Chapter 61 This year, the output value and profit of the electrical appliance factory have increased dramatically...
This was Yuanda's first time developing commercial real estate, and everyone was feeling their way in the dark. Nie Qingqing followed the project team to visit department stores and newly built shopping malls in several key cities. This travel and observation really broadened her horizons.
When we get back to the project meeting, the first thing we need to do is determine the positioning of the shopping mall.
During the project meeting, everyone expressed their opinions. Half of the people suggested following the department store model and selling a wide variety of goods. Among the remaining half, some were cautious and did not speak up, while others held bold and radical opinions.
There just happened to be a young project manager, whom Attorney Ho had brought back from Hong Kong Island, to be in charge of the later stages of business development.
He suggested that since Shenzhen is developing so rapidly, it should have a comprehensive high-end shopping mall that integrates dining, shopping, and entertainment. He even said he wanted to bring in a cinema.
His suggestion was immediately rejected, with people saying that he shouldn't be the first to try something new, or he might end up being cooked.
Nie Qingqing was very interested in high-end shopping malls. Everyone wants to visit different places. What's wrong with being a little high-end? If you don't buy anything, you won't spend money. If there's a movie theater, such a nice environment would make watching a movie a good experience.
She didn't express her opinion, but instead compiled all the opinions raised by everyone, and then encouraged them: "Today's discussion was very successful. We need to pool our wisdom, offer more opinions, and have more rounds of discussions in order to avoid detours. I'll summarize everyone's opinions and report them to the higher-ups to see which approach the bosses prefer."
This time, more than half of the project managers were unfamiliar with Nie Qingqing.
As soon as she left, Manager Qiu, who had been hired from the department store at a high salary, asked the project manager of Yuanda, "Who is Manager Nie? We were discussing it so enthusiastically, but she didn't offer a single opinion. Is she just the boss's mouthpiece?"
Some people said, "Don't underestimate her. She's cautious. As long as it's a project she's in charge of, you won't get any extra money. Only a few of us are willing to transfer over and work with her."
Manager Qiu said, "I don't do favoritism or backdoor deals. No wonder Attorney He poached me, promising that he would ensure I could conduct fair and impartial screenings when it came to attracting investment."
The man advised him, "Don't be too optimistic. When it comes to a business project, attracting investment isn't everything, and we can't give you much room to maneuver. Let's all work things out gradually."
...
Nie Qingqing organized the meeting minutes and took them to Attorney He.
Attorney He looked at the detailed meeting feedback, and each comment was marked with a fair analysis and explanation.
She knew that seeking Qingqing's help was the right thing to do. Qingqing's lack of knowledge also had its advantages; she would listen carefully to Qingqing's opinions and not make decisions based on her own preferences without thinking.
She asked, "Qingqing, what's your opinion? Should we build a mass-market shopping mall or a high-end, comprehensive shopping mall?"
Nie Qingqing said, "The best choice for mass-market shopping malls right now is still department stores. They have a good reputation and a wide variety of goods. Since there are already markets that meet our daily shopping needs, I definitely hope that there is a high-end comprehensive shopping mall. No matter how many times I go shopping in a year, I hope that there will be such a high-end place for me to kill time when I need it."
Attorney He nodded: "That's from your perspective as a consumer. What about from your perspective as a developer?"
The reason was even simpler. She said, "If it's just a mass-market shopping mall, there's too much competition. What reason do I have to compete with department stores and markets? One has a guarantee of credibility, and the other offers affordable prices and allows for bargaining. What reason would customers have to shop here?"
Yes, it's the same thing. People already have a regular shopping center at the department store, so why would they go to a newly opened mall?
Attorney He was very pleased and said, "From the beginning, I wanted to develop a comprehensive high-end shopping mall, to capture precise shopping needs and not compete with mass-market products. Let's continue to move forward in this direction. Are there any difficulties?"
