On the day when the Youyi Road branch opened, Liu Meiyun was afraid that she would not be able to handle it. As Lu Wanjun happened to be on leave in the hospital, she shamelessly asked her sister-in-law to come and help.
Including Liu Meiyun, there were four people in the store. When the store officially opened for business, it was as busy as expected.
Song Qi never expected that opening a clothing store in Beijing would have such good business. She had been talking all morning. And just as Liu Meiyu had expected, several foreign friends came in the morning. They had plenty of money and basically bought whatever they saw fit.
The people who were curious about the excitement naturally thought that Huamei Clothing Store was a place similar to "Friendship Store". They all wanted to come in and take a look. Those with enough money would always buy one or two pieces.
"Meiyun, find me a sweater like this, in a larger size."
Lu Wanjun, who has been holding a scalpel for decades, did not feel tired at all when she changed to a different job this time. Instead, she felt full of freshness.
Liu Meiyun found a sweater from the warehouse and handed it over. After the customer tried it on, he hesitated: "24 yuan is a bit too expensive, isn't it? Can't it be less?"
The sweater looks good and is warm to wear, but it’s a bit painful to spend money on it.
"Sister, this is not expensive. You'll know if you go to the department store. We don't even require tickets, and we're offering 20% off for the first three days. If you come back to buy this sweater in three days, it will cost 30 yuan. If you don't believe me, you can go to the Central City branch. They also have this sweater there, and it's priced at 30 yuan, not a cent less."
Liu Meiyun helped the woman stretch out her sweater and said with a gentle smile, "This sweater looks good on you. It makes your skin look whiter. Wear it when you visit relatives and friends during the New Year. I guarantee that people will ask about it. It's already 6 yuan cheaper now. It's a good deal."
As the woman listened, her hand reached into her pocket to take out money.
Liu Meiyun whispered again: "Big sister, if someone asks about you wearing this sweater, you can bring her over here. As long as she spends money here, I will give you a pair of gloves for free next time."
"That's fine."
The woman's eyes lit up after hearing this, and she paid without hesitation.
Throughout the whole day, there was an endless stream of customers coming and going. Liu Meiyu was so tired from collecting money behind the counter that her hands were tired. The account book was filled with sales records.
The sample clothes that were once neatly displayed on the wall were now reduced to sparse empty hangers by the time the shop closed at night, and the warm winter down jackets and sweaters were sold out.
Liu Meiyu didn't need to count, she knew in her heart that the sales of the branch store today would definitely be much higher than the sales of the first store when it opened in the central city last year.
After all, it has been more than a year. The fact that people have more money in their pockets is one reason, but the impact of consumption concepts and reform and opening up cannot be underestimated.
"It's still a long way to the New Year, so I'll just include the commission in your salary and won't pay it to you in advance."
When the first Huamei clothing store opened last year, because it was during the Chinese New Year, Liu Meiyu calculated the commission wages in advance and gave them to them when they went back home to celebrate the New Year. This time, there are still two months to the Chinese New Year, and these two months are the peak period at the end of the year, so hard work is inevitable.
"But I have prepared a bonus for the opening of the business, please do not complain that it is too little."
Liu Meiyu took out two red envelopes that she had prepared long ago from the drawer.
"Thank you, Sister Meiyun!" Chen Lili happily accepted it, and all the fatigue of the whole day disappeared in an instant.
Song Qi was a little dazed, staring blankly at the red envelope.
"No?" Liu Meiyu was about to pull her hand back, but Song Qi reacted and grabbed her arm, and swiftly took away the red envelope.
"Who said I don't want it!"
Song Qi curled his lips and carefully put the red envelope into his pocket, his mind still in a daze.
There has never been a day as fulfilling as today. She stood for more than ten hours straight, introducing clothes to customers and bargaining. Her throat was sore, but she didn't feel sad at all. Instead, the despair and helplessness that had been weighing on her heart seemed to disappear in an instant.
Even if she doesn't live in a big house, wear beautiful clothes, or get pocket money from her parents, she can still earn money to support herself.
The old classmate who was not very likable before has now become her boss. Sometimes she always feels awkward, but considering the red envelopes and the job, the awkwardness is nothing.
