Chapter 26 Song Zhao denies it: Who said I was jealous? ...
Nie Qingqing went to sweep the floor so that the people inside the glass door wouldn't see her loitering outside. She didn't need to get close; Attorney He was too angry, and what he said could be heard outside.
"You actually developed feelings for your client and even tried to persuade his wife to accept the divorce terms. How can you be so professional?"
She understood immediately. They had developed feelings for each other, and it couldn't have happened in just a few days. Lawyer Zhu had high standards; he wanted someone good-looking, from a good family, and who would also come to the law firm to handle a divorce case. The pool of candidates narrowed down to just two or three. She could roughly guess who it was.
However, Mr. Sheng was very cold-hearted towards his ex-wife during the divorce. If it were Nie Qingqing, she wouldn't dare to marry such a man.
Song Zhao doesn't even want to see his ex-wife now, but when they divorced, he was very fair and just, splitting the money in half without any arguments or fights. He might seem silly, but a person like that is more reassuring than the mean-spirited ones, both at work and at home.
Upon hearing this, Nie Qingqing knew she didn't need to listen to anything more. She ran back to the front desk and whispered to Attorney Xun.
Attorney Xun heard it too, and guessed it was Mr. Sheng. He didn't believe it, saying that Mr. Sheng was using Attorney Zhu to achieve his goal of divorce.
...
Lawyer Zhu was in love and wouldn't listen to anything else. She defended herself, feeling wronged: "Master, they were already in divorce proceedings, so I didn't mean to break up their relationship."
"When you advised the opposing lawyer's client to accept a settlement in the divorce, can you honestly say you had no ulterior motives?"
"Yes, I'm doing this for the good of both of us. We don't have children, and there's no love left. What's the point of dragging on without a divorce other than revenge?"
Attorney He ignored her explanations and gave her two choices: "Tell me, do you choose to get married or choose to work?"
"Master, getting married and my job don't conflict, so why do you insist that I choose one of them?"
"Because you established a relationship with the other party before your client was divorced, I cannot accept that. If you choose to marry your client, then you should not become my apprentice."
Attorney Zhu was so upset that she refused to admit her mistake, refused to make a choice, and turned and ran out.
From Attorney He's perspective, her act of running away to avoid making a choice was tantamount to making a choice.
...
As soon as Attorney Zhu ran out, Attorney He came out, and Nie Qingqing and Attorney Xun immediately turned around and went about their own business.
Attorney He tapped on the front desk: "Stop what you're doing, I have something to announce."
Nie Qingqing and Attorney Xun, feeling guilty, raised their heads and said, "Attorney He, you go ahead."
"You two heard the argument just now, didn't you?"
The sound was so loud, it would be a lie to say they didn't hear it, so Nie Qingqing and Attorney Xun nodded in unison.
Attorney He was decisive: "Xiao Zhu quits. Qingqing, go to her house and get the office key back."
So decisive? No more talk? Nie Qingqing was shocked: "Attorney He, Attorney Zhu didn't say she was quitting. If I go to get the keys, it's like unilaterally dismissing her. Wouldn't that be inappropriate?"
Attorney He: "How can you call it unilateral? Didn't she just make a choice? Do you think she'll give up on marrying her client?"
Lawyer, you're head over heels in love, you're even talking about marriage, how could you possibly give up?
Nie Qingqing was a decisive person: "Then I'll go find her in a bit."
...
Attorney He also had some news to announce: "Qingqing, starting tomorrow, you'll be my assistant. Any questions?"
She doesn't have any problem with what position to take, but she's very good at handling receptionist duties. The assistant's job is different, and she's worried that she won't be able to do it and that it will delay Attorney He's work.
"Attorney He, I'm willing, but my professional knowledge is lacking. I've read law books for so long, but I only understand a little bit. How can I be your assistant?"
After what happened with Attorney Zhu, Attorney He has changed his mind.
"What I need is an assistant who can run errands and do odd jobs. Your self-taught knowledge is sufficient for the task, and your salary will be doubled. Lawyer Xun will take over Xiao Zhu's work."
If my salary doubles, it'll be two hundred! I can overcome any problem then.
Nie Qingqing nudged the dazed lawyer Xun: "What are you standing there for? Call me Master, Lawyer He. Whatever kind of assistant you need, I can do it."
