Chapter 110 Do you want to go to Hong Kong?
In her previous life, Jiang Haitang also made money by making clothes for others. At that time, she read many Hong Kong fashion magazines and had some research on future clothing development trends.
The clothes that Wu Huiting sent over were indeed of good style, but they would soon be eliminated by the market.
The next few years will be an era of great development for the clothing industry. Many clothing styles will appear in this stage, but only the most classic ones will truly have a market share.
From the current perspective, Wu Huiting is a good partner, and she may be able to reach cooperation with Wu Huiting in other areas.
She knew very well that in this age of information blockade, every opportunity was as fleeting as quicksand.
"Ms. Wu, the Canton Fair is about to end. When will you return to Hong Kong?" Jiang Haitang made up her mind and asked immediately.
Wu Huiting was a little surprised that Jiang Haitang suddenly asked this, but she still answered.
"I came here this time not only to discuss cooperation, but also to visit my family. Now that my wish has been fulfilled, I will be leaving in three days."
"Could you come back again before you go? Or, if it's convenient for you, please leave me your address. I'd like to see you again before you go back."
Although she didn't know what Jiang Haitang meant, Wu Huiting still left the address of her hotel and her room number.
That night, a dim desk lamp was on in Jiang Haitang's room.
Han Zhiqiu rubbed his sore eyes and sat up from the bed. He saw Jiang Haitang still hunched over the desk, his pencil scratching on the paper.
"Haitang, you've been busy all day, go to bed early."
Han Zhiqiu handed over a glass of water, but saw that on Jiang Haitang's design draft, a pair of waist-hugging flared pants was taking shape - the trouser legs were embroidered with fine bamboo patterns with the same color silk thread, which not only retained the oriental charm, but also hinted at the future popular hippie style.
She remembers clearly that this design that combined traditional elements with modern silhouettes caused a craze at the Milan Fashion Week in 1976.
And at this moment, she wants to be the first person to try something new.
"Are you drawing clothing patterns?" Han Zhiqiu asked in surprise.
Is there anything Haitang doesn’t know?
Did this girl really grow up in the countryside?
"I can't accept several sets of clothes from Ms. Wu for nothing. I plan to draw a few pictures. Whether they can be used or not, it's all a token of my appreciation."
"Your picture is really good, but it's a pity that we can't produce it."
Han Zhiqiu also liked such bold designs, but she also knew that they would not have the chance to wear such clothes.
"Maybe one day in the future... I'll go to sleep after I finish drawing these pictures. You should go to sleep quickly."
The watch on the table pointed to two o'clock in the morning, it was very late.
Two days later, Jiang Haitang stood at Wu Huiting's door in the hotel, holding a brown paper bag. The sweat from his palms soaked the edge of the drawing.
Seeing Jiang Haitang, Wu Huiting smiled brightly.
"I was planning to go to the exhibition hall tomorrow morning if you didn't come to see me tonight." Wu Huiting's eyes fell on the paper bag that Jiang Haitang was holding tightly. "It seems that Miss Jiang came prepared?"
"Ms. Wu, I have a business deal I'd like to discuss with you."
"Oh, Miss Jiang, what business do you want to discuss with me?"
Wu Huiting was very surprised. Individuals in the inland area were not allowed to do business now. What business did Jiang Haitang have to discuss with her?
"I have two design drawings here. Take a look at them first and then we can talk."
Jiang Haitang said this and took out two design drawings, both of which were women's clothing designs.
Wu Huiting unfolded the first design drawing with doubts - an off-white pullover with three-dimensional vines woven with cable knitting at the hem and an asymmetrical slanted collar, which was both retro and modern.
The second picture is a modified Tang suit dress with hidden buttons on the stand-up collar and pleated skirt, which looks like flying clouds when walking.
She is in the clothing business and has a dedicated designer in her factory, so she can naturally see the advantages and characteristics of Jiang Haitang's two designs.
There was even more admiration in her eyes when she looked at Jiang Haitang.
It really opened her eyes that a person born in the mainland could design such forward-looking clothing.
Wu Huiting's fingertips wandered over the drawing, and the pearl ring reflected tiny rays of light under the light.
She suddenly looked up: "You want to go to Hong Kong?"
She has asked this question to too many mainland designers. Those young people who are eager to change their destiny always regard Hong Kong as the other side of their dreams.
She thought that this was also the meaning when Jiang Haitang gave her the design.
If Jiang Haitang went to Hong Kong, she might be able to recruit this person and use him for her own purposes.
Jiang Haitang shook her head: "That's not what I meant. I want to invest in your factory through design."
Wu Huiting's pupils contracted slightly.
As a businessman who has been working in the fashion circle for more than ten years, she knows the value of Jiang Haitang's designs very well - they not only retain the essence of oriental aesthetics, but also accurately hit the popular trends that may emerge in the next few years.
But her business instinct made her raise an eyebrow: "Just based on these, you want to buy shares?"
Jiang Haitang shook his head slightly and took out a thick stack of drawings from the paper bag.
Fifteen design drawings were spread out one after another, including a suit jacket with buttons and denim overalls with Miao embroidery. Each one was marked with detailed fabric recommendations and craftsmanship instructions.
