In 1975, Li Qingshan, a third-generation carpenter, partnered with his cousin to make wooden furniture. They agreed to split the profits equally, but after a year of hard work, Li Qingshan received only 500 yuan, nowhere near enough to pay for his mother's surgery. Determined to stand on his own, he opened a shop and relied on his family's traditional wood-identification skills to maintain the highest quality. Meanwhile, his cousin cut corners, causing the furniture to grow moldy and destroying his reputation and business. Li Qingshan's meticulous craftsmanship continued to attract customers. When his cousin came begging for help, Li Qingshan remained focused on building his own business.