frightfiction Chapter 172 Anxi City
Chapter 172 Anxi City
"What's there to be disappointed about? It's just an exam. Just study hard according to my plan during winter break," asked the younger brother, Mu Zhiyuan, on his behalf.
Song Tingnan didn't have time to be frustrated; he had a lot to do, and the martial arts school required two classes a week.
Then, as soon as winter vacation started, the festive atmosphere of the New Year was set up, and Song Wanli's fruit platters began to be sold at various sales points, small markets, and hotels and hostels recommended by Xu Wen. The fruit platters were almost sold out quickly because they were practical, convenient, durable, and affordable.
But the flower baskets weren't selling well, and there was still a lot of inventory left. Zhao Xiaojuan was very upset and felt guilty. Although her older brother said it was okay and there was no cost involved, she had put a lot of effort into sewing these baskets, stitch by stitch, with her sister-in-law and mother!
During that time, she seemed to have gone mad, thinking about whether any object or shape could be made into a flower basket, and how to match the flowers and colors.
Jiang Qianqian took Yuan'er to Songjia Village and saw Zhao Xiaojuan looking so dejected, so she came back to discuss it with Mu Xudong and told him that he had to find a solution.
She understood why Xiaojuan was sad. Whether she made money or not was a minor matter; what mattered was that her self-confidence had been damaged and her ideas had not been recognized by others.
Mu Xudong thought about it for two days, waiting for Tingnan to finish her tutoring class, and said, "Tingnan, your uncle suggested going to Zhou County to try it out, right? I don't think it's a good idea. Here's what I think: our county and Zhou County's economies are about the same level. Our county's purchasing power is not good, and the neighboring county should be in a similar situation."
"What should we do? Isn't this flower basket beautiful? Sister Xiaojuan put a lot of thought into it." Jiang Qianqian said, looking at the flower basket on the table. It was brought back by Tingnan as a gift for her.
Mu Xudong analyzed, "The flower baskets are indeed very beautiful, but people have different perceptions. Most people think they are optional and don't want to waste money."
"Hmph, that's because they don't understand beauty or life," Jiang Qianqian said angrily.
"Tingnan, I suggest we take the samples to Anxi City and take a look?"
"Go to Anxi City? Godfather, is that feasible?"
"Let's give it a try. The cost of living is higher in city-level cities, and I have a childhood friend there."
"Okay, let's not tell our families yet, let's give it a try."
Without further ado, Mu Xudong set off with Ting Nan the next day.
They drove for over four hours to reach Anxi City. It was Tingnan's first time there, and looking at the towering buildings and shops all around, it was indeed much more prosperous than their county town.
Mu Xudong first drove his car into the courtyard of his friend's hotel. It was nearing the end of the year, and things were quite chaotic outside. If a car was parked haphazardly on the roadside for a few hours, there was a risk of someone knocking on the door or smashing the window, and the car could potentially be stolen.
After parking the car and carrying several flower basket samples, Mu Xudong led Tingnan into the hotel to greet his friend and book a room, knowing they wouldn't be able to return today.
"Qiangzi, are you busy?" Mu Xudong walked towards the cashier counter.
"You're here, kid. Is the car parked properly?" Qiangzi looked up; he was busy calculating on his abacus. "Is this your daughter, Tingnan? She looks so energetic!"
"Hello, Uncle!" Ting Nan greeted him politely.
"Hello, Tingnan, are you tired from the journey? Have a glass of water." Qiangzi was very enthusiastic; Mu Xudong had mentioned that this was his childhood friend.
"Thank you, Uncle. Can I put a flowerpot on your bar counter?" Ting Nan looked at the long bar counter, which seemed a bit empty.
"Sure, but it's winter now, and fresh flowers are so expensive. Your Uncle Qiang can't afford to buy them," Qiangzi joked.
Ting Nan specially picked out a rectangular flowerpot surrounded by a fence, filled with azaleas and baby's breath. This pot was relatively short, so it wouldn't block the view when placed on the bar. "Uncle Qiang, what do you think of this pot?"
"Huh, are these azaleas? Is it really this time of year?" Li Zhiqiang leaned closer for a look. "Hahaha, whose idea is this? It's brilliant!"
"Uncle Qiang, I wish you booming business and countless riches, like stars in the sky, thanks to this pot of flowers!"
"Hahaha... Dongzi, your daughter is just like you were when you were running your business! She's really good!" Li Zhiqiang laughed; who doesn't like congratulations?
"That's right, my daughter must surpass her parents!"
"Okay, good job, daughter!" Li Zhiqiang gave a thumbs up. "Is this what you came here to sell? How much? Listen to Nan, Uncle Qiang likes it!"
"Uncle Qiang, this is for you! It's free!"
"Young lady, you're so generous! Dongzi, who made this flowerpot?"
"My sister makes these textiles, but they don't sell well in our small county, so we're trying them in the city," Mu Xudong admitted.
"Your sister?" Li Zhiqiang raised an eyebrow. He knew that Mu Xudong was an only child. Could this sister be his lover?
Seeing his winking and gesturing, Mu Xudong knew he had misunderstood, but didn't explain further in front of Ting Nan.
People change. Once you enter the big melting pot of society, especially the hotel run by Li Zhiqiang, you see all sorts of people who come to "book rooms," and your thoughts become tainted.