Liu Meiyu didn't have time to care about Miss Song's little discomfort. She carried a canvas bag full of money and rode back to the military compound with Lu Wanjun. The first thing she did was to start counting the money.
She, Lu Wanjun, and Wu's mother counted it twice before confirming that the branch's sales on the first day were as high as 9,842 yuan. After deducting the costs and shared rent, utilities, and labor, the net profit more than doubled based on the costs.
"How can you make so much money in one day by running a clothing store?"
Lu Wanjun was in disbelief when she saw the account book registered by Liu Meiyun and the large group in front of her.
Although she was in the store today and saw people coming and going, the vague concept and the bills and profit figures in front of her were what gave her the biggest shock.
As a hospital director, she worked diligently for a year, but still could not earn as much as Liu Meiyu in one day running a clothing store.
Mother Wu was not only incredulous but also worried: "Why is it so easy to make money nowadays? A 10,000 yuan account is created every day. It's faster than robbery. Will someone report us?"
"I won't report it." Lu Wanjun frowned. "Even if we continue to sell it this way, the inventory in the store warehouse won't last more than three to five days. Besides, it won't be long before every household buys new clothes for the New Year."
"No problem," Liu Meiyu smiled, "I asked Brother Yao to go to the south to buy the goods in advance. A batch was sent over yesterday. When the warehouse is almost sold out in a few days, the goods will be delivered."
"Meiyun has a brain that thinks far ahead in everything." Lu Wanjun couldn't help but praise her.
Over the years, she really couldn't find any fault with her niece-in-law. She was top student in every subject, and she managed to open a branch after just over a year as a self-employed person. She was also very good at getting along with others.
Not to mention people far away, even those in the military compound who saw him would praise him a word or two, especially when his comrades-in-arms sent him greeting gifts during festivals.
In the past, the old man would ask the guards around him to prepare things. However, ever since Liu Meiyu stepped in and gave a pair of knee pads for winter and a fumigation stove made of mugwort to an old comrade-in-arms of the old man who had injured his knee, the old man's comrade-in-arms started to praise him to everyone, and gradually all the family favors fell on Liu Meiyu's shoulders.
The old man is almost more satisfied with his granddaughter-in-law than with his own grandson.
"By the way, aunt-in-law," Liu Meiyun said to Lu Wanjun after checking the accounts, "There is still some time before the Chinese New Year. I will take grandpa to the hospital for a physical examination in a couple of days after I finish my work."
"What's wrong with grandpa?" Mother Wu looked worried.
"Grandpa is fine," Liu Meiyu said quickly, "It's just a normal physical examination. Grandpa is old, and he should have a physical examination at least once a year to feel more at ease. You should also do it, Mom Wu."
At that time, people did not have the habit of physical examinations. Except for joining the army and going to college, most people went to the hospital only when they were sick, and some even relied on folk remedies.
Liu Meiyu worked hard for most of her life. When she was about to transform from a social animal to a winner in life, she died suddenly due to working overtime and staying up late. Her life became a pity.
Not only cherish your own life, but also cherish the lives of those around you.
"I'm in good health, why should I go to the hospital?" Mother Wu shook her head decisively, her face full of rejection.
"Mother Wu" Liu Meiyun patiently coaxed: "It's just a simple physical examination. You and Grandpa should have a physical examination at least once a year. If nothing goes wrong, everyone will be happy. If there is a minor problem, it can be prevented in advance. And we can go to Aunt's Hospital for it, how convenient it is."
"Yes, that's what we should do." Lu Wanjun nodded in agreement: "Sister Wu, just listen to Meiyun. Go to our hospital next week to have a physical examination with Grandpa. I'll make arrangements in advance."
Lu Wanjun didn't expect that Liu Meiyun could be more thoughtful than her as a doctor. Physical examinations are indeed necessary, especially for the elderly.
"My aunt has spoken, Aunt Wu, just listen to our arrangements. Otherwise, I will let Grandpa persuade you."
Liu Meiyu moved her grandfather out, and Wu's mother could only nod reluctantly, thinking that she was in good health and there was no need to waste time and money in the hospital.
After settling the matter with Wu's mother, Liu Meiyu told her grandfather about the physical examination the next day. Unexpectedly, her grandfather agreed very readily.
