"You agree?" Yang Shankui's attitude stunned Zhang Junping.
"Haha, brothers, we wood carving craftsmen are not artists, we are craftsmen.
Therefore, we do not have the bad habits of calligraphy and painting artists.
You can help us sell our works, help us promote them, give us subsidies, and give us some money after we sell them.
Or should we share the bulk? Which craftsman would be dissatisfied with such conditions?" Yang Shankui laughed, knowing that Zhang Junping was confused by the group of calligraphy and painting artists, so he explained to him with a smile.
Zhang Junping was stunned for a moment, and then he realized that this is the difference between artists and craftsmen.
Craftsmen are a specific group of people who rely on their skills to make a living. Their goals are very clear: improve their skills, increase their reputation, make more handicrafts, sell more money, and make their families live a good life.
And who are calligraphers and painters? They are a group of scholars. Naturally, they have the sour odor of scholars, and they also have the contradictory thoughts of scholars who want to be bitches and also want to build memorial arches.
Therefore, dealing with craftsmen is much easier than dealing with calligraphy and painting artists.
"Brother, there are quite a few people in our carpentry factory who know the art of wood carving. There are many carpenters whose skills are no worse than mine. How about it? Let's sign it together!" Yang Shankui said with a smile.
"Brother Yang, aren't you afraid that after they sign a contract with me, it will affect your work?" Zhang Junping said with a smile.
"What are you afraid of? With the current style of furniture, if you just find an apprentice and study for three to five months, you can do a good job.
I hired more than 200 apprentices last year, and now these apprentices are full-time workers who can work independently.
If the workshop had not been able to accommodate it, I would have dared to recruit another 200 people.
So, there is nothing that affects work at all.
Anyway, if they don't sign a contract with you to make wooden handicrafts, they will go out to do private work." Yang Shankui saw clearly and said with a nonchalant smile.
The so-called new furniture produced today really does not require a seventh- or eighth-level carpenter.
In Yang Shankui's view, instead of letting them go out to do private work, it is better to let them accept Zhang Junping's contract. In comparison, this is the right way.
"Okay! However, I didn't bring so many contracts today. Let's wait until later! Give me the list and home address later, and I will arrange for someone to go to your home to sign the contract with them." Zhang Junping said with a smile.
"Brothers are very particular!" Yang Shankui said with a smile.
Yang Shankui wouldn't say anything when he went to the carpentry factory to directly sign a contract with carpenters who were proficient in wood carving, but in the end it was not good and it affected the production of the factory.
"Brother Yang, with you in the field of wood carving, this scene can be considered to be supported. Are there any master craftsmen in jade carving that you are familiar with? Root carving or bamboo carving can be used.
Help me introduce you, and I’ll treat you to a big dinner!”
"A big meal? How big a meal?" Yang Shankui asked with a smile.
"Go to my house to eat. I will cook it myself. I guarantee it will be a feast you have never had before." Zhang Junping said with a smile.
"Really? I haven't eaten it?
You, Brother Yang, have also traveled extensively to see the world, so don’t even think about tricking me with a few sea crabs." Yang Shankui said with a smile.
"Don't worry, if you have eaten, Brother Yang, I will treat you to a feast at Zhiweizhai for a week." Zhang Junping promised, patting his chest.
He would definitely not dare to say this in ten years' time, but it is absolutely fine to say it now.
"Okay, I remember what you said.
You arrange a table at Zhiweizhai tomorrow night, and I will introduce you to a few people, all of whom are seniors in the carving circle." Yang Shankui said with a smile.
"Okay! No problem! Then I'll be waiting for you at Zhiweizhai."
Zhang Junping did not expect that this trip would go so smoothly. Not only did he sign Yang Shankui, an eighth-level wood wither master, but he also got a list of wood wither masters. Yang Shankui could say that they were good and would definitely not be bad.
You have to be at level five or six no matter what.
The bigger gain is the carving master he will introduce tomorrow.
Carving is a large category, in addition to wood carving, root carving, bamboo carving, there are also dozens of types such as jade carving, ivory carving, core carving, micro carving, lacquer carving, porcelain carving, brick carving and so on.
This is not the biggest gain this time. The biggest gain should be the change in thinking.
