Chapter 2204: The Return of Mountain Dweller

Chapter 2204: The Return of Mountain Dweller


When Shu Yu and her companions returned to the courtyard in the southern part of the city, Xun Sheng and Xie Bo had already left.

Meng Yunzheng was in the study, painting. Shu Yu wanted to talk to him about Song Le's matter. However, as soon as she entered, her eyes lit up at the sight of the large painting spread out on his desk.

"Is this... a sunflower field?"

"Yes, isn't your shop opening in a few days? I'll hang it there, and it will surely attract a lot of attention."

Shu Yu nodded enthusiastically, looking at the bright sunflower field. She loved it. "This painting will definitely catch people's eyes in the shop. It can also serve as a conversation starter for customers, telling them that sunflower seeds and sunflower oil come from these flowers. Maybe they'll buy more because of this beautiful field."

Meng Yunzheng put down his brush and looked at her with a smile. "Not only that, I'll add something extra for you."

"What extra?" Shu Yu asked.

Meng Yunzheng opened a drawer and took out a seal, pressing it firmly onto the painting.

When he removed the seal, Shu Yu understood what he meant by adding something extra.

"Mountain Dweller!"

Indeed, Meng Yunzheng had another famous and expensive pseudonym, "Mountain Dweller." He only produced one or two paintings a year, and it was a mystery how he managed it, but his works were highly sought after.

Especially in the capital city, where there were many scholars and wealthy people, Mountain Dweller's paintings were highly coveted.

However, Mountain Dweller had not released any new paintings since four years ago. Many people suspected that something had happened to him or that he had run out of inspiration. Otherwise, how could he have been absent from the art scene for four years? Because of this, the price of Mountain Dweller's last painting had skyrocketed.

Now, after a four-year hiatus, Mountain Dweller's painting had resurfaced. Shu Yu could already imagine the sensation it would cause in her shop.

She pressed her hand to her chest, her gaze on the Mountain Dweller's seal as if it could burn through the painting. "No, no, no, I can't just hang it in the shop."

Meng Yunzheng was puzzled. "Why not?"

"My shop is for selling things. If those scholars find out that there's such a painting hanging in my shop, they'll all crowd in. Then, the real customers who want to buy things won't be able to get in. I can't hang it in the shop."

But she still wanted this painting.

Suddenly, her eyes lit up. "I've got it. I'll hang it on the second floor."

"The second floor?"

"Yes, I've been thinking about what to do with the second floor of the shop. Now, I think it can be completely separate from the first floor. I'll use it as a tea room."

"A tea room?"

Shu Yu nodded. "Yes, I'll hang your painting there, and with your reputation, I'll put some books on the shelves. Then, I'll display tea leaves and snacks. Think about it, those scholars care a lot about their image, right? When they come in, they won't just sit there without ordering tea or some snacks, will they?"

She had tea leaves from the southwest, which were excellent. She could have Yuan Gui bring some back at a lower price.

As for snacks, she could use sunflower seeds. If those scholars found eating sunflower seeds uncouth, it didn't matter; their Lu Ji store also sold sunflower seed kernels.

She could also add some other dried fruits.

Oh, and instant noodles. These people could get so engrossed in reading or appreciating art that they'd forget to eat. Instant noodles, mixed noodles, dry noodles, and ham sausages would be perfect.