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墨書 Inktalez
In his hands were several drawings, depicting insects, fish, birds, and beasts, intricately carved. The so-called carved beams and painted rafters, as well as the curved railings and red balustrades, were nothing short of this.
During the design process, Liu Qingxi effectively combined the characteristics of modern architecture with those of ancient Chinese architecture. Although the high-rise buildings were masonry structures, they fully utilized frameworks made of beams and columns. Additionally, larger brick columns replaced traditional wooden columns.
As a result, the six-story building, resembling a frame structure, could guarantee large openings. This meant that the doors and windows could fully meet the requirements for lighting, ventilation, and decoration.
Moreover, the complexity of its design style and the depth of its meaning were significant highlights of this design.
The main entrance was three meters wide and three meters high. As the door to the house, it was comparable to a courtyard gate and was divided into two panels. The upper part featured a diamond pattern, with decorations formed by overlapping diagonal flowing patterns and spherical motifs—delicate and transparent, intricate yet orderly.
The waistboard and skirt board were adorned with relief carvings depicting landscapes and flowers. The floral patterns had petals that curled gracefully, with flowers and leaves fluttering naturally and vividly.
Each window also featured intricate designs, including horizontal and vertical stripes, octagons, and simple squares. These patterns were rich yet refined, plain yet elegant, making them endlessly fascinating to behold.
Ji Yang's hands trembled as he stammered, "Is this really your work, Miss Liu?"
How could it be possible? Each style on these drawings would be a masterpiece in the hands of any carpenter—definitely styles that people would eagerly pursue.
He had inherited his family's business and worked in this field; he could make doors and windows in several styles but could not compare to Liu Qingxi's drawings. Even the styles he painstakingly innovated could not hold a candle to them.
What kind of spectacle would it be if all the doors and windows from these drawings were crafted?
Thinking about being able to create such exquisite pieces himself made Ji Yang feel that his life had not been lived in vain.
However,
Ji Yang lightly cleared his throat and awkwardly asked, " Miss Liu, would you be willing to sell me these drawings?"
Liu Qingxi glanced at him and immediately understood his meaning. "Boss Ji, these designs are specifically created for the restaurant; they are meant to be unique. Your request might be difficult."
"But Miss Liu, with such a great design, if we only make one copy, wouldn't that be a waste? Moreover, you know that once it's made, there won't be any secrets left."
Ji Yang had a point. Liu Qingxi was not unaware of this; she simply wanted to create a one-of-a-kind restaurant and use it to make a strong impression.
" Miss Liu, how about this? I will only charge you for the cost of materials; I won’t take any labor fees." Ji Yang offered significant benefits. After all, with so many doors and windows involved, the material costs alone would require at least a hundred taels.
It would take their shop quite some time to earn that much silver.
Liu Qingxi thought for a moment. "Boss Ji, I will cover the labor costs, but in the future, for any doors and windows made in this style, I will take thirty percent of the net profit."
Her tone was firm, leaving no room for Ji Yang to object. She understood better than anyone the value of these designs. What is most valuable in every industry? It is creativity.
A skilled carpenter who excels in craftsmanship may not necessarily have a continuous stream of creativity. Without innovation, one can only be left far behind by others.
Ji Yang was taken aback but soon realized that this girl was no ordinary person; she understood long-term benefits better than he did. However,
he thought about the simple styles in his own backyard and worried that even wealthy families might find them unappealing; he himself didn't think they looked good.
"Alright, Miss Liu, let's proceed as you suggested. We'll write up a contract now." He feared that Liu Qingxi might change her mind and quickly went inside to fetch paper and pen.
"Today, Ji Yang and Liu Qingxi agree that for every door and window sold based on Liu Qingxi's designs, thirty percent of the net profit will belong to Liu Qingxi. Furthermore, Liu Qingxi shall not sell these designs to any third party. This contract is established; violators will pay a penalty of ten thousand taels."
The simple contract was drafted, and both parties signed and stamped their fingerprints on three copies—one for each party and one to be filed with the authorities.
" Miss Liu, I look forward to a pleasant cooperation in the future."
"Pleasant cooperation."
Zhang Wuliang, who came with Liu Qingxi, was stunned. Was the deal already done? Was it that easy?
Was it luck or skill? Or perhaps both? What was originally a spending matter had turned into an income opportunity with Liu Qingxi. He genuinely admired her.
He couldn't help but reflect on himself; there was a reason why she could lead the families of Shili Pu Village to prosperity in such a short time.
When he came back to his senses, Liu Qingxi had already started discussing the production of doors and windows with Ji Yang.
"By the way, Boss Ji, I still need a lot of beams and columns. You have to provide me with good materials."
Ji Yang laughed heartily: " Miss Liu, don't worry. We are already partners; would I deceive you? Rest assured, I will definitely provide you with the best Yew Wood."
" Miss Liu, if you have any good designs in the future, could you send them my way? Hehe."
Ji Yang was immersed in Liu Qingxi's designs, unable to extricate himself. It felt as if he had entered a mysterious world where furniture making was no longer just about crafting tables, chairs, and doors.
Instead, there were diverse forms and intricate patterns—bamboo leaf designs, water patterns, flowers, birds, insects, fish, beasts, and portraits of people—each one vivid and touching.
It was a marvelous world where every item contained different meanings: some expressed beautiful wishes for future life, others hoped for the health and happiness of family members, or represented identity and status.
It turned out that being a carpenter was not just about doing carpentry work; it also required a flexible mind and varied design ideas.
At that moment, a large door opened, and he suddenly felt enlightened.
At this time, Ji Yang had no idea that several drawings by Liu Qingxi would lead him into a completely different world, nor did he know that in the future, he would gain much more.
Not only would it change his current situation, but it would also lead him to broader horizons.
Liu Qingxi also did not realize that her few casual explanations would inspire Ji Yang to diligently acquire knowledge in the days to come, reviewing everything from ancient scholars, expanding his thinking, and daring to innovate.
But that was all in the future.
At this moment, she explained to Ji Yang the time she needed for the doors and windows: “Boss Ji, these styles are quite complex and will take time to make. Please start as soon as possible; I will need them in about two months.”
“Absolutely, Miss Liu!” Ji Yang patted his chest and assured her, “We will start preparing today. Your items will be prioritized; there will be no delays.”
Liu Qingxi nodded, confirming the timeline with Ji Yang once more. They also scheduled a time to go to the county office to finalize the contract before she prepared to leave. “Boss Ji, here is the deposit.”
Ji Yang instinctively reached out to take it but quickly chased after her. “ Miss Liu, with our relationship, there’s no need for a deposit.”
However, Liu Qingxi did not stop her departing steps and waved her right hand dismissively. “Just take it; you deserve this.” She gradually walked away.
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