Today's art companies still mainly focus on calligraphy and painting artworks.
After all, it was formerly a BJ painting shop.
However, after talking to Yang Shankui, Zhang Junping's thinking changed fundamentally.
I will definitely not give up on the art of calligraphy and painting, but handicrafts and artworks will occupy an increasing share in Zhang Junping's heart.
Compared with the precious crafts passed down from our ancestors, calligraphy and ink painting are just a drop in the ocean.
Back at the company office, Zhang Junping called Chen Lijun, Niu Wensheng and Song Heping.
"This is the contract signed by the director of BJ Woodwork Factory.
Yang Shankui is not only the director of the woodware factory, but also a wood carving master. I think Lao Niu must have heard of it." Zhang Junping took out the contract and said to the three people with a smile.
"I heard about it, but we couldn't talk to him. I didn't expect you, the manager, to sign him. The manager has a lot of friends." Niu Wensheng smiled and complimented.
"Old Niu, don't say any more compliments. This is the wood carving craftsman recommended to me by Director Yang. You can arrange to have some contact with them to see how good they are.
If there is no problem, sign with them directly." Zhang Junping took out the list given to him by Yang Shankui and handed it to Niu Wensheng.
"Good manager! I'm not complimenting you. So many of us have been running for several days, but we can't even compare to your results this time." Niu Wensheng said with a smile.
"Sister Chen, Sister Song, please take this contract back and keep it on file.
One more thing, the three of you will go to a banquet with me tomorrow.
Director Yang said that he would introduce several masters in the engraving world tomorrow.
You guys should go and get to know each other together." Zhang Junping said with a smile again.
"Sister Chen, Lao Niu, I feel that handicrafts and artworks have great potential.
We will devote more resources to this aspect in the future.
I have a plan, but it's just an idea for now. I'll talk to you when I think about it.
However, I feel that if this plan comes to fruition, we will be able to truly gain a foothold internationally." Zhang Junping said with a smile.
"Manager, think about it slowly, don't be in a hurry, we are waiting for your good ideas!" Chen Lijun said with a smile.
After the three people left, Zhang Junping came to Wu Xinping's office with a tea cup.
As a result, Wu Xinping was not there, so he returned to the office and called Lu Guozhong over to ask. It turned out that he was visiting an old friend.
Recently, Wu Xinping especially likes to visit friends everywhere.
Zhang Junping is still very supportive of this, and Wu Xinping never comes back empty-handed when visiting friends.
Every time I come back, I bring back several calligraphy and painting works.
Not only that, many things were solved silently during Wu Xinping's visits to friends.
For example, when Lao Yangtou went to Tsinghua University to teach in the Department of Architecture, Wu Xinping mentioned casually when he was visiting friends that he knew the descendants of Shi Shi Lei. If he could invite the descendants of Shi Shi Lei to teach at Tsinghua University, he would definitely be able to teach.
The Department of Architecture adds a lot of color.
Wu Xinping said something smoothly, but it was different when he was speaking to the head of the Department of Architecture.
Not only did Wu Xinping have a meal of Quanjude roast duck, but Wu Xinping also took away several paintings and calligraphy works.
As a special matter, Lao Yangtou was hired as a visiting professor by the Department of Ancient Architecture of Tsinghua University the next day.
The letter of appointment was sent directly to Baylor Mansion in Shichahai.
Wu Liangyong was so excited when he knew that Baylor Mansion was being rebuilt here.
Discuss directly with Lao Yangtou that this place should be used as a teaching point for the Department of Architecture.
Let students from the Department of Architecture of Tsinghua University come here for on-site teaching.
Naturally, Lao Yangtou did not dare to make the decision, so he asked Zhang Junping for permission before agreeing to use Baylor Mansion as a teaching site.
Of course, it is not without its benefits. The advantage is that some scarce building materials have been solved because it has become a teaching point for the Department of Architecture of Tsinghua University.
"Lao Lu, how are you preparing to receive the artists?" Zhang Junping asked with a smile.
"It's almost done! I specially selected forty interns with good looks and outgoing personalities to conduct surprise training.
There should be no problem." Lu Guozhong said with a smile.
"Lao Lu, there should be no problems. This is the first time our art company has organized such a large event. We must ensure that there are no problems.
