Chapter 26: Spending All Our Money to Train the Model Team

Tang Yuelin didn't have the slightest lewd expression or obscene gesture, as if he was proposing a fair and reasonable business cooperation. It was this businesslike "transactional" attitude that made Su Hexi feel a chill and disgust.

This is more disgusting than outright harassment because it is disguised as "rationality" and "opportunity."

Su Hexi clenched her hands slightly on her knees, her nails digging into her palms. She forced herself to remain calm, forcing a decent smile. "Director Tang, thank you for your... appreciation. However, I want to compete based on the strength of my design. I believe my work will impress the judges."

When Tang Yuelin heard this, the fake gentleness on his face disappeared instantly, replaced by a cold, condescending denial. He leaned back in his chair, shook his head, and said in a firm tone:

"Ms. Su, you're overthinking things. Without my approval, your design won't make it past the preliminary round. Strength is important in this industry, but it's not the only factor. You're the first person I've given this opportunity. There are still three days until the submission deadline, and I hope you can consider it carefully. If you're unwilling, then unfortunately, you won't even be eligible to participate."

Tang Yuelin's understated but cold and resolute denial was like a basin of ice water, extinguishing Su Hexi's burning desire for the Canton Fair.

But her inner stubbornness was not extinguished. Instead, this dirty deal inspired her to become even more resilient. She would rather return to her small shop than give in to such unspoken rules.

She took a deep breath and slowly stood up, trying to maintain her last bit of dignity. "I understand. If that's the case, then I'll give up this opportunity. I just want to get results through my own efforts, not through these crooked ways. Sorry to bother you."

After saying this, she stopped looking at Tang Yuelin's expressionless face, turned around, straightened her back, and walked out of the suffocating office step by step.

The result was no surprise. The list of participants for the Canton Fair was released, and Su Hexi's name was not on it.

The news spread quickly in the small circle. Those who had previously been pessimistic and jealous of her began to sneer at her:

"See, I told you it wouldn't work. How capable can a private tailor be?"

"At first I was so confident and thought it was a big deal, but in the end I didn't even get to the threshold."

"I guess he's just boasting a lot, but he has no real skills. The factory leaders are not stupid."

Faced with these discussions, Su Hexi chose to remain silent. She did not tell Tang Yuelin what he had said. She knew that with her current status, not only would no one believe her, but it might also bring her even greater trouble.

She knew that she was so insignificant in front of Tang Yuelin that she could not withstand a single blow. Falling out with him would do her no good.

It would be easy for the Red Star Factory to strangle her small tailor shop or frame her with some crime.

Facing the ridicule of the crowd, she just smiled, that smile was filled with a bit of loneliness and self-deprecation, and her tone was as relaxed as if she was talking about someone else's business: "There's nothing I can do. My skills are not as good as others. There are so many experts in the factory. I'm a latecomer, so I can only come back to continue sharpening my scissors."

She swallowed all her grievances and resentment and threw herself back into the busy work of the tailor shop.

As a leading local enterprise, Hongxing Garment Factory launched an unprecedented and extensive marketing campaign to create momentum at the Canton Fair.

They used state-owned stores to sell newly produced garments, branded with the Canton Fair's halo, at rock-bottom prices to every corner of the city. Advertisements were plastered all over the streets, and Red Star Factory propaganda was heard daily on the radio.

A dimensionality reduction attack of this scale is fatal to a small individual tailor shop like Su Hexi.

Those customers who originally thought her workmanship was good and were willing to spend a little more were also attracted by the low prices of the state-owned factory and the title of "Canton Fair Exhibitor Brand". After all, for most ordinary people, value is far more important than a little workmanship and unique style.

The shop was deserted once again, even more so than the last time Sun Sao imitated it. An invisible, suffocating pressure loomed.

Su Hexi looked at the crowd rushing to buy clothes from the Red Star Factory at the door of the state-owned store opposite with sharp and calm eyes.

This was an overt conspiracy. Tang Yuelin used the entire factory's resources to suppress a small business owner like her, hoping to force her to submit or even crush her to death.

For ordinary people like them, if big companies really don't leave them any way out and deliberately target them, it will be really difficult for them to have a chance to turn things around.

Zhou Lin looked at Su Hexi in a daze, feeling uneasy. He whispered, "Xiaoxi, don't worry too much. It's okay to close the shop for a few days. I'll go find a job tomorrow. I heard the construction site is hiring and the wages are high. I can support you."

His original intention was to feel sorry for her and want to share her pressure. But these words sounded like a thorn in Su Hexi's ears. She didn't need to rely on anyone, especially not at this time when she was being maliciously suppressed, which made her seem like she could only rely on a man.

She raised her head suddenly, her eyes filled with angry stubbornness: "Who needs you to support me? I can survive on my own!"

Tang Yuelin wanted to use this method to force her to death? Force her to surrender? Dream on!

Suddenly, a plan so bold as to be almost crazy quickly took shape in her mind.

"Zhou Lin, how much money do we have now?"

Zhou Lin took out all the money he earned during this period, a total of 764.5 yuan.

Su Hexi looked at Zhou Lin and spoke out her earth-shattering decision word for word, "I want to train a model team! A professional model team that can truly showcase the charm of clothing!"

Zhou Lin was stunned by this fantastic plan: "Training a model team? Will this work? And, is anyone coming?"

"It will definitely work!" Su Hexi's eyes were fanatical and determined. "I'll take out all my savings! As long as you pay, there are plenty of people willing to come!"

Tang Yuelin used channels and prices to suppress her, but he could not monopolize the display of "beauty" or stifle people's yearning for "fashion"!

From now on, the clothes she designs will only be high-end and luxurious.

She wants customers to spend all their money to buy her luxury goods and be proud to wear her clothes! She pursues the ultimate quality and craftsmanship, rather than coveting cheap, affordable and vulgar works.

She does what she says.

The next day, a hand-painted, eye-catching "recruitment notice" was posted at the shop entrance and in several busy places in the city:

[Stun the city! Hiring 20 exhibitors with high salaries!]

Regardless of height, weight, or build, come and show yourself! If you're selected, you'll receive a ¥5 registration fee! After being selected, you'll receive a ¥2 stipend for daily training! A grand showcase competition will be held in one month! Champion prize: ¥30! Runner-up: ¥20! Third place: ¥10! This opportunity is rare, and spots are limited!

This notice was like a bomb, instantly causing a stir in the county town!

Just getting selected gets you 5 yuan?! And you get 2 yuan for training every day?! Is there such a good deal in the world? The final bonus is even more enviable! 30 yuan, equivalent to two or three months' salary for a regular worker!

Suddenly, Su Hexi's previously deserted tailor shop was thronged with people who had heard the news and were eager to get in. There were curious little girls, housewives looking to make some extra cash, and even elderly women and men who came to watch the fun.