Nie Qingqing said, "Some project managers are skeptical about high-end shopping malls, but I will find a way to push them forward."
Attorney He simply doesn't want to argue with the project managers below her; she'll suppress their arguments without hesitation, as this is detrimental to unity and development.
He Shunyi was very reassured that Qingqing would take the lead and be able to leverage her strengths to balance various opinions.
...
Nie Qingqing brought the boss's decision, and the person with the strongest opposition was Manager Qiu from the investment promotion department. Before jumping ship to Yuanda, he had worked in investment promotion at a department store for more than ten years and was very averse to the model of bringing in foreign brands.
At the meeting, it was even said that if he was to be positioned in this way, there would be no place for him to use his talents, so he would resign.
If it were anyone else, they would have told him to leave after hearing those angry words. However, Nie Qingqing had experience in mediation and knew that this wasn't what Manager Qiu truly meant; he just hadn't figured it out yet.
The ratio of foreign to domestic brands in our business is 50/50. We really need Manager Qiu; we can't let the talent that Attorney He recruited leave in a huff.
Nie Qingqing paused the meeting, saying it would resume in two days. After get off work, she went to Manager Qiu's house in person, intending to persuade him and give him a way out so he could go back.
Just then, Manager Qiu's wife scolded him: "You had such a good high-paying job, and you dared to quit before you even received your first month's salary. Go back and apologize right now!"
Manager Qiu was too embarrassed to admit it, and just as he was hesitating and regretting it, Nie Qingqing arrived.
Nie Qingqing is down-to-earth and sincere, speaking as if she were chatting with someone she knows.
“Manager Qiu, I’m younger than you, less experienced, and less professional. But let’s think about it from your perspective. You usually eat vegetables and tofu, but during holidays, you need to have some chicken, duck, fish, and meat on the table. Our high-end shopping mall is positioned to meet the higher expectations of consumers. The bosses have already decided. We’re paid such high salaries, shouldn’t we do everything we can to get things done for the bosses so we can give them a good account?”
The project manager himself came to my house, so what's there to be awkward about?
Manager Qiu's wife quickly nudged her husband: "What's wrong with high-end shopping malls? People love excitement and always want to go and take a look. As for whether they buy anything, that depends on how you plan the layout and attract tenants. Do you think you can get people to buy things?"
Nie Qingqing clapped her hands and laughed encouragingly, "Sister-in-law is absolutely right. I think you can go and be an advisor to our project team."
Manager Qiu's wife thought to herself, "Manager Nie really knows how to talk. He gave us a great way out. Private companies pay high salaries. This annual salary is equivalent to several years' salary before."
Moreover, her husband wouldn't have dared to treat his previous boss so badly, which shows that her husband has switched to a good company.
Manager Qiu accepted the offer, saying, "Manager Nie, what you said makes sense. Since the boss has decided on the approach, I will cooperate fully."
...
Nie Qingqing resolved each conflicting opinion one by one, and the project progressed smoothly.
Attorney He said smugly to Mr. Zhong, "Qingqing's ability to handle problems is both fast and good. I didn't choose the wrong person, did I?"
Mr. Zhong admired her, saying, "She's incredibly good at handling interpersonal relationships. She can unite the project team as one, and her efficiency is unbelievable. You know, the design is already on its third draft. I think we can finalize the plan before the end of the year."
Attorney He laughed: "Qingqing said that she wants to get the application approved before the end of the year and start construction after the new year. Her professional skills are her weakness, but she has strong overall planning ability. She can unify the thinking of these professionals and get them to work towards a common goal. I can rest assured."
...
The mall's design plans have already been submitted for the first round of planning, and the planning bureau has given its opinions. They are currently being revised, but the general design has been finalized. Nie Qingqing took the draft and showed it to Attorney He and Mr. Zhong.
She earnestly advised, "You two should participate in such an important project."
Every time Attorney He saw the reports she brought, he felt reassured and said, "If you can handle it well, why would we need to go? We're busy too. Qingqing, thank you for your hard work."
