My Shopkeeper Can't Read [Republican Era]

Before binding herself to a Republican-era System, art history PhD Qi Yunyu raised her luck stat to the max.

Six players had to collect antiques. The first to gather seven pieces would win.

She had expertise and luck, and was sure she'd win.

When she opened her eyes, she was in a mourning hall.

Her father had been manipulated into dying of rage, her fiance had fled overnight with a genuine painting, and creditors filled the house.

Qi Yunyu: ...

Then the landlord showed up.

He was in his early twenties, carrying a birdcage and sporting a long queue trailing from the back of his head. He called himself a Qing dynasty remnant, but couldn't read a single character.

He opened with, "Girl, come work at my shop. I'll wipe out your rent."

Qi Yunyu: "No need."

Later, everyone on Liulichang Street knew:

The owner of the Qi family shop had uncanny luck. Antiques practically jumped into her arms as she walked down the street.

Her shopkeeper was skilled at martial arts, bad-tempered, and handsome. But someone had to read the accounts aloud to him.

Qing Xiao: "Boss, how do you read these two characters?"

Qi Yunyu: "They're your name."

There was only one thing Qing Xiao wanted in this life: the thing his father had lost all those years ago.

As it happened, that was the very antique she wanted to collect.

--

Female shop owner, male shopkeeper, one-on-one romance, both are each other's first love, happy ending.

The female lead's career is the focus, with an ensemble cast.

The male lead wears a queue at first, but cuts it off later.

Most of the antiques mentioned are real, though some are fictionalized. No need to fact-check.

One supporting couple has a BL storyline. It's not a major part of the plot, so feel free to skip it if you don't like it.

Theme: Protecting cultural relics means safeguarding our spiritual home