Chapter 76
Zhou Jiani returned home, said goodbye to her grandmother, and went inside, closed the door, and rested, drinking milk and checking the messages in the group chat. The first batch of goods had all sold out.
The second group's cloth shoes were sold out, and they were walking around with compasses and ballpoint pens, interspersed with groups led by other group leaders selling slippers, toners and cheese sticks.
She climbed the stairs and looked through the stamps, but didn't see anything she particularly wanted to buy. She closed her hands and took out the newly bought stamps to look at them. She bought the 1973 edition of table tennis stamps, as well as several stamps issued this year, and bought several sets of each.
After admiring them and taking some photos, I scanned them and put them on the warehouse shelf. Then I took out a notebook and pen and started writing and drawing.
The styles of storage stools can be enriched with a few more, and a few new models of baskets that can be sold in large quantities have been added. The baskets may not be added to the products in the future, but I just write them down when I think of them and add them later.
In the next few days, Zhou Jiani was very busy. She went out early in the morning every day and came back at three or four in the afternoon. She got to know the supply and marketing cooperatives and black markets in the three neighboring districts and even drew a simple map.
It was not until Section Chief Wang called the Second Textile Factory that Zhou Jiani stopped her busy schedule and went to the First Department Store early the next morning.
Seeing her, Section Chief Wang was stunned for a moment, then smiled and said, "How come you're darker after not seeing you for a few days?"
He also looked exhausted.
"Is it obvious?" Zhou Jiani touched her face, thinking that next time she met someone selling sunscreen in the group, she would definitely buy some.
She didn't feel it was too hot. There was a gentle breeze every day and the temperature felt just right, neither too hot nor too cold. But she still got a tan.
But the harvest was also great. She made a special iron box to put the tickets, and tied them up with rubber bands according to categories. It was really a great harvest.
She also has some goods that she has saved up. There hasn’t been any group purchase in the past two days, so she plans to save up and start a big one.
Other group leaders often sell dozens or hundreds of items in group sales, but hers is considered a rare large group with only a dozen or twenty items.
Zhou Jiani asked, "You asked me to come here because there's any progress at the Friendship Store?"
Section Chief Wang nodded and smiled, "There are some clues, but they're not what you think."
"How do you say that?"
Section Chief Wang smiled and said, "They think having only one model is too simple and the colors are dull. They want you to go take a look at their lounge area, adjust the size of the storage stools to suit their existing layout, and add some bright colors and patterns. Make them a set of at least three. Is that a problem?"
Zhou Jiani's breathing tightened slightly, and she suppressed her slightly excited emotions. She said steadily, "Okay, we'll make a product that will satisfy them. But I'd like them to hire a photographer to take some photos of me visiting and talking with their manager. I'll have them developed and hang them on the wall of our workshop. I can pay for the development myself, but the main thing is, I don't think I can get in with the photographer myself, right?"
Section Chief Wang was stunned for a moment, then burst out laughing: "Great, Comrade Xiao Zhou, your idea... I have to say, well, I admire it very much, hahahaha!"
Then he added, "I'll take advantage of your kindness and go over to take a look. If they agree to take photos, I'll take a few and put them on my desk."
If it succeeds, it will be something to brag about.
Section Chief Wang called directly, chatted for a few words, hung up, nodded at her, and waved his hand: "Shall we go?"
Zhou Jiani's eyes lit up. "So quick?" she said quickly, "Then wait for ten minutes."
She used the bathroom in the office building to freshen herself up a bit.
She originally had her hair tied in an ordinary ponytail, but now she loosened it up and combed it again, making a bun on top of her head. She also put on the red corduroy hairband she had worn last time, making herself look more energetic.
I straightened my clothes a little.
Looking down, I saw that he was wearing a long-sleeved blue and red plaid shirt, light blue pants and black cloth shoes. He looked clean and quite proper.
Finally, she washed her face, took out her own handkerchief to wipe her hands and face, and returned to the office: "Okay, let's go!"
Section Chief Wang took a look and nodded. The change was not big, but he looked much neater.
On the way, Section Chief Wang gave her good news: the application for the formal contract had been approved and she could sign it at any time.
Zhou Jiani smiled: "Good things come in pairs!"
The two of them rode their bicycles to the Friendship Store on Jianbo Road. When they got off at the entrance, they saw a man who looked like a cadre waiting there. He saw them approaching, took a few steps, and asked, "Are you Section Chief Wang from the First Department Store?"
"Are you Director Zou?"
Director Zou was in his early forties, with a gentle face. He smiled and said, "It's me!"
The two shook hands warmly, and Director Zou looked at Zhou Jiani next to him.
Zhou Jiani extended her hand and introduced herself with a smile: "Zhou Jiani, I'm an educated youth sent to the countryside from the Qianjin Brigade, and the daughter of an employee of the local No. 2 Textile Factory. Hello, Director Zou!"
Director Zou shook his hand, then let go, smiling, "Hello, Comrade Zhou!" He added with a compliment, "I heard that Comrade Zhou brought agricultural products from a remote village into the department store, and they're selling exceptionally well. You're a very good young comrade, and you've truly fulfilled the mission of the educated youth sent to the countryside. For this reason alone, we're willing to see if we can collaborate successfully."
Of course, it’s not just because of this, but also because of the novelty brought by the storage stool. If the Friendship Store can have another product that is popular with foreign guests in the future, it will also be beneficial to them.