Helpless, Nie Qingqing found the report too long and had to dictate the important parts.
The design and planning allocates the best exhibition space on the first floor to gold and jewelry stores, high-end clothing and bags stores, along with several well-known restaurants. The second floor is planned to house various types of clothing and shoes, along with several tea shops. The third floor is mainly for dining and leisure entertainment. The fourth floor features a cinema, bookstore, some restaurants, children's entertainment, and is equipped with both surface and underground parking.
Attorney He offered several suggestions, and after several rounds of revisions, the regulations were approved, the design was finalized, and the construction bidding was completed.
Construction couldn't start before the new year, but preparations are complete, and construction can begin after the new year.
Nie Qingqing was in charge of overall coordination. The speed of progress and the unity of the project team were impressive. Those who were not optimistic about it shut up, and no one questioned Lawyer He's arrangements anymore.
...
Nie Qingqing is finally less busy. That's one of the advantages of working in engineering: when the construction site is closed, she gets a day off.
She took leave on the fifteenth day of the twelfth lunar month and went to Song Zhao's factory to see if he needed any help at the end of the year.
Actually, as long as Qingqing is in Pengcheng, and they don't have to live apart, Song Zhao is already very content. Now that he's on vacation, it's even better.
He handed her the factory's general ledger: "The factory is doing well this year. Wei Jun told me that his dividends will be kept in the factory and we won't talk about them anymore."
How much is it? Nie Qingqing flipped to the last page of the ledger and was astonished. This year, the output value and profit of the electrical appliance factory had more than doubled.
But why didn't Wei Jun get a share of the money? It's better to keep it in his own bank account than in the account.
She asked, "Why doesn't Weijun want a share of the profits?"
Song Zhao said, "Wei Jun said he was afraid his mother would take the household registration book to the bank to report it lost and check the accounts. This year the amount is so large, and he doesn't want anyone to know, because he's afraid of trouble."
"Keeping it in the accounts is fine," Nie Qingqing asked again, "Does Factory Director Min agree?"
Song Zhao nodded: "Old Min agrees. We're afraid that Xu Cuilan might take advantage of the New Year's visit to ask you about it."
"What's there to be afraid of?" Nie Qingqing laughed. "No matter what she asks, she won't get anything out of me. Oh, right, I almost forgot. I was going to ask you, how are you spending the New Year this year? Where are you spending it?"
Song Zhao asked, "What did my brother and sister-in-law say?"
Nie Qingqing said, "They also asked us. I thought that my parents are getting old, and it's not good to only favor one side. Both sets of parents need to be visited. Why don't we go back to our hometown this year to see your parents and relatives? My mother also needs to go back to her hometown to visit relatives."
Song Zhao agreed: "Then I'll arrange for someone to clean the house in advance."
Nie Qingqing said, "I'll make the arrangements. I'll ask Cheng Dong's wife to find a few hourly workers to clean our house and Shumei's house. She can be in charge of supervising the work."
Song Zhao arranged the children's itinerary, saying, "Then let Tangyuan and Xiaoyuan go straight back to their hometown during the holiday."
Nie Qingqing agreed; there was no need for them to make another trip to Shenzhen.
She said, "My brother and sister-in-law work in a private factory, so they can get their holiday a few days earlier. Xiaoyin will probably get it later. I'll call them later and tell them to make their own arrangements. What date do you expect to get your holiday? I'd like to buy tickets."
Song Zhao thought for a moment and said, "I can leave on the 25th. To be on the safe side, you can buy a ticket for the night of the 25th."
...
Tickets need to be bought in advance. Nie Qingqing called the children, and Tangyuan said that he would ask his sister and uncle before he and Xiaoyuan went to buy the tickets, so she didn't need to worry about it.
She went to the station first to buy tickets for herself, Song Zhao, and Shumei's family. Then she went to Shumei's house to deliver the tickets, had lunch there, chatted for a while, and then went home.