Attorney He smiled, a rare occurrence, and asked, "Don't you need to discuss this with Factory Director Song?"
Nie Qingqing: "He praised me last time, so there's definitely no problem this time. There's no need to discuss it."
Attorney He nodded and then gave her another instruction: "Find another receptionist, not much worse than you, and pay her a hundred dollars a month."
Nie Qingqing immediately thought of He Shumei and quickly recommended, "My neighbor across the hall is the same age as me. She's capable of this job. Why don't we have her come for an interview tomorrow?"
Attorney He waved his hand: "I've been very busy lately. You're already my assistant. You can make the decision on this small matter. If you say it's okay, then let her try it out for a month and start work tomorrow."
...
This is great! He Shumei has finished her postpartum confinement and is worried about finding a job. With a young child, she wants to find an easy job, and the receptionist position at the law firm is perfect, with a high salary. She thinks Shumei won't refuse, so she agreed to come to work tomorrow in front of Attorney He. She hopes Shumei will be quick to agree, otherwise it will be difficult for her.
After get off work, she didn't go back to Huazhi Lane, but went home to tell He Shumei the good news.
He Shumei didn't disappoint her; she hugged her and jumped up happily, startling Nie Qingqing.
He Shumei had thought it through from the time she was pregnant until after she finished her postpartum period. She knew that the opportunity was fleeting and she would never have such a good position and benefits again. She kept thanking him.
"Qingqing, don't laugh at me, but I used to envy you so much. Your job was easy and your salary was high. Now that this good thing has come my way, I will definitely work hard and not let you down."
Nie Qingqing quickly said, "This job is for yourself, so don't feel pressured. There's a one-month probation period. The law firm is testing you, and you should also try out the law firm. Relax."
Factory Director Yu had previously said he didn't want his wife to work in reception, but Song Zhao hadn't said anything. He didn't want to be seen as inferior to Song Zhao. To be honest, why shouldn't he be asked to work for a salary of 100 yuan? He was just a little worried about his good neighbor.
He asked Nie Qingqing, "Did your sister-in-law have any objections when you introduced a job to Meimei?"
Nie Qingqing said, "When a stranger comes to Huazhi Lane, my sister-in-law doesn't dare to go up and talk to him. She can learn from him, but Lawyer He's place is not a place for people to practice their skills."
He Shumei said, "Qingqing's family are all reasonable. When I get my salary, I'll buy meat and go over to make dumplings."
"Then it's settled: We'll go to work together tomorrow. That pink dress I bought you before is perfect for you to wear now."
Nie Qingqing was leaving. Everyone was waiting for her to have dinner at her home in Huazhi Lane. He Shumei changed her shoes, took her bicycle keys, and wanted to go downstairs with her.
Factory Director Yu quickly asked, "Where are you going? To have dinner with us at Flower Lane?"
He Shumei replied to him with a refreshed expression, "I'm going to get my hair permed."
Nie Qingqing linked arms with her: "Perfect timing, let's go to the same place where I got my hair permed last time. It's on the way, I'll take you in to find the master stylist, his skills are guaranteed to be top-notch."
...
He Shumei was promoted to a permanent position after working for only one month. It wasn't because of any connections; it was because she genuinely earned the approval of Attorney He.
Nie Qingqing worked as her general assistant for a month. Lawyer Xun handled the professional matters. Nie Qingqing did her job to the best of her ability. Lawyer He had gotten used to the convenience of having a personal assistant and could never go back to the way things were before.
Attorney He affirmed Nie Qingqing's abilities and said that the salary of two hundred was what she deserved.
Nie Qingqing was very happy. With an extra hundred yuan a month, the whole family felt her generosity and received small surprises from her from time to time, making everyone happy.
Factory Director Yu experienced the benefits of family harmony and was happy to brag to Song Zhao in his office.
“Meimei is happy every day now that she’s at work. I’m willing to pay my mother-in-law’s salary. Now, after get off work, my husband and I each help with the housework and take care of the kids. Meimei is doing a great job, and I really have to thank Qingqing. They go to and from get off work together, and Meimei has been influenced by her and is much more optimistic. You know what? I haven’t been scolded since.”
But Song Zhao harbored resentment, and it would have been better if she hadn't spoken of it, for speaking of it only made her angrier.
