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Back to the 80s: A Marriage of Convenience
Due to Zhao Jin's statement, Grandma Qi and Zhou Ju nodded repeatedly. They no longer dwelled on the previous matters and simply went into the kitchen.
With the arrival of Zhao Yamei and Sun Feng, this lunch was bound to be more sumptuous, worthy of Jin's decision to marry into the Qi Family.
Qi Zheng and the others continued their busy work with enthusiasm.
Zhao Jin then went back inside to chat with Zhao Yamei.
It was obvious that what had just happened was a farce, and Zhao Yamei did not bring it up again. Instead, she pulled Zhao Jin into a discussion about the new fabric. "Jin, I confirmed with Aunt Sun Feng that this fabric is beautiful and quite popular in City. The key point is that our County Supply and Marketing Cooperative doesn't have any. Fortunately, Aunt Sun Feng knows people, so as long as you think it's suitable, bringing in as much as you want won't be a problem." Zhao Yamei wasn't just casually bringing two pieces of fabric; she wanted to express her gratitude to Zhao Jin in a more practical way.
"I'll take a look first." Zhao Jin had already felt the texture of the fabric before, and it was indeed quite nice. But to make clothes, Zhao Jin thought for a moment and then got to work.
Seeing Zhao Jin focus on cutting the new clothes while leaving her aside, Zhao Yamei wasn't upset; she turned to watch Guo Guo and Dou Dou instead.
Now, because of her pregnancy, Zhao Yamei found herself even fonder of children. Every time she looked at Guo Guo and Dou Dou, her affection grew. If it weren't for her current special situation, she would seriously consider taking the two Fat Babies home to raise.
After a year of honing her skills, Zhao Jin was now quite adept at making clothes and quickly got into the groove.
Before long, the new fabric brought by Zhao Yamei took shape in Zhao Jin's hands.
Nodding her head, Zhao Jin smiled: "Cousin, this fabric is indeed better. Both in comfort and style, it's unmatched by those fabrics in our county."
"Really?" Zhao Yamei actually didn't understand these things. She just heard Aunt Sun Feng mention it and immediately had the idea of making a recommendation. As for whether the fabric was really good, it still required Zhao Jin's confirmation. At this moment, receiving Zhao Jin's affirmation, Zhao Yamei immediately felt motivated: "Then why don't you bring in a batch of fabric first? I can have Aunt Sun Feng make some connections; we should be able to get a good discount. But for the finished clothes, are you sure you only want to sell them at the County Supply and Marketing Cooperative? I think you could sell them outside like Qi Zheng does with his furniture. After all, not everyone in our county understands the quality of this fabric, and they might not be willing to spend money on it."
There is no doubt that if Zhao Jin were to use this fabric to make clothes, the price of the finished products would definitely be higher than those previous garments. The purchasing power in the county was limited, and the consumption level and capacity were far from that of the City. No matter how Zhao Yamei thought about it, she felt it was quite a problem.
"Yeah. I will talk to Lan Sister about this matter. Regardless, we need to consider the needs of the County Supply and Marketing Cooperative first," Zhao Jin replied without hesitation.
Zhao Jin always remembered that Lan Sister had extended a helping hand when she needed it most. Over the past year, with Lan Sister's assistance, Zhao Jin had also made quite a bit of money.
Therefore, promoting the County Supply and Marketing Cooperative was something Zhao Jin always kept in mind and would prioritize.
"That works. You go talk to the County Supply and Marketing Cooperative then. If negotiations don't go well, don't worry; just let me know. I'll help you find someone over there," Zhao Yamei was different from Zhao Jin. Just mentioning the Sun Family would definitely give her more weight in discussions at the County Supply and Marketing Cooperative than Zhao Jin.
"Okay. Thank you, Cousin. But I think Lan Sister will be easy to talk to; I'm not worried about that," the more Zhao Jin interacted with Lan Sister, the better she understood her character. Knowing that Lan Sister was reasonable, Zhao Jin wasn't afraid that things wouldn't work out.