As soon as I got home, I saw Xu Cuilan strolling around the neighborhood, carrying some New Year's goods in her hands.
Xu Cuilan had come to see her. She walked over with a smile and showed her what she was carrying: "I made some cured pork myself this year. I'm bringing you some."
Nie Qingqing invited her into her home. In the past, when Xu Cuilan came, she would always sigh that the house was a lucky find, saving a lot of money on renovations, but this time she didn't mention it.
Nie Qingqing knew that she had more important things to ask.
Sure enough, after chatting for a few minutes, Xu Cuilan couldn't help but ask, "With the New Year holiday just around the corner, hasn't the factory distributed dividends yet?"
Nie Qingqing said, "Song Zhao never takes advantage of others. He will definitely share what is rightfully his, but I'm not quite sure about the specific arrangements. Why don't you ask Wei Jun?"
Xu Cuilan sighed: "Wei Jun said his master wouldn't shortchange him a single penny and told me not to worry about it, but I just want to know, how much exactly will he get?"
Nie Qingqing told her, "If Weijun doesn't say, then don't ask. Anyway, it's all his money, and you don't want it anyway, so why ask so many questions?"
Xu Cuilan hurriedly explained, "He said he would pay for his sister's house renovation. I saw that your upstairs apartment was almost finished, so I thought I would wait until next spring and have Weijun use his year-end bonus to renovate his sister's apartment as well."
Nie Qingqing looked up at the ceiling. She had talked to Wen Fangyan before, and Wen Fangyan had come to her senses. She was afraid of disturbing the two children before the college entrance examination, so she decided to start the renovation during the summer vacation. Nie Qingqing was grateful to her and introduced a designer and a construction team. The renovation was almost finished.
She tried to deflect the issue, saying, "Zhenzhen is only in junior high school, she's still young. Even if it's furnished, she won't be able to live there. In a few years, there will be new styles of decoration, so there's no need to move it in so far in advance."
Xu Cuilan said, "Once it's all set up, I can move here with Zhenzhen. The environment here is good and will be conducive to her studies."
Nie Qingqing laughed: "Everyone else is moving to the vicinity of the school. Your home is already close to the school. If you move further away, the child will have to get up early in the morning and will have to spend more time on the way home from school in the evening. You should go home and discuss this with your family. I really can't give you any advice."
...
Xu Cuilan returned empty-handed, feeling quite disgruntled. She just wanted to know how much money her son would receive this year, was that not allowed?
Now Lao Min doesn't pay attention to her. No matter what she nags about, Lao Min either goes to the park to play chess or goes to Song Zhao's factory.
Her suggestions were met with silence from her son, who either remained silent or refused to speak, and her daughter was not close to her either. The only thing she could hold onto was the money she received when the factory was sold.
But what's the use of keeping money? Her closest husband and children have become distant from her. When her family sees her, they can't stop talking about money. This year, she feels upset just thinking about it.
...
Tangyuan, Xiaoyuan, and Tanggao have officially started their winter vacation. This year, the whole family is going back to their hometown for the Spring Festival. The three of them can leave at any time and are looking forward to setting off.
Tanggao's parents work in a factory and can take a few days off in advance, while Xiaoyin's workplace follows the statutory holidays and she won't be able to rest until the 29th of the twelfth lunar month.
However, the company is quite humane; employees from other places can take time off in lieu of leave and go back a few days earlier.
The three children discussed it and decided to first ask Xiaoyin when she could leave, and then decide how to buy tickets.
The three of them went to Xiaoyin's workplace together, wanting to surprise her, have lunch together, finalize their plans to go home, and then go queue up to buy tickets.
It was quite a coincidence that they arrived during their lunch break, just as Yunli arrived at the same time and was talking to the security guard.
Xiao Yuan didn't think of going up to greet her; instead, she instinctively moved to the side and whispered, "I don't want to see her."
