TPW – Chapter 112

After recruiting enough workers, Xu Haizhou used the loan he had taken out to buy several second-hand overlock machines and cutting tables for the factory, along with various miscellaneous tools—scissors, stools, tables… All second-hand items, as long as they worked, that was good enough.

Finally, they continued putting up big-character recruitment posters at the gate. One particular wage offer caught everyone’s attention—it stated that Anqiao Garment Factory was now looking for several capable designers, with college graduates given priority. The base salary was fifty yuan, with room for increases after becoming permanent staff, and the benefits were good.

But Qiao Lu herself was already an excellent fashion designer, so why was Anqiao still hiring more?

After all, one person’s ability is limited. If she didn’t start training her own designers now, what would happen when the business expanded and competition intensified? Could Qiao Lu really handle everything by herself?

Not only did they need to recruit, but they had to spend big to attract college graduates!

College graduates these days were extremely valuable. Fifty yuan? Even sixty, seventy, eighty, or a full hundred wouldn’t be a loss. Today’s university students were hardworking and capable seedlings—give it twenty or thirty years, and most of them would become leaders in their industries. Truly worth the investment.

So there was no need to be stingy. Not a single cent should be saved where it should be spent.

As expected, once the job posting went out, countless university students came to apply.

Lian City had one Tier-2 university, one Tier-1 university, and two junior colleges, so there was no shortage of university student resources locally. By mid-morning, the couple had already interviewed no fewer than twenty applicants.

Some were from fashion design backgrounds; others weren’t. Even philosophy majors came!

Still, unqualified ones had to be rejected. You couldn’t just hire someone because they were a university graduate.

After a day of training and going over factory rules with the workers, half a month later, at the end of November, Anqiao Factory officially opened for business!

On the first day, with no orders yet, they started by producing inventory for the two Zi Qingtíng storefronts. With plenty of people in the factory, it would take just two days to complete.

But what to do after that? They’d hired all these people; they couldn’t just sit around doing nothing. That would be a huge waste for Xu Haizhou.

So the top priority now was getting orders!

“Haizhou, your main focus now is completing factory tasks. If you need help, just ask Li Hongjun. Don’t run around like a headless chicken trying to do everything by yourself.”

Xu Haizhou said, “If he helps me, what about the store?”

“I’ll handle the store,” Qiao Lu replied.

“You alone? Can you manage?” Xu Haizhou looked at his petite wife with concern.

“There are clerks now; I’m not doing everything myself. Most of the work can be delegated to the employees. I’m more like a supervisor, just overseeing things. What, afraid I’ll get tired?” she teased, elbowing him playfully.

Xu Haizhou shook his head and pulled her into his arms. The night air at the end of October was freezing.

Ever since giving birth to Qiaoqiao, Qiao Lu’s health hadn’t been what it used to be. She caught colds easily. At night, even with a thin quilt, she sometimes felt cold. Even snuggling against Xu Haizhou’s warm body wasn’t enough—she needed an extra blanket.

This was tough on Xu Haizhou, who had to sleep with both feet outside the blanket; otherwise, he’d get too hot to sleep.

Without a word, Qiao Lu tugged the thin blanket downward and lay in the crook of his arm, eyes closed, chatting idly.

“Qiaoqiao is still so little. I’m just worried it’ll be too much for you.” Lately, in their busiest times, Xu Haizhou had even considered hiring a nanny to help take care of the baby. Maybe it was just psychological, but he simply couldn’t trust anyone besides the two of them.

He couldn’t rest easy handing his precious daughter over to anyone else.

But taking such a young baby out with them every day wasn’t a long-term solution either.

“It’s fine, I’ve got a plan.” Qiao Lu, unaware her husband was still worrying over who should care for their daughter, absentmindedly played with his fingers. “Later I’ll recruit a few sharp young folks and train them up. Make a few of them into store managers I can trust. The road has to be walked step by step. If it gets too much, we’ll deal with it slowly. No rush—we’ve got plenty of time.”

They were both still young, with lots of time ahead to try and fail.

“Still want to chat? If not, let’s turn off the light and sleep.” She yawned and reached to switch off the bedside lamp.

Xu Haizhou caught her soft hand and tucked it into his chest. “How about asking your second sister if her mother-in-law can help watch Qiaoqiao? We’ll pay her. She’s already taking care of Zhiwei, so one more kid wouldn’t make a difference. And we’re all family anyway…”

Both Qiao Yan and her husband had jobs. Unless Qiao Yan quit, it was impossible for her to care for a child full-time. So that task had fallen entirely to her mother-in-law.

Qiao Yan’s mother-in-law had a kind disposition. She came from a noble family and, in her older age, had become a warm and gentle lady. During the New Year, when Qiao Lu visited their home, the old lady always treated her with the best food and warm hospitality.

