Gathered Treasures Studio

As she spoke, she looked at Xu Xi with a pitiful expression, completely oblivious to the fact that there was nothing wrong with making such an expression in front of a student who was several years younger than her.

Nanny Yun, standing to the side, wanted to rub her forehead.

Her young lady has acted foolishly again.

Xu Xi, however, grew increasingly fond of Madam Xiao. In her previous life, she was about the same age as Madam Xiao Madam Xiao, perhaps even a little older, and their mental ages were similar. But compared to Madam Xiao, Madam Xiao was far more innocent and naive. This could only be due to being spoiled at home.

"As I said before, jewelry design has to be based on the material. For example, a piece of jade has different shades of color, as well as cracks and impurities, and I have to make choices based on these. In addition, I also need to understand the craftsman's skills. Otherwise, even if I design it, it's a waste of effort if he can't make it."

The biggest difference between industrial design and art design lies in the designer's understanding of raw materials and the intended use of the finished product.

An artist might have a sudden inspiration and design a wheel in a square shape. But that would only be a work of art, not a car component. An industrial designer, on the other hand, must consider practicality, materials, manufacturing processes, and other factors to create a design that can be put into real-world use.

Madam Xiao quickly replied, "The materials have already been delivered, and we're just waiting for you to see them. The jewelry store is not far from the Abundant and Prosperous Pavilion."

Xu Xi: "..." Is this a challenge to the Abundant and Prosperous Pavilion?

"Did you choose that place, or did your manager choose it?" Xu Xi asked.

Madam Xiao gave her a strange look. "It wasn't chosen. The teahouse where we had tea last time is my family's property, and the silk shop next door is also mine. Because business wasn't good, the housekeeper said we needed to move to another place, so this place became available."

Hearing this, Nanny Yun looked utterly helpless.

That location is so good, and the Prince of Zhennan's Residence's Mansion has been in the silk business for a long time, with a well-established reputation. How could business not be good? It's just that the young lady wants to open a jewelry store, and the princess has spoken, giving the young lady the best resources of the mansion, so that the young lady's business won't fail and make her unhappy. So the head steward of the mansion personally took charge, and together with several old shopkeepers, they looked around and finally chose a location opposite Abundant and Prosperous Pavilion.

This location is the most prosperous area in Beining County. A shop located here speaks volumes about its quality and backing. Furthermore, with the presence of the Abundant and Prosperous Pavilion, customers visiting jewelry stores will inevitably check out the newly opened shop to see if it offers new styles and lower prices than Abundant and Prosperous Pavilion. It's essentially leveraging Abundant and Prosperous Pavilion's popularity.

With these two points, as long as their jewelry is novel in design, of high quality, and reasonably priced, their business is sure to thrive.

Another reason for choosing this location is its proximity to the academy. If the young lady wants to come out for a stroll after class, she can simply walk a few steps without needing a carriage.

Although Xu Xi hadn't been in business in her previous life, growing up in an information-saturated environment naturally made her think of these things. She also realized that Madam Xiao was someone detached from worldly affairs. Born into a prominent family, she wanted to dabble in business for fun. Since the Prince of Zhennan's Residence wasn't short of money, the doting princess would let her do whatever she wanted, as long as she Gao Xing.

She glanced at Nanny Yun and, seeing the helpless expression on Nanny Yun's face, knew that her guess was correct.

Regardless of Madam Xiao's purpose in opening this jewelry store, it would only bring her benefits and no harm. Otherwise, she really wouldn't have had any reason to refuse Fu Yunlang's invitation.

She wisely refrained from pressing further, only asking, "What's the name of the jewelry store?"

"Call it Gathered Treasures Studio," Madam Xiao said.

Then, she asked expectantly, "How's the name?"

"A wonderful name." Xu Xi genuinely thought it was excellent. "Xie means to pick or select, implying that guests will choose their favorite treasure from our shop's collection—it couldn't be more fitting."

Although it is not catchy enough, most people with low education do not recognize this word. But Yinlou, it is right if you don't know it.

Although Xu Xi was her student and several years younger than her, perhaps because Xu Xi had said many insightful things, her affirmation of the shop's name made Madam Xiao very Gao Xing.

"Do you have time to go check it out after school tonight?" she asked.

"I'll have time," Xu Xi said with a smile. "I'll go straight there after school. The manager and staff should be there by then, right?"

"Yes, yes. Then we'll meet there." Madam Xiao said Gao Xing.

Xu Xi and Xu Xue said goodbye and left. When they were almost at the entrance of the North Academy, Xu Xue looked around to make sure no one was there, and whispered to Xu Xi, "Sister, why didn't you tell Master Xiao about the matter of the Marquis of Pingnan?"

That day, Xu Xinda mentioned that the second young master behind the Abundant and Prosperous Pavilion seemed to be a very influential person. Xu Xue was worried that they would suffer if Xu Xi didn't remind Madam Xiao.

Can two women compete with a group of men in business? Besides, it's an established brand that's been in business for over a decade.

Xu Xi glanced at Xu Xue and smiled, "Do you know Madam Xiao's identity?" She explained Madam Xiao's identity, and Xu Xue's eyes widened.

In the past, someone of Madam Xiao's status was from a completely different world from Xu Xue. If Xu Xue hadn't entered the Women's Academy, she would never have had any contact with someone like Madam Xiao in her entire life.

"It's not just Madam Xiao; many teachers in the academy are of this status." Xu Xi looked at Xu Xue. "You should know about the Princess's identity."

Xu Xue nodded. "I know. But she doesn't teach us." Unlike Madam Xiao, who genuinely interacts with them. She lets them know that wealthy and noble ladies are so close to them, within easy reach.

Xu Xi didn't say anything more.

She knew that once she learned the identities of these teachers, Xu Xue would unconsciously learn their elegance and composure. In two or three years, when she went out into the world, she would have a completely different temperament from who she was now. This is the power of environment to influence one's character and upbringing.

After school, Xu Xi took Xu Xue to Gathered Treasures Studio.

Xiaoru had been waiting at the door for a long time. As soon as she saw the two, she greeted them with a smile, introduced Xu Xi and Xu Xue to the staff, and then led them upstairs.

"This is Shopkeeper Wang," Madam Xiao said, pointing to a middle-aged man inside the room.

"Miss Xi." Shopkeeper Wang bowed to Xu Xi, then greeted Xu Xue with a curtsy, "Miss Xue."

Xu Xue glanced at Xu Xi and returned the greeting.

In the countryside, there is a strong preference for sons over daughters. Not to mention outsiders, even close elders in the clan like Xu Chengguan do not value their own daughters and often treat them with disdain and indifference.

However Xu Xue discovered that whenever she went out with her cousin, whether it was royalty like Madam Xiao or the shopkeepers of the jewelry store, everyone treated her with respect and courtesy. Even though she was not as well-dressed as Xu Xi, they still treated her with the same respect as Xu Xi.