"That's fine. Besides, there's Tao Tao around; everything can be negotiated." Zhao Yamei hadn't interacted with Lan Sister and didn't know her personally. However, she knew that Tao Tao was the young master of the County Supply and Marketing Cooperative.
Thus, Zhao Yamei wasn't in a hurry to step up for Zhao Jin.
Finding a peaceful resolution was indeed a better way out. After all, since Jin had been cooperating with the County Supply and Marketing Cooperative for so long, there would be more opportunities to earn money together in the future.
Upon mentioning Tao Tao, Zhao Jin smiled as well.
She originally didn't plan to take the Tao Tao route. However, Zhao Yamei's choice wasn't wrong either. With Tao Tao involved, her collaboration with the County Supply and Marketing Cooperative indeed had an extra layer of assurance.
Zhao Yamei and Sun Feng left the Qi Family only after having lunch. To some extent, this also highlighted the deepening relationship between Zhao Jin and Zhao Yamei, establishing a foundation for their future interactions. Zhao Jin didn't mind spending more time with Zhao Yamei. Social exchanges are just like that; you give to receive. Coincidentally, since Zhao Yamei was currently pregnant, the times when they would interact most frequently would be when the child was born and during future celebrations like birthdays. Zhao Jin wasn't worried about owing Zhao Yamei any favors without a chance to repay them.
The two pieces of fabric brought by Zhao Yamei were quickly turned into clothes by Zhao Jin. Subsequently, she sent them to the county.
At the County Supply and Marketing Cooperative, it had been a while since they saw Zhao Jin's Lan Sister. First, she presented the gifts she had prepared earlier, and then she discussed the new fabric with Zhao Jin.
Lan Sister accepted all of Zhao Jin's gifts without hesitation. This time, she also brought some local specialties for Lan Sister. Although not particularly precious gifts, they were homemade and genuine, reflecting her heartfelt intentions.
Knowing that Lan Sister wouldn't mind the humble local specialties she brought, Zhao Jin smiled as she handed them over.
As expected, Lan Sister accepted them without a second thought.
Regarding the origin of the new fabric, Zhao Jin didn't hide anything and spoke honestly. "I think your Cousin has a point." As always, Lan Sister remained fair and impartial, nodding repeatedly while touching the clothes in her hands. However, she didn't casually brush off Zhao Jin: "Here’s what we’ll do. You leave two sets of clothes at our Supply and Marketing Cooperative, and take the rest to the City to get a price."
Lan Sister's sensitivity and insight into the consumer market were far beyond what Zhao Jin could achieve. Her words were particularly pertinent: "The two sets of clothes we keep at our Supply and Marketing Cooperative cannot be sold cheaply. I will definitely quote an unprecedentedly high price. If all goes well, there will be far more people looking than buying—possibly dozens or even hundreds more."
Then, Lan Sister paused for a moment, turned her head, and looked seriously at Zhao Jin: "Do you understand what I mean?"
"Understood." Without hesitation, Zhao Jin nodded, instantly grasping the implication behind Lan Sister's words.
The price set by Lan Sister was too high; even though these two outfits were indeed appealing, there would be very few people willing to spend money on them. Therefore, it was highly likely that these two outfits would remain unsold at the County Supply and Marketing Cooperative's counter for a long time.
With the foot traffic at the County Supply and Marketing Cooperative, a few hundred times would only amount to about a month. It sounded alarming, but in reality, it was a short period.
"A month is enough time for you to negotiate with the City." The timeframe Zhao Jin considered happened to align with the number in Lan Sister's mind. Speaking little, Lan Sister began to plan for Zhao Jin's future: "If no one is willing to buy them after a month, you can come back and take these two outfits away. By then, regardless of how many people in our county are interested, they will no longer be available. Once your clothes gain recognition in the City, I will take two more outfits from you to display at the counter again and test whether our Supply and Marketing Cooperative's consumer interest has improved."