“Talk to your wife. She and Qingqing go to work together and visit each other after get off work. We don’t want her to take up our evenings.”
Factory Director Yu wouldn't dare; his good days had just begun, and he'd be a fool to even mention his wife.
He joked, "If you're so capable, go and say it."
Song Zhao tried to argue with He Shumei two or three times, but each time he was rebuffed. He couldn't win the argument with He Shumei, but he could talk back to Yu Zhengmin. He said irritably, "Your wife is really something. I'm not even familiar with her, but she's getting better and better at criticizing me. Is that appropriate?"
Factory Director Yu laughed heartily: "This is because we don't treat you like an outsider. Be more generous. Your wife thinks of us when she needs something, and Meimei thinks of you when she has good things."
...
That's strange. Song Zhao was worried that something big might have happened in their family, so he became nervous: "What's wrong? Don't let your wife talk nonsense."
"That's great news." Factory Director Yu explained, "Zhigao is quick-witted. He bought some clothes and other items in Pengcheng and arranged for a long-distance bus to bring them back. My wife must invite your wife along so we can set up a stall together tonight."
Song Zhao was unhappy: "If Qingqing goes to set up a stall, what will I do? I'll see her even less. My family doesn't need the money from setting up a stall."
Factory Director Yu retorted, "Aren't refrigerators appealing? Aren't televisions appealing? Aren't washing machines appealing? These things don't cost money, do you? If you're so capable, tell them not to put them up. I can't persuade them."
Even Song Zhao couldn't persuade her, so Nie Qingqing naturally wanted to give it a try. In order to appease Xiao Qi, Zhi Gao found her something to do and asked her to set up a stall to sell children's clothing.
He bought his aunt small items like lipsticks, face powder, headbands, scarves, necklaces, and earrings. They weren't expensive, costing only a few cents to produce, but they could sell for a dollar or several dollars. During the busiest time at the night market, they could sell dozens of dollars worth of goods in just two or three hours.
Nie Qingqing and He Shumei took turns, each taking charge for one night. Today she went, and tomorrow He Shumei would go. This way, they could take care of their families and earn money at the same time, without neglecting either. Why wouldn't they want this kind of money?
The two of them took turns setting up the stall, and they were really into it. When they settled their accounts at the end of the month, they each received a little over two hundred yuan, which was even more than their wages. They couldn't help but marvel at how well-connected people could make money quietly without making a sound.
Making money is good, but Director Yu said, "Making money is good, but you all work too hard."
He Shumei retorted, "What's so hard about it? Zhigao brought in the goods, and you and Song Zhao took turns picking them up at the station. When we were setting up our stall, weren't you busy at home too? As long as you care about us, we don't feel tired."
Nie Qingqing also said, "I'd rather stay outside a little longer, I can earn money! Look at Xiao Qi, she used to always complain, but now that she's making money, do you think she'll still complain?"
And so it went. Nie Qingqing would set up her stall tonight, and He Shumei would go tomorrow night. There was always someone occupying a spot at the night market. They would go out at seven o'clock and pack up at eleven o'clock, which would add about two hundred yuan to their family's income each month.
...
Because self-employed individuals can make money, Yunli decided to go to Shenzhen with Ji Chengtian, saying that there would be more opportunities to make money there.
Yunli came to the law firm where Nie Qingqing works to discuss her family's plans: "Chengtian wants to establish himself first before I go there. You know, I can't be separated from him, so after discussing it, we decided to go together. The baby is still breastfeeding, and I raised him from a baby, so we can't be separated either. My parents-in-law also have to come with us."
And then? She said all this because she wanted to talk about Xiao Yuan, right?
Nie Qingqing asked directly, "So, what arrangements do you want to make for Xiao Yuan?"
Yunli's eyes stung, and she wiped them with her handkerchief: "Given my current situation, it's not realistic to bring Xiaoyuan over. I can see that too. Xiaoyuan is happy staying with you. You take care of Xiaoyuan just like you would Tangyuan. I'm thinking of letting him stay here. Song Zhao will definitely be willing. It all depends on what you think."
Nie Qingqing was of course willing, and was so happy she wanted to jump for joy, but she didn't dare to show it too obviously.
