The leaders of the municipal garment factory glanced at everyone present, then skipped over Chen Lishu's position as they cleared their throats and began to speak, "Markets don't fear competition; they fear disorder. We've invited everyone here today..."
With the reform and opening up, market chaos became rampant. State-owned enterprises were severely impacted, leading to people taking leave to seek their own livelihoods. Some even rushed into whatever the market lacked.
For instance, if flour was profitable today, several flour mills would open tomorrow.
Prices were inflated, and market order was in disarray.
The association can actively build a communication platform between the government and enterprises, strengthen information flow and cooperation awareness among enterprises, actively carry out talent training, brand selection, and guide the industry's orderly, standardized, and healthy development, thereby continuously improving the industry's economic scale and comprehensive competitiveness.
"We hope that through this association, by uniting various enterprises in the province, we can leverage the spirit of mutual assistance among enterprises, understand the latest information, and stimulate domestic demand..."
After Director Zhu of the municipal garment factory finished speaking, the leaders of the other enterprises present applauded.
Seeing the approval in the leaders' eyes, Director Zhu felt a sense of pride.
Their garment factory was a large factory with decades of history, and in terms of output value and influence, it was undoubtedly among the best in the industry.
The position of association president was certainly his to claim.
His factory had lost a major foreign exchange order this time, and to a small private enterprise at that. He had been harboring resentment, and if he could successfully become president, it would at least help him save face, making his active participation worthwhile.
"For better development in the future, I believe we should elect someone with sufficient prestige to serve as the president of our association."
To appear humble, yet afraid of being taken seriously, Director Zhu specifically pointed to Director Liu of the textile factory, who had only recently taken office: "The textile factory is one of the top large factories in the province, and Director Liu is young and promising. I believe Director Liu is quite suitable."
Director Liu, who was named, quickly waved his hands: "No, no, I wouldn't dare to show off my meager skills before so many seniors. I still have much to learn."
He was indeed interested in the position, but most of the people present were old foxes. He knew his own capabilities, and even if he were to take office, few people would likely listen to him.
"The municipal garment factory, in terms of scale and output value, is second to none in the city. I believe Director Zhu is most suitable for this position."
Regardless of Director Zhu's motives for naming him, the two factories had significant business dealings annually, with the garment factory being a major client of the textile factory. He naturally had to show him some favor.
After he spoke, the leaders of two small factories nodded in agreement nonchalantly.
The other leaders, though smiling, said nothing.
Although the position of president of the industry association was recommended by the industry, everyone understood the benefits involved. Since their statuses were similar, who would willingly cede this position?
Chen Lishu remained completely indifferent to the undercurrents at the table.
Her factory had only recently been established, and its scale aside, the main point was that it was privately owned. State-owned enterprises were still the mainstream during this period.
She was self-aware. Even if these people were out of their minds, they would rather choose a glove factory with only a few dozen employees than her.
"I nominate Director Han of the wool textile factory."
Just as everyone was arguing, a clear female voice suddenly rang out, drawing everyone's attention.
Chen Lishu curled her lips and said unhurriedly, "The woolen blankets produced by the wool textile factory are almost synonymous with the province, and its products are bestsellers both domestically and overseas. Moreover, he was the one who initiated this exhibition."
As soon as she finished speaking, Feng Wenyou also reacted and immediately declared, "I have no objections to Old Han becoming president. His character is trustworthy."
The gazes of the others turned to Han Shenglin.
Yes, how could they have overlooked this person?
Not only was Han Shenglin the director of the wool textile factory, but his brother, Han Shengquan, was the director of the Administration for Industry and Commerce.
They were blockheads, not as sharp as a mere girl; they were ashamed.
The people present expressed their assent: "Yes, yes, I vote for Old Han."
"I've thought for a long time that this position belongs to Old Han. No one is more suited for it than Old Han in terms of ability!"
Director Zhu's mouth seemed to be experiencing a stroke. He wanted to smile and offer congratulations, but he was still unwilling.
"Old Han is fine."
He managed to utter the words, giving Chen Lishu, who was sitting next to Han Shenglin, a meaningful look.
No wonder she was a factory leader at such a young age. She only knew how to use opportunistic tactics and petty tricks. It was uncertain how far she could go in the future.
...
"When is the delivery? If you have any questions, feel free to ask. This is your first order with foreign clients, so you must not be careless. That's how business works; once you establish a reputation, it spreads by word of mouth, and more business will naturally come your way." After leaving the meeting, Han Shenglin specifically cautioned Chen Lishu.
Chen Lishu honestly replied, "To be honest, I'm quite uncertain about handling foreign orders for the first time."
"Take it slow. The first time is unfamiliar, the second time is familiar. If you have any questions, don't hesitate to ask me."
Chen Lishu exhaled with relief and smiled, "With your words, Uncle Han, I feel reassured."
"Old Han."
Suddenly, someone behind them called out to Han Shenglin. Seeing this, Chen Lishu quickly bid farewell and left.
For the next period, Chen Lishu's entire focus was on fulfilling Andre's order.
It was already November when the delivery was completed on time.
The order was successfully fulfilled, and the entire factory, from management to employees, breathed a sigh of relief.
To reward everyone for their hard work this month, the factory specially issued an extra five yuan bonus to each employee.
The weather gradually turned cold, and the first snow fell unknowingly.
One day, several unwelcome guests suddenly appeared at the Shu Se clothing store on the commercial street.
Seeing the ruffian-like men in front of her, the shop assistant instinctively flinched but still managed to force a smile and step forward, "Welcome."
"Tsk tsk, fellas, take a look. This little girl isn't just pretty, her voice is sweet too."
The men's gazes scanned the salesgirl lewdly, then one of them deliberately affected a high-pitched voice, "Welcome~ Hearing that makes my heart itch."
As soon as the man finished speaking, his companions burst into laughter.
The salesgirl's face instantly turned red.
She was young and had never encountered such hooligans. She was both ashamed and angry, and her eyes began to well up.
The few customers who were in the store saw that the situation was not right and did not want to cause trouble. They abandoned their purchases and quietly slipped away.
Tian Lin, who was recording accounts, saw this and quickly came out from behind the counter. She signaled the salesgirl to step aside and then said, "Are you gentlemen here to buy clothes?"
The men's eyes lit up when they saw her: "The saleswomen in this shop are truly one more beautiful than the other. Does your shop's good business rely solely on your looks to attract customers?"