Chapter 276: The Last Way Out
"Sister Nian, Xinyue has probably told you already. I’m here representing my family’s clothing factory, and I’m hoping to buy the design sketches you have."
Zhuo Jiayin had felt a little hesitant before coming here, but after seeing Shen Nian in person, all her doubts vanished.
She had already been deeply impressed when she saw Lu Xinyue’s dress, but the design of the one Shen Nian was wearing now was even more brilliant!
And it was obvious that all of these were Shen Nian’s own creations.
’If she could secure a partnership with Shen Nian, their factory could produce clothes this beautiful. Sales would be guaranteed to soar!’
"As far as I know, every clothing factory has its own designers. And I’m not a professional designer, so why did you seek me out?"
"You’re right, Sister Nian. Our family’s factory does have its own designers. But I just love your designs, and I believe that any girl who sees clothes this beautiful will find them irresistible! If you’re willing to work with our factory, your designs are sure to be a massive success!"
Zhuo Jiayin had been immersed in her family’s business since she was a child. Despite her young age, she had a sharp eye and could clearly see the value in Shen Nian’s designs.
"And what if I’m not willing to sell my designs?"
"Sister Nian, please don’t be so quick to refuse. Rest assured, we would never take advantage of you. We’ll buy the sketches at the industry standard rate—no, we’ll pay thirty percent *above* the standard rate. How does that sound?"
Hearing Shen Nian’s reluctance to sell, Zhuo Jiayin grew anxious. She had a gut feeling that if she lost this opportunity, she would regret it for the rest of her life.
"If I’m not mistaken, business at your family’s clothing factory hasn’t been doing so well recently, has it?"
"How could you know that, Sister Nian?"
Zhuo Jiayin froze at Shen Nian’s words. She had never told Shen Nian about her family’s factory. ’How could she possibly...’
"It wasn’t hard to figure out. You’re so desperate to buy my designs, and you’re willing to pay a premium. It reminds me of the saying about burning your boats. Perhaps you see me as your factory’s last hope?"
"Sister Nian..."
The color drained from Zhuo Jiayin’s face. She never imagined that the situation she had tried so hard to conceal would be seen through so completely by Shen Nian.
"Your offer is generous. But I imagine if I were to partner with other clothing factories, I could get a similar deal, maybe even a better one. Wouldn’t you agree?"
Zhuo Jiayin’s expression fell. She knew Shen Nian was absolutely right.
’But if Shen Nian chose to work with another factory, then her family’s factory...’
Zhuo Jiayin gave a bitter smile. "Sister Nian, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to hide it from you. The situation at our family’s factory is dire. Orders have dropped, inventory is piling up... If we can’t find a way out soon, the factory might not survive."
By the time Zhuo Jiayin finished, her eyes were red-rimmed. Seeing her friend in such a state, Lu Xinyue’s face was filled with distress.
She hadn’t said a word during the exchange between Shen Nian and Zhuo Jiayin, but now, Lu Xinyue couldn’t hold back any longer. She knew she shouldn’t interfere, but she still wanted to plead on her good friend’s behalf.
"Sister-in-law..."