She patted Yunli's hand and said, "Okay, now that we're financially well-off, Xiaoyuan can stay here and help Tangyuan with her studies, which will save me a lot of worry. Let him live here, and his household registration will remain with you. He will always be your son."
If a stepmother says she has no selfish motives, who would believe her? Yun Li believed her when she said that, and felt sorry for Xiao Yuan. Her son was smart and could help Tang Yuan improve. He was liked because he was useful. But in the end, Nie Qingqing was good to both of her children.
Xiao Yunli was extremely grateful: "Qingqing, thank you so much. Otherwise, with the child on my mind, how could I leave in peace? It's not that I didn't want to take him with me, but forcibly separating him from his sister would make both children unhappy."
Nie Qingqing comforted her, "It's alright, you'll be back for the New Year, won't you? I'll bring the children to see you off whenever you leave."
...
As soon as Yun Li left, Nie Qingqing was overjoyed. She hugged He Shumei and laughed, "Shumei, Xiao Yuan doesn't have to leave anymore. The whole family doesn't have to worry anymore."
He Shumei was happy for her: "Let's celebrate after Yunli's family leaves."
That's right, Yunli can't find out. What mother could bear that? If she regrets taking Xiaoyuan away, it would be a huge loss.
On the day Yunli was sent off, Song Zhao also went, but he didn't get close and stood at a distance.
Yunli hugged Xiaoyuan and Xiaoyin one by one, and reluctantly boarded the train.
Xiaoyin smiled, but disappointment was hidden in her smile. Her mother was so lucky; there was always someone to take care of her. But why was it Aunt Qingqing who had to? She saw Aunt Qingqing smiling so happily, holding her younger brother's hand tightly. Her mother was so happy; Aunt Qingqing should be happy too.
Xiao Yuan dared not laugh, but she was truly happy inside, no longer worried about being taken away.
Tangyuan waved her little hand and shouted, "Auntie, we will write you letters, we will miss you!"
The train roared and slowly pulled away. Yun Li covered her face and buried her head in Ji Chengtian's arms.
Nie Qingqing also felt that Yun Li was too happy, but she wasn't jealous at all. She wasn't afraid that Xiao Yin would be sad, but she would jump up happily.
With Xiaoyuan staying, Song Zhao felt at ease. Xiaoyin was also slowly accepting her new family and treating her as a true family member. See, she had never suffered a loss.
...
The train has gone far away, so far that no matter how much you shout, the people on the train won't hear you.
Tangyuan immediately jumped up, waving her arms happily: "Great! Xiaoyuan can't walk anymore!"
Xiao Yuan jumped up just like Tang Yuan, her joy coming from the bottom of her heart: "Great, no one will take me away now!"
Xiaoyin, holding her two younger brothers' hands, scolded them sternly: "There are many people at the station, be careful of kidnappers, don't run around!"
Nie Qingqing walked behind, her expression solemn. After her initial joy, she was thinking about something else and couldn't laugh anymore.
Song Zhao sensed something was wrong: "Logically, you should be happy, so why are you preoccupied?"
Nie Qingqing looked at the siblings holding hands in front of her. Tangyuan had a sensible and intelligent older sister to take care of him and a kind and dependable younger brother to accompany him. She was truly happy.
However, she said, "Didn't you notice? Yunli didn't mention Xiaoyuan's living expenses, and neither did her mother-in-law. It's not about the money; it's just that something feels off, though I can't quite put my finger on it."
Nie Qingqing and Song Zhao's combined salaries are nearly four hundred, and with the income from their stall, they live a comfortable life.
Before, when Song Zhao was the only one with a salary, she never cared about Xiao Yuan's living expenses. Now she won't care about money either; she just feels sorry for Xiao Yuan.
Song Zhao was optimistic: "Yun Li's mother-in-law used to give money to Yun Li so that she could have a safe pregnancy. More than half a year ago, she should have given the money for the following year, but they didn't mention it, and neither did we. It was considered that they tacitly agreed not to give it. It's my own son, so naturally I don't need others to raise him. I'm happy about that. As for Xiao Yuan's feelings for his biological mother, you reap what you sow. Yun Li is such a grown-up, how could she not know that? If she didn't know, she wouldn't be raising her youngest son herself."
That makes sense. Nie Qingqing understood it after a while and became happy: "That's good. I don't have to think about whose feelings to consider anymore. I'm so happy today. Let's go out to eat tonight."