"Okay." Lan Sister's words were clear; they considered Zhao Jin's perspective while not neglecting the market demand of the County Supply and Marketing Cooperative, showing great thoroughness. Zhao Jin had nothing to say but nodded in admiration and agreement.
"Don't worry. Your clothes will definitely sell well. They are like gold; no matter where they are placed, they will shine sooner or later." Lan Sister had great confidence in Zhao Jin. Having seen the actual items delivered by Zhao Jin, she readily gave her highest praise.
"Thank you for your kind words, Lan Sister." The City... Zhao Jin indeed had not yet ventured there and couldn't help but feel a bit anxious and worried. However, with Lan Sister's support and recognition, Zhao Jin's unease was greatly alleviated, bringing her a sense of reassurance.
Lan Sister gently patted Zhao Jin's shoulder; there was no need for more words; everything was understood without saying.
After finishing up with the new fabric matter, Zhao Jin left behind the two outfits specifically requested by Lan Sister and packed up the rest to take away.
"Don't bother moving things around. Let your cousin confirm the delivery location in the City first. In a few days, our Supply and Marketing Cooperative will go to the City for procurement; we can transport them together to save trouble," Lan Sister suggested, stopping Zhao Jin's actions.
"Huh? Wouldn't that be troublesome?" Having the County Supply and Marketing Cooperative help transport them to the City would certainly be convenient for Zhao Jin. However, she was concerned that it might add unnecessary hassle for Lan Sister. "It's fine. Our Supply and Marketing Cooperative always goes to the City with an empty truck for procurement anyway; it's just a side trip. Besides, you're not considered an outsider here. The clothes are all part of our Supply and Marketing Cooperative; it's just increasing our sales channels online—it's merely a formality," Lan Sister said as the sales supervisor of the Supply and Marketing Cooperative; she could certainly make this decision.
Not to mention that Zhao Jin had collaborated with the Supply and Marketing Cooperative for a year, significantly increasing their profits. In this regard, even if it were reported upward, Lan Sister was confident she could secure equivalent conveniences for Zhao Jin.
"Then Lan Sister, please remember to go through the proper procedures. I don't want my matters to cause any trouble for you. That wouldn't be good," Zhao Jin reminded seriously, knowing well that the Supply and Marketing Cooperative had its own regulations after working with them for so long.
Lan Sister's smile became even more genuine as she nodded in agreement and proactively offered to treat Zhao Jin to a meal.
"No, thank you. I have two children at home who need milk! I must get back," Zhao Jin politely declined Lan Sister's invitation, waving her hand.
Lan Sister, who knew Zhao Jin well, naturally wouldn't insist. She accompanied Zhao Jin out of the Supply and Marketing Cooperative and confirmed the schedule for the next batch of fabric to be sent to Zhao Jin's Family before watching her leave.
Indeed, thanks to Zhao Jin's reputation established at the County Supply and Marketing Cooperative, she no longer needed to find transportation herself for the fabric she required to make clothes. Lan Sister had already communicated with the president and secured the most convenient arrangement for Zhao Jin.
That meant the County Supply and Marketing Cooperative would provide transportation directly to Zhao Jin's Family.
However, the Supply and Marketing Cooperative also had certain requirements. For example, some unsold fabric would be sold to Zhao Jin at a very low price, which she could not refuse.
As for whether the clothes made from this fabric could be sold, the Supply and Marketing Cooperative would not take any responsibility.
Zhao Jin didn't have much objection to this. The unsold fabric was simply less popular in color or had minor flaws.
Those who knew how to make clothes were never afraid of imperfections. Many flawed fabrics in Zhao Jin's hands could be transformed into finished products that sometimes turned out better than those bought at full price.
Moreover, there were many people in Zhao Jin's Family and numerous relatives. There was no reason for the clothes made not to be sold.
Qi Family relatives, Zhao Jinniang parents, brothers-in-law, and married sisters... counting them all, the biggest worry is not having enough to give.
