The phrase "one step ahead" truly resonated with everyone. Who wouldn't want to be the first to try something new? Besides, everyone here wants to buy it. Imagine how prestigious it would be to be the first to wear the new product.

In this way, once one person went first, they swarmed out like bees leaving their hive.

Manager Zhou was also unsure of what to do. He didn't know whether these distinguished guests were there to watch the spectacle or to buy things, since he had never seen what those bras looked like or how attractive they were to women.

But the thunderous applause that erupted after the fashion show immediately shifted his focus to shopping. So he quickly went outside the restaurant, hoping to let the ladies who hadn't gone into the show hear it and perhaps spur them on to buy something.

Sure enough, soon after, calls of "Manager Zhou" rang out from inside, followed by a group of women rushing out and surrounding Manager Zhou like an iron barrel.

"Manager Zhou, I'd like to buy the new 'Zhaoyeqing' product."

Shopkeeper Zhou was completely baffled by the question. He had no idea what this new "Night-Shining Green" product was, but he figured it must be the item featured in today's fashion show. However, Yunling hadn't explained the specifics of how to use it, so he could only play it by ear; giving a vague answer was the best approach.

"What new product are you gentlemen referring to?"

Another person pushed forward and spoke up:

"I want to buy number one, no, no, I want to buy numbers one through twenty-four, all of them."

The others, having learned how to say "buy," eagerly chimed in:

“I’ll buy them all once, no, I’ll buy them twice, forty-eight sets in total. Manager Zhou, you’d better remember that.”

"I, I, I will buy it six times. It's good to use it for my family or give it as a gift to others."

“Me, and me too, Manager Zhou, come over here.”

"..."

The young women who were originally standing outside were already intrigued by the fashion show inside. Those who had seen the show before but didn't know how to buy anything were now eager to join in.

"Shopkeeper Zhou, I'll take one set, number 20."

"I'll take three sets, I want numbers one, two, and three."

"I'm here too. I only need a small amount. Can you sell it to me immediately if I pay you?"

"..."

These people were spouting off incoherently, giving Manager Zhou a headache. What's more, they not only talked but also started hitting him, leaving Manager Zhou's sleeves, collar, and even his hair, nose, and mouth all victimized.

Even with his usual quick wit, Manager Zhou couldn't keep up with the commotion. He couldn't take it anymore, and before collapsing to the ground, he mustered all his strength to shout:

"Oden, our Shengfu Restaurant is going to launch oden!"

Those backstage, listening to the commotion outside, especially when everyone was announcing their numbers, excitedly hugged and cheered each other.

The fashion show was a success!

They succeeded!

Tang Ling and the others were happy, as this brought them one step closer to being able to choose the life they wanted.

Grandma Fan and the others were also happy. The more orders they received, the less they would have to worry about not having work, and the closer they got to a better life.

In contrast, Zhang and Granny Yun's happiness was much simpler. They were happy to see the fashion show a success, and that Yunling wouldn't have to suffer the same setback as she did the first time.

Yunling's feelings were somewhat complicated. The success of the fashion show was undoubtedly exciting, but the next steps, such as materials, sewing, pricing, and sales, were all problems that came one after another and could not be solved overnight.

She just needs to be happy right now; she doesn't need to spoil the mood.

**

After the excitement, things always return to calm.

After Yunling and Yun Ruoxia escorted Tang Ling and the others back to their shop, they drove their carriage home.

The construction on the main house's plot of land is already complete. Next, it will be the turn of their houses, which will be renovated along with the mushroom house.

As Zhang was rinsing the rice, she said:

“Your grandfather said that the renovation here will be easier and will be completed before the New Year. Then our family will be able to enjoy good fortune, live in a new house in the New Year, and have nothing to worry about in the coming year.”

Yunling had already pictured the scene in her mind, and the corners of her mouth couldn't help but turn up. But then she thought of her own situation, and the smile on her face instantly faded.

The popularity of bras is certainly a good thing, but what follows is that she has to go to Bianjing to find wool. Bianjing is about the same distance from Pingcheng, which is in a different direction from Qimin, so she definitely has to spend the year in Bianjing.

"You don't need to worry about the fashion show right now. You can help with the packing tomorrow. We'll stay at the Fan family's house. Your grandma has already spoken to Aunt Fan. We'll take care of the food and drinks, and you won't have to pay for the room..."

Zhang's eyes sparkled in the firelight, and her smile was full of enthusiasm and longing for the future.

Yunling didn't want to spoil the beautiful moment for the Zhang family, but she still had to spoil the mood by revealing the important matter.

"Mother, do you remember when I mentioned going to Bianjing?"

Zhang's hand paused, the light in her eyes dimmed slightly. The thing she didn't want to think about had been brought up again. She lowered her head and asked softly:

"Are we going now? Bianjing is far from here, and this year... Maybe we should go after the New Year, that way we'll have more options."

Yunling pursed her lips, gripped the fire poker tightly, and replied:

"I'm afraid that won't work. These sheep are sheared when the weather is warm and the flowers are in bloom. It's almost autumn now. Even if we travel by water, it will take at least two or three months. Moreover, we'll have to stop and rest at the shore many times along the way. By the time we get to Bianjing, we'll probably need to wear thick cotton-padded coats."

"Getting there isn't something that can be done overnight. You need to find a reliable inn to stay in, trade with merchants, and check the quality of the wool. There are many things to do at every step. Setting off earlier will give you more opportunities to choose for yourself."

That's what they say, but how can an unmarried young woman spend the New Year away from home? Firstly, it's against the rules, and secondly, it's easy for gossip to spread. If someone were to talk about her later, she would always be at a disadvantage. Zhang Shi rinsed the rice and put it in the pot, continuing to persuade her:

"I've heard that the Lu family business has connections in the capital. Why don't we have them keep an eye on things? When we get something from them, we can calculate the costs and give them a little extra. Wouldn't that be a good thing?"

“Mother, it’s easy to repay money, but it’s not so easy to repay debts of gratitude.”

"That makes sense, but with sheep being sheared every year, and so many sheep, isn't there any wool left over? Why do we have to live so frugally?"