Song Zhao readily agreed: "We need to invite Mom, my brother and sister-in-law, and He Shumei's family too, otherwise she'll make a scene for days."
Nie Qingqing was relieved that Song Zhao had finally come to regard the family across the street as good friends.
"Okay, then we'll have to book a big table."
...
On the train, Yunli was sleeping in her sleeper berth, holding her soft and sweet baby. Xu Lingzhi pulled her son into the aisle to talk: "You noticed, didn't you? Tangyuan's mother didn't mention money."
Ji Chengtian was taken aback for a moment, then asked, "What money? Mom, what do you mean?"
Xu Lingzhi explained, "It's just the money for Xiaoyuan. I gave it to him once last time, and I haven't given it to him since. They haven't mentioned it either."
Ji Chengtian was really annoyed: "Mom, do you really need this money? What's the point of worrying about this?"
Xu Lingzhi had her own reasons: "The past is the past. Back then, Xiao Yuan was temporarily placed there, and we were the ones who paid for his food and wages. Now that Xiao Yuan is with his father, it feels strange for us to pay someone else to raise his son."
Ji Chengtian advised, "If you keep arguing like this, Yunli will be angry when she finds out."
Xu Lingzhi said, "I'll call Tangyuan's mother later and mention it. I don't think they'll want our money."
Ji Chengtian said, "They really don't lack this money now. I think Director Song is stingy and arrogant. Although Xiao Yuan's household registration is with our family, he is responsible for supporting him, so he won't take this money."
Xu Lingzhi nodded: "That's right, I'll make a call later, so I can give Yunli an explanation."
Ji Chengtian tacitly agreed: "It's actually better for Xiaoyuan to live with his father than here. I think Tangyuan's mother is a straightforward person, and she won't suffer any great losses if her child lives over there."
Xu Lingzhi said, "I know, I didn't say she was bad. I just don't want you to raise someone else's son. It's not about the money."
Ji Chengtian sighed: "If you keep doing this, Xiaoyin and Xiaoyuan won't be close to their little brother anymore."
Xu Lingzhi suddenly felt a little regretful. Yes, those were two exceptionally smart children who would surely amount to something in the future. It was better for her grandson to have more older sisters and brothers to love him than to have none at all.
...
A few days later, Nie Qingqing received a remittance slip for 600 yuan, specifically for Xiao Yuan's living expenses and wages for taking care of him. She also called Xiao Yin.
Now Xiaoyin knew that the money for taking care of her younger brother had been delayed for half a year. Half a year ago, her father and Aunt Qingqing had paid the money in advance and given it to Grandma Guizhi.
Xiaoyin said, "Aunt Qingqing, can we not tell Grandma Guizhi about this?"
Nie Qingqing agreed: "Of course you can, I wasn't planning on saying anything anyway."
Both the father and daughter stated the result first, and then explained the reasons.
Nie Qingqing had already guessed what they were thinking. Without Xiaoyin needing to explain, she helped her say, "I know you're worried about hurting Grandma Guizhi's feelings. We won't say anything."
Song Zhao was so angry that she wanted to return the money: "Someone must have told them that they don't need to take care of the child, and that by paying a little money, they can make her grandson have a good older sister and brother in the future? Dream on! We don't want this money!"
Why bother? If we return the money, what will Yunli do when she finds out?
"Xiao Yuan's custody hasn't changed, and his household registration is still with Yun Li. Aren't you afraid that she might change her mind at any time and take him away? Let's see if you can still be fierce then."
Song Zhao was speechless. Should someone who truly cares about others have to put up with this?
"That's infuriating!" Song Zhao was genuinely angry, but he also admired Nie Qingqing for not getting angry at all.
Nie Qingqing looked at the number on the remittance slip. This is money. Who would be angry if they saw money?
She laughed and said, "Can feelings be bought with six hundred yuan? Xiaoyin knows what's going on. Xiaoyuan likes this place anyway, so don't be angry. We got six hundred yuan for free. Looks like we'll have to go out to eat to celebrate today."
...
It's getting cold, and Song Zhao doesn't really want her to set up a stall at night. Nie Qingqing can't bear to part with it. As long as she goes out once every other day and sets up the stall for three hours, she can earn two hundred yuan. She won't stop until the New Year.
