Chapter 113
On the seventh day after the lockdown was lifted, Chen Zhiyi set off to return to Haishi with great reluctance. As the head of the company, there were a lot of issues waiting for him to take charge of after the company resumed work, especially the question of whether his first self-written and directed film, which was originally planned to be released before the lockdown, should be released at a later date or postponed until the market recovers.
Lin Ting agreed to Chen Zhiyi's request to take advantage of the resumption of work and production to ship out the orders that had been delayed during the epidemic as soon as possible, and to clear out the store's inventory in preparation for shifting the business focus to Haishi later.
Lin Ting remained hesitant about this matter. The shop represented three years of hard work, and she couldn't just give it up so easily. Moreover, the placement of the employees was a problem. If they were all willing to go to Haishi with her, that would be a good thing; if they weren't, it would be forcing them to leave. Compensation was one issue, but finding new jobs at this time was extremely difficult. The experienced workers were all from her hometown and had taken good care of her and Qin Wei over the years; to just abandon them now seemed too cruel.
However, creating a customized brand and having Chinese design occupy half of the fashion world was once a dream I aspired to. Now everything is developing in a positive direction and it is possible to achieve. Shanghai is an international metropolis where trend information gathers and exchanges, and its ability to incubate dreams is something that a small county town cannot match.
So Lin Ting was conflicted, but she decided to sit down and have a serious talk with everyone, hoping to reach a consensus.
Surprisingly, everyone thought it was the right thing to do.
Even if someone with natural charisma keeps a low profile and is constantly lost in the crowd, their brilliance cannot be overshadowed. Such a person should be active in the heart of a big city, having a larger stage, rather than being buried in a chaotic farmers' market.
The master craftsmen are all retired, and they've been very happy working for Lin Ting these past few years. They all refused to accept compensation, knowing full well that Lin Ting's compensation was quite good. More importantly, seeing traditional clothing craftsmanship being appreciated and passed down among the younger generation is what truly brings them, the older generation of artisans, comfort.
Photographer Xiao Li chose to stay in the county town. He wanted to use his camera to promote his hometown, where he was born and raised, so that more people could see its beauty and he could contribute to the economic development of his hometown.
Lin Ting admires this courage and sense of responsibility. He uses what he has learned and what he is good at to contribute to the development of his hometown. He is a role model for outstanding young people in our time. We hope that he will leave a significant mark on the future development history of the county.
Assistant Xiaoyuan firmly chose to follow Lin Ting, as she indeed needed a confidante and a capable assistant.
After the meeting and when they got off work, only Xiaoyuan and Linting were left in the shop. Xiaoyuan looked at the little things in the shop, all of which they had built with their own hands, and felt very reluctant to leave. They were leaving, the things were being moved out, and the memories were gone.
It would be great if someone could take over this shop, keep all the business, and set up a branch in a county town. That way, neighbors would have somewhere to go if they want to repair or order clothes.
In recent years, local residents have liked to bring their zippers to the shop, have their clothes shortened, or have holes patched, and then chat about everyday things. So a shop is not just for doing business, but also carries a lot of affection.
Yes, if only someone familiar with the shop could take it over, someone who understands both business and clothing. With a worried look on her face, Lin Ting thought of her uncle's family.
My cousin Qin Peng got married a couple of years ago. His wife, Ye Ting, is from the neighboring town of Tao. She is also a skilled clothing maker. Before getting married, she worked in a clothing factory, doing all the different jobs on the assembly line. After getting married, she opened a clothing store in Lizhen. Last year, she also started live streaming, attracting over a thousand viewers every day, and the business is doing quite well.
Lin Ting had heard of Ye Ting before, and Ye Ting would occasionally ask Lin Ting for advice on live streaming techniques. She was good at speaking and communicating, and she was also quick-witted. She kept excellent records of the clothes coming in and out of the store and the revenue. Qin Peng was really lucky to marry her.
Uncle Qin Li is getting old and now works with Qin Peng in the express delivery business. They have contracted the express delivery work in the town and run an internet business. Quality assurance and logistics are the two core aspects, and Qin Peng can obviously do a good job in logistics.
Aunt Zhang Linfang usually helps out at the clothing store, but Lin Ting knows she's also a skilled embroiderer; she used to take on freelance work to make a living. In Lizhen, a major embroidery town, embroidery techniques are passed down from generation to generation, ensuring they won't disappear.
After Lin Ting brought the gifts to her uncle's house and talked with Ye Ting, she felt a little uneasy. She felt that this was a big challenge, but she was also eager to try it out. Young people always want to take risks and give it a shot.
Ye Ting asked about the future business direction of the store and how the profits would be distributed.
Lin Ting's idea was clear: in the future, when she went to Shanghai, she would reorganize a team to specialize in high-end customization, break the monopoly of foreign brands in high-end luxury, and truly realize the concept of designing in China. Of course, these are still just dream dreams, but everything must be achieved step by step, and the premise is to set a good direction and strategy.
