Shanghai in the Republican Era

Chapter 94 Exquisite Attire: A Legendary Business Journey in the Republic of China – A Difficult Pat

Splendid Costumes: Lin Fangfei and Gu Zixuan's Turbulent Republican Era

Business journey is full of ups and downs

The morning sun shone on the textile factory buildings. I stood by the office window, watching the busy workers outside, but my heart was filled with worry. Recently, the textile factory's orders have plummeted, and many low-priced imitations have suddenly appeared on the market. Their rough workmanship and cheap fabrics, however, have stolen many of our customers because of their price advantage.

I frowned, my fingers unconsciously twisting the hem of my clothes. "Zixuan, this can't go on, we have to think of something." I turned to look at Gu Zixuan sitting on the sofa. Today he was wearing a dark gray suit, his hair was neatly combed, making him look even more handsome.

Gu Zixuan raised his head, his eyes filled with determination. "Fangfei, I've already sent people to investigate the source of those counterfeit products. I suspect someone is deliberately targeting us." He stood up, walked to my side, and gently took my hand.

Feeling the warmth from his hand, I felt a little relieved. "I hope we can find out as soon as possible; our fashion sample launch can't be delayed any longer." I took a deep breath, and images of those meticulously designed samples flashed through my mind.

Just then, my assistant, Xiaomin, rushed into the office. "Ms. Lin, Mr. Gu, something terrible has happened! A shipment of our important fabric has gone missing during transport." Xiaomin's face was full of anxiety.

My eyes widened, and my heart tightened. "How could this be? That batch of fabric is crucial to our new product design!" I couldn't help but raise my voice a few decibels.

Gu Zixuan frowned, his expression turning serious. "Xiaomin, go and find the person in charge of transportation. We need to find out what happened."

Xiaomin nodded, turned, and quickly left. I paced back and forth in my office, my mind a jumbled mess. "Zixuan, someone is definitely behind this, trying to sabotage our plans."

Gu Zixuan looked at me with a hint of worry in his eyes. "Fangfei, don't worry too much, we can definitely handle it." He tried to comfort me, but I could tell he was also very worried.

A moment later, Old Wang, who was in charge of the transport, was brought in. His clothes were worn and his face was covered in dust. He walked in with his head down. "Miss Lin, Mr. Gu, I don't know what happened. Our car was suddenly stopped on the road by a group of people. They had guns, and we didn't dare to resist. They just stole all the fabric." Old Wang's voice trembled slightly.

I clenched my fists in anger. "Did those people say anything?"

Old Wang shook his head. "They didn't say anything, they just took the things and left."

Gu Zixuan pondered for a moment and said, "Old Wang, you can go now. We'll handle this."

Old Wang left the office with a sigh of relief. I looked at Gu Zixuan and said, "Zixuan, what should we do now? Without that batch of fabric, our new product launch will be canceled."

Gu Zixuan gently patted my shoulder. "Fangfei, we still have some stock of fabric. Although it's not enough, we can adjust the design and make some samples using the existing fabric."

I knew this was the only way right now, and although I felt a bit helpless, I nodded. "That's all we can do."

Over the next few days, the designers and I worked day and night to revise the design. Looking at the samples pieced together with the limited amount of fabric, I was filled with regret. These samples were far from the perfect ones I had initially envisioned.

One day, I was checking the progress of sample production in the workshop when I suddenly heard a commotion outside. I went out and saw a group of workers gathered together, seemingly arguing about something.

I stepped forward and asked, "What happened?"

A worker saw me and said, "Ms. Lin, these people say they're here to collect debts, but we don't owe them any money."

I looked at the so-called debt collectors; they were wearing black short-sleeved shirts and had fierce eyes. "Who are you? When did we owe you money?" I asked, frowning.

One of the leaders sneered. "Miss Lin, don't play dumb. You owe our boss money. If you don't pay it back today, don't blame us for being impolite."

A surge of anger welled up inside me. "We don't know your boss at all; you must have made a mistake."

But the man wouldn't let it go. "We can't be wrong, you have to pay us back today."

Just as the two sides were at an impasse, Gu Zixuan arrived. He looked at the group and said, "Go back and tell your boss that if there's any misunderstanding, we can sit down and talk it over. But if you're here to cause trouble on purpose, we're not afraid of you."

Those people exchanged glances, seemingly wary of Gu Zixuan's imposing presence, and after snorting, they turned and left.

I watched their retreating figures, my mind filled with questions. "Zixuan, what exactly is going on?"

Gu Zixuan's expression was grave. "Fangfei, it seems our enemies are becoming increasingly unscrupulous. I'm worried they might have more tricks up their sleeves."

I bit my lip. "No matter who they are, we cannot be defeated."

In order to prepare for the potential for further crises, Gu Zixuan and I decided to hold a small investment promotion meeting in advance to secure some orders and stabilize the situation.

On the day of the investment promotion conference, I wore a light blue cheongsam of my own design, embroidered with delicate plum blossom patterns. My hair was styled in a bun, adorned with a silver hairpin. Gu Zixuan, on the other hand, wore a black swallowtail coat, making him appear even more elegant.

The investment promotion meeting was held in a small reception room, where we invited some businesses that had previously expressed interest in cooperation. I stood on the stage and introduced our textile factory and new samples to everyone.

"Dear business colleagues, although we have recently encountered some difficulties, our textile factory has excellent workers and unique design concepts. These samples, though produced under challenging circumstances, also represent our innovative spirit." I tried to make my voice sound confident.

