The second one followed, a form-fitting pair of jeans and a stylish short jacket. As the model walked, her shapely figure was showcased to the public.
A fashion show that lasted only ten minutes successfully propelled the exhibition's opening ceremony to an unprecedented climax.
Even after all the models had left the stage, everyone remained lost in the visual spectacle, unable to snap out of it.
After all, televisions were rare at the time, and it wasn't the era of information overload like later. The fashion show presented by Shusee Clothing Factory was incredibly impactful.
The host on stage also took a while to recover, saying with lingering enthusiasm, "Thank you to the Shusee Clothing Factory model team for bringing us a visual feast..."
"Everyone performed well today, and you all worked hard. Dazhu, tell the canteen to add an extra chicken leg for everyone when we get back." Chen Lishu said with a smile, looking at their excited and expectant gazes.
"Wow, Manager Chen, you're so kind." The crowd cheered happily upon hearing her words.
After having Li Hongyu drive everyone back to the factory, Chen Lishu called Zhao Xingwang over. "The performance just now was very successful and should attract many interested merchants. However, our booth's location isn't ideal. Arrange for two people to go to the entrance and hold our factory's identifying sign. They can then lead potential clients directly to our booth."
Zhao Xingwang acknowledged, "I'll arrange it right away."
Chen Lishu strolled towards her own booth and found it already packed, with people crammed shoulder-to-shoulder.
Nan Haitao and the other two salespeople from the factory were busy introducing products and answering questions, all while rapidly jotting down information with pens.
"Comrade, you're an employee of Shusee Clothing Factory, aren't you? I saw the fashion show just now, and I want to order that jacket. What's the price? And that pair of wide-leg pants..."
Chen Lishu didn't rush in. She had hoped for a moment of leisure, but the work badge hanging on her chest clearly gave her away.
"The discounted price varies depending on the wholesale quantity. How much are you looking to purchase?"
Seeing that she could indeed make decisions, the other party was overjoyed.
There were still over ten people ahead of him, and it was unclear when his turn would come. Seeing Chen Lishu's work badge, he tentatively asked.
Now, this saved a lot of time. The person quickly stated the styles and quantities they wished to order.
Chen Lishu took out a pen and paper from her pocket and, with a few swift strokes, tore off the second copy of the carbon paper and handed it to the other party. "Our factory is located five kilometers south of the city, behind Sanjiazǐ Village. Bring this paper, and someone will assist you."
Seeing the person leave with the order slip, the people waiting behind rushed to surround Chen Lishu.
Finally, after seeing off the last customer, Chen Lishu let out a sigh of relief and glanced at her watch. Unknowingly, it was already noon.
Walking over to Nan Haitao, she smiled and said, "The effect was even better than I expected."
Looking at the two guests admiring the clothing not far away, Nan Haitao unconsciously breathed a sigh of relief. "It's already noon, are you hungry? There are fewer customers now, I'll stay and watch, and then you can go eat and I'll take over."
Chen Lishu nodded, called one of the staff members, and went to a small restaurant nearby.
There were fewer people in the afternoon than in the morning, but the visitors were mostly major clients.
Just after seeing off a guest, two special visitors arrived at the booth.
They were special because one of them was a Soviet national.
"Hello, this is Mr. Andrei." The translator made a brief introduction between the two parties before getting to the point. "Mr. Andrei is here this time to discuss cooperation with a processing factory."
As it was the first time a foreign merchant had come to discuss cooperation, Chen Lishu and Nan Haitao took it very seriously and hosted them with great enthusiasm.
Although Chen Lishu had participated in the Yangcheng Trade Fair before and successfully secured several large orders, she always felt it was just a job and didn't have much of a reaction.
Now it was different. If the cooperation could be successfully concluded, it would not only increase foreign exchange for the province but also set a precedent for foreign trade for the factory.
Therefore, she introduced the products with exceptional care.
However, as she listened to the translator's rapid-fire translation to Andrei, Chen Lishu instinctively frowned.
She couldn't communicate directly with the client without barriers, and it felt rather strange.
She glanced at Nan Haitao beside her; his expression remained unchanged.
"Mr. Andrei says he is interested in your clothing styles, but he needs to reconsider the pricing."
After a while, the translator turned to Chen Lishu and Nan Haitao and said.
Chen Lishu: "Please tell Mr. Andrei that our factory is second to none in terms of production capacity and design team. If he is interested, he can visit our factory for an inspection. We will provide pick-up and drop-off services, it won't be much trouble."
Translator: "Mr. Andrei has just arrived. If he is interested, I will bring him here again."
Hearing the other party say that, Chen Lishu didn't press further.
Seeing them leave, Chen Lishu quickly called Zhao Xingwang. "Secretly follow them and see where they go."
Just now, she heard the translator say that Andrei planned to order about ten thousand pieces this time, in US dollars.
Although the order wasn't large, it was still foreign exchange, and Chen Lishu didn't want to miss this rare opportunity.
Zhao Xingwang also knew that cooperating with Andrei would bring many benefits to the factory.
As soon as Chen Lishu finished speaking, he turned and left.
"We lack experience this time. It seems that for future exhibitions, we will need to make more preparations." We are relatively close to the Soviet Union, and trade with the Soviet Union will only increase in the future.
Although she understood some English and Japanese herself, it was not professional. If it came down to signing contracts, it would be necessary to find professionals.
The leaders of the adjacent textile factory clearly saw what was happening at Chen Lishu's booth. After some hesitation, they walked up with a smile to greet Chen Lishu and Nan Haitao.
"Manager Chen, Manager Nan."
Nan Haitao turned around, saw the visitors, and smiled, "Factory Director Gao."
"Your factory's clothing styles are novel, and the workmanship is also exquisite. Business is really good."
Having been in the business world for so many years, Nan Haitao understood Factory Director Gao's intentions with a slight reaction.
"Your textile factory is also doing well. I heard you recently acquired a batch of new machines, and the elasticity of the fabric produced is excellent."
The two exchanged some commercial pleasantries and, after some small talk, exchanged contact information.
Chen Lishu also understood some of their intentions.
In the past, she only purchased fabrics from Li Zhengxing's textile factory due to circumstances and lack of alternatives.
But now that she had opened her own clothing factory, raw material procurement should involve at least two suppliers, comparing them and purchasing the best.
"Let's take this opportunity to look at a couple more places."
Nan Haitao: "I was actually wondering how to bring this up with you."
After all, she had a good relationship with Li Zhengxing, and he had only been here for a short time, which might cause unnecessary speculation.