Xu Ying first returned to the guesthouse to pack her belongings, then went to the front desk to contact the cooperative partner that Director Sun had arranged, in order to store the braised duck and fried snacks.
Once everything was settled, she went to find Uncle Xu, Yang Nan, and Zhou Yi. They would not be holding the tasting event that afternoon. Instead, the group would first scout nearby locations to decide which spot would be best suited for tomorrow’s promotion.
“Director Xu, I think it’s feasible to hold the event right in front of the food factory,” Yang Nan suggested confidently, his face glowing with self-satisfaction. “The people who enter or leave a food factory are all in the food trade. We could stop them directly at the gate and have them try our fried snacks. Being so close to the source, we’d definitely gain the advantage.”
But the moment his words fell, everyone stared at him as if he were a fool.
Yang Nan blinked, not understanding.
Uncle Xu immediately snapped his fingers in annoyance. “Are you daft? Promoting fried snacks at the very gate of the food factory? That’s practically provoking them outright! Do you think they won’t take offense? You’ll stir up resentment in the competitors before we even start.”
Zhou Yi also frowned. “Your idea is very reckless. We came to promote our products, not to pick a fight. This is an unfamiliar territory for us. If we provoke the food factory on their own doorstep, we’d be lucky to escape without a confrontation.”
Even Xu Ying rolled her eyes at Yang Nan’s lack of foresight and continued walking ahead.
In Shanghai, several large factories were clustered together. Among them, the most prosperous were the machinery factories. Although they rarely placed orders, once they did, the sheer size of the contract could exceed an entire year’s worth of business for smaller factories like theirs. Machinery was truly a sector of wealth and power in this era.
“Uncle, let’s host the tasting at the front of machinery factory,” Xu Ying proposed.
Uncle Xu chuckled in approval. “Blood truly tells. That’s exactly what I was thinking. Holding a food tasting at the gate of the food factory would look like we’re deliberately stealing their business. But the machinery factory is far away—close enough to draw people, but far enough to avoid direct conflict. Even if the food factory wanted to interfere, they wouldn’t be able to reach us quickly.
“Besides, the workers there are well-paid. If we can satisfy their appetites, we can be certain that the department stores won’t overlook the appeal of our products.
“And the Friendship Building [a landmark in Shanghai, built in the 1950s as a symbol of Sino-Soviet friendship, often used for banquets and diplomatic receptions] is close to the machinery factory. The wind has been blowing in that direction these past few days. Once the fragrance of braised duck and fried goods drifts over, how could the people inside possibly resist?”
Zhou Yi’s eyes brightened at his reasoning.
“Even if foreign guests happen to notice, it’s not our doing,” Uncle Xu added. “We didn’t disturb them—they came out on their own.”
Xu Ying nodded. No wonder Uncle Xu had managed to build a modest business in her previous life. He was shrewd, with a knack for finding the safest yet most profitable route.
Yang Nan, however, felt out of his depth. He was better suited to cooking food and eating it than to devising strategies.
With the location decided, Xu Ying and the others borrowed the utensils and equipment they would need for the next day before returning to the guesthouse.
The following morning, Qian Yuanyuan and Qiao Yuzhu rose early. One of them—Qian Yuanyuan—was eager to watch Xu Ying embarrass herself. The other—Qiao Yuzhu—was curious to see how capable Xu Ying truly was.
The textile factory had recently assigned them a task: to sell clothing on commission. The more they sold, the higher their bonuses would be.
Qiao Yuzhu, brimming with enthusiasm, was determined to seize this opportunity and earn money to take home.
“Director Xu, where will we begin today’s promotion?” she asked with genuine interest.
Qian Yuanyuan, however, spoke with thinly veiled sarcasm, her eyes mocking. “Director Xu, surely by now you’ve secured a suitable location for us? After that long, exhausting train ride yesterday, I collapsed into bed the moment I returned. But of course, Director Xu must have already arranged everything, right?”
Yang Nan, oblivious to her barbs, laughed cheerfully. “Yesterday, Zhou Yi, Uncle Xu, and Director Xu already scouted the perfect spot. Everything is prepared—we’re heading to the machinery factory today. It’s an excellent location, and even the tools are ready.”
Qian Yuanyuan’s expression stiffened. She had planned to criticize Xu Ying for being irresponsible, but she hadn’t expected Xu Ying to be so well-prepared. For a moment, her face went pale, as if she had swallowed something foul.
Forcing a laugh, she said awkwardly, “Director Xu is truly diligent.”
But when she thought of Xu Ying and Zhou Yi going out together yesterday, her jealousy flared again. So from there all day, she clung to Zhou Yi’s side at the guesthouse, afraid the two might find another chance to be alone.
On the other hand when Xu Ying and her group arrived at the gate of the machinery factory, the elderly gatekeeper greeted them warmly.
“Ah, Xiao Xu, you are here for a food tasting today right ? I’ve already made the arrangements for you. Yesterday’s braised duck and fried snacks were delicious! I brought some home for my wife and children, and they all loved it.”
He pulled Xu Ying aside and said, half-embarrassed but eager, “Xiao Xu, could you sell me some more of those braised duck and fried goods? My family didn’t get enough yesterday.”
Xu Ying smiled knowingly. “Uncle, don’t get me into trouble! If I sell them privately, that would count as speculation [a term from the planned-economy era in China, when unauthorized private selling was considered illegal profiteering]. But if you’d like, I’ll give you a few extra packets. In return, though, I’ll have to trouble you to look after us here at the gate these next few days.”
The old man immediately understood her meaning. Narrowing his eyes with a grin, he replied, “Of course, of course. You’re not doing anything wrong. And frankly, this tasting event benefits everyone—who doesn’t like free food? Go ahead and set up. Your snacks are good enough for a department store shelf. I’ll even go inside later and help spread the word so more people come out to try them.”
He knew full well there was no such thing as effort without gain. A young woman like Xu Ying wouldn’t have risen to the position of department manager without ability. Clearly, she had a deeper purpose behind this tasting event.
Xu Ying’s eyes sparkled as she smiled sweetly. “Thank you, Uncle! If we really do get into the department stores one day, I’ll make sure you receive a special discount on our goods.”
The gatekeeper, whose family was financially comfortable, laughed in delight. He knew he’d be back for more of this delicacy. Braised duck might be little-known now, but with the right push, it could become a sensation. With Xu Ying’s connections, he wouldn’t have to worry about missing out.
“Why is she wasting time chatting with the old man instead of starting the promotion?” Qian Yuanyuan muttered sourly.
Qiao Yuzhu, on the other hand, admired Xu Ying’s skill. As someone trained in sales, she could see clearly what Xu Ying was doing. This girl might be young, but she was sharp and meticulous.
“Director, shall we begin?” Yang Nan asked eagerly, unable to wait any longer.
Xu Ying gave a calm nod.
Yang Nan grinned, raising his voice with excitement. “Light the fire! Light the fire!”