With a heartbroken sigh, Xu Ying covered her face and began to leave. Director Sun, eyes wide with sudden guilt, quickly called out, “Xiao Xu, wait! You’re not even letting me think! I didn’t realize you were working so wholeheartedly for the factory. I know you’re a good girl, truly dedicated. But we’ve just earned so much money for the factory – what if we lose it all?” His face was troubled; one wrong decision could impact the entire factory.Althouh he wanted everyone to get an extra bonus before the New Year, but this felt too rash.
“Director,” Xu Ying said, her voice steady and clear as she sat back down, “we don’t have to worry about selling our duck products and fried goods. We won’t lose money at all.” Director Sun felt a slight wave of relief wash over him.
Turning back, a smile played on Xu Ying’s lips. “Director, the textile factory has already agreed for me to promote New Year’s clothes in other provinces. If you’re not willing, don’t blame me for not warning you when the time comes.” The mention of New Year’s goods from a textile factory immediately piqued Director Sun’s interest. “Everyone buys meat and other things for Chinese New Year,” he scoffed, “what does that have to do with the textile factory?”
Xu Ying’s smile widened. “Director, while everyone buys food, they also need new clothes! If the textile factory can create fashionable new clothes, they’ll sell like hotcakes!” Director Sun was still hesitant, but the thought of Director Niu of the textile factory making a move before him, even sending Xu Ying to promote, stung his pride. He suddenly felt too timid. If the textile factory reaped massive profits from this venture, would their food factory fall behind? Unthinkable! Director Sun would never allow his factory to be outdone. “Alright, Xiao Xu,” he declared, “I’ll do as you say!”
Surprise lit up Xu Ying’s face. She looked at Director Sun, a bright smile gracing her features. “Director, if I secure a large order this time, I’m afraid the factory won’t be able to produce it quickly enough. When the time comes, I’ll ask my dad to speak with our commune director. Then we can gather people from other villages, and my mom and sister-in-law can lead them in working overtime to meet the production demands.”
Director Sun chuckled, touching the few hairs on his head. “Are you that confident, girl? What if you can’t get the order?”
Xu Ying’s gaze was unwavering, brimming with self-assurance. “I believe in myself. Is it possible Director Sun doesn’t believe in me?”
Director Sun’s hearty laughter filled the office. “Hahahahaha, of course I believe it!”
Leaving the office, Xu Ying went to find her third uncle . “Third uncle, come with me tomorrow. We’re going to do something big.” Uncle Xu’s eyes lit up. Ever since he’d tasted the thrill of making money, he’d been insatiable. Now, only money occupied his thoughts. “Okay, when do we leave? Third uncle will follow your lead.”
“Be at the train station at eight tomorrow morning. I’ll head to the textile factory first. You can pack your things. I expect we’ll be gone for over a week.” Xu Ying instructed. Uncle Xu was also ecstatic. Another chance to travel, gain experience, and then boast to his friends! Everyone in the village had noticed Uncle Xu’s transformation nowadays and his tales of achivements left his old cronies utterly flabbergasted.
As Xu Ying cycled to the textile factory. The gatekeeper greeted her with a wide grin. Director Niu had declared Xiao Xu the factory’s lucky star and insisted she be treated exceptionally well. The factory’s performance had soared this year, and Director Niu had even announced large bonuses from their superiors. The gatekeeper, bursting with curiosity, wondered what she was up to now. “Xiao Xu, why are you here at this hour?”
Xu Ying offered a mysterious smile. “You’ll see soon enough. Uncle, I’m going to find Director Niu first. You can continue enjoying the sun here.” The gatekeeper nodded, still smiling.
Xu Ying found Director Niu, design in hand. He had just received commendation from his superiors for the textile factory’s excellent performance. Excitement shone on his face as he saw Xu Ying. “Why, Xiao Xu! Come in at this hour , sit down quickly. Secretary Yang, please pour some hot tea for Xiao Xu.”
“Director Niu,” Xu Ying began, “I’ve come with a new design. Take a look. New Year’s is approaching, and everyone loves festive clothes. These would definitely sell well.” She presented the red coat and red skirt she had designed.
Director Niu’s eyes widened. The designs were truly beautiful. These clothes would be a hit with young people if launched in this festive season! “That’s good,” he said, “but with Chinese New Year so close, can we make them in time?”
Getting to the heart of the matter, Xu Ying cleared her throat, her expression serious. “To tell you the truth, Director Niu, the food factory has just prepared to launch a New Year’s package, and it will be difficult to produce enough in a short time. However, Director Sun has set up a small workshop in our village. My third uncle and I are leaving tomorrow to get orders from other provinces. Director Sun said that if the orders are substantial, he’ll let me call together the villagers from Yushan Commune to increase production, under the leadership of my mother and sister-in-law. If you’re willing, you could also ask the villagers from Yushan Commune to produce for you at that time. Women in every household know how to make clothes; everyone buys fabric to make their own clothes, so skilled hands are readily available.”
Director Niu was overjoyed, waving his hand enthusiastically. “Okay, I’ll do as you say! As long as you can get a big order, I’ll immediately find people to deliver sewing machines to those working with me!”
“Director Niu, your generosity and broad vision are truly remarkable! I believe that under your leadership, the textile factory’s efficiency will skyrocket, and the wages of your employees will increase significantly. We are truly fortunate to work with you!” Xu Ying laughed, showering him with flattery. Though Director Niu maintained a calm demeanor, his heart swelled with happiness.
After her discussion with Director Niu, Xu Ying hurried to find Director Sun that afternoon. Director Sun was stunned by the prospect of such incredible wealth. “Xiao Xu, are you kidding me?”
“Kidding? I’m going to get the order tomorrow! This needs to be done as soon as possible, before the end of the year, so the people of Yushan Commune can have a good New Year. Director Sun, go to our village tomorrow to discuss this with my dad, take a look, and quickly mark out a place for recruitment when the time comes.” Director Sun nodded seriously, itching to start planning immediately.
Xu Ying rushed home, buying a dress she had designed directly from the mall (shamelessly copying the mall’s drawings). The system, usually scolding her for such actions, was surprisingly cold now that she was actually purchasing the item. “Host, your character is not good. Stealing pictures of our mall’s clothes wasn’t enough; now you’re buying it.”
Xu Ying, ever righteous, retorted, “System, who am I doing this for? It’s for you! I’m saving money to upgrade you as quickly as possible. When the time comes, you’ll be the coolest among your friends. You don’t understand the pain in my conscience. It truly hurts my heart!” Xu Ying noted with satisfaction that her acting skills were improving with every passing day.