She had saved some money over the years, and Chen Zhiyi would make up the rest. Now that their relationship was inseparable, she would no longer refuse his kindness out of pride or stubbornness. She would repay what she owed him with even more love.
Of course, she won't give up on affordable customization either. Ye Ting is mainly in charge of this area. Currently, all the customized items in the Douyin (TikTok) shop window will not be taken down. New styles will be developed in the future. Just like the personal signature of the Douyin account, customization is never just a high-end consumption for the rich. It is also a consumption choice for ordinary people. May everyone have a unique piece of clothing of their own.
Currently, Teacher Ye's Douyin account continues to operate. Lin Ting will guide Ye Ting in filming videos and live streams, gradually transitioning to Ye Ting's management, although she will still occasionally appear. After the business takes off in Shanghai, Lin Ting will register a new account. The video format will not be as varied as Teacher Ye's account; it will be presented in the form of personal interviews, introducing the history of Chinese clothing development, unique and rare Chinese clothing fabrics, craftsmanship, and accessories, highlighting the profoundness and distinctiveness of Chinese clothing.
Two accounts may have overlapping elements that show a connection, but they also have their own unique styles. In the era of self-media, this is a marketing technique that must be mastered.
After in-depth communication with Ye Ting, the two reached a consensus, and Ye Ting accepted the challenge.
Regarding the division of profits, Lin Ting had a clear idea. Ye Ting would be in charge of the store and Teacher Ye's Douyin account, so she wouldn't have to worry too much. Therefore, 80% of the profits earned online and offline, after deducting various costs, would go to Ye Ting. If managed well and with the accumulated fan base, it would definitely be a huge fortune, which could also be considered as repaying the kindness of her uncle and aunt's family over the years.
Lin Ting had never seen Zhang Linfang smile so brightly before, and she smiled to herself as well.
The shop's workers were overjoyed to hear that the shop would continue operating. Without any hesitation, they all chose to stay. They even patted their chests and promised that if Lin Ting encountered any emergencies or troubles in Haishi and needed help, the old men would hobble over to her with their canes to assist her.
Xiao Li insisted on leaving, and Lin Ting did not try to stop him. She respected his choice. Fortunately, Xiao Li recommended his junior, a reliable and highly skilled young man, so the position was filled.
Ye Ting sold the clothing store and began to familiarize herself with the store's affairs under Lin Ting's guidance. Lin Ting planned to train her within a month, which was a bit tight, but Lin Ting wasn't worried. After all, the experienced tailors were there, and they were the backbone of the store.
Lin Ting also had an important task this month: to coordinate with the renovation team on the villa's interior design. This was something Chen Zhiyi had repeatedly told her to do. Since they had decided to do it, they had to start sooner rather than later.
After much deliberation, Lin Ting decided to continue with the Chinese style, which aligns with the positioning of high-end mid-range products.
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Upon returning to Haishi, Chen Zhiyi went straight to the company and immediately began meetings to understand the current progress of each project. Were the film crews that had been suspended due to the pandemic resuming work normally? Would the originally scheduled filming dates be postponed? And were there any issues with funding for the projects under discussion, or if any investors had withdrawn their investments? He carefully reviewed each item with the project leaders.
Regarding the release date of Chen Zhiyi's new film, all shareholders unanimously agreed to postpone it until the market recovers before discussing a new date. Since it's Chen Zhiyi's first self-written, self-directed, and self-acted film, it sounds like a highly anticipated and popular movie, a sure-fire money-maker. Why not choose a perfect release date to rake in the profits?
However, Chen Zhiyi announced at the meeting that the film would be released at a later date, July 3rd, a very ordinary day. More importantly, he also set a nationally unified ticket price, the lowest ticket price in nearly ten years.
The shareholders thought he was being ridiculous. They argued that making movies was about making money, not doing charity. They wondered if he was going to submit a graduation project to the entire nation.
But Chen Zhiyi didn't care about their anger. Once he made up his mind, no one could change it, except for one person, in particular. In her presence, he could only obey and dared not utter a single word of dissent. The shareholders all knew his temperament; he was a man of his word. They all slammed their fists on the table and stormed out in anger.
After the meeting, Du Yuan advised him, "If you anger these old guys, it won't do you or the company any good. They are all influential figures in this industry."
Chen Zhiyi scoffed, "They've received a lot of dividends over the years, and they know the company's prospects and profitability perfectly well. They won't withdraw their shares. Besides, if it weren't for the shareholding reform for the listing, they wouldn't have invested in the company and gained some say. But they should know who the real controlling shareholder of Xiao Erduo is."
When Xiao Erduo Pictures went public, it underwent financing and shareholding reform. With Chen Zhiyi's assets, he did not need to do so. However, the securities firm said that bringing in some authoritative figures would make Xiao Erduo more qualified and enhance its status, which would also guarantee the success of the listing.