"I will follow Meiyun's instructions. From now on, we will go to the hospital for a checkup at least once a year."
Grandpa Lu looked at his three great-grandchildren who were making noises while eating at the dining table, and how everything was in perfect order at home. He wanted to live two more years to enjoy himself, so how could he refuse the thoughtful arrangement of his grandson's wife?
The physical examination results of Grandpa and Mother Wu were very satisfactory, and Liu Meiyu was also relieved. When she went to the military academy to watch Lu's Long March, she mentioned this matter by the way. Unexpectedly, the man's reaction was unexpectedly strong.
"Thank you, my dear."
Lu Changzheng's eyes were red, and he hugged Liu Meiyu tightly in his arms on the playground, completely ignoring the whistles and jokes around him.
"Hurry up and let go. People are watching us."
Liu Meiyu didn't react at all. Her old face turned red. She tried to push the man away but couldn't, so she instinctively pinched the man's waist.
"Hiss" Lu Changzheng jumped away. He didn't expect that Liu Meiyu could really pinch him and be so cruel.
"Wife?" The man looked aggrieved. He just hugged her. What's the big deal?
"Captain Lu, there are so many people watching us. Can you be more serious in public?" Liu Meiyu walked quickly, one meter away from the man. The constant whistling sounds behind her made her face feel hot.
Lu Changzheng followed her eagerly and refuted with confidence: "What's wrong with you, captain? We are married, our child is about to graduate from primary school, and it's not against the law to hug each other. Besides, now that we have reform and opening up, no one cares about these things on the street..."
"You know your children are about to graduate from elementary school. You are now a member of the group after all. Can you pay a little attention to your calm and serious image when you are outside?"
"What's wrong with the regiment commander?" Lu Changzheng rubbed his waist, not caring at all: "When we were on the island, which regiment commander or deputy regiment commander didn't have to deal with daily necessities? When they heard their wives calling them from afar, their faces changed faster than turning pages of a book, and they were more frightened than rookies..."
"This is not an island." Liu Meiyun smoothed her hair and glared back: "Are you implying that I'm fierce?"
"Absolutely not," Lu Changzheng rubbed his waist with one hand and quickly defended himself: "What I mean is, between my wife and my image, I will definitely choose my wife."
When the old man said sweet words, Liu Meiyun could only reply with two words: "Greasy."
"What do you mean?" Lu Changzheng didn't understand.
"It's meaningless." Liu Meiyu saw him rubbing his waist, frowned and asked: "Does it really hurt? It's not that delicate, right?"
He didn't even make a sound before. Could it be that his muscles are no longer as useful as he is getting older?
Liu Meiyun was unconvinced and wanted to lift up the man's clothes to see, but the man dodged to the side, shrugged his shoulders, and joked: "I'm the leader, I have to pay attention to my image."
"I'll count to 3, and you come here by yourself." Liu Meiyu stared at the man sternly, afraid that he might have more injuries that she didn't know about.
"3"
As soon as she blurted out the words, the light in front of her eyes dimmed and Liu Meiyu was once again pulled into the man's arms.
"I was just teasing you." Lu Changzheng hugged his wife and whispered in her ear in a low and serious voice: "Meiyun, thank you for everything you have done for our family."
No matter how many words Lu Changzheng said, he could not describe how he felt at that moment.
He spends very little time at home throughout the year. Since marrying him, Liu Meiyun has risked her life to give birth to three children for him. From raising the children to taking care of the elderly now, Meiyun has always contributed and worried much more than he does.
When they got married, he said he would take care of her and treat her well for the rest of her life, after all, he was much older than her. But gradually, Lu Changzheng found that it seemed that Liu Meiyun took care of him and the family more.
"Okay, stop being sentimental."
Mr. Liu could accept the intrigues in the business world, but he could not stand people close to him saying disgusting words, especially when they came from an old man like Lu Changzheng.
When they just got married, Liu Meiyun was still coaxing him and they could still cooperate in the acting, but now they are an old couple.
Pushing the man away, she turned the topic to business: "Aren't you going to graduate after the new year? Will you be able to stay in Beijing smoothly?"
