressed with her qualities. Qiao Zhenhuan was always seen as the model child, praised as he grew up, full of self-confidence. However, he was subdued in Huo Sining's hands, originally having issues with her and contemplating sabotage before coming to Jubao Pavilion. Yet as time passed, he became more and more admiring of Huo Sining's abilities, not only in appraisal but also her character. He became very respectful to Huo Sining, losing all rebellious thoughts, instead desiring to follow by her side for a lifetime. Initially, Huo Sining didn't trust Qiao Zhenhuan and secretly instructed Li Quan to keep a close watch on him to prevent any trouble. However, over the past few months, Qiao Zhenhuan behaved honestly, and Huo Sining could also see that he had truly integrated into the Jubao Pavilion circle. Just from his eyes, Huo Sining could tell that Qiao Zhenhuan was no longer the self-important heir from Taicheng Museum. Being satisfied with Qiao Zhenhuan's transformation, Huo Sining now considers him her own. With few usable people in hand, she is naturally delighted to gain a reliable assistant. Watching Li Quan hang the replica of Shen Zhou's landscape painting on the wall, Huo Sining then called for the shop's staff to go out for a meal. Although Jubao Pavilion has been open for quite some time, Huo Sining had always been in Dongyang and never invited Li Quan and others for a meal. Today, she happened to be free, so she decided to seize the day and treat the employees to a feast at Quanjude. At this moment, Huo Sining was unaware that this replica of Shen Zhou would bring her a series of subsequent troubles, which would mark the beginning of her open confrontation with the Liang Family for the first time. The meal was very lively, especially since Huo Sining generously handed out a substantial year-end bonus to everyone in the shop. Even the two helpers in the shop received a share. Receiving such a large bonus, everyone was overjoyed and couldn't wait to call home to share the good news with their families. Seeing this situation, Huo Sining couldn't help but feel sentimental. Before rebirth, she had worked hard in various positions and knew how attractive a year-end bonus could be to employees. These people worked hard all year round, earning only a modest salary. Being able to give them an unexpected bonus was a great surprise for them, and it allowed the employees to have a wonderful New Year. Not only Jubao Pavilion, but Huo Sining also didn't forget to instruct Wu Jun to distribute bonuses to the employees of Jade Beauty and Fragrance Beauty. Both companies are currently managed by Wu Jun, who, despite being a military man and seeming rough around the edges, is actually meticulous in many aspects. The issue of the year-end bonus was raised by him, prompting Huo Sining to remember it after reviewing the form he prepared. Jade Beauty's branch in the Imperial Capital and Fragrance Beauty are both Huo Sining's enterprises, and their performance this year was excellent. Huo Sining isn't stingy, so she's happy to give out bonuses. Even Luo Jinzhi and Qin Shui received a considerable year-end bonus, leaving everyone pleased. After a dreamless night, Huo Sining woke up early the next morning and began preparing the New Year's Eve dinner according to the New Year's tradition. This was Huo Sining's first time preparing a New Year's Eve dinner herself. Even though it was just her, Qibao, Gu Xu, and a dog named Heitan this New Year's Eve, the preparations still had to be made. By the time everything was ready, it was already near noon. The three of them quickly ate lunch, rested for a bit, and then received a call from the television station informing her to get ready there. On the way to the TV station, before even entering, they were startled by the reporters outside. Usually, when Huo Sining came to CCTV, she would see reporters taking shots, but this time the scene was utterly different. In the biting cold wind, those reporters stood outside, unwilling to retreat to their cars, holding their cameras ready, all for the sake of capturing some headline news. Apart from reporters, there were also thousands of fans outside who had spontaneously hoisted banners just to catch a glimpse of their favorite stars. Every year's Spring Festival Gala features popular entertainment stars, and these fans, with a strong following, coming to chase their idols is quite normal. But what Huo Sining didn't anticipate was, as soon as she and Gu Xu got out of the car, fans not far away started screaming in surprise, shouting her name.
