The others were well aware of the commotion around Wang Shumei, but they had kept their distance since Director Yu was there at the beginning.

Once Director Yu left, everyone crowded around Wang Shumei.

They asked if Wang Shumei had made a profit.

Wang Shumei was very candid. "That’s right! I made a lot of money."

Everyone had mixed feelings. They wanted to make money too, but...

They couldn’t make any money.

"It’s not that they can’t accept higher prices. They just think we’re pushovers and deliberately lowball us every time!" Wang Shumei fumed at the thought.

The crowd around her fell silent at her words.

’Was it really just the foreigners’ fault that they kept getting lowballed?’

’Weren’t they partly to blame as well?’

’They couldn’t hold their ground. Afraid of returning to their factories with nothing to show for it, they started a race to the bottom, slashing their own prices. They were afraid they wouldn’t be allowed to attend the next Guangzhou Trade Fair, afraid of so many things—’

’All those fears had led to this outcome.’

’They’d never imagined it could be this easy to earn foreign currency.’

’Just yesterday, they had all thought Wang Shumei was crazy for listening to Xie Changning. Looking back now, they realized she was brilliant!’

’Xie Changning had actually helped her make a profit!’

’Generating foreign exchange was one thing, but actually making a profit off the foreigners? Now that was true skill!’

’They could already see their booth assignments being shuffled around in the future!’

In any case, Wang Shumei was now a firm supporter of Xie Changning. She didn’t say anything there about how to punish her own factory’s employees, planning instead to discuss it with her director back at the factory.

The group chatted for a while longer before gradually dispersing.

Xie Changning and Wang Shumei headed for the exit. Just as they were about to leave the exhibition hall, she heard someone call out to her from behind.

Xie Changning turned to see the female director from the booth next to Wang Shumei’s approaching her.

"Hello, Comrade Xie Changning. I’m the director of the Shen City Porcelain Factory. My name is Shen Jiaci." Shen Jiaci extended her hand.

Xie Changning shook her hand. "Hello. I’m Xie Changning, director of the Linxing Chuncheng Anong County Machinery Factory."

"I know."

Shen Jiaci was a woman in her thirties with an ear-length bob who looked quite capable.

She appeared gentle and sincere, but the sharpness that occasionally flashed in her eyes kept anyone from underestimating her.

"I stopped you, Director Xie, mainly because I have a favor to ask."

Shen Jiaci’s words made Xie Changning glance around. Understanding the gesture, Shen Jiaci said, "This isn’t the place to talk. It’s noon, so please, let me treat you both to lunch."

Wang Shumei knew how to read a room.

Since Shen Jiaci was asking Xie Changning for a favor, it wouldn’t be right for her to tag along. She shook her head. "The people from my factory are waiting for me, so I’ll pass. You two enjoy your meal!"

With that, Wang Shumei left.

Xie Changning and Shen Jiaci found a relatively clean little restaurant and took a table in the corner.

Once they had ordered, Shen Jiaci said to Xie Changning, "I would like to purchase design blueprints from you—for porcelain tableware, wine sets, tea sets, and so on."

Shen Jiaci had never attended university, but she was quick-witted. After witnessing the success of Wang Shumei’s booth, she knew she had to get in with someone as capable as Xie Changning.

"Oh?" The request caught Xie Changning by surprise.

When Shen Jiaci had approached her, Xie Changning had figured she might be looking for help. She just never expected the woman would want to buy her design blueprints.

Xie Changning arched an eyebrow, waiting for Shen Jiaci to continue.

"I overheard what you said to Sister Wang, and I think you made a lot of sense. And with next year’s Spring Trade Fair, I imagine everyone will be selling this kind of plain tableware. If I want to stand out, my products will need to have unique shapes."

She couldn’t think of many new styles herself, but she felt that Xie Changning could.

Xie Changning looked so refined and knowledgeable. ’A person like that must be worldly and experienced,’ she thought. ’Coming to her was definitely the right move!’

After all, Xie Changning was the one who had advised her on the booth’s display.

"I can provide the designs," Xie Changning said, "but I’ll need to look into the market rates first." She had no idea what design blueprints currently went for; she’d never drawn up designs for tableware before.

’Her designs were usually for military armaments and supplies.’

’However, she could take inspiration from some of the tableware designs she had often used in her past life.’

"Excellent, excellent! I have no objections. As long as you don’t refuse me, that’s better than anything." Clearly delighted, Shen Jiaci picked up the bottle of erguotou the restaurant provided and poured herself a glass.

"I know you can’t drink, so I’ll toast you like this!"

With that, she downed the glass in one go.

The gesture brought a flicker of amusement to Xie Changning’s eyes. She raised her teacup in place of a wine glass. "Here’s to a pleasant collaboration."

The meal was a very pleasant one for both of them. 𝐟𝕣𝕖𝐞𝐰𝕖𝚋𝐧𝗼𝚟𝐞𝕝.𝗰𝐨𝐦

One was content to be spending the money, while the other was in high spirits from earning it. It was safe to say both women left feeling they had a bright future ahead.

When Xie Changning returned to the guest house, she found Yu Chunhe and Xie Changyi sitting in the first-floor reception area.

Both were high-ranking officials, so of course, Xie Changning went over to greet them.

"Director Yu, Director Xie."

The two women turned at the sound of her voice.

Director Yu stood and guided Xie Changning to a chair beside her. "Our busy bee has finally deigned to return?"

"Oh, listen to you."

Xie Changning shot Director Yu a playful glare.

She sat down between them and waited for them to speak. ’Today must be my lucky day,’ she thought. ’Everyone’s lining up to stuff my pockets—oh, no, I mean, to ask for help.’

"Well," Director Yu began, "Director Xie and I feel that you’ve performed exceptionally well at this Autumn Trade Fair. We’d like to recommend you as the group leader for the Guangzhou Trade Fair. From now on, you would be responsible for organizing everyone."

She might even get to participate in selecting which factories would attend—even those the other leaders were on the fence about.

Xie Changning was stunned for a moment. "Isn’t this a bit rushed?" she finally asked.

’Why the sudden promotion?’

’They could have easily waited until next year’s Autumn Trade Fair to mention this, but they insisted on bringing it up now...’

"Chuncheng has two porcelain factories that need your help, Xiao Xie," Director Yu said. "You see... you really should give your sister factories a helping hand!"

A flash of understanding lit up Xie Changning’s eyes. She joked with Director Yu, "And here I thought Director Yu was planning to use this ’reward’ to get out of paying me the bonus for helping with the translation yesterday!"

Director Yu was speechless.

’This little minx, how did she know?!’

Director Yu looked at Xie Changyi, but the latter just wore an innocent expression. ’I didn’t say a thing!’

"I just knew Director Yu wouldn’t dare short me on my baby’s milk money," Xie Changning said to Director Yu, her eyes curving into a smile.

She wasn’t giving her any room to weasel out of it.

’She’s already calling it her baby’s milk money. How could I possibly refuse to pay up now?’

’Of course I can’t!’

"The bonus has to be issued back in Chuncheng. I have to file a report with the leadership," Director Yu said, giving Xie Changning a meaningful look.

Xie Changning caught her meaning.

’Director Yu was trying to get her a little something extra.’

"Then I’ll have to trouble you, Director Yu," Xie Changning said, accepting the unspoken offer. "Have you two eaten? Please, let me treat you to a meal."

"My dear pregnant lady, I do believe you just ate."