Chapter 004: A Scheme Targeting the Future Queen of Small Commodities

Qin Yuelan was a girl raised in the countryside, her parents both worked in a factory. Six years ago, a factory collapse buried her parents beneath the rubble. At fifteen, she was forced to leave school, take their places, and start working at the factory herself.

As she grew older, her appearance transformed as well—she became increasingly pretty. Sweet and gentle, she naturally attracted attention from many people. Just last year, she was both openly and subtly harassed by the deputy factory director. With her fiery temper, she slapped him across the face and ran from the factory. The next day, she received notice of her dismissal.

It was 1992, and the wave of entrepreneurship was sweeping across the country, with tales of overnight fortunes spreading everywhere. In order to survive, Qin Yuelan took her 4,000 yuan and headed to the coastal regions, but within less than a year, she returned home in defeat.

Though she hadn’t made any money, she had learned many cutting-edge techniques from the coast. Upon returning to Xiyan, Qin Yuelan bought her own equipment and opened a handmade accessories shop, focusing on custom jewelry. She thought this would be the turning point in her life, but instead, it became the prelude to a nightmare.

Her products were exquisite but lacked appeal; even selling at cost price, she couldn’t move them. Four months had passed, her capital was depleted, and she didn’t even have the next month’s rent. The anxiety left her mouth full of ulcers.

On the morning of July 9th, after a sleepless night, Qin Yuelan opened her shop for business. Eating breakfast and listening to a radio report about the coastal economy, she waited two hours before her first customer entered.

“Hello, what kind of accessory would you like to customize?”

Qin Yuelan immediately stood up. “You’re welcome to share your ideas—I once worked as a designer in a coastal city and have extensive jewelry design experience.”

Zhang Tianfeng glanced around and shook his head. “No need, I have my own design and materials. Can I use your machines?”

Coming to a custom jewelry store just to borrow equipment—what else could that be but disruption? In the past, with her temper, Qin Yuelan would have thrown Zhang Tianfeng out. But now, pressed to the edge, every penny was precious.

“All right, ten yuan for equipment wear and tear.”

“Ten yuan? That’s a bit much. I’m leaving.”

“Wait, wait, we can discuss this.”

Qin Yuelan pulled Zhang Tianfeng further into the shop and extended a hand. “Five yuan, give me your design and I’ll replicate your piece perfectly.”

“So your claim to be a designer is false after all.” With that single remark, Zhang Tianfeng reminded her of the industry’s unspoken rules.

Small jewelry pieces are highly replicable; an expert can make something similar just by glancing at it. That’s why industry professionals strictly avoid looking at samples or asking for designs, even if there’s no profit involved.

With her careless words, she had revealed herself entirely.

“No matter, it’s better that you’re not a designer. I was worried you’d tamper with my equipment.” Zhang Tianfeng raised a finger. “One yuan. I’m making just one piece; if that’s fine, great. If not, I’ll go elsewhere.”

“That’s fine.” Qin Yuelan asked, “Is this piece a gift?”

“What else? Am I supposed to wear it myself? My family would kill me!” Zhang Tianfeng replied with a laugh.

Qin Yuelan nodded in agreement. Information in their hometown was relatively closed off, and customs weren’t as open as in the coastal cities, where plenty of boys had pierced ears and wore jewelry. At home, if someone dared do that, they’d be in for a beating.

Zhang Tianfeng sat down and said, “The Qixi Festival is next month. I want to prepare a gift early for my girlfriend, but I have to go to Deep City for a design competition, so I need to make it ahead of time.”

“Are you really a designer?”

“I’m not. Please turn around, I need to get started.”

If you’re not a designer, why enter a design competition? Qin Yuelan thought for a moment, then moved a stool to sit in front of him, back turned, and began probing.

“You’re quite handsome. Are you still a student? Your face is so smooth.”

“Mm, I’ve already graduated.”

“How lucky. I wanted to study, but couldn’t. Now I’m trapped in this shop, and I have no idea where to go next.”

Qin Yuelan didn’t have many friends, and after offending the village’s deputy factory director, she had even fewer. She’d gone to the coast and returned to open a shop, and now she found herself with no one to talk to. Constant worries about business had even thrown her period into chaos. Finally, a customer had come in, and she treated Zhang Tianfeng as a confidant.

“Your business concept is good, but it doesn’t suit Xiyan.”

“So you can see where the problem lies?” Qin Yuelan’s excitement flared.

Advice from an industry insider might not save her shop, but at least it could offer another path.

“I see the issue, but I can’t tell you.” Zhang Tianfeng changed the subject. “Everyone’s running off to the coast, why did you come back?”

Qin Yuelan lowered her head and gave a bitter smile. “How long could a girl like me survive out there with no support?”

Beauty was a curse; even if she dressed herself down, harassment was unavoidable. While looking for a job by the sea, she was nearly tricked by someone who claimed to be from her hometown. If she hadn’t been cautious, she might never have made it back.

“That’s right—the more alluring the place, the more dangerous it is. You’re brave and smart; I believe you’ll be wealthy someday.”

“I’ll take your word for it.”

They exchanged a few more words. Zhang Tianfeng answered selectively, occasionally revealing tidbits about jewelry design and business style. The way he stopped just short drove Qin Yuelan nearly mad.

Ten minutes later, he finished the jewelry. “Here’s your one yuan,” he said, placing the red note on the table and heading for the door.

On his way out, he caught sight of a familiar figure going door to door in search of someone.

“Handsome, leaving so soon? Won’t you stay a bit longer?” Qin Yuelan was still reluctant. “Or I won’t charge you—just chat with me for a while?”

Zhang Tianfeng stopped in the doorway and replied loudly on purpose, “No time. I have to find my girlfriend. If I’m late, she’ll be angry.”

Qin Yuelan’s face fell. She nodded. “All right, I won’t keep you. If you have time, come by again—just give me a few pointers.”

“Zhang Tianfeng, get over here. I have something to say to you.”

Here it was—the leading lady of today’s drama had arrived. The real show was about to begin.