Tanggao nodded in agreement: "Your mother coming to see Sister Xiaoyin is definitely not a good thing."
Xiao Yuan frowned: "I only have one mother."
Tangyuan patted his shoulder without saying a word, but he was happy. That's how it should be, otherwise he would have punched Xiaoyuan.
...
Xiaoyin was called out by the gatekeeper and declined the suggestion to have lunch together, as she didn't want to talk for so long.
"It's so busy at the end of the year. Why can't Mom tell me over the phone? She has to come all the way here."
Yunli was used to this attitude; she treated her own mother the same way, so there was no reason to expect Xiaoyin to be different.
Today I'm not here to argue about attitudes. Yunli said, "I heard you have a boyfriend you're about to marry. Why haven't you brought him to meet me yet?"
What is there to meet? She hasn't even met the man's family yet. Besides, they've never taken care of her since she was little, so why are they now trying to control what kind of partner she's dating? Do you think she'll listen?
Xiaoyin said, "You didn't come all this way just to ask about this one thing, did you? Mom, just tell me what's wrong. If it's okay, I'll take care of it. If not, there's nothing I can do."
Yunli sighed. She didn't even want to eat with her, so how could Xiaoyin listen to her?
But she had to say, "These past few years, I haven't taken care of you and your brother, so naturally I won't make any demands on you. Mom just wants to offer some of my experience in your relationships as a reference, so you can avoid making the same mistakes."
Xiaoyin found it laughable. Her mother was lucky; she had been divorced twice, and both ex-husbands had given her half of the family's assets. Did she think she had succeeded?
Xiaoyin said, "Mom, I don't have your luck. I don't dare to gamble. I'm very careful with every step I take. My dad and Uncle Ji are lucky that you met people who aren't selfish. You should be careful with this third relationship. Once that old man dies, his son and daughter will never let you take a single penny. You should think more about yourself."
Yun Li said angrily, "He and I are true love that transcends age. He taught me a lot, things that your father and Ji Chengtian could not give me."
Xiaoyin was annoyed: "You mean I shouldn't try anything and should just go straight to a dying old man?"
...
Yunli was about to be driven crazy by Xiaoyin, but she patiently said, "I've been through so much and have gained some insights. Love can also serve you. I hope your love will be helpful to you. Don't let love cloud your judgment, and don't give up anything for a man."
Xiaoyin: "You don't need to remind me. I won't give up anything for anyone."
Yunli said, "That Meng Kaiyang, don't be fooled by his high position now, he can only offer you limited help. I have several very eligible young men here, good people, good families, who can be a great help to you. You could say that if you marry one of them, you can change your destiny."
Xiaoyin laughed, laughing several times. In this world, nothing good comes for free. If you want someone's money or power, don't you have to pay a price?
"Mom, I don't have any grand ambitions in life. I just want to realize my own value in a happy state. Your ambitions are not suitable for me."
Yunli: "You'll regret it if you don't listen to me."
Xiaoyin asked, "Have you ever regretted it so far?"
Yun Li shook her head: "I don't regret getting to this point."
Now that things had come to this point, Xiaoyin asked the question that had been on her mind for many years.
"Over the years, I've been watching and thinking about why Aunt Qingqing and Dad were able to live happily together, but you couldn't? Uncle Ji really loved you, but you didn't cherish it and ended up getting divorced and never seeing each other again. Are you really happy in this marriage now?"
Yunli said firmly, "This marriage has helped me the most, so why shouldn't I be happy?"
Xiaoyin said, "But I don't think so. In my eyes, you are not as happy as Aunt Qingqing. You see, what I think is not important to you. Similarly, what you think is your business and does not represent me. Oh, by the way, let me tell you, Xiaoyuan and I have been calling Aunt Qingqing 'Mom' for a long time."
...
After Yunli left, Tanggao, Tangyuan, and Xiaoyuan rushed over and surrounded Xiaoyin, giggling.
