Chen Lishu's cheeks had been abnormally red since the afternoon. Even after washing her face with cold water back at the hotel, her skin still felt hot and painful. She hadn't dared to apply any face cream.
Her skin was like this; it would turn red after being exposed to the sun, and it usually healed in two days.
"It's nothing serious. A night's sleep will help a lot. Once things are settled, I can relax."
This trip, she was out with Nan Haitao. With only Wang Aixiang and Zhao Xingwang at the factory, there was no one to make decisions if any situation arose. Therefore, they couldn't delay for too long.
The next day, leaving Sun Chang behind, Chen Lishu and Nan Haitao went to see Manager Tan.
This time, Chen Lishu brought the pre-prepared clothing samples again. Two sets of clothing from last time hadn't been displayed. She was determined to let the other party see all of them this time. She believed that once Manager Tan saw the products, he would definitely change his mind.
"Knock, knock."
Manager Tan, hearing the knock and the call to enter, frowned instinctively when he saw Chen Lishu and Nan Haitao. "Why are you two here again? I already told you, our department store will not sell anything from your factory. You should go back."
"Manager Tan, we won't take up much of your time. I'm sure you'll agree to carry our brand once you hear my introduction. We are actually..."
"I have other matters to attend to and have an appointment with someone else later. I really don't have time. Please leave quickly." The man waved his hand impatiently.
Chen Lishu quickly said, "When do you have time? We can come back then."
The man's expression turned displeased. "I think I've made myself very clear. I don't want to waste any more words or time. Please leave."
Chen Lishu smiled at him. "Alright, I'll find you when you're not busy."
With that, she and Nan Haitao withdrew from the office.
"His attitude is quite firm. What are your plans now?"
Nan Haitao felt uncomfortable watching Chen Lishu humble herself to beg.
"Actually, entering the store isn't the only path. The factory has just started. If we develop slowly, the brand will eventually take off. Or, as you suggested, after the factory is profitable, we can open our own store here. The costs might be a bit higher, but at least the store would be ours."
Chen Lishu glanced at him and chuckled. "We've only been here twice. He hasn't hit or scolded me. If I give up so easily, how can I do business in the future? I've decided. Since his store carries major brands, I want to sell our factory's clothing here and let everyone know that our Shu Se brand is comparable to international brands. He said he doesn't have time? Then we'll wait outside and talk to him when he comes out."
Nan Haitao stared at her for a long time, then finally shook his head helplessly.
"How did I not realize you were such a persistent person?"
"Just say I'm stubborn," Chen Lishu laughed. "When I was selling hair clips, it was freezing outside, and I'd stand there all day. If I had given up then, I might not be where I am today. So, let's hang in there a bit longer."
The two of them walked out of the store and found a shaded spot to wait.
Time ticked by. The midday sun beat down directly on the ground, and they had nowhere to shelter.
The merciless sun scorched the earth, as if determined to fight to the death.
Chen Lishu wiped the sweat from her forehead. "You must be hungry. I saw a noodle shop ahead when we came. You go eat first, and I'll take over later."
Nan Haitao glanced at her reddened cheeks, didn't refuse, and silently turned to leave.
About ten minutes later, he reappeared before Chen Lishu.
"You finished eating so quickly?"
Nan Haitao nodded and handed her a straw hat he was holding.
"You should wear it to shield yourself. It'll be bad if it gets serious."
Chen Lishu casually placed it on her head. A shadow immediately fell before her eyes, and she couldn't help but laugh. "If I had a fan, my gear would be complete."
As she spoke, she handed the bag in her hand to Nan Haitao. "If you see him coming out, be sure to stop him. Wait for me to come back."
Nan Haitao pursed his lips. "It's the middle of the day. He probably won't come out easily."
Seeing Chen Lishu leave, he quickly said, "That noodle place was really bad. You'd better try somewhere else."
Chen Lishu waved her hand, and her figure quickly disappeared at the street corner.
Tan Yongcheng finished dealing with his current matters and looked at his watch. He realized the time for his appointment was drawing near.
He picked up his briefcase from the desk and stood up to go downstairs.
As soon as he stepped out of the department store, he saw the two of them waiting not far away.
Without even frowning, he strode forward.
Chen Lishu and Nan Haitao saw him come out and quickly grabbed their bags at their feet, chasing after him.
"Manager Tan, do you have any free time now? Just give me ten minutes, and I believe you will change your mind."
"I really don't have time. I have an appointment to discuss business. You should leave."
He happened to reach his parking spot, pulled open the car door, and got in.
Not long after, the car disappeared from their sight.
Seeing that Manager Tan wouldn't be back anytime soon, Chen Lishu looked up at Nan Haitao. "Do you know his home address?"
If all else failed, she would block him at his doorstep. She didn't believe he wouldn't have time then.
Nan Haitao replied, "Since he has an appointment to discuss business, he will likely have social engagements. If he goes back too late, will you still wait?"
Chen Lishu thought about it and agreed. She and Nan Haitao returned to their lodging.
As they passed a pharmacy, she went in again and bought a tube of sunburn cream.
The temperature in Modu was several degrees higher than in the north. The sunburnt areas on her face, which had initially been painful, were now itchy. She didn't dare to joke around with her face.
After washing her face and applying the cream, she had no appetite after being out in the sun all day. She only had a little porridge for dinner and went to bed early.
The next day, she and Nan Haitao continued to wait.
Tan Yongcheng maintained the same attitude, not even wanting to waste a few minutes on the two of them.
"Our store doesn't lack brands. I won't agree to anything you say. Instead of wasting time here with me, you should try harder elsewhere. There are so many department stores in the city; you shouldn't lack me alone."
As soon as he finished speaking, a man entered the office. He was in his forties, with a long face and a slightly plump build. His clothes were wrinkled, likely from a long journey, making him appear travel-worn.
"Manager Tan, I came as soon as I received your call. Weren't things going well before? Why the sudden..."
"Mr. Liu, don't worry. Sit down, and we can talk slowly." The man glanced at Chen Lishu and Nan Haitao as he spoke.
The two of them wisely excused themselves and left.
As they were about to go downstairs after leaving the office, Chen Lishu's steps suddenly stopped.
"That man who just went in, he's probably similar to us, right?"
Nan Haitao involuntarily stopped too. Recalling their conversation, he nodded. "It seems so."