However, the merchants in the audience reacted coldly. A merchant dressed in a silk robe stood up. "Miss Lin, your sample is indeed good, but there are too many imitations on the market now, and they are much cheaper. What advantages do you have that would make us choose you?"

My heart tightened; this was exactly the question I was most worried about. Just as I was about to answer, Gu Zixuan stepped forward. “Everyone,” he said, “our advantage lies in quality. Our fabrics are carefully selected, and our workmanship is impeccable. While those imitations may be cheaper, their quality cannot be guaranteed. Moreover, we have new design concepts and will continuously launch new styles.”

Gu Zixuan's words did not seem to sway the businessmen; they continued to whisper among themselves, their faces showing hesitation.

Just as the investment promotion meeting reached a stalemate, a young man suddenly walked in. He was wearing a white suit and gold-rimmed glasses, and looked very refined.

“Miss Lin, Mr. Gu, I am very interested in your textile factory.” His voice was clear and pleasant.

Gu Zixuan and I exchanged a glance, both of us a little puzzled. "May I ask who you are?" I asked.

The young man smiled and said, "My name is Su Jinran, and I've returned from abroad. I saw some new textile technologies and management concepts overseas, and I think your textile factory has great potential. I'd like to cooperate with you."

I was secretly pleased, but also a little doubtful. "Mr. Su, why did you choose us?"

Su Jinran adjusted her glasses. "I did some research on your textile factory before I returned to China. I know you are facing difficulties now, but I believe these difficulties are temporary. Moreover, I admire your perseverance and innovative spirit."

Gu Zixuan looked at Su Jinran and asked, "Mr. Su, how do you plan to cooperate?"

Su Jinran said, "I can provide some funding and new technology to help you improve your production processes and increase efficiency. At the same time, I can also use my connections abroad to help you open up international markets."

The suggestion was tempting to both Gu Zixuan and me, but we also knew we couldn't easily trust others. "Mr. Su, it sounds very appealing, but we need some time to consider it," I said.

Su Jinran nodded. "Of course, I hope you can give me a reply as soon as possible." After saying that, he left a business card and left.

After the investment promotion meeting, Gu Zixuan and I returned to the office. "Zixuan, do you think this Su Jinran is trustworthy?" I asked.

Gu Zixuan sat in his chair, deep in thought. "I find his proposal very appealing, but we must be cautious. After all, our current situation is dangerous, and we can no longer easily trust others."

I sat across from him, my chin resting on my hands. "But if he can really help us, it would be a huge opportunity for us."

Just as we were hesitating, Xiaomin rushed in again. "Miss Lin, Mr. Gu, something terrible has happened! Our warehouse is on fire!"

Gu Zixuan and I were shocked and immediately stood up and ran towards the warehouse. Thick smoke billowed from the warehouse, flames raged, and workers were working hard to put out the fire.

"How could it suddenly catch fire?" I shouted anxiously.

Gu Zixuan's face darkened. "Someone must have deliberately set the fire."

Watching the raging fire, my heart was filled with despair. I didn't know how much damage this fire would cause us. And the mastermind behind it all remained hidden in the shadows, ready to deliver a fatal blow at any moment.

"Splendid Costumes: Lin Fangfei and Gu Zixuan's Turbulent Republican Era"

Survival in a Dilemma

Gazing at the raging fire engulfing the warehouse, my heart felt as if it were being consumed by the flames. Through the billowing smoke, I saw the workers desperately trying to put out the fire, their faces filled with anxiety and helplessness. Gu Zixuan gripped my hand tightly; his palms were also sweaty, and I could feel his anger and worry.

"Fangfei, we can't be defeated like this," Gu Zixuan said through gritted teeth, his eyes burning with an indomitable flame.

I fought back tears and nodded. "Yes, we must find the mastermind behind this." My voice was hoarse with anger and smoke.

The fire was finally extinguished, leaving the warehouse in ruins. Much of the fabric and nearly completed samples were destroyed. I walked into the warehouse, gazing at the devastation, my heart filled with grief. This was the culmination of so much of our hard work, all gone in an instant.

Just then, my good friend and assistant Xiaolan ran over. Her hair was a little messy, and her face was covered in soot. "Fangfei, what are we going to do? Our order isn't finished yet. How are we going to explain this to the client?" Xiaolan's voice was trembling with tears.

I gently patted her shoulder. "Xiaolan, don't panic. Let's take stock of the losses first, and then think of a solution." Although I said this, I was actually quite confused myself.

Gu Zixuan calmly directed the workers to clear the rubble, his expression serious and focused. I knew he was suppressing his inner pain, trying to give everyone confidence.

During the inventory of losses, we discovered that the damage was far more severe than we had imagined. Not only were the fabrics and samples gone, but some crucial production equipment was also destroyed in the fire. This was undoubtedly adding insult to injury for our textile factory.

I sat in my office, staring at the pile of losses, feeling like my head was about to explode. Gu Zixuan walked in and brought me a cup of hot tea. "Fangfei, have some tea. Don't worry too much. We still have a chance."

I took the tea, but had no appetite for it. "Zixuan, we're short on funds right now, our equipment is broken, and our orders are going to be delayed. What are we going to do?" I frowned, my eyes full of worry.

Gu Zixuan sat across from me, pondered for a moment, and then said, "I think we can first take out a loan from the bank to repair the equipment and purchase raw materials. Then we can communicate with the customers, try to gain their understanding, and extend the delivery time of the order."