If she could help look after Qiaoqiao, and they gave her a bit of pay—or at least some thoughtful gifts—it probably wouldn’t be a problem.

After thinking it over, Qiao Lu agreed that Xu Haizhou’s suggestion was solid. “Sure, I’ll ask her tomorrow. We don’t need to trouble her every day—just occasionally, when we’re swamped.”

Little Qiaoqiao was friendly and sociable. She smiled with anyone who picked her up, so the couple had never been worried in that regard.

Unlike Qiao An, who, as a baby, would cry with anyone other than Qiao An, Qiao Yan, or Lü Xiuhua holding him. He’d wail until he lost his voice, only stopping when his mother returned.

“Oh right, Anqiao officially opens next week. The most urgent thing now is getting clients. We asked Auntie and the others to help find retailers. I tallied things up yesterday—they found thirteen, all in the south of the city. The order volume probably won’t be big, but that’s okay. We’ll keep promoting. Later, let’s hire a truck driver who owns his own vehicle. Offer a higher wage. The southern routes aren’t far—someone will definitely take the job.”

Xu Haizhou nodded. “Alright, I’ll have Hongjun handle it tomorrow.”

“Mm. Also, tomorrow Mrs. Li invited me to her place to play mahjong. She wants to introduce me to some of her friends. Maybe I’ll ask if she can help connect us with a few clients?”

“Mahjong? Introducing friends?” Xu Haizhou raised an eyebrow. “You two are that close now? Isn’t it a bit too forward to ask something like that?”

Qiao Lu poked his forehead. “I’ll ask subtly. I’m not forcing her or anything. And being able to ask means we are close. If we weren’t, would I even bring it up?”

After thinking it over several times, he finally compromised: “Alright, I know you have it under control. Do as you see fit.”

Still, he couldn’t help but be amazed—his wife’s social skills truly impressed him.

Half a month ago, Yu Fan had mentioned that she wanted her mysterious friend from Hong Kong to treat them to a meal. But since that big shot was always busy with work, things kept getting postponed until the end of November. It was just two days before the factory was set to open when they finally managed to invite the man.

Well, to be precise, it was the big shot who invited them to dinner.

Taking time out of his hectic schedule to host a meal for these “nobodies” was no small gesture.

The meeting was set at the only foreign restaurant in Lian City—Casaam Restaurant.

It was a so-called “high-end restaurant” built specifically for returned overseas Chinese and foreigners. Just like the overseas Chinese shops, entry required identification documents and foreign exchange certificates. Without those, you couldn’t even get in.

Thanks to the big shot’s status, they got to enjoy the place today.

And it was exactly what you’d expect from a high-end place: a massive front door, as tall as two people, with a well-dressed doorman on each side, all in matching uniforms. Whether or not you met the entry requirements, they would first politely smile and ask, “Hello, how many in your party?”

At that point, those in the know would naturally present their credentials and respond smoothly, “xx people.”

Unfortunately, Xu Haizhou and his wife, along with Li Hongjun, didn’t meet the entry criteria at all.

Thankfully, Yu Fan had already come downstairs to wait for them. Just as they arrived, she showed up.

“Sorry to trouble you, but these are my friends. They’re with me.”

It was rare—she hadn’t worn makeup in a long time, but today she’d gone for a heavier look: striking red lips, curled and thick lashes, paired with voluminous chestnut waves. Her hair had grown much longer since they first met two years ago, now reaching below her shoulder blades in large curls.

Anyone seeing her would call her fashionable. And that luxurious coat—one couldn’t help but wonder: which wealthy household did this lady belong to?

The doorman warmly said, “Welcome,” and allowed the three of them to enter.

Yu Fan led them upstairs, and along the way, the grand and opulent decor of the restaurant lobby deeply captivated the trio.

The overall atmosphere of the restaurant could be summed up in one word: luxurious.

In the curved main hall, elegant and neatly arranged upholstered chairs sat under tall, double-layered floor-to-ceiling curtains that exuded extravagance. Quite a few guests were dining—foreigners, Chinese, elders, children—all in various suits and coats…

Though there were many people, unlike Chinese restaurants, it was incredibly quiet here. Almost too quiet. Everyone spoke in hushed tones, only loud enough for their companions to hear, and practically no one else could overhear anything.

This kind of environment was quite… unnerving for Li Hongjun and Xu Haizhou, who were used to the noisy chaos of state-run restaurants. They felt thoroughly out of place.

Though called a “restaurant,” it was actually more of a hotel, with the dining area occupying just the first and second floors.

To one side of the lobby stood a vintage elevator. When it opened, you could see an elevator attendant seated inside, ready to take guests to whichever floor they needed—very much a sign of the times.

In truth, Qiao Lu wasn’t particularly impressed. She’d been to much more extravagant places before she transmigrated. It was the two men who couldn’t stop looking around, eyes full of amazement.

