"Yaoyao, don't be impulsive."
Xu Shu pulled her back a little, his voice low, and gently patted her back.
"Have you forgotten what happened last time? If you cause trouble again, you might really lose your job."
Seeing that Lin Yao was sulking and not saying anything, he leaned close to her ear and coaxed her.
"Wait a little longer, just a little longer. I'm going to Huacheng to do business soon. When I make a lot of money, I'll buy you even prettier dresses! And I'll buy our family a car! Let them all envy you!"
Lin Yao finally calmed down, her lips slowly curving upwards as she leaned closer to Xu Shu, her voice softening: "Brother Xu Shu, do you keep your word?"
Xu Shu patted his chest and assured him, "Of course, when have I ever lied to you?"
No sooner had he finished speaking than the sound of a "putt-putt-putt" engine came from the gate of the courtyard, and the dusty front of the procurement truck had already poked its head in.
Lin Yao's reputation in the military dependents' area was already ruined. The incidents she caused a while ago hadn't died down yet, and everyone avoided her when they saw her.
She and Xu Shu were talking in the back.
The good seats at the front of the bus were quickly filled by familiar military wives, and there were no empty seats left.
She and Xu Shu had no choice but to move to the very back of the car.
That location was extremely bumpy and drafty; it was truly the worst place to go.
Lin Yao has been pampered since childhood, when has she ever ridden in a car like this?
But ever since she got together with Xu Shu, she's been suffering all kinds of hardships.
She leaned back in her chair, her lips pursed, her eyes full of unease, but she could only resignedly tug at the corner of her clothes.
Meanwhile, Zhou Qiqi's military jeep was spacious and the seats were comfortable. The group chatted and laughed, and soon arrived in the city.
The entrance to the First Garment Factory was as lively as during the Chinese New Year. Red ribbons tied with colorful flags were stuck in a row along the base of the courtyard wall, rustling loudly in the wind.
There was also a drum and gong troupe playing loudly nearby, and the clanging of cymbals could be heard halfway down the street.
A brand-new red carpet stretched from the factory gate all the way to the workshop entrance. The carpet was thick and soft to the touch, and it shone brightly in the sun.
This is the first project in the city's light industry reform.
In addition, the first batch of orders from the cooperation with Huacheng were delivered smoothly, and the reputation had already spread.
Today's opening ceremony attracted not only factory workers but also many neighbors who came to watch the spectacle, all crowding around the entrance and craning their necks to peer inside.
The military jeep came to a steady stop in the open space in front of the factory. The door opened, and Shen Huaichuan got out first, then turned around and reached out to help the person inside.
As Zhou Qiqi, dressed in a dark green modern Chinese-style dress, gracefully stepped out of the car with Shen Huaichuan's assistance, she instantly became the focus of the entire event.
Sunlight bathed her, the silk fabric shimmering with a warm luster, and the perfect cut accentuated her graceful figure.
Her exposed collarbone was exquisitely defined, and her demeanor was composed and confident. She possessed both the charm of classical Eastern beauty and the competence of a modern woman, making her breathtakingly beautiful.
The deputy director of the municipal party committee office, who had arrived earlier, and a section chief from the light industry bureau were exchanging pleasantries with Zhang Guoqiang and others.
As Zhou Qiqi walked over, the men were stunned for a moment, unable to hide the amazement in their eyes.
Especially the younger Section Chief Wang, whose face flushed red, his hand unconsciously tugged at the tie around his neck, a smile plastered on his face, and he was already moving, wanting to go forward and say a word.
However, just as he took a step, a tall and burly figure silently blocked Zhou Qiqi's path half a step in front of her.
Shen Huaichuan had a cold and stern face, and his posture was as straight as a pine tree. His dark gray suit accentuated his powerful aura.
He casually reached out and naturally wrapped his arm around Zhou Qiqi's slender yet supple waist, pulling her closer to him.
At this moment, Zhang Guoqiang also came over and introduced the situation with a smile.
"Commander Shen, Master Zhou, you've finally arrived! Let me introduce you. This is Section Chief Wang from the Light Industry Bureau."
Then he turned to Section Chief Wang and said.
"Section Chief Wang, this is Comrade Zhou Qiqi, and the one next to her is Shen Huaichuan, a combat hero of our military region, Regiment Commander Shen."
Shen Huaichuan tilted his head slightly, his deep gaze calmly meeting that of the section chief, carrying the sharpness unique to soldiers and an unquestionable sense of aloofness.
He nodded slightly, his voice neither too loud nor too soft: "Section Chief Wang, it's a pleasure to meet you."
He paused, then added, "I am Comrade Zhou's wife, Shen Huaichuan."
The voice was deep and powerful, with a hint of decisiveness, instantly extinguishing any thought the other person might have of striking up a conversation.
Section Chief Wang felt a chill run down his spine when he saw him, his smile froze for a moment, and he quickly nodded in return.
"Commander Shen, it's a pleasure to meet you!"
He dared not linger his gaze on Zhou Qiqi any longer.
Zhou Qiqi felt the warmth and strength coming from her waist, and her heart was filled with sweetness. However, she maintained a polite smile and greeted the leaders.
Besides the leaders and factory workers, Li Ping also closed the gates for half a day today, and specially brought Zhao Damei to watch the excitement.
After all, she was a partner of the First Garment Factory.
Li Ping looked at Zhou Qiqi's dress and exclaimed in admiration, "My goodness, this is so beautiful! It looks gorgeous from every angle!"
Zhao Damei smiled and nodded sincerely, her eyes full of appreciation and happiness for Zhou Qiqi.
The ribbon-cutting ceremony was simple and lively, without any of the usual frills. These days, frugality is encouraged.
With a crisp "snip," the red ribbon was cut, and the brand-new production line started spinning with a "hum."
The machines in the workshop roared, exuding a vibrant energy, which marked the official start of the First Garment Factory, Zhou Qiqi's business.
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