Read Novel Full Chapter 137
Chapter 137 : Old and Pretty
Li Qin, a regular customer, introduced her cousin to Jiang Li, and they arranged to meet. The girl showed up in a fashionable outfit sheepskin boots, a coat, and black tights but her tone was condescending.
“I heard your clothing store makes a lot of money every month, several thousand, right?”
As she spoke, she glanced at Wang Juan’s account book. Wang Juan’s face darkened immediately, and she covered the book. “Stay away. Do you think you can just look at this?”
“What’s wrong with taking a look? I need to know if this job makes money or not. If it’s just a few cents a month, I’d rather stay home doing nothing!”
The girl picked up one of the clothes hanging on the wall and tried it on. “Employees can wear the clothes here for free, right?”
By this point, Jiang Li had already decided against hiring her but maintained her composure. Smiling politely, she said, “Miss, I don’t think this place is suitable for you. I suggest you look for another job.”
The girl threw her handbag on the counter and said indignantly, “What is this? My cousin is one of your regular customers, and you don’t even give her this courtesy? Believe it or not, I’ll tell her to stop shopping here altogether!”
Jiang Li, now visibly upset, retorted, “Miss, didn’t your cousin tell you we’re hiring a barber apprentice, not a salesperson?”
The girl seemed taken aback. “But isn’t the barber shop next door? Your clothing store looks short-staffed too. Can’t I work here instead?”
She had it all planned out, working at the clothing store would let her wear beautiful clothes for free and earn a decent income. And with so many customers coming in, she could take advantage and pocket some extra money on the side.
Though she wasn’t fond of working for a self-employed business owner, the potential benefits made it tolerable.
Jiang Li firmly said, “Our clothing store isn’t hiring. And from what I see, your family seems well off. Being an apprentice is tough work. You’re just starting out, and you won’t make much at first. I don’t think you’re suited for this kind of hardship. I suggest you look elsewhere.”
The polite rejection left the girl stunned. Despite not being sent to the countryside like others, she had no job prospects. With two older brothers, it wasn’t her turn to inherit her retired parents’ positions.
She spent most of her allowance on food and clothes. Now that her brothers were old enough to marry, the family was pressed for space and eager to match her with a suitor to free up the house.
Her cousin had suggested applying to Jiang Li’s store, thinking a job might make her more appealing for blind dates and allow her to rent her own place. But now that plan was ruined.
The girl wanted to argue but was quickly ushered out by Wang Juan.
Wang Juan grumbled as she wrote in the account book, “What kind of person was that?”
Meanwhile, Jiang Li was sorting through clothes Wang Juan had brought over. She picked up a child’s vest with a blue-and-yellow pattern, adorned with colorful buttons. The soft, delicate design caught her attention.
“Xiao Juan, how’s your sister’s leg?” Jiang Li asked.
Wang Juan smiled. “Thanks to your recommendation, boss, Dr. Yue performed the surgery, and it was a success. He said she can have the cast removed in half a month.”
“I’ll visit her at home tomorrow.”
“No need, boss. You’re already so busy, and with your pregnancy, it’d be too tiring for you to make the trip. My sister said she’d come to thank you herself once she’s fully recovered.”
Since Wang Fen joined them, Wang Juan had become noticeably happier and more cheerful. She had gained a little weight and even hummed while working.
Wang Fen, knowing Jiang Li was pregnant, often made small hats, socks, and other items for the baby and sent them over through Wang Juan.
Wang Juan treated Jiang Li like a fragile treasure, rushing to take care of all the heavy tasks so Jiang Li wouldn’t strain herself. Both sisters were genuinely kind.
Lately, Jiang Li only needed to check the store’s accounts at the end of the day and reconcile them weekly.
Wang Juan kept an eye on the inventory, informing Jiang Li about which products sold well and which didn’t. Together, they managed the store with care and efficiency.
Chen Xianyun often helped out in the store as well. She had a general sense of the store’s daily sales, and with her overseeing things and reconciling accounts in the evenings, errors were rare.
Jiang Li made sure to treat everyone fairly. She paid Chen Xianyun the same salary as Wang Juan, and Wang Juan also received significant commissions each month.
At first, Chen Xianyun was hesitant to accept the money, but Jiang Li persuaded her by taking her to get her hair done and teaching her about makeup and clothing coordination.
What woman doesn’t enjoy feeling beautiful? Shortly after moving to Haicheng, Chen Xianyun looked in the mirror and realized she looked over ten years younger. This newfound confidence helped her embrace the idea of earning a salary.
With three days left until Chinese New Year, the store was bustling with customers. Zhu Zhu and a few locals came to lend a hand.
By noon, Chen Xianyun finally took her first sip of water after hours of work. She was exhausted and sighed deeply in relief.
Just then, an older man in his sixties entered the store. He was short, had a protruding belly, a perpetually flushed face, and was smoking a cigarette.
Wang Juan approached him and said, “Uncle, smoking isn’t allowed in the store. Please put out your cigarette.”
The man, known as Grandpa Gu, grumbled, “What’s the big deal? The supply and marketing cooperative doesn’t have so many rules. It’s just a small private business!”
Noticing Chen Xianyun sitting nearby, Grandpa Gu forced a smile and said, “Big sister, you haven’t eaten yet. Why don’t you come to my house for lunch?”
With her retro curls and light lipstick, Chen Xianyun looked like she was in her early thirties.
Zhu Zhu leaned over to Jiang Li and whispered, “Lizi, I feel like that old man has ulterior motives. He seems to be after your mother-in-law.”
Grandpa Gu flashed a grin, revealing teeth stained yellow and black from years of smoking.
Disgusted, Chen Xianyun covered her nose and said, “Why does your breath smell like something’s died in there?”
Embarrassed, Grandpa Gu chuckled nervously. “Oh, I didn’t realize. I’ll brush my teeth next time. My mouth isn’t dirty!”
He added, “Big sister, come out for a meal with me. I’ve already bought the food, just come to my house and show off your cooking skills!”
Chen Xianyun laughed in disbelief. It turned out his invitation wasn’t for her to enjoy a meal but to come over and cook it herself.
“No thanks. We’re not even related. Why would I go to your house? Are you here to buy clothes or not? If not, get out of the store, you’re interrupting my work.”
Undeterred, Grandpa Gu tried again. “Sister, don’t be so harsh. I’m sincere. My wife passed away, and your husband is gone too. We’d be a perfect match!”
Jiang Li, overhearing this, calmly picked up the phone and called Limin Restaurant. In a soft, pleasant voice, she said, “Hello, this is the clothing store. I’d like to order roast goose, braised pork chops with scallions, braised prawns, and sweet-and-sour spare ribs. Also, a winter melon meatball soup, pickled beans with minced meat, and two green vegetables. Please deliver it as soon as possible.”
She recited the elaborate menu without missing a beat. Grandpa Gu scowled inwardly, cursing her extravagance.
‘What kind of person is this?’ he thought bitterly. ‘Spending money like water, even providing meals for her staff. And with food delivered straight to the store, how am I supposed to invite her mother-in-law over for dinner? What a spoiler!’