Like He Shumei, she said, "Who has a grudge against money? It's so easy to earn two hundred yuan, nobody can stop us."
Song Zhao and Yu Zhengmin disregarded their male pride and accompanied the stall every night for three hours at a time. It was easier than before, and by the end of the month, they had earned several tens of yuan more than the previous month, so they treated each other to a meal at a restaurant.
...
Setting up a stall can make money, but the profits of some factories are declining, including Nie Qingqing's brother's food factory.
While having dinner at home that evening, Nie Qingqing noticed her brother eating silently without picking up any food or saying a word, so she asked, "Brother, has your factory paid your wages for this month yet?"
Nie Weibin didn't have the strength to answer the question, he just nodded.
Zheng Fanghui said, "We haven't even received last month's wages yet. If it weren't for the income from taking care of your children, I really wouldn't know what to do. Their food factory used to be so profitable, how could it suddenly go bankrupt?"
Song Zhao understood this problem clearly. The factory was poorly managed and had low production efficiency. From top to bottom, everyone had the mentality of "eating from the same pot," which was no match for modern private enterprises.
Nie Weibin's factory was not doing well and couldn't pay wages, while private small factories were thriving.
Nie Qingqing became worried and asked Song Zhao, "How is your electronics factory doing?"
Song Zhao said, "Our factory is doing well; we can't keep up with the orders."
That's true. Electrical appliances require technology, factories, workshops, and production lines, none of which can be missing. It's not so easy for small private factories to compete with large factories for the time being.
The better the living conditions, the higher the demand for these appliances, and appliance factories are on the rise for a while.
Song Zhao told his brother-in-law not to worry: "Tomorrow I'll ask someone to find out what's going on by talking to the leaders of the food factory."
...
Upon inquiry, the situation turned out to be dire. The food factory was not doing well and needed to cut costs and increase revenue; the first batch of layoffs had already been drafted.
Nie Weibin wasn't on this round of layoffs, but he was still upset: "I go to work to earn money to support my family. My salary is unstable, how am I supposed to support my family? I'm not on this round of layoffs, but what about the next round?"
This situation couldn't go on. Tang Guizhi was so worried that she couldn't eat. Nie Weibin and Zheng Fanghui looked distressed, and even Tang Gao couldn't be happy.
Tangyuan pouted: "Mom, can't Uncle set up a stall like you?"
Nie Qingqing had seen the world after she started working and even set up a stall, so she no longer felt that being laid off was such a big deal. But for her brother and sister-in-law, it was a huge deal.
Whether to stay in the factory and wait and see, or to set up a stall, her brother and sister-in-law are too timid to make a decision and want to wait and see.
Song Zhao helped them make a decision: "I suggest that the eldest brother buy out the shares and take advantage of the reform to start his own business."
Nie Weibin was at a loss as to what to do with his individual business: "What should I sell? We don't know how to source or select goods, and we don't even know how to choose a car or take a ride when we go on a long trip. What kind of business can we do?"
Nie Qingqing said, "People are forced to do things. We didn't expect you to do anything too difficult right away. Your sister-in-law makes food that's even better than what you can buy outside. She'll cook at home, and your brother will push the cart out to sell. Let's try it for a few days first. Don't rush to support the family. We're a family. We'll help you hold on for a year or two. You can go out and try your best."
Song Zhao offered a solution: "Don't go around selling food from street to street. It's best to have a fixed stall. Qingqing and I will contribute 1,000 yuan to rent a small storefront. If we lose money, we can treat it as a joint investment and won't have to pay it back. If we make money, then my brother and sister-in-law won't have to worry about paying it back. They'll definitely be able to pay it back."
That would definitely be the best option, but it cost a thousand yuan! Nie Qingqing was incredibly grateful and happy, and gently punched him, saying, "Thank you."
Song Zhao liked this intimacy, but why did she have to say thank you?
"Qingqing, you should thank me again. Next time you treat Xiaoyin and Xiaoyuan well, I'll thank you too. Let's see if you can handle it."
Nie Qingqing: "Okay, you're welcome. My brother and sister-in-law should thank you."
Song Xiaoyin stated, "Uncle, Aunt, I will study with Tanggao, so you don't need to worry about us."
...