Otherwise our art company will be in great disgrace." Zhang Junping reminded solemnly.
"Manager, don't worry! I specially hired the lobby manager of BJ Hotel to provide training.
They were very professional in handling this moment." Lu Guozhong said confidently.
"That's good! I'm very relieved that you, Lao Lu, are doing things!" Zhang Junping smiled and nodded.
Facts have proved that Zhang Junping was right, Lu Guozhong was indeed a good candidate to be the office director.
In an art company, if you want to say which department is the busiest now, it is undoubtedly the office.
The office is the logistics manager of the art company. Everything inside and outside is inseparable from the cooperation of the office.
However, Lu Guozhong was calm and arranged everything in an orderly manner.
"Thank you, manager, for your trust!" Lu Guozhong showed a humble smile on his face.
The next night, Zhang Junping took Chen Lijun and three others to Zhiweizhai early.
"Mom, get me a room in the backyard." Zhang Junping walked to the bar and said to Zhang's mother.
"How many of you are there?"
"If you're not sure yet, let's get the room for twelve people." Zhang Junping thought for a while and said.
Yang Shankui did not say how many people came, he only introduced a few seniors in the carving circle.
"You guys go to the largest private room! The last twelve-person room was booked by your squad leader just now."
The private rooms in the backyard are basically large private rooms, ranging from ten to twelve people, and the largest is eighteen people.
"Okay then!
The squad leader will come over for dinner later? Just in time, I want to chat with him if I have anything to do," Zhang Junping said with a smile.
"Director Yang and the others will come over in a moment. Please ask someone to lead them over." After Zhang Junping finished explaining, he led Chen Lijun and three others into the private room.
As soon as we entered the private room, a waiter came in and asked what kind of tea we wanted.
Zhang Junping ordered a pot of jasmine tea.
After the waiter left, Song Heping said with a smile: "As expected of Shaodong's family, the service quality is different. I rush in to serve you Shaodong's family."
"Sister Song, you are wrong. Except for this private room, which we have occupied, everything else is normal." Zhang Junping sat on the sofa and said with a smile: "Each private room in the backyard has one.
Set of sofa and coffee table.
It allows guests to sit more comfortably on the sofa, drink tea and chat while waiting.
“The second and third floors include private rooms in the backyard, and each private room has a dedicated waiter.
Because the backyard is dedicated to receiving leaders, each private room is equipped with two waiters, one male and one female."
"You have so many waiters! I thought it was because you are the young master's family, so you are getting special treatment!" Song Heping said with a smile.
In this era, except for BJ Hotel, the situation of one waiter per private room does not exist at all, let alone two waiters.
"What do you think? Why is Zhiweizhai's business so popular? In addition to the really good taste, it also depends on the quality of service.
I dare say that there is no hotel in BJ City with better service quality than mine." Zhang Junping said with a confident smile.
At this time, the waiter came in with a teapot and poured tea for the four people.
Zhang Junping took a sip from his tea cup and said with a smile: "Restaurants and shops were called Qinxing in the past. What is Qinxing? It means making money through your hard work.
The situation in our country now is very abnormal.
I spend money to go to your restaurant to eat, but I still have to look at your face. This kind of abnormal situation only happens in special times.
In the future, changes will inevitably occur.
I am not bragging, our BJ painting shop, as well as the galleries and art stores to be opened in the future, must learn from Zhiweizhai in terms of service."
"Manager, the situation in our art shop is pretty good, because we are all in contact with artists, so everyone's attitude is still very enthusiastic." Chen Lijun said with a smile, he and she have the best say in this regard.
Because the people I interact with are all artists, everyone has a good attitude, but I feel awkward no matter how I hear these words.
But this is the phenomenon of this era.
The four of them drank tea and chatted. After waiting for about half an hour, Yang Shankui came in from outside and said, "Sorry, I'm late."
"No, I arrived a little early! I'm treating guests today, and there's no reason to keep the guests waiting." Zhang Junping smiled and let Yang Shankui sit on the sofa.
"Brother Yang, why are you alone? Where are those carving masters you mentioned?" Zhang Junping asked curiously when Yang Shankui came in alone.
"They are almost here. After all, they have to wait until after get off work before riding here. It's normal to be a little slower." Yang Shankui explained.
