Xiao's father laughed heartily, "An'an, your aunt likes it so much, it looks like this dress will sell very well."
"It's too early to say it's going to be a big seller, it's just a casual sketch."
When facing people who might become her future in-laws, Gu An'an should be a little more humble.
"Not too early, not too early. This style will definitely sell well. I swear on my years of experience buying clothes."
If the fabric hadn't arrived yet, she would have urged them to start production immediately.
Gu An'an also thought of this, and thinking about the fabrics she had just seen, she quickly drew a few more clothing designs.
"These styles can be made with the existing fabrics."
Now Xiao's mother was really happy. "I'll go and call Master Li over."
Master Li, a man in his fifties, was the most senior pattern maker in the garment factory. As soon as he entered, he asked, "Factory manager, I heard there are new designs?"
Mr. Xiao handed over the drawings that Gu An'an had made, asking, "When is the latest you can start making them?"
Master Li was also very fond of those clothes, and Gu An'an's detailed drawing made his work much easier.
"Tomorrow is fine, but factory manager, who drew this design? It's novel and flawless; isn't this exactly the feel we've been looking for?"
Xiao's father looked at Gu An'an and said, "It's so close yet so far."
Master Li also heard about what happened in the workshop and immediately connected Gu An'an with the protagonist of the incident, which made him even more disdainful of those gossipy people.
With skills like that, there's no need for them to compete for the position of group leader. In the past, they could have made a living by drawing a few patterns for wealthy families.
"You really can't judge a book by its cover. This young girl's drawing skills are just as good as those of professionals."
Master Li was genuinely interested in Gu An'an and insisted on inviting her to his workplace.
Watching Gu An'an's departing figure, Xiao's mother immediately went to the phone.
What are you doing?
"Call that brat."
"He's still in the car, have you forgotten?"
Xiao's mother paused for a moment and then said, "It's okay. I'll leave him a message and tell him to call me when he arrives. I have to give him a few more instructions. I'm determined to have this daughter-in-law. If he can't handle her, I don't want this son anymore."
Gu An'an was kept in the discussion by Master Li for a long time before she finally found a chance to leave.
“An’an, the food factory and the textile factory have both paid us, so we can’t be shortchanged.”
Looking at the three hundred yuan that Xiao's father handed over, she was about to shake her head when Xiao's mother stuffed the money into her pocket.
“Silly child, he’s just a factory manager, not someone’s family. Why not take the money?”
Gu An'an thought about it and realized that it made perfect sense. These factories now belong to the state, so there was no problem with her getting paid for her labor.
"Alright, then I'll gladly accept your offer."
"Yes, that's how it should be. If it sells well, then let him give you a commission."
Remembering the trade fair, Gu An'an asked, "Uncle Xiao, is our factory qualified to participate in the trade fair?"
Xiao's father shook his head. After all, their factory was a commune factory, and their previous designs were just average, so participating or not wouldn't make much difference.
But things are different now! They have novel designs that other factories don't have, so they might actually be able to compete.
"I'll go talk to someone about it."
Gu An'an quite liked Xiao's father's decisive nature. "Okay, once things are settled, I'll give Xiao's father a few more clothing designs."
The painting she just created was conservative and more suitable for domestic sales.
Foreigners, after all, we still have to design things they like.
Xiao's parents naturally agreed and were about to send her back when Gu An'an refused.
“I’ve walked this road countless times, no need to see me off.”
When Gu An'an returned to the village, everyone had already gone down the mountain. At that moment, she was busy in the yard, working with great enthusiasm.
Upon hearing the sound of a bicycle, everyone looked up and gazed around.
"Oh, Gu Zhiqing, you're back? I heard from the village chief that you were invited to work at the textile factory and food factory in the city, is that right?"
"Yes, are the factories in the city big? Do they have many workers? Are the benefits better than in the commune?"
"What would the food factory or the textile factory want you for? Tell us."
“Gu Zhiqing is really amazing. He’s only been here for a few months, and his reputation has already spread to the city. I have to let my child learn from Gu Zhiqing. If he can learn even a little bit, he won’t have to toil in the fields like us.”
Gu An'an is quite thick-skinned; she's already getting carried away by everyone's praise.
"The aunties and grandmas are too kind; it was just a small favor."
Gu An'an didn't plan to tell anyone that she had earned 700 yuan in two days, otherwise she was afraid that some people would be so jealous that they would break down.
"Wow, factories in the city are all coming to you for help. What an honor that is!"
"They wouldn't still want to poach you for a job, would they? Little Gu, you can't abandon us."
Thanks to Gu An'an, their lives had finally started to improve a bit. If they were to be taken away without a trace, how heartbreaking would that be?
The village chief's wife overheard this conversation when she came over after hearing the commotion. Although she didn't want Gu An'an to leave either, she didn't want her to be morally blackmailed.
"What are you saying! Whether An'an leaves or not is her own decision. Don't try to morally blackmail her. If it were one of your younger family members, would you be willing to let them be trapped here for the rest of their lives?"
Her words really struck a chord with Gu An'an. Although she didn't want to leave Xiaowang Village for the time being, nobody likes being forced to do things their way.
Seeing that everyone was speechless, Gu An'an said, "I don't plan to leave Xiaowang Village for the time being, but I certainly won't stay here forever. But don't worry, even if I leave, I won't forget the aunties and grandmas."
Every place has its good and bad points, and Xiaowang Village is no exception, but most people gave her a good impression, and they would definitely help her if they could.
"Good, good, good. Little Gu is indeed a good educated youth. I misunderstood just now. Do whatever you want. Remember to come back and visit after you leave."
"Yes, go wherever you want, just don't forget about us."
The village chief's wife left with Gu An'an. Despite her fierce demeanor just now, she turned around and started pleading for someone's life.
"Everyone is afraid of being poor again, afraid that if you leave, no one will want these things in the village."
"Auntie, I know."
The village chief's wife was very satisfied with her understanding nature and only wanted to give her the best.
“Although Aheng has returned to his unit, we are all here. If you need anything, just come and talk to us. Come on! Let’s go home for dinner.”
"Auntie, I'll go back and put my things away first, then I'll go back later."
I'm afraid if I say even one word too late, I'll be taken away immediately.
"Okay, then I'll wait for you at home."
Gu An'an rode back to the small courtyard in a flash, tidied up her things, and then took a bag of steamed rice cakes and a bag of White Rabbit candy to the village chief's house.
"An'an, you're here? Quickly wash your hands and eat."
Zhang Cuicui came out of the kitchen carrying a large bowl of sauerkraut stewed pork bones. She saw Gu An'an carrying things over, and her smile never faded.
Although Gu An'an and Xiao Yuheng are not married yet, she feels it's only a matter of time.
"sister in law."
The village chief, who was sitting on the kang (a heated brick bed) writing something, immediately threw down his pen and got off the kang upon hearing Gu An'an's voice.
"An'an, are those people at the textile factory trying to poach you?"
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