With his family's support, Nie Weibin decided to give it a try, but he rented a relatively remote storefront because it was cheap. Only a few people would pass by in that location each day, so who would he sell his goods to?
Nie Qingqing would rather forgo the deposit and find another place. She told her brother, "What's the point of renting it cheaply? I'd rather rent in a bustling area with lots of people and restaurants than rent here."
The location of the new storefront was chosen by Nie Qingqing. There are many people coming and going from morning to night, and many food and drink vendors. As long as the food is good, there should be business.
None of them had any experience in opening a shop or doing business. Just to be on the safe side, Nie Qingqing took her brother and sister-in-law to seek advice from Mr. Yan, the king of roasted nuts and seeds. If he was willing to give them a word or two of guidance, they would benefit greatly.
Song Zhao advised, "These two businesses are different. If he grows too big, he may not be willing to give you pointers. Why bother going through a rough patch?"
Nie Qingqing: "I made a call, and they asked us to come over. We've arranged to meet at 10:30. After we finish talking, we can treat them to a meal. Don't worry about it."
Song Zhao was so worried that she couldn't even eat lunch in the cafeteria.
Factory Director Yu understood him and teased him, "Why are you jealous of a middle-aged man who's almost fifty?"
Song Zhao denied it: "Who said I was jealous? That's not true. I'm just afraid Qingqing will suffer in the future."
Factory Director Yu borrowed some vinegar from the canteen chef and poured some more into his dumpling bowl: "It's sour, eat more if you like it."
...
Nie Qingqing and her brother and sister-in-law sat upright in Mr. Yan's factory office, just like students, waiting for him to evaluate the pastries they had brought.
Mr. Yan broke off a little of each to taste and affirmed the craftsmanship, saying that with such flavors, there would definitely be no problem selling them.
"Since you're making and selling fresh, food safety is paramount. You need to label the products with expiration dates; otherwise, people might get sick from eating them after a while and come after you. Have you obtained all the necessary permits and licenses before opening the shop?"
Nie Qingqing hurriedly said, "It's all done. I originally wanted to go door-to-door, but Song Zhao suggested renting a shop. I didn't expect that getting all the business registration documents would be so complicated."
Mr. Yan said, "Your wife is very thoughtful. If they have the means, they should definitely rent a shop. Since this is a small workshop, pay attention to the details and make the packaging look decent. Buy some ready-made products from me first, and then print your own when you grow your business."
Nie Qingqing was very grateful and wanted to treat him to lunch: "Thank you so much. It's near your factory, let's have lunch together. I've already picked out a restaurant, it's very unique."
Mr. Yan smiled. No wonder Attorney He offered such a high salary to keep her. Everyone was happy with how well she handled things. Once you get used to her, you really can't live without her.
He declined, saying, "I really have an appointment for lunch. Maybe next time, when you have some new products, you can send some over so I can try them."
...
My brother and sister-in-law's pastry shop opened on an auspicious day. The glass display case was filled to the brim with goods, so that people would have the desire to buy them.
The neighbors from Huazhi Lane all came to support the business, and everyone bought some. They all said it was good after tasting it.
This location is really good; there's a constant flow of people coming and going.
The newly opened store is still packed with people. The more people there are, the more people will come in to see what's going on, and if they do, they'll buy something. Song Zhao says this is called herd mentality.
Business has been better than expected in the first few days since we opened. When we close up at night and do the math, if business is even half as good as it is now, we'll make a profit.
My brother and sister-in-law are honest and kind. When they weigh things, they raise the scale high and weigh only the extra amount, rounding down every penny. They are both honest and enthusiastic. Song Zhao said that this gives customers both practical benefits and emotional value, which will attract many repeat customers.
Nie Qingqing had heard Lawyer He praise her, saying that after becoming an assistant, she brought a lot of positive emotional value, which seemed to be a good and positive emotion.
His sister-in-law's cooking was indeed delicious, his brother ran the business with integrity, and the location was good. Even though the rent was expensive, he made a net profit of over a hundred yuan in the first month, which was more than Nie Weibin's previous salary. He was relieved now.
My brother and sister-in-law both work at the shop, and one of them can always spare most of the day to take care of some household chores, so their time is relatively flexible.
Nie Weibin and Zheng Fanghui are very satisfied with their current situation. The children still have an endless supply of pastries, and the shadow of being laid off has finally passed.
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