So Chen Zhiyi held 50% of the shares, Du Yuan held 20%, and the remaining 30% was distributed to the financing party. But no matter what, Chen Zhiyi would not allow his decision-making power to be threatened in the slightest.
"If I could give up my shares to them back then, I can take them back. The movie will be released as scheduled, without any delays," Chen Zhiyi said firmly.
Du Yuan: Squinting his eyes, he probed, "Is the release date some kind of anniversary for you and Sister Ting?"
Whether it's an anniversary or not is none of your business. But that "Listen to me, sister" sounded really annoying, so Chen Zhiyi glared at him with a stern face.
"What do you mean, 'sister'?"
"What else should I call her if not 'sister'? That's what I've always called her."
"Call me sister-in-law." Chen Zhiyi was particularly serious about it.
Du Yuan nearly spat out the water he had just drunk. "What the hell? Does he even acknowledge you? Besides, you're only three days older than me? You're trying to take advantage of me for this little bit of benefit?"
"Even a second more is still a big deal."
"..."
Du Yuan snorted, "I originally thought you'd be pestering me for at least a year, listen to your sister."
Chen Zhiyi immediately shot him a sharp glare.
Du Yuan immediately changed his tune, "Okay, okay, it's because of your sister-in-law that she forgives you. I didn't expect you to make up in just two months. If I were her, I would have tormented you properly after you suffered so much because of me. It would be unreasonable not to make you suffer."
To everyone's surprise, Chen Zhiyi said something rather cheeky: "There's nothing I can do, my personal charm is just too great."
Du Yuan gritted his teeth, took out his phone, and said, "Say it again if you dare, and I'll record it and play it back for her later."
Chen Zhiyi raised an eyebrow and shut his mouth.
Seeing how happy he was, Du Yuan felt relieved. He had suffered enough for love and longing, and it was time for a happy ending. "I can only say that your sister-in-law loves you very much. They say the first time is accidental, the second time is inevitable, and the third time is destiny. You two have broken up and gotten back together three times already. This time, don't let go of each other's hands again."
"Don't worry, we'll be getting our marriage certificate soon."
Du Yuan smiled, but wasn't surprised. "Speed, huh? Should I start thinking about becoming a godfather?"
Chen Zhiyi kicked him.
Du Yuan: "When is your sister-in-law going back to Haishi? I've sent you the list of reliable renovation teams you asked me to find."
"It will take at least a month. She still has a lot of things to hand over. I've already given her the contact information for the renovation team, and she will communicate her needs to the team."
Du Yuan nodded. "That's good. It's not easy to renovate such a big villa. You're very generous, giving her a villa worth hundreds of millions just like that."
"What's that? I wouldn't hesitate to take my life."
"..." I was forced to eat a mouthful of dog food (a Chinese slang term for witnessing public displays of affection).
Du Yuan remembered something, hesitated for a long time, but finally decided to tell him: "Your dad had a stroke and collapsed a couple of days ago."
Chen Zhiyi remained calm. "Another stroke? Can't you say it differently?"
"It's true. During the pandemic, your dad worked very hard, rushing to the front line every day to understand the infection situation and care about the lives of people under lockdown. As a public servant, he was very qualified and truly served the people."
Chen Zhiyi sneered: "That's right. He values vanity projects and style construction more than anything else. He doesn't embezzle a single penny from the people, but no one else should try to get any favors from him. He will never allow his clean hands and upright image to be stained with even a single black spot."
Du Yuan couldn't understand why the father and son, who were perfectly fine, were acting like enemies. "But it's true that your dad had a stroke this time. The night before last, he was perfectly fine but suddenly collapsed on the sofa and lost consciousness. Luckily, it wasn't in the bathroom, or it would have been even more serious. He's still in the hospital now. They say it was caused by exhaustion and overwork. My dad just went to see him in the hospital yesterday."
Chen Zhiyi was silent for a moment, then said, "I understand. I'll have my assistant go to the hospital to check on him. Please send me the hospital name and room number."
Du Yuan ignored him and continued, "I heard from my dad that your dad wants to retire to the second line and return to his family. He has done everything he wanted to do for the people over the years and lived up to the expectations of his superiors and family. But he owes his family and relatives something and wants to make up for it. He also wants to enjoy his old age and be with his grandchildren."
Du Yuan thought he would react, but he only said lightly, "Really? He has returned to his hometown in glory and retired to his hometown. Congratulations."
Du Yuan said no more. He had already conveyed what he needed to say. Only the one who tied the knot could untie it. Only if the father and son sat down and talked face to face could there be any possibility of resolving their grievances. It would be of no use for him, an outsider, to say anything more.
As Du Yuan left the conference room, he glanced at Chen Zhiyi one last time. Chen Zhiyi was still in the same position, leaning against the conference table with his arms crossed and his eyes downcast, but his eyes were filled with an unyielding sorrow.
Du Yuan thought he was still worried.
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