Oh right, now there’s also Uncle Zhao's family, and Cousin Zhao Yamei and her husband, who should also be included in the family category.
At this point, there are plenty of people to dress.
Even the unsold fabric from the Supply and Marketing Cooperative doesn't worry Zhao Jin. If it's not suitable for making clothes, then it can be cut into parts for clothing, like pockets or cuffs. Many details can still be utilized.
Otherwise, curtains and tablecloths—what item doesn’t require fabric?
There’s nothing that can’t be done if you can think of it. Even Zhao Jin herself didn’t realize how talented she was with these things, receiving plenty of praise from those around her.
What’s most valuable is that Zhao Jin genuinely enjoys making clothes. Gradually, she became immersed in it and planned to develop it into a lifelong career.
In comparison, this brings Zhao Jin more happiness and joy than how much money she could earn.
When Zhao Yamei offered to help, it wasn’t just a casual remark; it came from genuine sincerity.
After receiving Zhao Jin's affirmative response, Zhao Yamei immediately contacted Sun Feng's aunt.
From then on, everything proceeded exceptionally smoothly. Even taking the clothing samples to City didn’t require Zhao Jin to step in.
However, when it came time to sign the contract, Zhao Jin still had to make a trip to City.
This was Zhao Jin's first trip away from home in this life. Without a doubt, Qi Zheng accompanied him.
Qi Zheng had never been to City either. However, compared to Zhao Jin, he clearly gave a more reassuring impression.
As a result, the elders of the Qi Family felt comfortable letting Qi Zheng accompany Zhao Jin on this trip.
Compared to the county town, City was undoubtedly more prosperous and lively. Thanks to the detailed address provided by Aunt Sun Feng, Zhao Jin and Qi Zheng first went to the largest shopping mall in City. They found the relevant person in charge and signed a contract at an agreed price. Then they headed to the fabric factory and successfully secured a partnership.
With experience from collaborating with Uncle Tao at the Lumber Mill, Qi Zheng was particularly skilled when negotiating with the fabric factory. Additionally, having acquaintances facilitating the connection ensured that the shipping prices were very fair and cheap.
For both Zhao Jin and Qi Zheng, it was a significant gain.
From the mall to the fabric factory, and back again, Qi Zheng and Zhao Jin hardly took a breath, almost rushing against time to sign for a new future.
Their return to the mall was purely for market research.
Even in his previous life, Zhao Jin rarely visited malls. He found it quite refreshing.
Looking around, Zhao Jin didn't buy a single piece of clothing but mentally reviewed all the styles available.
Of course, Zhao Jin wasn't there to copy these clothing templates; he was genuinely observing which styles were more favored by customers and had better market potential.
After all, the consumer base of the County Supply and Marketing Cooperative was entirely different from that of City, making them incomparable. Thus, Zhao Jin had to start from scratch, placing great importance on this task and paying extra attention.
After an afternoon of observation, Zhao Jin and Qi Zheng were about to head home when they inadvertently passed by the counter displaying Zhao Jin's clothing.
Zhao Jin and Qi Zheng did not intend to stop, but they still slowed their pace slightly. Soon, both of them noticed that Zhao Jin's clothes were selling the best and the fastest in the entire mall. Prior to this, Zhao Jin's clothes had already been trial-sold in the mall for three days. Although the fabric was new in the county, it was a favorite among many customers in City. Additionally, the styles of the clothes made by Zhao Jin were innovative and particularly beautiful, making them undoubtedly a hot-selling item in the mall.
With profits to be made, the mall would not just sit idly by. They immediately increased their promotional efforts and introduced prime locations at the mall's entrances and special introductory prices.
If it weren't for this, how could Zhao Jin and Qi Zheng, who were clearly walking towards the exit of the mall, encounter such an exhilarating scene?
There was no doubt that once Zhao Jin's clothes arrived in City, they would have their own dedicated space in the mall. With this certainty, Zhao Jin naturally no longer worried, and all her concerns gradually dissipated.
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