The two went downstairs. Zhao Qiuyue had already prepared breakfast. The two little ones were standing, holding onto table legs, while one held Rui Rui’s hand, asking him to help get food.
"Come on, get it," Xiao Bai, standing on tiptoe, pointed at the steaming congee on the table, speaking word by word.
"Xiao Bai, don't rush. This is too hot. I'll blow it cool for you, and then we'll eat," Rui Rui said patiently to Xiao Bai as he blew on the congee.
Chen Lishu came over, carried the two children to their high chairs, and then took the bowl of congee. "Rui Rui, you eat. Your dad will take you to school later."
As the family was eating, Li Hongyu arrived.
He was now not only Chen Lishu’s driver but also responsible for delivering goods for the factory.
"Hongyu, you're here. Have you eaten breakfast? If not, have some here." Li Xiulan was about to get up when Li Hongyu stopped her.
"Auntie, I've already eaten. Please don't trouble yourself."
Although he had been transferred to the garment factory by Gu Xingdong, he worked at the factory during the day and still stayed at the construction company at night, which was more convenient.
After breakfast, Chen Lishu informed her family and went out with him.
Not long after arriving at the factory, there was a delivery needed in the county town below. After the workers loaded the goods, Li Hongyu drove out.
In the afternoon, Han Shenglin and Feng Wenyu suddenly visited.
"Xiao Chen, you've really done well with this factory. It's already quite established in such a short time," Han Shenglin said with a smile as soon as he saw her.
As the two walked over, the factory workers were all diligently performing their duties. Although the scale was not large, the management was very much in place.
"It's alright. Compared to you two leaders, I still have a lot to learn."
Chen Lishu was not being modest. The two in front of her were leaders of state-owned enterprises. Even though state-owned companies were generally not doing well nowadays, a starved camel was still bigger than a horse. She had much to learn from their experience in operations and management.
Han Shenglin liked her humble attitude. She had ability but remained low-key, which made him more willing to interact with her.
"The province is going to hold a Fall Clothing Exhibition. Not long ago, the city held an agricultural and sideline products fair, which achieved significant results. So, we reported to our superiors and planned to make the event bigger."
Feng Wenyu was very excited about this exhibition. "This time, not only will there be several enterprises from the city participating, but also several large-scale enterprises from the province. The entry threshold has been raised considerably, and admission tickets are required. Private enterprises need endorsements from at least two companies to participate. Old Han and I discussed it, and we couldn't forget about you for such a good opportunity. So, we've come to ask for your opinion."
Chen Lishu quickly said, "I'll participate, of course, I'll participate."
Han Shenglin laughed heartily, "I knew Xiao Chen would definitely participate."
Chen Lishu replied, "How could I not participate in such a good opportunity? I don't know how to thank you, Uncle Feng and Uncle Han, for remembering me."
Feng Wenyu said, "It's too formal to say thank you. Last time, we really benefited from the designer you introduced. I tell you, I have great confidence in this exhibition."
Since Chen Lishu established the factory, Feng Wenyu had also changed his previous mindset. To gain a foothold in the market, sticking to old, stagnant ways was absolutely not feasible; innovation was necessary. This was evident in his collaboration with Chen Lishu. The former State Cotton Mill was once one of the best-performing factories in the city. Despite its good quality, the designs were unattractive, almost leading to the point where workers couldn't even receive their wages.
It was now almost October, and the factory had hired a new designer. He had personally overseen the designs, and he was confident that sales would be strong this year.
After seeing the two off, Chen Lishu immediately turned to discuss with Nan Haitao.
"The date is set for half a month from now. This is a rare opportunity. The platform organized by the province will surely be significant. If we seize this chance, we will undoubtedly be able to make our brand famous."
Nan Haitao also felt this was an excellent opportunity.
"If it's half a month, we still have time to prepare. Besides personnel, we also need to arrange the venue and prepare publicity slogans and banners. By the way, did they say where it will be held?"
"They said it will be at the Central Plaza. From what Uncle Han and the others said, it seems like each factory has to perform a show as an opening performance to attract more participants. The television station should also be there for interviews."
Nan Haitao was taken aback, "We also have to perform a show?"
Chen Lishu replied, "Naturally, the livelier the better. The material and commodity fair held a few days ago even had stages and operas, which was lively for days."
"Since every factory has a program, I thought we shouldn't waste this great opportunity."
Nan Haitao looked up at her, waiting for her to continue.
"Have you seen the reports about the fashion show held by Pierre Cardin in Kyoto?"
Nan Haitao instantly understood her idea.
"You're planning to emulate it?"
Chen Lishu nodded.
Nan Haitao frowned, "But with only half a month, where can we find so many professional staff?"
Chen Lishu smiled, "Why look for professional staff? It's time-consuming, labor-intensive, and costly. We have over a hundred people in our factory, so we can surely select twenty to thirty people."
Nan Haitao was a little worried, "Can it work? They are ordinary workers, how can they be models?"
Chen Lishu said, "Aren't other models also going from inexperienced to experienced? Besides, with limited time, where can we find so many professionals? Instead of giving money to others, it's better to use our factory employees. It's keeping the benefits within the family."
Upon hearing her last sentence, Nan Haitao couldn't help but laugh, "You're right, keeping the benefits within the family."
...
In the afternoon, a bombshell news spread through the workshop of the Shuse Garment Factory: the factory was organizing a modeling team, and those interested could sign up with their team leaders.
"It's paid rehearsal, and there's an extra bonus of thirty yuan after the performance. The number of spots is limited: fifteen for women and five for men."
"Xiao Cui, you don't need to think about it. Models have height and weight requirements. I'm not saying this to be mean, but if you fell, I wouldn't know where to catch you."
"Hahaha..." A burst of laughter erupted from the workshop.
"Hey, do you think we can do it with our appearances? I asked Manager Nan, and he said the TV station will be interviewing that day. Thinking about that scene makes my legs go weak."
"Look at your lack of courage. It's thirty yuan! Forget just walking on stage wearing clothes, I'd do it even if I were naked!"
A female worker in her thirties spat, "Er Zhuzi, you wish! Who would look at you?"
This immediately drew peals of laughter from everyone.
Because of the paid training and the extra bonus, employees were very enthusiastic about signing up.
Since it was a garment factory, the majority of employees were women, so selecting fifteen qualified women was not difficult. The challenge was finding the men.
There were only ten men in the entire workshop, and half of them were under 1.7 meters tall.
Considering their appearance among the remaining ones, only three were barely suitable.