Although Liu Meiyun guessed that Lu Changzheng was unlikely to be transferred to other places, she still couldn't help but ask.
"Well, it's settled."
After Lu Changzheng talked about the troops, it was Liu Meiyun's turn to be surprised: "Doesn't that mean we can live directly at home? We don't have to get a room with the troops anymore?"
"That's the case for now." Lu Changzheng nodded.
"Very good!"
Liu Meiyun was so happy that she didn't care about her image and jumped directly onto Lu Changzheng.
This news undoubtedly made her happier than making money. She was grateful to the organization and the party.
"There is another good news." Lu Changzheng touched his wife's head and said with a smile: "Political Commissar Zhou and his family will also move here after the New Year, just over there in the family building in our compound. He will be transferred horizontally."
Being transferred to a place like the capital is equivalent to a promotion.
Thinking of Tiantian, the lovely little girl in Political Commissar Zhou's family, Liu Meiyun's mouth corners unconsciously raised: "Erbao must be very happy."
Lu Changzheng: "I think you are too happy."
"Is it true?" Liu Meiyu raised her eyebrows and said ambiguously: "We don't have to separate anytime soon, are you unhappy?"
“…”
Lu Changzheng blushed and coughed twice in a pretentious manner: "Be careful of the impact."
Liu Meiyun pouted: "You didn't dare to hug each other in public just now, why are you blushing now?"
"That's different." Lu Changzheng's eyes were already wandering.
Every time he was very innocent and couldn't help getting close to her, but his wife always played word games with him, which always made people imagine...
The old man is not easily teased and would blush every time he drives a "tractor". Liu Meiyu feels that the contrast of this man is too great.
"I'm going back now. You should come back early during the holiday. We need a sanitation worker at home for the New Year cleaning."
"Well, don't worry, leave it to me."
When it comes to work, Lu Changzheng is not lazy at all. Instead, he is quite happy to be able to play a role at home.
After returning to the city from the military academy, Liu Meiyu went to Yao Shunliu again.
Since he and Liu Meiyu started a clothing store business, Yao Shunliu has been busy every day.
He had just brought back several batches of goods from Guangzhou and filled up the warehouse. Liu Meiyu asked him to take some time to visit various textile and garment factories in the surrounding area to see if there was any way to find a factory that could accept small orders.
"I've looked around for a few days and found that state-owned factories basically don't accept orders from self-employed individuals like us." Yao Shunliu said this tactfully. It's not basically, and when people heard that he was a self-employed individual, they immediately ridiculed and swept him away.
"There was a small factory that let me in for a visit, but they didn't believe we could produce and sell our own products. They said at most they could set up a production line for us to process, and the production volume of each style had to be at least 3,000 pieces."
They only have two stores, and they can barely digest 3,000 pieces during the Chinese New Year, but they will definitely accumulate during the off-season. Moreover, once a clothing store sells in large quantities, the styles will become monotonous. In the long run, won't it be almost the same as a supply and marketing cooperative?
"And I think that factory is not very reliable. The workers are still owed wages. They haven't even met their own tasks, but they are still complaining about our small orders. If the funds are not allocated from above, they may have to stop production at any time."
Yao Shunliu felt that it was difficult to negotiate with such small state-owned factories, as they relied on the word "state-owned" to feel that they were superior to others. Individual business owners like them were mostly described as "unpresentable" or "petty".
"I found a more reliable cooperative in a town. As long as you place an order for 100 pieces, they will accept any order. It's a little far from here, in a rural suburb, but much closer than Guangzhou."
Yao Shunliu felt from the bottom of his heart that since Liu Meiyu wanted to make clothes and sell them herself, it would be more appropriate to find a township enterprise like this. By making hundreds of pieces of each style, they could ensure that new styles would be updated, without having to worry about inventory backlogs, and without having to raise so much capital.
"Brother Yao, please take me to that state-owned factory tomorrow."
Unexpectedly, Liu Meiyun was more optimistic about the small state-owned factories that were about to shut down.
The township cooperatives that Yao Shunliu mentioned were actually the army of township enterprises that emerged in the 1980s and were encouraged by the state to develop. With policy dividends and good opportunities, a large number of township enterprises did develop rapidly in the 1980s.
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