Sitting in the taxi, Chen Qing felt a mix of emotions, including a subtle sense of pleasure.

At times, love can easily lead girls to project themselves into the world of romance novels. For example, Chen Qing felt like she was about to transform into a tragic heroine in a tragic novel.

Heartbreaking separation.

The pained look in my lover's eyes.

The unspoken plea to stay.

Chen Qing rubbed his forehead, feeling that his brain wasn't working properly. He patted his face, warning himself not to overthink things and to focus on his career.

A day of paid dating is enough; if we spend the rest of the afternoon on it, it will interfere with our regular work.

Chen Qing went to the luxury goods store to learn about their business model.

Pushing open the heavy glass door of the shop, a unique scent that blends a specific fragrance, ancient wood, and top-quality leather wafts out, instantly shutting out the noise outside.

A sales assistant in a well-fitting suit approached her with a smile and asked what she needed to buy.

Chen Qing said gently in English, "Let me take a look myself first, thank you."

The sales assistant nodded and left.

Chen Qing quickly scanned the entire space. The shop was huge, but there were very few customers.

Look at that high ceiling, that deep sense of space, a perfect configuration!

Chen Qing's eyes sparkled: I want it!!!

When customers who have made their purchases come out, the sales assistants guide them to sit down on the comfortable sofas.

Champagne is served.

Chen Qing had forgotten when he last drank champagne.

If I had known I would have ripped off He Yuan last night, I would have told him to order some champagne to try.

The customer noticed Chen Qing's envious gaze, glanced at her lightly, his eyes full of arrogance and smugness.

Chen Qing: "..."

All right.

It was her choice to visit a luxury store.

A shop assistant came out from the back carrying brand-new merchandise, while another employee presented it with both hands wearing white gloves.

The packaging process has become a ritual.

Exquisite boxes, ribbons, and dried flowers—every step is slow and meticulous, greatly extending customer satisfaction and experiential value.

Chen Qing had to admit that Western luxury stores were decades ahead of China in terms of service.

Customers are buying far more than just products; they are acquiring the ultimate sense of prestige.

The value of all top brands stems from broad social consensus and the recognition and admiration others have for their logos; this is the true allure of luxury goods.

Chen Qing felt that the current sales model was no different from that of his previous life.

Selling dreams, emphasizing rituals, and implementing a membership system.

The environment offers ultimate privacy, and the attention to detail reflects status.

However, there is currently zero demand for luxury goods in the domestic market.

Many members of large families are afraid of another round of land grabbing, and they tend to hoard their wealth. It will take some time to cultivate a generation's consumption habits.

After inspecting one store, Chen Qing left the luxury goods store and was met with several disapproving looks.

Chen Qing was at a loss.

She can't actually buy it, can she? She doesn't have the money!

It wasn't until nightfall that Chen Qing hurriedly rushed to the hotel.

As soon as Chen Qing opened the door, while she was still changing her shoes in the entryway, Yang Yihe came up to her and reported, "Auntie, when I went to the hotel for dinner today, I overheard Liu Fenghua saying bad things about you. After he left, I followed him, and he went to the embassy and specifically complained about you."

Chen Qing was surprised.

Xiaohe's ability to track people is as good as ever!

"Okay, I got it. I'll deal with him tomorrow. How's your magazine reading going?"

"It's fine, I bought a whole box." Yang Yihe pursed her lips: "Manager Liu is unwilling to give me the money."

Liu Fenghua managed all the money for the entire inspection team. Chen Qing had previously applied for a sum of money for Yang Yihe, which Liu Fenghua gave to her while cursing.

When Yang Yihe applied alone, Liu Fenghua gave her a severe scolding.

To say she has a capitalist lifestyle and doesn't know how to save money at all, does she think she's some kind of pampered princess?

Yang Yihe was furious, but she silently endured it because of Liu Fenghua's status.

Chen Qing frowned and said, "He will most likely say that our expenses are too high and that we have a capitalist style. I have some funds that the factory applied for internally. You can use them first and then apply for reimbursement from the finance department later."

Yang Yihe: "Okay."

This is the only way to handle things.

After washing up, Chen finalized the shop's outline into a detailed plan before going to sleep.

The next day, upon waking up, he went to Marcus's company with Liu Fenghua, Wang Weiqiang, and Wang Xuemei as usual.

Chen Qing shook hands with Marcus and Isabella in a generous manner, and the two sides returned to the negotiating table.

Several blueprints and data reports were spread out on the heavy mahogany table.

Chen Qing and Marcus sat on opposite sides, and the atmosphere was no longer the tentative one of their first encounter, but had become sharp and pragmatic.

Marcus pointed to an area on the map with his pen: "This is my final suggestion."

Chen Qing looked at the future trendsetting place, his expression showing no resistance.

Marcus, fearing that Chen Qing might mistake him for a con artist, explained, "This will be the next center of art and fashion; we are not followers, but definers."

That's arrogant enough.

Isabella's red lips curled up, proving that she and Marcus had the ability to make that statement a reality!

Chen Qing nodded.

There is no objection to this.

She understands the future trends of America, and the area Marcus is referring to is indeed the future trend center.

Young people in this area do not blindly follow the mainstream, possess independent aesthetics, and pursue art and quality of life.

These people are Chen Qing's target customers!

After a tug-of-war over the details, Marcus revealed his true colors, stating, "Our initial budget is $800,000, which includes store rent, renovations, initial stock, pre-sales marketing, and personnel operating costs for the first six months. We hold a 60% stake, so we can invest $700,000 in cash. Any amount exceeding the budget will be used as an operating reserve. We will also be responsible for resolving legal, financial, logistical, and local recruitment issues for our domestic operations."

Chen Qing frowned.

Wang Xuemei coldly replied, "Impossible!"

Control of the Summer Sports Apparel Factory must be in Chen Qing's hands!

Chen Qing glanced at her in surprise.

Just as Liu Fenghua was about to speak to ease the tension, Wang Xuemei, as the head of the refrigeration manufacturing department, bluntly stated, "A mere seven hundred thousand US dollars is not a huge sum for either us or you. Even if we can proceed smoothly with your help, it's still not enough to take a 60% stake. The trendiness of our Shengxia Sports Apparel Factory's clothing is in no way inferior to any sportswear brand in your country, and sportswear is a vast market. We originally intended to be friendly partners and let you benefit, but since you lack sincerity, there's no need for us to continue this discussion."

She speaks her mind.

Marcus and Isabella both looked rather grim.

Liu Fenghua was furious. This old woman with a blank expression, was she just spouting nonsense because she was too old? "Let's calm down for now."

Wang Xuemei took out paper and pen, "I will record your every word and action and hand them all over to the organization. I hope Comrade Liu Fenghua will be careful with his words and deeds!" (End of this chapter)