A Warm Marriage After Rebirth

’Even though they’re calling it an exchange, it’s still a competition at heart. For now, though, no one knows the schedule. We have to wait for the higher-ups to decide everything! But since the event is being held under the banner of understanding and studying the excellent, ancient traditions of Apex, there are bound to be a few things I excel at. Winning first place shouldn’t be an issue!’

When the welcome banquet finally ended, Seraphina Sterling had a chance to take care of some real business.

"Seraphina Sterling, the school is providing accommodations!" Marshal called out, reminding her as he watched her leave.

"Thank you, but I have a place to stay!" she replied without breaking her stride.

"Seraphina Sterling, what the Marshal means is that all students participating in the winter camp must stay in the dormitories arranged by the school! Are you trying to break the rules on the very first day?" Michelle Galloway’s tone was nowhere near as gentle as the Marshal’s.

"If I remember correctly, the winter camp doesn’t officially start until tomorrow. Besides, aren’t you on your way home, too? Don’t tell me that car at the curb isn’t here to pick you up." Seraphina Sterling glanced at a black sedan, and Michelle Galloway was left speechless. After all, no matter how nice the school’s accommodations were, they could never be more comfortable than home.

"Assembly is at nine tomorrow morning. We’ll be welcoming the international students, so I trust you won’t be late." The Marshal’s words were his tacit approval for her to stay elsewhere.

"Naturally," Seraphina Sterling said, then hailed a taxi and headed straight for Apex Collections. She had arranged to meet Joel Xavier at eight o’clock that evening.

At eight in the evening, Trinity Street was still ablaze with lights. Surprisingly, not a single one of the antique shops lining the street had closed its doors. They were all open for business, though there were clearly far fewer customers than during the day.

This was a recent phenomenon, only having started in the last few months. Previously, nearly every shop here closed after five in the afternoon. But because of Apex Collections, the other owners had grudgingly changed their habits.

Seraphina Sterling walked in, dressed in activewear. Though it had only been a few months since her last visit, Joel Xavier had already whipped the place into impressive shape. The transformation from her first visit was night and day.

"Boss, you’re finally here! These are the ledgers for the past few months." Joel Xavier, assuming Seraphina Sterling was there to inspect the books, had already prepared them well in advance.

The books had to be checked, of course, but that wasn’t the primary reason for Seraphina’s visit.

Inspecting the books was second nature to Seraphina Sterling. She gave them a casual flip-through, and upon seeing the shop’s profits, she couldn’t help but be impressed. ’Joel Xavier’s abilities are the real deal!’ "To get Apex Collections running this well in such a short time, you’re truly very talented!"

Upon receiving Seraphina Sterling’s praise, Joel Xavier was overjoyed, thrilled, and filled with a sense of accomplishment. All the joy he had accumulated over the past few months peaked at this moment of her approval. It was a validation of his self-worth, like getting first place on a test as a child and earning his parents’ praise. He felt like he was walking on air.

"But this is still far from my target," she continued. "At Apex Collections’ current rate of growth, it will be difficult for us to even get a spot at the appraisal conference in March. Our sales figures are excellent, but our name doesn’t carry enough weight yet. We’re still leagues behind many of the long-established antique shops."

Seraphina Sterling’s voice grew grave. ’This is the classic carrot-and-stick approach, to keep Joel from getting too proud. Once a person becomes complacent, it’s hard for them to keep growing. Besides, I absolutely cannot miss the antique world’s biggest annual event!’

"There’s not much we can do about that. We’ve done plenty of advertising, both direct and indirect. The antique business isn’t like other industries; you can’t build a big name with just a few ads. This field is all about experience and reputation. Apex Collections has already grown incredibly fast. At the very least, we’ve secured a firm foothold here in Sanford."