Xiaoyin asked, "Did you all see that just now?"
Tanggao said, "I saw it, but it was too far away to hear. However, I saw Aunt Yunli leave angrily, so she definitely didn't achieve her goal."
Xiao Yuan asked anxiously, "Sis, she came to see you again. What did she say?"
Xiao Yuan no longer even calls Yun Li "Mom," but Xiao Yin doesn't blame him.
She said, "When she heard that I had a boyfriend, she came over and told me to think it over. She said that marriage is a girl's second chance to change her fate and told me to seize it. I didn't give her the answer she wanted."
Tangyuan thought that this statement was not wrong: "Sister, marriage can change the fate of girls, and it can also change the fate of boys. I agree. You really need to think it through."
Xiaoyin gave him a flick on the forehead: "Don't think I don't know what shortcuts you're thinking. Behave yourself and don't try anything funny."
Tangyuan rubbed his forehead and chuckled, not refuting him, but even if she was his older sister, it couldn't change his view of this mundane world.
...
Xiaoyin took the three little ones to a nearby restaurant for dinner. When the conversation turned to business, Xiaoyin asked them, "I have to go to work and don't have time to play with you. Why did all three of you come here together? What's up?"
Xiao Yuan said, "Mom asked us when we're going back to our hometown, and we want to wait for you to come with us."
Xiaoyin said, "I follow the rules here. At most, I can only get two or three days off. It would be good if we could go back on the 27th or 28th. You should go back first with your uncle, aunt, and grandmother."
Tangyuan asked, "So, how is Brother Kaiyang spending the New Year this year? Is he coming to our house?"
Yes, Meng Kaiyang had previously offered to spend the Chinese New Year at her home.
Xiaoyin said calmly, "Things are different now. He doesn't need to hide from anyone anymore. He has many places to go for the New Year and has plans. Don't worry about him. Just buy me a train ticket for the night of the 27th."
...
Xiaoyin ate lunch outside with Tangyuan, Xiaoyuan, and Tanggao, and then returned to her workplace.
Just then, Meng Kaiyang approached her to discuss matters related to the Chinese New Year.
"Xiaoyin, are you staying in Shanghai with your uncle and aunt for the Chinese New Year this year? That way, we won't have to be separated."
Xiaoyin was made to laugh and cry several times today by her mother and Meng Kaiyang.
"My uncle and aunt's family are going back to their hometown for the Chinese New Year this year."
“I see.” Meng Kaiyang suggested, “You’ve spent a lot of time at home during the summer vacation. How about I talk to Grandpa Qi and you come with me to his house for the New Year? They’ll be happy if you go.”
Happy? They should look down on her. She's not even engaged yet, and instead of going home to see her parents, she's spending the New Year at the man's relatives' house. In a family like the Qi family that values etiquette so much, they'll think she has no self-respect.
What's wrong? Is it that before marriage, you want to drag her reputation, confidence, and thoughts down to a level that makes her inferior to him?
Kaiyang is meticulous in his work and wouldn't be unaware of this potential problem, so Xiaoyin couldn't help but think the worst.
She wasn't stupid and wouldn't question it. Instead, she smiled and said, "We're not even engaged yet, so of course we'll each go back to our own homes for the New Year. I know you'll miss us even if it's just for a few days. Why don't you come to my house, and we can visit Grandpa Qi together during the first month of the lunar year?"
Meng Kaiyang explained, "Grandpa Qi will be spending the Lunar New Year in his newly bought house this year. He just retired and is having a hard time adjusting to the change. He's usually busy and only has a few days off during the Lunar New Year. I need to spend time with him. So, if you come a little earlier in the first month of the lunar calendar, I'll take you to Grandpa Qi's house to pay your respects. Is that alright?"
Xiaoyin said considerately, "Sure." But as soon as she turned her face away, the smile on her face faded considerably.
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