"Sister, you studied abroad, so logically, you should understand fashion and trends better than us," Qin Chuan said earnestly after returning to his seat.
Unexpectedly, as soon as he finished speaking, Li Ya, who had always appeared wise and intelligent, shook her head like a rattle. "I don't! Because I've never been interested in these things since I was little."
"I just throw on whatever clothes, with no sense of aesthetics."
"In my opinion, as long as the clothes feel comfortable to wear, why bother about what others think?"
Qin Chuan froze, his mouth slightly agape for a long time.
Li Ya's face turned red, as if her biggest secret had been discovered, and she lowered her head.
"Oh, my heavens!"
After a long while, Qin Chuan suddenly slapped his forehead as if to wake himself up.
This was unbelievable!
Looking at the elegant woman before him, who was impeccably dressed and styled, anyone would assume Li Ya was a fashion-forward, trendsetting woman at the forefront of the times.
And this woman had even studied abroad; how could she not understand aesthetics or trends?
"Really, I'm not lying to you!"
Seeing Qin Chuan's disbelief, Li Ya's eyes were as sincere as they could be.
"I truly don't understand fashion or trends. During my years abroad, all my energy was focused on studying finance!"
"The new clothes the factory has made this time are actually just me copying a style popular among young people abroad. I really don't understand this area myself!"
Hearing Li Ya's words, Qin Chuan couldn't help but mumble to himself, "If you say so, I don't really understand either. After all, I didn't have much contact with fashion in my previous life."
"To help you, I'll need to copy some designs from later generations..."
Of course, he couldn't say any of this aloud. As the thought crossed his mind, Qin Chuan spoke again, "Can you show me the latest clothing design drafts?"
The design drafts for new clothing were absolutely the lifeblood of a company. Yet, when Qin Chuan asked, Li Ya didn't even hesitate. She turned around, retrieved a file from the safe under her desk, and handed it over.
Opening the file, Qin Chuan saw a design for a very casual women's sweater, a high-neck one, with a simple and fresh color. It was targeted at the young female market.
Looking at the design, Qin Chuan had to marvel that the foreign countries of this era were indeed at the forefront of trends, while domestic development lagged slightly.
Of course, this situation would only last for a few more years. Later, China's economic growth would be so rapid that it would shock the entire world.
With rapid economic development, fashion and trends would explode, giving rise to many designs that would even surprise foreign countries.
"Who says you don't understand fashion and trends? This sweater choice is absolutely perfect!"
Qin Chuan put down the design draft and said seriously, "Fashion is merely an aesthetic that is slightly ahead of the mainstream."
"When you said you don't understand trends and fashion earlier, it was simply because you haven't focused much attention on these clothes, which led to this subconscious misconception!"
"Otherwise, whether it's the clothes you're wearing or this sweater you're preparing to make, they both perfectly fit the current popular trend. How do you explain that?"
Li Ya was dumbfounded by Qin Chuan's words and finally exclaimed, "I really don't understand..."
Qin Chuan corrected her, "What you don't understand is merely marketing strategies and market grasp! It's not that you don't understand aesthetics, trends, or fashion!"
This time, Li Ya didn't refute, but instead wore a thoughtful expression.
Qin Chuan continued, "This era is no longer one where good wine needs no bush. Even the best products won't sell well without good marketing!"
"Sister, let me ask you something!"
"Ask away!"
Li Ya listened attentively, like a model student.
"Have you heard of brand concepts?"
Qin Chuan asked slowly.
Li Ya paused, her expression thoughtful. After about ten seconds, she said, "Are you referring to those big foreign brands like Chanel, Gucci, Dior, and so on..."
"Yes! That's what I'm talking about, those international big brands!"
Qin Chuan nodded. "Why are those big brands so popular and famous? Is it really because their quality is super good?"
"I think quality is only one aspect. Another aspect is that these international big brands have already instilled a brand concept into the general public!"
"This concept is that their products are good! They are the best! They are the most trendy and fashionable items!"
"Whoever wears their clothes, buys their bags, or uses their perfume... is the most sophisticated and proud one!"
Li Ya's beautiful eyes began to shine brighter. "I see. You mean we should also learn from them and create our own brand!"
"Not 'should,' but 'must'!"
Qin Chuan's expression was extremely serious. "Since you want to develop your own clothing factory, you can't stick to the old ways and operate with outdated business ideas, churning out cheap clothes every day."
"These clothes are already everywhere. Everyone has a pile of them at home, making them completely uncompetitive!"
"Qin Chuan, wait a moment. I'll go get a notebook to write this down!"
Li Ya suddenly went behind her desk, found a pen and paper, and diligently recorded everything Qin Chuan was saying.
Qin Chuan, meanwhile, patiently and thoroughly explained his knowledge of future brand concepts and business strategies for long-term enterprise development to Li Ya.
Unknowingly, the streetlights outside had already lit up, and night was gradually falling. Li Ya's notebook was filled with several pages of content.
Qin Chuan felt as if he had overlooked something important but couldn't recall what it was.
Finally, as he noticed the descending night, he suddenly slapped his thigh and stood up swiftly. "Oh no!!"
His sudden movement startled Li Ya, who quickly asked, "What's wrong? Did something happen?"
"I forgot about my second brother!"
Qin Chuan said anxiously, walking rapidly towards the door.
"We agreed to meet at the big bridge at 5 PM to go home together. I didn't expect to stay here for so long, and it's already past 6 o'clock now..."
As he spoke, Qin Chuan had already left the office, his back disappearing from view.
Li Ya also hurried after him, "Wait for me! I have a car, we can drive there together!"
By the time they drove to the county bridge, night had completely fallen.
The bridge, illuminated by lights, was bustling with people, workers rushing home after work.
However, no matter how Qin Chuan and Li Ya searched after getting out of the car, they couldn't find their second brother.
"Qin Chuan, don't worry!"
Seeing Qin Chuan's anxious expression, Li Ya, feeling guilty, quickly comforted him.
"Aren't your parents still in the hospital? Since your second brother isn't at the county bridge, perhaps he's at the hospital?"
A word to the wise. Qin Chuan immediately rushed to start the car and headed straight for the county hospital...