The Sweetness of the Seventies
Chapter 811 - 780: Grand Opening, Birthday

Chapter 811: Chapter 780: Grand Opening, Birthday

Huang Jingli needed to discuss Huo Yingjie’s research findings with He Tiantian.

He Tiantian paused, thinking of the solar energy systems that every household would have in the future, especially in the countryside and in the suburban areas where houses were usually lower and bungalows more common, making them particularly suitable for installing solar water heaters. Indeed, it was a very promising project.

"That’s great, as long as Wu Youliang can bring the costs down and maintain decent quality, I’ll invest," He Tiantian promised right away, recalling the passbook her grandmother had given her before she left, which she hadn’t yet found a good investment for.

"Mhm, Youliang said it’s possible, but it will take some time," Huang Jingli said, her heart filled with the longing to start a factory.

He Tiantian thought for a moment and said, "If there’s anything you lack that you can’t get hold of, let me know, and I’ll ask someone to help look for it."

"I won’t stand on ceremony with you," Huang Jingli said with a smile. "By the way, Tiantian, you’re so clever. Can you think of any areas that need improvement?"

He Tiantian pondered, how did rural areas improve their bathing conditions when solar energy was not yet widely available?

"Now that you mention it, I actually have some ideas," He Tiantian said. "I’ve heard that black absorbs heat. Could we make those simple plastic bags for holding water, fill them with water, let them bask in the sun during the day, and by night they’re still quite warm, suitable for bathing?"

"Isn’t that the same as leaving a large basin of water out in the sun?" Huang Jingli questioned, skeptical if anyone would buy it.

"It’s different. The water in the basin cools down after the sun sets. But if you put water in a special plastic bag, even at night it will stay warm. You could place the water bag directly on the roof, connect the tap water into it, then pull a hose down to the bathroom. That’s a simple solar heater. It’s cheaper than the solar heaters that Wu Youliang is improving. At the beginning, we could do this, and when others start to imitate us, our improved solar heaters could then hit the market."

"If those plastic water bags are cheap, who would buy solar water heaters?" Huang Jingli argued, feeling that doing so was somewhat counterproductive.

He Tiantian smiled and said, "Think about it. Those water bags are only really useful in the summer, but solar heaters can be used anytime there’s sunshine, as long as the water doesn’t freeze. They also hold a lot more water than the bags and are far superior, even if they are more expensive. That way, the water bags complement the heaters. If those who buy the water bags become fond of the convenience of showering and then notice its shortcomings, and a new product could make up for those shortcomings, if they have the money, it’s very possible they will buy the solar heaters."

Huang Jingli thought carefully and nodded, "Listening to your explanation, it does make some sense. I’ll talk to Youliang when I get back."

Since quitting her job, Huang Jingli found herself freer than before.

She spent most of her time at home with the children. Sometimes, when her father-in-law came to Nan City, she would help out, and occasionally, she would visit her hometown.

In Nan City, Huang Jingli handled most matters, lightening the load for Father Wu considerably.

Wu Youliang heard He Tiantian’s suggestions from his wife and thought they were good, beginning to research these types of plastic products that could absorb heat quickly and in large amounts, but dissipate it slowly and minimally.

The Huashan antique shop was finally ready for its grand opening.

He Tiantian, Huang Jingli, and Qin Li, the three antique enthusiasts, bought flower baskets and came to offer their congratulations.

When the auspicious time arrived, after the firecrackers had been set off and the red cloth covering the signboard was unveiled, there was a brief moment of surprise, as the sign read "Sanfeng Residence."

But upon consideration, it wasn’t so surprising. The locals took pride in the centuries-old Sanfeng Bridge nearby. Just like her braised meat store was directly named after the Sanfeng Bridge.

The name "Sanfeng Residence" was actually quite nice.

Upon entering the shop, He Tiantian, Huang Jingli, and Qin Li were stunned as they looked at the antiques on the display shelves.

"Huashan, you’re amazing to have collected so many antiques in such a short time!" He Tiantian praised, showing that Huashan must have put in a lot of effort.

Huashan smiled and said, "Most of them were acquired from various places, and some were picked up from markets, but all are genuine. This room is dedicated to proper antiques, next door we sell some modern jade pendants and jade jewelry. I bought those from a supplier. The price might be a bit higher than the place of origin, but the craftsmanship and variety are pretty good. I checked each piece carefully, there are no issues."

"Mm, not bad, these jades look good," Huang Jingli said, as good as the one she wore on her wrist.

Qin Li took a look and said, "That pair of jade bracelets is really beautiful, I want to buy a pair for my mom."

Cui Ying smiled and said, "Okay, today marks a very lucky opening, and since you are our own people, I’ll sell it to you just one yuan more than the cost price."

"Why add one yuan?" Qin Li was curious, "Is there a special reason?"

"I guess your purchase will be the first of the day. It’s not auspicious to earn nothing," Cui Ying laughed, "Come on, actually, this jade is really good. They are all carefully chosen by Huashan, absolutely top quality."

"Hearing you say that, I’m tempted to buy too," He Tiantian smiled, "Grandma Wang’s birthday is approaching, and I was just thinking of getting her a gift. A jade bracelet would be perfect."

Huang Jingli thought for a moment and said, "I’ll buy a pair of jade pendants for my father-in-law and mother-in-law."

"That works. You guys go to the front and be guests in our shop. Let those who are just watching see, and consider it a promotion," Cui Ying said with a laugh, letting them choose for themselves.

He Tiantian, Huang Jingli, and Qin Li all found something they liked.

Some people walked around inside, thought the prices were reasonable, and also bought some small jade items.

As for the antiques, Huashan was watching over there, but although many people looked, few actually bought.

At noon, after leaving two employees behind, Huashan and Cui Ying took everyone out for a meal to celebrate the successful opening of the business.

After the meal, He Tiantian, Huang Jingli, and Qin Li went shopping.

Cui Ying had to continue minding the store, being the boss after all!

He Tiantian took a box and placed it in a drawer. Tomorrow, she would go to a pastry shop to order a cake and prepare for a good celebration for Grandma Wang’s birthday when her in-laws returned home in the evening.

The next morning, while having breakfast, He Tiantian secretly told her father-in-law and mother-in-law to come home early in the evening to celebrate Grandma Wang’s birthday together.

Afterward, He Tiantian passed by the shop on her way to work and ordered a twelve-inch cake to pick up in the evening.

In the afternoon, since He Tiantian had no classes, she went home, bringing the cake and seasoned meat with her.

He Tiantian began preparing the meal, and Jiang Lifang and Huo Zhekun came home earlier than usual as well.

"Aunt Wang, this is the autumn outfit I bought for you," Jiang Lifang said, taking out the clothes from the bag, "Aunt Wang, please try it. If it doesn’t fit, I’ll exchange it for you!"

"I have plenty of clothes, why are you wasting money," Aunt Wang grumbled, but her face still showed happiness, "You can’t buy any more in the future."

"I don’t usually buy either. Today is your birthday, and this is your birthday gift," Jiang Lifang said, "Please don’t refuse it."