After watching the job recruitment interviews, Hua Qingqing invited Zhou Cai, Yang Wang, and her elder cousin Yu Linxiu to have a meal together.
Zhou Cai had been busy running around these days and had learned a lot about the ways of the world. When they were almost done with the meal, he asked Hua Qingqing about the arrangements for the official opening day of the factory.
"The signboard of Dongxing Luggage Manufacturing Factory has been made. We're just waiting to unveil the red cloth on the opening day. You'll have to come back then," Hua Qingqing said, shaking her head. "I won't go. You guys can handle it. Oh, I'll write you a procedure later. You should invite a few leading cadres from the commune over for a ribbon - cutting ceremony and a group photo. Then wash the photos and hang them on the wall. Anyway, the necessary ceremonies can't be skipped. Even though ours is a private factory, it's a rising star!"
Zhou Cai and Yang Wang were excited as they listened to her description of the scene.
A ribbon - cutting ceremony and a group photo! They had never experienced such grandeur. It felt like a dream.
Yu Linxiu, sitting beside them, was completely confused. She knew that Yang Wang had been busy with a new job recently. He had even left the state - owned restaurant for this new job and had asked her if he should change jobs...
She had naturally replied that it was up to him, as only he could decide his own future. But what was going on now?
Was Qingqing also working in the factory? Yu Linxiu didn't ask directly. She planned to ask Qingqing privately later.
Hua Qingqing turned around, took out a few pieces of paper from her schoolbag, and handed them to Zhou Cai.
"These are the designs of other bags. These ones are suitable for women, and the later ones are for men. Uncle Zhou, take a look first. I've written down the fabrics to use on the paper. Later, see if you can find them and make the bags."
Zhou Cai stared at the patterns on the paper. There were three pieces of paper, representing three different grades. Underneath each pattern, there were recommended fabrics and specific production methods. It was obvious that the person who drew these designs was an amateur, but the ideas were unparalleled.
Apart from making clothes, Zhou Cai was also good at making small items. These designs naturally piqued his interest, and he was completely engrossed.
Zhou Cai pointed at the pattern on the paper. "You said you want to embroider on it?"
"Yes, it's a must."
Afraid that they might not understand her meaning, Hua Qingqing thought for a while and took out a Ferrero Rocher chocolate. The thin golden wrapper flashed in front of everyone's eyes.
"Look at this candy. It's a Ferrero Rocher chocolate. Ferrero is a very famous food and beverage company in Italy and a globally well - known chocolate and confectionery manufacturer. It was founded decades ago and has gradually developed into a world - famous brand. Its most famous product is chocolate. Just one of these candies costs one yuan."
The reason high - end products are high - end is that, firstly, the brand has to be well - known. Obviously, their schoolbags are not well - known, and their factory hasn't even opened yet. So now they have to create a "famous brand". Since it's a famous brand, there should be some unique products, preferably something that symbolizes quality.
For a small handbag or tote bag to become a luxury item, it has to have outstanding features so that it won't be just another ordinary item. Combining with local characteristics, embroidery is a very suitable choice.
"Actually, we can replicate their success. We'll start by making our Dongxing brand well - known through the schoolbags that every student uses, and then raise the brand's status with delicate ladies' bags. Sooner or later, the Dongxing brand will be well - known all over the world."
When Hua Qingqing said these words, her eyes were extremely determined, giving people a sense of conviction. Somehow, one would feel that as long as they firmly followed her, they would succeed.
She spoke forcefully, and for a moment, it was quiet at the small square table. Some people lowered their heads in thought, some were excited, and some had tears glistening in their eyes.
Hua Qingqing secretly observed and thought that this motivational speech was quite effective. So she softened her tone. "If we want to expand the factory, we can't just sell one type of product. Besides the children's market, the markets for women and men can't be ignored either. However, for now, we should first open up the students' market before considering other things. Uncle Zhou, don't be in a hurry. We can't take on too much at once."
"You're right. We can't take too big steps, or we'll fall. Let's take it one step at a time." Zhou Cai nodded vigorously, carefully put the few pieces of paper into his pocket, thinking that he would find a few embroiderers in the county later to embroider some beautiful patterns and see if he could make the bags.
During the chaotic years before, everyone was afraid to stand out. But now, things were getting better, and it was time for them to step forward.
After the meal, Hua Qingqing left Zhou's house with Yu Linxiu and Yang Wang. Yu Linxiu couldn't help but ask.
"Qingqing, what you said today... Are you also working in this factory? Working part - time while studying is very tiring. You're a student, so you should focus on your studies. If you're short of money, cousin can give it to you."
Hua Qingqing was confused. "Ah? I'm not short of money."
Although starting the factory and buying materials had cost some money, the result was much better than she had expected. This factory belonged to Shengli Commune and Hongqi Commune. The two communes were especially enthusiastic and had helped them lower the rent for the factory. For five years, it had only cost a small fraction of what she had expected.
She was still a rich woman.
Hua Qingqing saw the skeptical look in Yu Linxiu's eyes. Suddenly, a thought flashed through her mind, and she belatedly realized that Yu Linxiu might not know that she was one of the owners of the factory. She had been talking eloquently at the dinner table just now and probably looked more like a leader than Zhou Cai and Yang Wang.
"Ahem." Yang Wang slapped his forehead. "A Xiu, I forgot to tell you. Your cousin is also one of the bosses of this factory and my superior. I'll have to work under her from now on. How could she not have money? She must have money!"
"The factory boss?" Yu Linxiu was completely stunned. Working part - time while studying was one thing, but becoming a factory boss as a student was just too absurd!
Hua Qingqing briefly explained it to Yu Linxiu. The latter wasn't a fool and quickly understood, feeling sincerely impressed.
"I originally thought you went to the capital to accompany your uncle. I never expected, really never expected, that you're so amazing, Qingqing."
Yu Linxiu's eyes were full of admiration and amazement. In just half a year, Qingqing had first been admitted to high school, then done business in the capital, and rushed back non - stop to start a factory.
These things were beyond what a newly - adult girl like her could handle. But she had managed to do them.
Yu Linxiu thought of how Zhou Cai and Yang Wang had listened to Qingqing's instructions at the dinner table just now and felt proud.
Hua Qingqing said, "My dad is a very busy man. He spends less than one - third of his time at home every day. He has his work to keep him company. Forget about this. Since you know about it now, cousin, why don't you consider working here? I'll give you a high salary, the same as Yang Wang's, fifty yuan!"
Hua Qingqing had already thought it through.
After the first batch of schoolbags was successfully made, someone would have to take them to promote in the north and the south. Currently, only Yang Wang was qualified for this job. Once he left, there would be no suitable person to take over his job. They would have to train someone from the newly recruited employees, but that would be troublesome and time - consuming.
On the contrary, Yu Linxiu was a ready - made candidate.
In fact, Yu Linxiu had been saving money to prepare for college. Every month when she got her salary, she would scrape one or two yuan out of it and only take the rest back to Granny Fang. After saving for so long, she had only managed to save fifty yuan.
Qingqing was offering this amount of money per month... It was really tempting.