Chapter 10: The Flowing Lake Blue

The next day, Li juan woke early and dragged Tao Yu to the largest private market in North City, where they rented a prime stall at the entrance—though the rent wasn’t cheap. Together, they set up a wooden rack to hang the handmade garments, a suggestion by Tao Yu.

A line of colorful dresses neatly displayed on the rack immediately drew attention, even before any shouting or promotions.

Tao Yu herself became the highlight. She was wearing a lake-blue sleeveless dress, tailored to perfection. The fitted bodice, flaring into a crisp ruffle hem at the bottom, accentuated her slender waist and long legs. The lake-blue fabric further brightened her already fair skin, making her look radiant and captivating.

Her presence was so striking that the dress on her seemed like a designer showcase, instantly winning admiration from the women crowding around.

“Oh my, this dress looks stunning on you!”
“Where did you get it? It’s so elegant!”

The commotion quickly turned into a frenzy, with the women eager to know the price.

When Li Juan announced the dresses were priced between 20 and 35 yuan each, some of the enthusiasm dimmed.

“Your dresses are nice, but they’re pricier than those at the supply cooperative,” someone muttered.
“Yeah, we’re sincere buyers, but can’t you set a more reasonable price?”

Li Juan unfazed, followed Tao Yu’s guidance. She calmed the crowd first, then began a pitch:

“Our designs are the latest and most fashionable, inspired by styles straight out of Hong Kong fashion magazines. The fabric is also sourced from Hong Kong. Each piece is unique, limited in quantity. First come, first served.”

To seal the deal, she unveiled a white dress with red polka dots, the only one displayed. The bold pattern and exquisite tailoring immediately captivated the onlookers.

“Oh my! This fabric is so vibrant, and the design is exquisite!”
“Indeed, it’s quite stylish. It might actually be Hong Kong material!”

In reality, Li Juan had made ten of these dresses (excluding Tao Yu’s), but Tao Yu had advised her to bring only one to the market as a centerpiece.

The strategy worked. The uniqueness of the polka-dot dress solidified Li Juan credibility. The crowd, fearing they might miss out, began to grab dresses without haggling over the price.

As for the polka-dot dress, the demand was overwhelming. Since it was the only piece, Tao Yu suggested a bidding system after the other garments had sold, ensuring fairness. The crowd, though disappointed, agreed.

The ready-made dresses were all free-size and beautifully crafted. The bright colors and fashionable designs stood out in an era where such clothes were rare.

Though Tao Yu provided some guidance, most of the designs were Li Juan own creation, inspired by sketches from books and observations at foreign trade booths. Her craftsmanship and efficient use of fabric left Tao Yu impressed. Li juan’s talent in tailoring was undeniable.

Elsewhere, Xiao Zhang was driving when he spotted Tao Yu amidst the bustling market crowd.

“Boss Song, isn’t that the young lady from before? The one who sold vegetables near the factory? Now she’s selling clothes—talk about resourceful!”

Song Hecheng, seated in the back, glanced briefly at the scene before returning to his paperwork. In his usual calm tone, he reminded Xiao Zhang, “Focus on the road.”

Xiao Zhang immediately straightened up, no longer daring to comment.

Little did he know that this “young lady” not only sold vegetables and clothes but also worked as a food server in his boss’s factory canteen. Resourceful, indeed.

In the back seat, Song Hecheng paused his reading, recalling the vivid lake-blue figure bargaining with customers. Compared to her reserved demeanor in the canteen, she seemed much livelier here, more spirited.

Back at the market, Li juan’s business was booming until an aggressive customer appeared.

A middle-aged woman with short hair and a black leather handbag pushed her way to the front. Judging by her demeanor and attire, she seemed well-off—leather bags weren’t cheap, and most people still carried wicker baskets for shopping.

The woman pointed at the polka-dot dress and barked, “That one—I’m taking it!”

Li Juan politely explained the dress was reserved for bidding later since many people were interested.

The woman, unimpressed, waved her leather bag dismissively and raised her voice impatiently.

“Spare me the nonsense! I don’t haggle. Give it to me now—I don’t have all day!”

Her arrogance drew murmurs of disapproval from the surrounding women. Some rolled their eyes, others muttered sarcastic remarks loud enough for her to hear.

“Oh, look at her, thinking she’s the only one with money!”
“Exactly! Swinging that leather bag around like she’s better than everyone—what a show-off!”

But this woman was arrogant, her eyes practically on her forehead, and she wouldn’t budge no matter what. Oil and salt couldn’t penetrate her stubbornness. She was determined to have that polka-dot dress, ignoring all the murmurs and insults around her as if no one else existed.Tao Yu simply smiled at her, then calmly picked up the white dress with red polka dots.