Who said the 1980s were all drab and conservative?

Luxury did exist—it just wasn’t something regular folks like them got to see often.

“Hey, where’s your daughter? Didn’t bring her along?” she asked, hoping to play with the little one.

Qiao Lu pulled her gaze away from the decor and smiled. “Nope, left her with some relatives. Why bring a baby to a dinner like this? If she starts crying, it’ll drive everyone crazy.”

Yu Fan let out a soft laugh and pointed to a private room door about ten meters ahead. “Come on, he’s already here. I’ll take you in.”

Qiao Lu quickened her steps slightly, a little worried. “Has he been waiting long?”

They had agreed to meet at five, and it was now 4:46. She had no idea when he had arrived.

Yu Fan shook her head. “Not really. He just got here too. Put his things down and came downstairs to wait for you. Nice timing, I guess.”

“That’s good.”

They didn’t even need Yu Fan to open the private room door herself—two doormen were stationed at the entrance. After confirming their identities, they allowed them to enter.

What came into view was a man in a tailored suit, seated at the center of the square table.

Not one of those ill-fitting casual suits—this was custom-made. Every seam hugged his frame perfectly, exuding a refined business style. Just one look, and it was clear he wasn’t from the mainland.

Age-wise, he looked to be no younger than thirty-five. The type of mature and elegant man with sharply defined features, like he was carved from stone.

When he looked at you, his gentle smile made you feel like he was kind and warm. But at first glance, Qiao Lu felt an inexplicable trace of… indifference?

She blinked and met his warm gaze. Maybe she was overthinking it.

“Hello.”

“Hello.”

It was their first meeting, and both sides were a bit reserved.

Well, mostly just Qiao Lu. Look at that big shot—sitting there naturally, completely relaxed, like he belonged there. Not a hint of stiffness.

Now look at her own man… well, fine, he seemed pretty comfortable too. Only she and Li Hongjun were visibly uneasy, unsure of what to do with their hands or where to place them.

Which was odd—she’d seen way grander occasions before transmigrating. So why did this real estate mogul make her so nervous?

After thinking about it, she chalked it up to the uniqueness of the era.

Yes, definitely the social climate. Not her problem.

“Junze, let me introduce you. These three are my friends and partners. This is Qiao Lu—we’re basically besties. This is her husband, Xu Haizhou, the brains behind our operations and our biggest shareholder. And this is Li Hongjun, another close friend of mine.”

“And this,” she gestured to the man in the suit, “is my friend from Hong Kong—Yan Junze.”

“Nice to meet you,” came his low voice, rough with the raspiness of a regular smoker.

The couple nodded and smiled in unison. Li Hongjun, hearing his name mentioned, suddenly sat bolt upright.

If he hadn’t partnered with Xu Haizhou, he would’ve never had the chance to benefit from Yu Fan’s connections—never in his wildest dreams did he imagine he’d be dining in the same private room as some big shot from Hong Kong.

His nerves got the better of him—his chopsticks slipped from his hand and clattered loudly onto the tiled floor, the sharp sound echoing in the still room…

Just as the server entered with the dishes, Yan Junze looked up and signaled her to bring a new pair of chopsticks for Li Hongjun.

“No need, no need,” Li Hongjun quickly refused, his words hurried and flustered. “There’s a napkin here. I’ll just wipe them clean.”

Pfft—

Yu Fan didn’t bother saving his pride and laughed out loud. “It’s just a pair of chopsticks, Hongjun. Give them to her.”

The server kept a polite smile on her face the whole time. She took the chopsticks from Li Hongjun’s hand and replaced them with a new pair.

Receiving the new chopsticks, Li Hongjun suddenly realized how embarrassing the situation had been.

In a fancy restaurant like this, how could they possibly let guests use dirty chopsticks?

It was so low of him—so low!

Usually, he could be shameless and smooth-talking in front of clients… but now? Utterly useless.

On the other hand, that couple, Xu Haizhou and his wife, actually managed to put on a convincing act.

His face turned beet red in an instant.

There wasn’t much meaningful conversation to be had anyway. During the meal, Yu Fan worked hard to keep the mood light, constantly trying to find topics of interest.

Most of the conversation centered on career-related things, with the occasional self-deprecating remark about how pitiful and “poor” her life in Lian had been.

After catching a teasing glance from Yan Junze, only then did she switch to a different topic, clearly satisfied.

In the end, the meal didn’t turn into a cold and awkward gathering.

The big shot didn’t speak much; he mostly answered whatever Yu Fan asked and occasionally chatted with the couple about their store and factory. Upon learning that they had started a clothing brand called “Purple Dragonfly,” the look in his eyes toward them changed dramatically from when he had first arrived.

There was appreciation in his eyes, a touch of surprise, and then a faint smile at the corners of his lips—quickly fading.

Toward the end, he kept stealing glances at Yu Fan.

