The store's decor was extravagant, with its off-white walls creating a striking visual impact. While the store itself was the same size as other shops, the harmonious color scheme made it appear even more spacious.
The woman selling kitchenware never expected that the renovation worker, whom everyone usually avoided, would suddenly seem so impressive. She was certain that this young woman was no ordinary person, and a hint of admiration appeared in her eyes as she looked at Jiang Yu.
However, this admiration didn't last long, as other customers called her back into the store. Before leaving, she was forced to exchange a few brief words with Jiang Yu and hurriedly departed.
Jiang Yu asked the woman where the fabric was sold, and arrived just as the market opened. Unlike modern wholesale markets, it had individual shops.
Most vendors spread a cloth on the ground and place their wares on it. If a special situation arises, they will fold up the four corners of the cloth, carry it on their back, and run away.
Everyone seemed very enthusiastic in order to sell more. Upon learning that Jiang Yu wanted to buy fabric, many people pulled their hands towards their stalls.
In the 1980s, most fabrics were made of polyester fiberglass, which did not pill or deform and came in a variety of colors, making it very popular at the time.
Jiang Yu did a rough calculation. Buying fabric here to make clothes for her family was fine, but if she wanted to use it in a clothing store, it would be best to find a fabric factory. Negotiating the price beforehand would save her a lot of money.
In the crowd, her unique temperament and stunning looks attracted many people to look in her direction. During her eloquent conversation, she caught the attention of a middle-aged man.
The man was of medium build, with a pockmarked face, making him stand out in the market. From the moment Jiang Yu entered, his eyes were fixed on her.
In his opinion, the young girl looked quite young and naive, so she should be easy to fool. He couldn't help but grin as he imagined counting the money.
"Little girl, are you buying fabric to make clothes?"
Jiang Yu looked in the direction of the voice and was startled by the person. Feeling she had been impolite, she quickly patted her chest to calm herself down. The man thought it was her ugly appearance that had frightened her, but what actually made Jiang Yu more wary was his malicious gaze.
"No, I just wanted to take a look."
Jiang Yu was on high alert, trying her best to keep a certain distance from the man. Worried that he would see through her desires, she quickly picked out two pieces of fabric that looked decent from the stall and hurried away.
Seeing that her prize was about to slip away, the man followed her closely, turning left and right until they reached an alley. By the time Jiang Yu realized someone was behind her, it was too late. Seeing no one in sight, her mind went blank.
"Don't come any closer, or I'll have to call for help."
Jiang Yu leaned against the wall, her slightly hunched back giving the impression of being ready for battle at any moment. The man was surprised that this seemingly gentle girl was so vigilant, and couldn't help but laugh.
“Young lady, have you misunderstood something? I overheard you talking to someone about the fabric factory. Why would those vendors reveal their legitimate supply channels to a stranger? There are many intricacies involved, and the competition is fierce. It's not easy to get useful information just by chance.”
The pockmarked man was adept at guessing what others were thinking, and with his brief explanation, Jiang Yu got a general idea.
What he said seemed reasonable. If others couldn't make money, why would they provide her with clues? With a mixture of belief and skepticism, Jiang Yu tentatively asked:
"Then why are you following me? Do you know any factories?"
"certainly."
Seeing that she had indeed come with a purpose, the man changed his previous nonchalant demeanor, pointed to a spot not far away, and explained word by word:
"See that place up ahead? There's a factory called Su's Fabric Factory. They have all the latest and most fashionable fabrics, and they have a complete range of colors and patterns. They even have staff to explain things to you. You can find whatever you want there."
However, it's not like just anyone can go and buy from here. If you really want it, we need to discuss the price properly, just in case something goes wrong and there's no one to help.
The man assumed Jiang Yu was timid and that a few scare words would frighten her into seeking help. He deliberately exaggerated the seriousness of the situation, making people realize how treacherous the situation was.
Because individual businesses are just emerging, laypeople have no idea about them. They take advantage of this and cheat and deceive people.
Unfortunately, she wasn't some naive young girl and wasn't swayed by such tactics at all. In Jiang Yu's view, this was a society governed by law, unlike the nouveau riche of the Republic of China era who relied on robbery for everything and would fight at the slightest disagreement.
Therefore, in her view, just like in modern times, cooperation, in addition to making friends, also depends on the parties involved in the agreement and the amount of money to be earned.
"No need, I haven't decided whether I want the clothes made yet. I'll contact you when I've decided."
This man is definitely the kind of person who won't give up until he gets what he wants. Jiang Yu can't confront him head-on, so she can only find another way to get back at Huan.
Seeing that she had changed her mind, the pockmarked man stroked his chin and stared intently at Jiang Yu, trying to discern something from her face, but unfortunately, he found nothing.
"Young lady, this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. I advise you to think twice about this."
Jiang Yu sighed, rummaging through her shirt pockets with a helpless expression.
"Brother, it's not that I don't want to go buy the goods, it's just that I didn't bring enough money today, so I'll have to wait until next time."
"You can get a loan from the bank. From what I've seen lately, these days, people who can get loans are really popular."
Even seeing the other person's sincere expression, the pockmarked man didn't want to miss the opportunity. In his view, as long as he could get the money, he didn't care whether the other person would become impoverished or anything like that.
Seeing that it was getting late, Jiang Yu lost her last bit of patience and said indifferently:
"No, who would lend money to a minor?"
Upon learning that the other person was a minor, the pockmarked man stopped pressuring her. In his opinion, this young girl genuinely seemed to be broke. He spat inwardly, thinking how unlucky he was. Breaking money yet going around claiming to own a clothing store—what a pretentious act.
Only after the terrifying man walked away did Jiang Yu calm down. In this world, without cell phones or surveillance cameras, if something really happens, you can only accept your bad luck.
She hurried in the direction the man had pointed. He had said that the largest fabric factory in the city was there, which should be true. However, such large factories often cluster together, and she was certain there was more than one there.
If there really is only one factory, then she'll just consider it a stroll. There must be something fishy going on behind the scenes at a factory like this; the factory manager might just be a heartless person.
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