"Then let's go out and pick them up?" Zhang Junping didn't know who the other party was, so he could only look at Yang Shankui to ask for his opinion.
"No! We are all old friends. There is no need to do those silly things. We can just wait in the room." Yang Shankui shook his head and said with a smile.
After a while, an old man with gray hair and glasses opened the door and came in under the guidance of the waiter.
"Brother, let me introduce to you, this is Mr. Anqing Xiang'an, the ivory carving master of our BJ Ivory Art Factory.
Mr. An and I have been friends in the past, and my wood has learned a lot from Mr. An." Seeing the old man coming in, Yang Shankui stood up with a smile, shook hands with him, and introduced Zhang Junping.
"Hello, Mr. An!" Zhang Junping quickly stretched out his hand to shake hands.
"This is the manager of our BJ Art Company, my brother Zhang Junping.
Although my brother is young, he is already a division-level cadre, and his attainments in calligraphy, painting and painting are no worse than those of the older generation of artists." Yang Shankui introduced Zhang Junping to An Qingxiang again.
"Hello, Manager Zhang is really young and promising!" An Qingxiang shook hands with Zhang Junping politely.
"Alao An is so grateful! These three are colleagues from our company, Chen Lijun, the director of the business development department, Song Heping, the chief of the finance section, and Niu Wensheng, the leader of the engraving team." Zhang Junping said politely and introduced Chen Lijun to Anqing.
Xiang.
Another polite handshake.
It can be seen that An Qingxiang is not very accustomed to such occasions and is a bit cautious.
Fortunately, just after the introduction, seven or eight more people came in one after another.
They are all guests invited by Yang Shankui. The youngest of these guests is over fifty years old. No wonder Yang Shankui is said to be a senior in the engraving circle.
After another introduction and polite remarks, the guests and hosts took their seats.
Zhang Junping sat in the main seat, and Yang Shankui became the deputy guest of honor, giving up the position of guest of honor to a burly old man in his sixties.
Yang Shankui, the old man, just introduced Liu Deying, the technical director of the BJ Jade Factory and one of the Four Elites of Beiyu, a very famous old craftsman in the BJ arts and crafts circle.
In terms of fame, he is even higher than Wu Xinping and Wu Guanzhong.
Zhang Junping did not expect that Yang Shankui would invite him over.
What I didn't expect was that Niu Wensheng would know each other.
As soon as they met, Niu Wensheng politely stepped forward and bowed to say hello.
After the introduction, I found out that Liu Deying and Lao Hu had a very good relationship.
So good that when two disciples meet each other, they must hold the disciple ceremony.
With this relationship, the atmosphere of the banquet became much more relaxed.
The waiter came in to order, but everyone refused to order.
Zhang Junping asked if there were any taboos, so he asked the waiter to bring out all the signature dishes in the store.
They are all old BJ people and have a high level of acceptance of Shandong cuisine.
In my own store, I still get some preferential treatment, and the food is served relatively quickly.
Zhang Junping didn't say his purpose at first, he just talked about some carving topics while eating vegetables.
Zhang Junping’s advantages are also reflected here.
He has hundreds of thousands of books in his head, and it is no exaggeration to say that he is knowledgeable and knowledgeable.
He is very familiar with the origin and development of carving, and even the inheritance of Jingzuo jade carving.
It is clearer than all the descendants of Beiyu here.
When it comes to carving techniques, Zhang Junping is no stranger. Some carving techniques that have disappeared in history were also mentioned one by one by Zhang Junping.
This made Liu Deying, An Qingxiang and others very happy to hear it, and felt that their trip was worthwhile.
Some carving techniques Zhang Junping casually mentioned inspired them a lot.
Everyone who initially looked down upon Zhang Junping because of his youth stopped their contempt and began to look at him seriously.
After three rounds of drinking, Zhang Junping revealed his purpose with the cooperation of Yang Shankui.
"You are all seniors in the carving world and veteran craftsmen.
My purpose of inviting everyone here today is very simple, that is, I hope to help our craftsmen gain a higher social status and live a more prosperous life." To these craftsmen who rely on their crafts for a living, Zhang Junping did not say those high-sounding words, but was very sincere.