The two of them walked around the campus. Through their conversation, Chen Lishu found Zou Liang to be well-spoken, humorous, and witty. The interview wasn't the rigid question-and-answer session Chen Lishu had rehearsed in her mind. As they chatted, the interview concluded effortlessly.
“May I take a photo of you? It can be placed alongside the article for promotional purposes,” Zou Liang suggested, waving his camera as the interview neared its end.
Zou Liang expected Chen Lishu to readily agree. After all, based on his past experience, most people were thrilled to be featured in a newspaper, especially young, attractive women who would likely welcome the attention.
However, to his surprise, Chen Lishu declined.
“Since it’s for promotion, perhaps you could photograph the campus instead? The area by the main teaching building has a nice environment, and it should turn out well,” Chen Lishu said with a smile.
The words "Normal University" were clearly displayed on the main gate of the main teaching building. Taking a photo there would definitely set the scene. He suddenly understood; it seemed Chen Lishu refused because she wanted to do more promotion for the school.
The newspaper had limited space, and using two photos would take up space for text. While it was a pity he couldn't photograph Chen Lishu, meeting her was a significant gain.
Thus, Zou Liang nodded, accepting Chen Lishu's suggestion.
“I’ll bring you a copy when the newspaper comes out,” he said. Despite their brief interaction, Zou Liang had already developed a favorable impression of the young, beautiful woman before him.
“Thank you, Reporter Zou.”
“No need to be so formal,” Zou Liang chuckled. “We’re acquainted now, so you can call me by my name or Xiao Zou, just like everyone else.”
After seeing Zou Liang off, Chen Lishu returned to her classroom and sat down at her desk. Zhang Xue immediately pulled her aside, asking curiously, “Lishu, how was the interview? Were you nervous?”
“Not really. I just showed him around the campus, and he took a photo of the school before leaving.”
“It’s good that you weren’t nervous,” Zhang Xue said, then added expectantly, “It’s your first time in the newspaper, I wonder what it will be like.”
Chen Lishu smiled, “It’s just a campus interview, and the focus is on university life after the resumption of the college entrance examination. It probably won’t have much to do with me.”
“Regardless, you’re in the newspaper! To celebrate, let’s have a nice lunch. My treat.”
“Hey, should everyone involved get a share?” Li Zhiwei interjected, “I want meatballs.”
Feng Pangzi added, “Stir-fried pork with mushrooms.”
Zhang Xue glared at the two of them. “This ship doesn’t have room for you two. Go somewhere else.”
…
“Aixiang, do you have any other fabric left? I’ve already priced mine one jiao cheaper than the stores, yet people are still buying so little. I still have over ten chi of fabric left.”
One of Wang Aixiang’s friends complained.
In the past, if it were any other fabric, it would have been snatched up as soon as it arrived. But now, nearly a week had passed, and a significant portion of half a bolt of fabric remained.
“Exactly. At 1.7 yuan, it’s only two jiao more than the cost price. For this meager two jiao profit, we’re chased around like dogs by those Red Guards every day. It’s not worth it,” another agreed.
“Yeah, can we return it?”
“Aixiang, can we discuss returning this fabric?”
Hearing their words, Wang Aixiang frowned. After a moment of thought, she looked up and said, “Come, everyone, listen to me for a moment.”
The others fell silent, waiting for her to speak.
“I know it’s not easy for everyone to take risks and earn money. I started the same way. But now, you’re complaining about returns just because it’s selling a bit slower and earning a bit less. Before, with those old clothes, we earned only a few fen per piece, and no one said anything. Besides, I don’t run a textile factory where we only produce what sells well.”
Wang Aixiang paused, scanning their faces. “We’ve known each other for a long time; you all know what kind of person I am. Would I hoard good fabric? We can’t have all the best-selling items go to you, and I’m left with the ones that don’t sell, can we? Don’t worry, after this batch of fabric is sold, new stock will be arriving soon, and we’ll earn several jiao per piece.”
Chen Lishu had previously told her that they could earn one or two yuan per piece, but fearing any unforeseen issues or potential misunderstandings, she had deliberately understated the profit margin.
Several jiao per piece?
Everyone was immediately captivated by what she said, forgetting about returning the fabric. They all asked curiously, “Aixiang, what are you talking about? Is it still fabric?”
“It’s clothes, new clothes.”
“Ah? You can get new clothes? Those are hot commodities! Aixiang, when will they arrive? I want to pre-order. Please set aside more for me then.”
“I want to pre-order too.”
“Me too.”
“Pre-order my foot!”
Wang Aixiang swore at them. She had always been outspoken, and she was still annoyed by their earlier clamor to return the fabric. “I treat you all like sisters. Don’t I always prioritize you when it comes to good things? But what about you? Before I even asked you to sell them for free, you were already demanding returns. Come on, whoever wants to return them, step forward, and I’ll register it. In the future, don’t say you know me, Wang Aixiang. I don’t have friends like that, and you won’t get a single cent of goods from me.”
The others were shamed into silence, and they chuckled sheepishly, “We were just speaking casually. It’s just that before, we earned more and sold faster, so we felt a bit of a discrepancy. Aixiang, how much fabric do you have left? Why don’t we all work harder and accept a smaller profit to help you sell them all?”
…
When Chen Lishu arrived on Wednesday, Wang Aixiang told her about everyone wanting to return the fabric.
“These people are just spoiled. Back then, when dealing with old clothes, they earned only one or two jiao per piece. Now, they find two jiao profit per chi too little.”
“This batch of fabric is indeed a bit difficult to move,” Chen Lishu said with a smile. “Let’s not have them give up that one jiao profit. From now on, we’ll price it at 1.4 yuan. Aixiang jie, when you have time, please refund the difference to everyone for the previous sales.”
“Sister, you’re too generous. Although it’s selling slowly, it’s not unsellable. Why refund the money?”
Chen Lishu smiled, “When the time is extended, everyone bears the risk. Besides, without them, we wouldn’t have been able to sell so much fabric in such a short time. Consider it a holiday bonus for everyone.”
Wang Aixiang nodded thoughtfully upon hearing her words.
“Alright, I’ll share this good news with everyone tomorrow.”
“Oh, right, I wanted to tell you. There’s a car coming tomorrow, and I might not be able to make it. Could you help me deliver the goods to him then?” Chen Lishu said, handing the finished sample garments and the large bag of beads to Wang Aixiang.