Chapter 129 A Good Start
"Everyone did a great job today. Regardless of the outcome, their spirit deserves recognition. Go home and get some rest tonight, we have to keep going tomorrow."
"Okay, Mom."
Zhou Haiqing rubbed his aching temples.
Then, unable to contain his curiosity, he asked.
"But after all that work, receiving so many people, and saying so much, how much did we actually earn? I have no idea how much we made just by watching the show and not keeping track of the profits."
"I didn't calculate it in detail."
Zhou Shufen took out the invoices and cash register from her bag.
"I just did a rough estimate, and the gross income is about this much."
As she spoke, she raised her right hand and gestured with a number in the thousands.
Even after deducting today's costs, the actual net profit is still quite substantial.
"Really? So many?"
Zhou Haiqing and Zhou Hairong both widened their eyes at the same time.
They knew business was good, but they never expected it to be this booming!
"Of course it's true."
Zhou Shufen smiled.
"Wow, that's amazing! The first day of business went so smoothly, it's a fantastic start!"
Zhou Hairong slapped his thigh, so excited he almost jumped up.
"High customer traffic, high conversion rate, even wholesalers are actively seeking cooperation – isn't this a great sign? Mom, your little shop is about to become a hit! Congratulations!"
At this moment, Guo Zhenyi slowly walked in from outside, holding a bouquet of roses.
He had just finished his day's work and rushed over to check on the situation.
"Yes, today has been so smooth. Thank you for the flowers."
Zhou Shufen accepted the bouquet of flowers, a shy blush rising on her face.
This was the first time in her life she had ever received flowers from someone.
"I knew you could do it. No matter what you do, you'll succeed."
Guo Zhenyi stared intently at her.
"You have always been hardworking and resourceful, and you deserve your achievements today."
"Oh dear, Uncle Guo, Mom, could you two please stop showing off your love in front of me? It breaks the hearts of single people like me!"
Zhou Hairong exaggeratedly clutched his chest, making a gesture as if he were in excruciating pain.
"Okay, then I'll 'borrow' your mom for a few hours now."
Guo Zhenyi laughed heartily, extended his hand, palm up, his gesture both gentlemanly and gentle.
"Take her away quickly! Otherwise she'll nag me about it."
Zhou Hairong waved his hand, looking as if he couldn't be happier, and didn't forget to make a few sarcastic remarks.
Zhou Shufen rolled her eyes at him, but her eyes held an undisguised smile.
She hesitated for a moment, then gently placed her hand in Guo Zhenyi's broad palm and asked in a low voice.
Where are we going now?
"Of course, we should celebrate your success today."
Guo Zhenyi's lips curled up in a smile.
After saying that, he grabbed her hand and ran out of the store.
Guo Zhenyi opened the car door for her and waited for her to be seated before going around to the driver's seat.
The car slowly started, passing through brightly lit streets, and then gradually drove towards the edge of the city.
Finally, they stopped in a sparsely populated green space.
Wow, this place is so beautiful!
When Zhou Shufen got out of the car, a bright and clear view suddenly appeared before her.
The lush green meadow stretches into the distance.
The night sky above was deep and boundless, filled with twinkling stars.
Guo Zhenyi smiled, walked to the back of the car, opened the trunk, and took out the picnic basket and blanket that he had prepared beforehand.
They spread a checkered cloth on the grass and sat down side by side.
A gentle night breeze rustled the leaves.
Zhou Shufen leaned on his shoulder, looked up at the starry sky, and relaxed completely.
She said softly.
"I'm really happy and content. But actually, I'm also quite scared, afraid that there won't be a single person here today."
She finally spoke the words that had been on her mind all day.
No one can be 100% certain that they will win.
Even if I could do it all over again, my heart would still race.
"But you see, that's not the case."
Guo Zhenyi turned his head and gazed at her tenderly.
"Everyone loves your designs and enjoys wearing your clothes. Did you see the smiles on their faces when they tried them on? That's genuine enjoyment, not just politeness."
As he spoke, he gently kissed her cheek.
Zhou Shufen closed her eyes, enjoying the evening breeze, with his comforting body temperature beside her.
The day's fatigue melts away in this moment.
It wasn't until the night grew deeper.
Guo Zhenyi then got up to pack his things.
The car returned along the same route and eventually stopped downstairs at Zhou Shufen's house.
"We're home. Get some rest."
He spoke softly, his eyes full of concern.
Zhou Shufen nodded, turned and went into the stairwell, waving back at him.
Under the light, her silhouette appeared exceptionally soft.
Guo Zhenyi stood there, watching her disappear at the end of the corridor, before slowly turning and leaving.
Zhou Shufen had planned to wash up and go to bed, but she still habitually turned on her computer before going to sleep.
She now checks the fashion industry news every day to see if there are any new trends.
I was afraid of missing any important developments.
This time, the webpage immediately caught her eye as soon as it popped up.
The pop-up window was bright and eye-catching, accompanied by a picture of a grand awards ceremony.
A young designer stood under the spotlight, holding a trophy, his face beaming with excitement.
The title clearly states this.
The National Youth Fashion Design Competition is now open! No entry requirements, everyone is welcome to participate!
At that moment, her heart skipped a beat.
"A fashion design competition is here! Experience is not an option, age is not a limit—anyone who dares to participate will be chosen. The real winner will be selected at the end. The location is in Beijing, and the time is..."
She held her breath and read the description word by word.
"The theme is 'Inheritance and Innovation,' requiring the integration of traditional cultural elements?"
"Starting in three days? That's way too rushed."
She frowned slightly, realizing that the time left for preparation was extremely limited.
From conception to pattern making, and then to material selection and production, it normally takes at least a week.
But now, if they want to meet the registration deadline, they must finalize the design plan tomorrow and purchase materials immediately.
She leaned back, starting to make plans in her mind.
This match is of high quality and has been heavily promoted, so it's unlikely to be false information.
Moreover, the organizer is indeed a well-known industry association with complete official website certifications, making it highly credible.
Such opportunities are rare, and she really wanted to give it a try.
Should we discuss this with them?
She thought to herself.
After all, family members are around, and such a decision cannot be made alone.
the next day.
Everyone gathered at Zhou Haiqing's house.
Zhou Liya had prepared the soup in advance, and Guo Zhenyi helped set the table. Zhou Haiqing and Qin Guifang sat in the living room chatting.
The family sat together, chatting and laughing, creating a warm and harmonious atmosphere.
After finishing their meal, the group sat around a table.
Zhou Shufen cleared her throat and spoke solemnly.
"I have something I want to tell you. I called you here to hear your opinions."
She paused, then took a deep breath.
“Yesterday I saw a design competition being held in Beijing. It starts in three days. I’d like to go and participate.”
After speaking, she glanced at each person, waiting nervously for their response.
"We absolutely have to go! This is a serious competition!"
Zhou Liya's eyes immediately lit up.
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