Qiao Lu was quietly watching the two of them from the corner of her eye. Something about the atmosphere between them felt… off?

“This is my business card.”

Tianli Real Estate…

“Since you’re Yu Fan’s friends, you’re also my friends now. As long as I’m in the mainland, if anything comes up, just ask Yu Fan to contact me.”

The implication: if you need anything, go through Yu Fan, and I’ll handle it.

Tsk. Who would believe there’s nothing going on between those two?

Between a man and a woman—unless they’re blood relatives—can it really be all innocent?

“Okay, okay,” Qiao Lu replied with a bright smile, watching as the big shot left the private room.

Yu Fan turned to her companions and said something brief, then went out to see Yan Junze off.

She walked with him to the hotel lobby and then out onto the sidewalk. Suddenly, he stopped and stood right in front of her.

His gaze deepened as he lowered his head and looked at her intently.

“What is it? Come on, I’m heading back up. The bill’s on you,” she said with a frown and turned to leave—only for Yan Junze to reach for her waist.

Yu Fan quickly sidestepped to dodge his touch and stepped back, standing across from him. Her smile was full of meaning. “Mr. Yan, as a married man, maybe keep a little distance. Bye~”

She turned on her heel and walked away gracefully in her little heels—just like her attitude in relationships. She only ever cared about her own happiness, and when she wanted out, she left cleaner than anyone else.

Watching her figure grow smaller as she walked away, it was a long while before Yan Junze turned around and ducked into a Citroën parked by the curb.

They had dinner and chatted with Yan Junze for about an hour and came away with a lot of useful information.

Since he said they were friends, Yan Junze wasn’t stingy and generously shared insights about running a factory and a store.

A lot of it was stuff that would be considered old tricks in the future, and Qiao Lu was already familiar with it. But for locals like Xu Haizhou and Li Hongjun, it was genuinely helpful and eye-opening.

The meal was not only set in a classy environment, but it was also practical. Definitely worth it.

The big shot had urgent matters and left first, leaving the remaining four to enjoy the rest of the meal in the private room.

Once he was gone, everyone finally dared to eat properly. Before that, they had been nibbling cautiously, unsatisfied.

Yu Fan said, “Take your time. If there’s anything you want to order, go ahead. It’s on his tab, don’t hold back.”

“Hehe, in that case, I really won’t be polite,” Li Hongjun said, picking up the menu. “This one, this one, and this one… Oh, and this one too. Actually, bring everything except these three.”

Qiao Lu: “…”

Xu Haizhou: “…”

Yu Fan: Pfft “Li Hongjun, you’re really something. Big spender! Can you even finish all that?”

“If not, we can pack it up. A high-end restaurant like this wouldn’t refuse such a prestigious customer the option to take leftovers home, right?” he said, all confident. “Come on, your friend’s in real estate. You know how much a single building is worth? And in Hong Kong at that! What’s wrong with me eating a little better?”

Yu Fan chuckled. “Fine, fine, eat away. A few hundred bucks is no big deal—as long as I’m not paying.”

The prices here were high, comparable to early-2000s restaurants. Outside at a state-run restaurant, a meat dish wouldn’t cost more than 4 yuan. Here, 40 would be considered cheap.

There were many of them, and with Li Hongjun ordering like crazy, the meal probably ended up costing around 800–900 yuan.

Of course, to Yan Junze, that wasn’t even as much as one of his suits.

“Your friend—what’s his deal? Give us some details.” They hadn’t dared ask much earlier, so now they turned to Yu Fan.

“Well… it’s not much. You saw who he is: a real estate company boss. A small-time one. The big boss is actually his parents. It’s a family business.”

So, he was a rich second-generation.

“He came to the mainland in 1980, hoping to do business in Lian, but the environment here was terrible back then, with too many restrictions. Nothing worked out, so he went back to Hong Kong. Since then, he’s come back now and then but never really got anything done.”

“He came again earlier this year, in ’85. This time, he noticed that things here had improved a lot compared to back then, and now he’s planning to enter the mainland market.”

“What kind of business? Real estate?”

Yu Fan shook her head and sipped some hibiscus soup. “No idea. He didn’t say. Maybe something smaller. Real estate probably still falls under his parents’ control.”

“So how did you meet him if you’re so busy? Are you friends?” Qiao Lu asked.

“How did we meet…” Yu Fan murmured. She set down her spoon, brushed her curled bangs to the side, and suddenly smiled.

Her bold makeup made it hard to guess her age, but from those eyes—eyes full of stories—you could tell she’d lived through a lot.

“Actually…” She leaned lazily into the leather sofa and playfully winked at the three of them.

For a moment, everyone was struck by the illusion of seeing the old Yu Fan from two years ago—flamboyant, wild, and brimming with charisma.

“He’s my ex-boyfriend.”

“Ah???”