With their leader accompanying them, there were no restrictions on entry, and Zhou Jiani also saw the legendary Friendship Store.
Ordinary people cannot enter the Friendship Store now. She had never been here in her previous life. Later, she stayed in the countryside and had no chance to come here. This was her first time setting foot in this place.
After seeing the scale of the hall, Zhou Jiani couldn't help but raise her eyebrows.
If the department store is as large as a shopping mall in later generations, this Friendship Store really makes her feel dazed, as if she is in later generations.
However, in later shopping malls, as long as you have money, you can buy anything.
But now in the Friendship Store, you can’t buy a lot even if you have money.
So, today she could only take a tour as a future partner, look at their rest area, and customize a few beautiful storage stools.
However, Section Chief Wang next to her was more excited than her. He looked calmly at the dazzling array of goods on the shelves behind the counter.
There are many things that are not available in their department stores, but here they are neatly displayed, making people envious.
Zhou Jiani was also envious, looking at the beautiful silk products, exquisite ceramics, antique calligraphy and paintings, ginseng and deer antlers and other supplements on the shelves, as well as imported electrical appliances, toys, clothes, snacks...
I really want to buy everything I see.
He took a deep breath, suppressed his greed, and pretended to be calm as he listened to Director Zou's introduction.
When she walked to the craft area, Zhou Jiani paused and looked at the several woven artworks displayed on the shelves, her eyes lighting up slightly.
It is not limited to baskets, but is woven into animal shapes, not in original colors, but with added painted decorations.
No wonder people think that their storage stools are monotonous in style and dull in color. The ones displayed here are really beautiful.
Director Zou introduced: "This is one of the woven products exported last year. It has an exquisite shape and is especially popular with foreigners."
Zhou Jiani asked, "Can we take a picture later?"
"Sure!" Director Zou said, "You can use it as a color reference."
Zhou Jiani said: "It's not just a color reference. I hope it can inspire the craftsmen in our village to create more good products."
Director Zou smiled and said, "That's a good idea."
Director Zou waved forward as he spoke. An experienced technician came over with a camera. Director Zou pointed at the counter and said, "Take a photo of Comrade Zhou with these artworks."
The photographer took a solo photo of Zhou Jiani.
Then I captured a moment when she was talking with Director Zou and took another photo.
There is also a photo of Zhou Jiani holding and looking at an exquisitely shaped teacup.
Section Chief Wang also took advantage of the opportunity to take a few photos.
The rest was filmed in the rest area.
After taking the photos Zhou Jiani needed, the photographer gave her a bill, told her the address of the photo studio where he worked, set a time to pick it up, and then left.
Zhou Jiani looked around the rest area carefully. It wasn't very big, and Director Zou even invited her and Section Chief Wang to have a cup of coffee.
After all, Section Chief Wang was a small leader in such a large department store. He had drunk coffee before, but he still felt uncomfortable with it.
Zhou Jiani had tried it in her past life. She'd tried this foreign stuff while shopping in the city and had once thought it wasn't as good as milk tea. But at least she wasn't shy now, and she could even fill a handful without looking too shabby. She said, "Coffee with dessert. You guys should offer desserts here, right?"
Director Zou was stunned for a moment, then smiled and said, "Okay, Comrade Zhou, did you do some research before coming here? Do you know about Westerners' eating habits?" But then he waved his hand and smiled, "This scale of hospitality is also targeted at certain customers. We won't treat everyone who comes in the same way."
And they are not easy to serve, they are very picky.
After visiting the rest area, Zhou Jiani drew a rough sketch of a set of four woven stools on the spot, three with large storage space and one with only a small drawer.
Director Zou looked at the picture and thought it was good. He said, "Comrade Zhou, if the finished product is exquisite and beautiful enough, I will arrange for someone to recommend it and try to get you the deal."
"Thank you very much, Director Zou." Zhou Jiani said with a smile, "It will take some time to complete, so please be patient."
However, due to the increased complexity, the prices of two products will have to be raised based on the previous pricing.
But if sold to foreigners, the price is not high.
Although Zhou Jiani didn't get to buy anything here, she and Section Chief Wang each received a small gift before leaving.
It is a hand-carved bone brooch made of cow bone, milky white in color, with a red agate in the middle, it is very beautiful.
The one given to Section Chief Wang was a colorful tie clip. Both of these items are export-earning products and are particularly exquisite.
Coming out of the Friendship Store, Section Chief Wang said happily, "Comrade Zhou, I think your storage stools will definitely be on the shelves of the Friendship Store in the near future."
I was able to visit the Friendship Store and received a small gift. Section Chief Wang spoke well of me without asking for any money.
Everyone loves to hear auspicious words. Zhou Jiani said with a smile, "Thank you for your kind words. I will give you a different style of basket later."
He also said, "If you have nothing to worry about, just say a few more blessings to us. If it really comes true, I will give you a small storage stool." He emphasized, "A small one, shorter than the sample one."
Section Chief Wang was happy: "The trumpet is not bad either. I will have to recite it every day for this!"
"Ha ha!"
After saying goodbye to Section Chief Wang, Zhou Jiani rode her bike to the nearby post office and called the commune directly: "Director Zhai, please ask our team leader and Uncle Si to come over so we can have a remote conference call. Oh, and Director Li too!"
Sorry, I'm still not used to the new factory manager.
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