Everyone's spirits seemed good after a night's rest.
"Yesterday, I inquired about it. There's only one department store that fits the conditions we're looking for."
Nan Haitao then stated the address and the name.
"Besides this one, I also called some friends, and they helped contact two other stores. If we can reach an agreement and they are willing to stock our clothing, it would be quite a significant gain."
Since they were targeting the mid-to-high end market, it wasn't just about promoting high-end products; the ability to sell regular goods in Kyoto was also a considerable achievement.
Chen Lishu commented, "Shanghai is too far from us. Although the factory is built in the provincial capital, considering the long term, our future business development focus will still be on Kyoto."
The three quickly made their decision: Chen Lishu would go to the department store, while Nan Haitao and Sun Chang would visit the other two shops.
Nan Haitao asked, "Can you manage by yourself? Why don't you let Xiao Sun go with you?"
Chen Lishu replied, "No problem. After all, I was involved in the design, so I understand some aspects. It's better to let her go with you. If it involves styles or something similar, she can also have a say."
The matter was settled, and the three set off in different directions.
As the pace of reform and opening up accelerated, large "state-owned" department stores gradually entered the fast lane of reform and restructuring. At the same time, a large number of large department stores of different ownerships and operating models emerged like mushrooms after a spring rain.
However, there were only a little over a dozen large-scale businesses operating in the inland regions. Most of them were concentrated in the rapidly developing south.
Chen Lishu followed the directions and arrived at her destination. The establishment was quite large, spanning five floors, with an estimated operating area of over ten thousand square meters.
As soon as she stepped inside, a cool breeze blew. Chen Lishu looked up and saw that several large fans were installed overhead.
No wonder she felt much cooler than outside.
In an era where ceiling fans were rare and air conditioning was only found in industrial enterprises and high-level reception venues, this establishment had installed so many without hesitation, indicating its considerable strength.
"Hello."
A greeting made Chen Lishu feel a moment of daze.
"May I help you with something?"
A staff member greeted Chen Lishu enthusiastically.
"Hello," Chen Lishu smiled at her. "Do you have a business development department here?"
The other person shook her head. "I'm sorry, we don't."
Chen Lishu asked again, "Which floor is your manager on?"
"The third floor. Turn left at the stairs and go straight. There's a door sign."
Chen Lishu thanked her and went upstairs.
With the experience of entering the market in Shanghai as leverage, and her own clothing factory, the other party reviewed the samples she brought. Although they didn't agree immediately, they didn't refuse either. They just said they needed to consider it further, and the matter required a leadership meeting for a decision.
This gave Chen Lishu more confidence. Not being rejected outright, but rather being asked to consider it, meant that their brand was recognized by the other party to some extent.
As she was going downstairs to leave, she suddenly heard an uncertain voice call her from behind: "Chen Lishu?"
Chen Lishu turned around and saw a woman standing not far away. She had neat short hair, a white shirt, and a pencil skirt, with light, delicate makeup. After a moment of recognition, Chen Lishu smiled and walked over, "Sister, have you returned to China?"
The person who called her was none other than her university classmate, and the eldest sister of their dormitory, Yang Lili, who had gone abroad for further studies.
"I only returned over two months ago. Coincidentally, the company has business here, so they sent me over," Yang Lili said, pointing to a clothing counter behind her. Chen Lishu had a general impression; it was a new clothing brand that had emerged in the south in the last couple of years. The material and styles were good, and it was considered one of the top domestic brands. She heard that the boss was from Hong Kong and it was a foreign-funded enterprise.
"By the way, why are you here? You're not here to buy clothes, are you?"
Chen Lishu shook her head. "I'm here to talk to the person in charge of the mall about some matters."
The two were university classmates and had shared a dormitory for over a year. They were both very happy to see each other again.
Yang Lili suggested, "Why don't we find a place to eat and chat?"
Chen Lishu nodded, "Okay, I have a lot of things I want to tell you too."
When they went outside, Chen Lishu had intended to find a restaurant with private rooms for them to catch up properly. However, Yang Lili suggested having Western food.
This surprised Chen Lishu quite a bit.
Yang Lili explained, "Although I stayed abroad for over a year, I was too frugal to eat out much. It's a rare opportunity, and Western restaurants have air conditioning and a quiet environment. It's so hot today, let's talk properly."
The smile on her face was no longer the shy smile Chen Lishu remembered; she was much more confident. It seemed that her trip abroad had indeed changed her a lot.
Chen Lishu nodded, and they went to a Western restaurant together.
When ordering, Yang Lili handed the menu to Chen Lishu first. "I'm treating today, order whatever you like."
Chen Lishu rarely visited such places and wasn't very familiar with what was delicious or not. She felt that nothing was as satisfying as home-style stir-fries.
However, since Yang Lili had said so, she silently took the menu and quickly ordered a steak and a fruit salad.
The waiter politely asked, "Ma'am, how would you like your steak cooked?"
Chen Lishu disliked undercooked food, but she also knew that a well-done steak would be tough. So, she smiled and said, "Eight minutes done."
"Pfft," Yang Lili couldn't help but laugh. "Lishu, steaks are only cooked rare, medium-rare, medium, and well-done. Where did you get 'eight minutes done'?"
Chen Lishu twitched the corner of her mouth and said to the waiter, "Then seven minutes done."
Yang Lili also ordered a steak and a glass of red wine.
After the waiter left, the two began to chat.
Yang Lili asked, "You've been graduated for over half a year now. Are you staying at the university to teach? I remember the head teacher had high hopes for you back then."
Chen Lishu replied, "No, I started a clothing factory with a friend. I'm here this time to promote our brand."
Yang Lili was very surprised. "You've actually started a factory?"
Just then, the waiter came to serve their food. Yang Lili picked up a wine glass and gestured for the waiter to pour the wine. Then she said to Chen Lishu, "I didn't expect you to be doing so well. Congratulations."
Chen Lishu took a sip and found it a bit astringent. She never really liked drinking, so she quickly put the glass down.
"What brand does your factory produce? We are quite familiar with the mall management. We can help you try to get them to stock it."
Chen Lishu's eyes lit up. "Thank you very much for your help, sister."
Yang Lili picked up her knife and fork, elegantly cut a piece of meat, and put it into her mouth. "You're too kind. When we were students, you and Zhang Xue took good care of me."