Gu Mingyue was not reserved at all. She took out a stack of sketches from her cloth bag and spread them on the table: "Director Wang, look, this is my summer clothing series design."
I added snap buttons to the little boy's shorts for easy on and off; the little girl's dress has a fitted waist, but the waistband is elastic so it doesn't constrict her stomach.
She pointed to a small detail on a drawing: "And this, I rolled up the cuffs and pant legs, firstly to keep them from getting dirty, and secondly so that the children won't get mud on their hands when they run and jump."
Factory Director Wang leaned closer to look, gently tapping his finger on the sketch: "These details are really thoughtful. The children's clothing we made before was always criticized by customers for being outdated and inconvenient. Your design just solves that problem."
Just then, the workshop director knocked on the door and came in, holding a piece of light blue floral fabric: "Factory manager, this is a new piece of fabric. Please take a look and see if it's usable."
Gu Mingyue's eyes lit up. She picked up the fabric and touched it: "This fabric is so soft, it's perfect for making a little dress. I've also designed a matching little jacket. It'll be both pretty and practical to wear when it gets cool."
As she spoke, she took a pencil out of her pocket and quickly sketched the design of the coat next to the drawing. She drew a small bow at the collar, which immediately made the design more lively.
Factory Director Wang looked at the bow on the drawing, then at Gu Mingyue's determined eyes, and slammed his hand on the table: "Let's do it your way. We'll make a batch of samples first. If the market response is good, we'll cooperate long-term, and the factory will give you a design allowance."
Gu Mingyue felt a surge of warmth in her heart, and her hand holding the drawing tightened slightly.
She never imagined that the little clothes she drew on paper could actually become real products in such a large factory, allowing more children to wear comfortable and beautiful clothes.
When Gu Mingyue returned to the family compound carrying a cloth bag filled with fabric, several women were picking vegetables in the small square.
She had just put the cloth bag on the table when Sister Wang came over and asked, "Mingyue, you're back from the city? How did the talks go?"
Gu Mingyue smiled and opened the cloth bag, and the fabric inside immediately spread out.
"It's settled." Gu Mingyue picked up a piece of floral fabric and held it up against Chenchen. "Hongxing Factory wants to make children's clothing based on my designs. This batch is sample fabric. We'll make a few dozen pieces to test the waters first."
The women immediately gathered around, and Xia Xiaohe touched the cotton fabric: "This fabric is so soft, the children will definitely look good in it."
Aunt Zhang nodded in agreement: "My little tiger loves to run, those shorts are perfect for him. Can I trade two pounds of eggs for a pair?"
Gu Mingyue was amused: "No need to change it. Once this batch of samples is finished, let the children in the family compound try them on first. If you can help me see where it needs to be changed, that will be a great help."
As she spoke, she took out her sketches and explained the style of each garment to her sisters-in-law: "This pair of overalls has pockets on the side, and this dress has pleats on the hem, so it looks like a little butterfly when you run."
Chenchen sat in Zhong Yuxiu's lap, her little hands reaching out to grab the fabric on the table. She grabbed the light yellow striped cloth and stuffed it into her mouth.
Zhong Yuxiu quickly pulled the cloth out and patted his bottom with a smile: "This little guy wants to taste everything."
After her sisters-in-law had chosen their styles, Gu Mingyue sorted the fabrics, her heart filled with anticipation. She knew that once these fabrics were made into clothes, even more children would love them.
On the day the children's clothing samples were finished, Gu Mingyue specially went to the supply and marketing cooperative in the city with Master Zhang.
The counter was kept clean and tidy, with various clothes hanging on wooden hangers, making the whole counter look vibrant.
Director Li from the supply and marketing cooperative came over to take a look and reached out to touch the fabric of the overalls: "This style is really novel, much better looking than the old styles we brought in before."
Not long after it was set up, customers were attracted to it.
An older woman, holding the hand of a little girl with pigtails, immediately noticed a floral dress: "Comrade, how much is this dress? My daughter would look beautiful in it."
Gu Mingyue quickly stepped forward and pointed to the pleated hem of the skirt: "Auntie, the hem of this skirt is loose and the waistband is elastic, so the child will be comfortable wearing it."
The little girl reached out and tugged at her skirt, tilting her head back and shouting, "Mommy, I want this!"
As soon as one item was sold, even more people gathered in front of the counter.
A young couple held up a short-sleeved shirt with a floral duck print, looking at the design over and over again: "This little duck is so cute, I'll buy one for my son."
In no time, most of the children's clothes hanging on the counter were sold.
Director Li beamed with joy and pulled Master Zhang aside, saying, "This batch of goods sold so well. Next time, we should order more, and it would be best to prepare several pieces of each style."
Gu Mingyue stood to the side, watching the customers leave with their children's clothes, feeling a sweet warmth in her heart. This was recognition and encouragement for her.
The day Lu Lin returned home from his vacation, he called out as soon as he stepped into the courtyard gate, "Mingyue, Chenchen, I'm back."
Gu Mingyue was holding Chenchen and organizing her new drawings when she heard the sound and immediately went out to greet her. Chenchen was perched on her shoulder and reached out her little hands to be held when she saw Lu Lin.
Gu Mingyue took the backpack from him, and Lu Lin picked up Chenchen and rubbed his stubble against his little face: "You can rest for two days this time. By the way, I ran into Sister Wang on the way. She told me that the children's clothes you designed are selling like hotcakes at the supply and marketing cooperative. You're really amazing."
He walked into the house, his eyes scanning the sketches on the table. "Come on, today I'll take you and Chenchen to a restaurant in the county, and we'll also go to the supply and marketing cooperative. I need to see the clothes my wife designed with my own eyes."
Gu Mingyue called for her mother-in-law to come along, but Zhong Yuxiu waved her hand and said, "You young people go ahead, I'll stay home. Do you want me to take care of Chenchen?"
"Are you alright? We'll take him with us. It'll be a good opportunity to go out for a walk, and you can rest more at home."
After lunch, the family of three headed to Haishi, where the supply and marketing cooperative was still bustling with activity.
Lu Lin, carrying Chenchen, squeezed to the children's clothing counter and immediately spotted the floral dress and overalls hanging in the most conspicuous position, which were the two styles that Gu Mingyue often mentioned.
"You designed this?" Lu Lin's voice was full of laughter as he reached out and touched it. "The details are really well done. It's much better looking than the children's clothes I've seen in other places."
Just then, a mother was picking out clothes with her child. Pointing to the overalls, she said, "Let's buy these. I heard they're made in our factory, and they're comfortable for the kids."
Upon hearing this, Gu Mingyue quietly tugged at Lu Lin's sleeve, her eyes filled with joy.
Lu Lin hugged Chenchen and leaned close to her, whispering, "My wife is so capable. From now on, we won't need to buy clothes for Chenchen anymore. She can wear the ones designed by her mother."
Chenchen seemed to understand, reaching out to grab the short-sleeved shirt on the counter, making little "ee-ya" sounds.
Lu Lin smiled proudly, while Chenchen clutched the hem of her short-sleeved shirt, with a whole bunch of children's clothes hanging behind her.
Sunlight streamed through the glass windows of the supply and marketing cooperative, capturing the family's joy in that moment.
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