Chen Lishu glanced at the work clothes everyone was still wearing and asked, "Have you all tried on the performance outfits you'll need for the show?"
A rather plump woman stepped forward. "Manager Chen, we've tried them on. I was afraid if we wore them now, we might accidentally get them dirty, so I didn't have everyone put them on."
The speaker was Qian Jiaojiao. Chen Lishu found her to be straightforward in her speech and actions, and quick to learn, so she made her the captain of the modeling team.
Chen Lishu nodded. "Go change into them, and let me see the effect."
As soon as she finished speaking, Qian Jiaojiao immediately organized everyone to go backstage to change.
Soon, everyone emerged in their costumes.
This year's autumn and winter collection, in addition to oversized suits, included newly designed bomber jackets from the factory.
They came in two main colors: black and army green.
The jackets not only fit the aesthetic of the era but were also unisex.
And, most importantly, they were versatile. Whether paired with midi skirts, pencil pants, or wide-leg trousers, they were a perfect choice.
Chen Lishu observed the overall effect and suddenly called out two girls. "You two, swap your outfits."
The girl wearing the suit and wide-leg trousers turned to go back. The slightly taller girl beside her said indignantly, "Why? Manager Chen, I like this outfit. And I think it looks better on me than on her. Look how short her legs are; she's completely unsuited for tight pants."
Hearing this, the shorter girl flushed, bit her lip, and remained silent.
She also wanted to wear the bomber jacket. That outfit was originally intended for her, but Jiang Ying had always been overbearing and was on good terms with Qian Jiaojiao. Although unwilling, she had still swapped clothes with her.
Chen Lishu's brow furrowed unconsciously. "Even if you like it, it's not suitable for you. Your legs are long but not well-shaped; they aren't suited for straight-leg pants that show off leg shape. You should wear wide-leg pants."
Seeing her good friend Jiang Ying hadn't moved, Qian Jiaojiao stepped forward to help. "Manager Chen, it's just an outfit. It's pretty much the same who wears it, why don't we..."
Chen Lishu raised her hand, interrupting her. "I chose you to be models to showcase the best of the clothing. Besides, who wears which outfit has already been decided. Time is limited, and I don't want to waste it on this. Do you understand?"
The tall girl's body stiffened. Feeling everyone's eyes on her, she felt as if she were being stripped bare. Shame and anger surged within her, and she turned abruptly, swinging her arm as she headed for the changing room.
Seeing this, the shorter girl quickly followed.
"I've already told you all the important points a few days ago. From now on, let's treat this place as the stage on the day of the exhibition and walk through it seriously. If there are any problems, we'll correct them on the spot."
Seeing that everyone had lined up, Chen Lishu inserted the cassette tape into the radio and pressed play. Lively music immediately filled the air.
After two days of intensive preparation, everyone finally had the stage steps memorized.
On the official opening day of the sales exhibition, Chen Lishu and Nan Haitao arrived first.
It was just past seven in the morning, and the venue was already crowded with many businesses.
Zhao Xingwang, wearing his work badge, was directing staff in setting up the venue.
Their location wasn't ideal, being the second to last at the very end.
The sides were sectioned off with stands, creating a space of about ten square meters.
There were a total of twenty-three companies exhibiting, which could be considered the largest outdoor clothing sales exhibition held by the province in recent years.
In addition to local businesses and sole proprietors, many merchants from other provinces had come by reputation.
This time, unlike the previous clearance sale, each exhibiting company would also showcase new products from their factory.
To Chen Lishu's surprise, she even saw many foreign faces.
"Director Chen." Seeing Chen Guoping had also arrived, Chen Lishu stepped forward to greet him.
In front of outsiders, she respectfully called him Director.
Chen Guoping nodded and smiled. "I heard you've prepared a new act this time?"
Chen Lishu replied, "It's just imitating others. If the imitation is not good, please don't laugh at me, leader."
Chen Guoping chuckled heartily. "I know your capabilities. I'm looking forward to it."
Leaders from several other companies nearby saw a young and beautiful woman chatting and laughing with a provincial leader, and they began to murmur amongst themselves.
"Who is that woman?"
"I heard she's the owner of a newly established garment factory, called Shuse Garment Factory. It's not large and is a private enterprise. The fact that she can participate in such a large-scale exhibition shows her capabilities are not ordinary."
"Indeed. Judging by the situation, she has a good relationship with the leaders. She's so young; who knows if there's any backing behind her?" one of them said with a suggestive smile.
The others immediately smiled knowingly.
In those days, very few women dared to show their faces in public, especially to make such a grand display. To build their own factory, few people would believe she didn't have some special means.
"This is the provincial leader, Director Chen," Chen Lishu introduced Nan Haitao to Chen Guoping.
"Nan Haitao, our factory's manager."
Nan Haitao hadn't expected Chen Lishu to know such a high-ranking leader. He respectfully greeted Chen Guoping, "Hello, Director."
Chen Guoping nodded. Just then, other people came over to greet them, and Chen Lishu and Nan Haitao tactfully excused themselves and left.
Soon, the venue was almost set up. On the simple elevated platform built with iron frames and wooden boards in the distance, the host was already speaking into the megaphone.
Chen Lishu looked to her left and right. To her left was a textile factory, with various colored fabrics neatly displayed on shelves made of wooden boards.
To her right, just like them, was another garment factory.
The other party clearly paused when they saw Nan Haitao, and quickly came forward to greet him.
"Manager Nan."
Nan Haitao recognized the person as well and smiled, shaking hands with him. "Factory Director Song."
The man said, "You young people have courage. Is this a garment factory? It looks like things are going well."
Nan Haitao exchanged pleasantries with him for a few sentences and then introduced him to Chen Lishu.
It was then that Chen Lishu learned that the man was the factory director of Qingshan Garment Factory.
She had actually bought scrap fabric from their factory back then, although the man didn't know she had such a connection with Qingshan Garment Factory.
"Manager Chen, the models have arrived," Zhao Xingwang sidled up to Chen Lishu, looking as if he had something to say.
Chen Lishu didn't rush to ask. After informing Nan Haitao, she followed Zhao Xingwang towards the back of the exhibition.
"What's wrong?" Chen Lishu asked once they were further away.
Zhao Xingwang replied, "Everyone is here, but there was a little incident when changing clothes."
Chen Lishu didn't say anything. Soon, the two of them reached a truck.
The models from Shuse Garment Factory were gathered there.