"Our factory has already reached a fabric supply agreement with yours." Jiang Haitang pushed the calculator over. "Based on the selling price of ready-made garments in Hong Kong, the styles I designed can increase the profit margin by at least 20%."
"If you don't go to Hong Kong, there will be huge problems in our communication."
"At present, our factory and your factory have reached a cooperation agreement, and the two parties have the opportunity to meet and communicate."
Wu Huiting was attracted by Jiang Haitang's design skills, as they were much higher than those of several designers in her factory, especially in terms of the forward-looking nature of the clothing, which was more than one level higher.
Her clothing factory has not developed very well in recent years, and one of the important reasons is the lack of a high-quality designer.
Wu Huiting smiled and said, "Aren't you afraid that I won't cooperate with you after I remember the design?"
"I believe you're not that kind of person. Besides, long-term cooperation is better than killing the goose that lays the golden eggs. As a businessman, you understand this principle."
Jiang Haitang's tone was light, but one could tell that she was very confident.
"Ms. Jiang, it's a pleasure to work with you."
Wu Huiting was not the type to hesitate, so she reached out decisively.
Jiang Haitang shook hands back.
Wu Huiting was a little shocked when she touched Jiang Haitang's rough palms. The roughness of these hands really didn't seem like the hands of someone who could draw such a drawing.
This girl is both literary and martial. What kind of person is she?
"I can give you a 5% commission on any clothes you design as a design fee. And, if you agree, I can submit your designs to a fashion design competition in Hong Kong."
As an employee of Jincheng Textile Factory, Jiang Haitang herself has no chance to participate in the fashion design competition in Hong Kong, but the designers of their factory can.
"Is it really possible? I'm not from Hong Kong." Jiang Haitang asked happily.
It would be a lie to say I wasn't excited. This is a rare opportunity.
If she can stand out in the fashion design competition, it will be very beneficial to her future development.
It is now the end of 1974. In a few years, reform and opening up will begin, and then we will usher in a golden period of great economic development.
"If your design wins the gold medal, your commission will increase from 5% to 8%."
"But, my identity..."
"As an external designer for our factory, you can choose an English name. When the time comes, you can submit your work using your English name."
Jiang Haitang thought for a moment and said, "M. spectabilis."
"Okay, let's use this name. I wish us a pleasant cooperation. I will come to you with the contract tomorrow morning."
It was getting late, so Jiang Haitang didn't stay long.
The next morning, Wu Huiting found Jiang Haitang with the contract.
Using the excuse of having something to discuss, the two of them went to a small restaurant outside to sign the contract.
Wu Huiting returned to Hong Kong with the design draft of M. spectabilis, and the Canton Fair was coming to an end.
Jincheng Textile Factory and Jincheng Machinery Factory both achieved remarkable results in this Canton Fair. On the last night of the Canton Fair, the leaders of the Long Province Economic and Trade Department hosted a dinner at a state-owned hotel to celebrate their success.
In the small banquet hall of the state-owned hotel, the crystal chandelier makes the gilded decorations sparkle.
As the drinks flowed, the participants from Jincheng Textile Factory and Machinery Factory sat together, filling up just two tables.
It is said that this was the idea of Director Zhu. Director Zhu felt that the two families had a close relationship and should communicate more.
These people's faces were filled with joy, and they were already a little tipsy even before they drank the wine.
Unlike the people from the textile factory and the machinery factory, the other two companies from Long Province did not perform well this time. They were very jealous of the lively celebration banquet.
Everyone knew that today's celebration party was more of a celebration for Jiang Haitang alone than a celebration for the two factories.
Jiang Haitang was wearing a white Dacron shirt, which was one of the ready-made clothes Wu Huiting gave her. The white fabric was embroidered with elegant bamboo leaf patterns, which retained the traditional charm while exuding a capable modern atmosphere.
Jiang Haitang was sitting at the main table with the leaders. Director Hu and Director Zhu were competing to show the thick order contracts to the leaders of the Economic and Trade Department. She listened to them excitedly talking about every detail of the Canton Fair, but she was still a little nervous in her heart.
Suddenly, Deputy Director Wang of the Economic and Trade Department stood up with a glass of wine in his hand and a smile on his face.
"Comrades! Our Long Province has achieved unprecedented success at this Canton Fair! And behind this brilliant achievement, there is one person who has made an indelible contribution!"
Everyone's eyes were focused on Jiang Haitang.
Under the gaze of the crowd, she felt her heartbeat quicken and her palms sweat slightly. Deputy Director Wang waved at her and said, "We would like to invite Comrade Jiang Haitang to stand and introduce herself to everyone."
Amidst the warm applause from his colleagues, Jiang Haitang took a deep breath and slowly stood up.
She clearly saw the encouraging eyes of her colleagues, the smiling eyes of Director Hu, and the thumbs-up from Director Zhu.
I also saw the worry in Lu Liangchen's eyes.
She understood Lu Liangchen's concerns. She had been too high-profile this time. She hadn't returned yet and didn't know if she would face other problems after returning.
But we must seize the opportunity. The garment factory needs to develop, the machinery factory needs to develop, we cannot have fewer orders, and we must have more foreign trade orders.
"Comrade Xiao Jiang, you're so promising young!" Deputy Director Wang handed her the wine glass. "I didn't know we had such a talent like you in our textile factory."
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