I trade in both worlds

Li Wan'er got out of the car first, and reached out to help Xu Ziqing get out of the car. The two of them walked into Baoyuanzhai together.

The two walked into Baoyuanzhai and saw that the layout inside was well-organized, revealing a calm and solemn atmosphere.

The pawnshop counter is taller than an ordinary person and looks imposing, as if silently telling customers that this is a place that emphasizes rules and order.

Customers need to hold the pawned items high before handing them to the clerk behind the counter.

This design not only overwhelms customers with its momentum, but also makes it easier for staff to observe customers' behavior and prevent theft and robbery.

In front of the counter, there is a "shame board" that is about three feet high and two feet wide. It is made of thick wooden board and is carved with exquisite patterns.

This shame board is mainly to protect the customer's privacy and prevent the customer from being seen by acquaintances when pawning items, thereby protecting the customer's dignity and face.

Xu Ziqing looked at the private part and couldn't help but admire that the ancients knew how to protect personal privacy so early.

The interior of the pawnshop is divided into multiple areas, each with its own unique function and purpose.

On the left is the pawn area, where customers can conduct pawn transactions with the court officials.

On the right is the appraisal area, where the court officials will carefully appraise and evaluate the pawned items.

At the back is the warehouse area, where various valuable items collected by the pawnshop are stored.

The entire pawnshop has a reasonable layout and complete functions, appearing both professional and efficient.

"Escort Li, you're here." A sharp-eyed official behind the counter recognized Li Wan'er at a glance and greeted her warmly.

This court official was named Zhao Ming, a smart and capable young man.

Li Wan'er smiled and nodded: "Zhao Chaofeng, long time no see. Is your shopkeeper Qian here? I brought a friend here today and I want to take a look around your pawnshop."

Hearing this, Zhao Ming nodded quickly and said, "Yes, please wait a moment, I will go and ask him to come out."

Not long after, the shopkeeper Qian came out. He was a middle-aged man with a kind face and eyes that revealed some shrewdness and competence.

When Shopkeeper Qian saw Li Wan'er, a smile appeared on his face, and it was obvious that he was quite familiar with her.

"Master Li, how come you have time to visit my pawnshop? Who is this?" Shopkeeper Qian greeted warmly, appearing very friendly.

His gaze fell on Xu Ziqing, and a hint of curiosity flashed in his eyes.

"This is my employer, Miss Xu." Li Wan'er introduced, "Xiaoqing, this is Manager Qian of Baoyuanzhai."

Xu Ziqing nodded slightly and saluted to the shopkeeper.

"Miss Xu, nice to meet you." Shopkeeper Qian said politely, "I wonder what brings you to the pawnshop, Miss Xu?"

Li Wan'er spoke for Xu Ziqing. "Manager Qian, she came to the pawnshop today to find some furniture made of good wood and some books. Is that convenient?"

"It's convenient, of course it's convenient." Shopkeeper Qian said with a smile, "We have a wide variety of things in Baoyuanzhai."

"There are furniture made of precious wood, gold, silver, jade, porcelain, books, and so on. Everything you can think of is available."

"Miss Xu, just tell me what you want and I will find something satisfactory for you."

After saying that, Manager Qian led Xu Ziqing and Li Wan'er to the warehouse.

The warehouse is located in the backyard of the pawnshop. It is a spacious and bright room. The room is filled with a faint scent of wood and books, which makes people feel very comfortable.

The interior layout of the warehouse is well-organized, with a wide aisle in the center and densely packed shelves and counters on both sides.

The shelves are filled with all kinds of items, glittering gold, silver and jade wares, colorful porcelain, and mountains of books and calligraphy and paintings.

The areas around the walls were filled with all kinds of furniture. At first glance, it was all pitch black and it was impossible to tell what the furniture was or what kind of wood was used.

Xu Ziqing and Li Wan'er strolled in the warehouse, looking at each item carefully.

Shopkeeper Qian noticed their eyes wandering around the shelves and asked, "What kind of furniture are you looking for, Miss Xu?"

Xu Ziqing smiled and said, "I want to find some furniture made of good wood. Does Shopkeeper Zhao have any?"

"Please come this way." Manager Qian led Xu Ziqing and Li Wan'er to a compartment, which was a special area for placing furniture.

"Miss Xu, what do you think of this rosewood desk?" Shopkeeper Zhao pointed to a desk and introduced it. "This desk has delicate patterns and warm colors. It is made of top-grade rosewood."

Xu Ziqing approached the desk and gently stroked the delicate texture.

"Manager Qian, this desk is really nice." Xu Ziqing said with a smile, "But I would like to see other furniture made of precious wood."

Upon hearing this, Shopkeeper Qian looked at Xu Ziqing seriously, nodded and said, "Please follow me."

So, he led Xu Ziqing and Li Wan'er to another warehouse and introduced: "Here are furniture made of precious woods such as red sandalwood, nanmu, and rosewood."

Xu Ziqing's eyes wandered over the furniture. She had never seen so many pieces of furniture made of precious wood, and she couldn't put down every piece.

"What kind of wood is this dressing table made of?" Xu Ziqing exclaimed, pointing at a rosewood dressing table.

Shopkeeper Qian was stunned. He didn't expect that she would dare to buy these expensive furniture without knowing anything about wood.

Even if it was second-hand, it was still extremely expensive compared to ordinary furniture, so she was not afraid of being cheated.

Shopkeeper Qian introduced with a smile: "This dressing table is made of top-grade red sandalwood, with fine texture and calm color. If you like it, I can give you a preferential price."

"How much does this dressing table cost?" Xu Ziqing asked softly.

Shopkeeper Qian smiled and replied, "Two thousand taels."

Xu Ziqing asked with a smile: "Shopkeeper Qian, didn't you just say you would give me a preferential price? How much discount can you give me for this dressing table?"

"This is already a discounted price, Miss Xu. Rosewood is rare, and this kind of craftsmanship is truly rare." Shopkeeper Qian replied with a frown.

This dressing table is no worse than the new one from yesterday. If you look closely, the carvings are even more exquisite than yesterday's, but the price is more than half cheaper.

Just as she was hesitating, her eyes were attracted by the bookshelf beside her.

The bookshelf was tall, with six identical bookshelves placed side by side. The bookshelf was divided into several layers, and each layer was cleverly inlaid with carved frames, making it look both practical and elegant.

"Where is that bookshelf?" Xu Ziqing asked, pointing.

Shopkeeper Qian approached the bookshelf and gently stroked the wooden surface which was tinged with a light yellow.

The introduction said: "This bookcase is made of Huanghuali wood. Huanghuali wood is hard, has clear texture, warm color, and a natural fragrance. It is insect-proof and anti-corrosive, making it a superior choice for making furniture."