Back to the 1970s: Building My Fortune Through Time Trading

Chapter 194: Zhang Dongmei Wants to Perform Solo

Su Xiaoxiao’s mouth twitched slightly; she really did ask the right person.

However, in front of so many people, she couldn’t openly admit that the person selling mini electric sewing machines was her.

She coughed lightly and said, "This thing is a bit smaller than the ones used in factories, so I guess it will be a bit cheaper."

As soon as everyone heard this, they became interested and started discussing.

"I wonder how much it costs for one. If it really exists, I’d like to buy one too."

"Exactly, it’s compact and light, plus it’s electric. It must consume less power than a large sewing machine."

"If it really exists, you’d probably have to go to an Overseas Chinese store to buy it, and you’d need an Overseas Remittance Coupon."

Then someone mentioned that if an Overseas Remittance Coupon was required, many people immediately lost interest.

Money can be saved up with effort, but obtaining an Overseas Remittance Coupon is no easy task.

After discussing for a while without reaching a conclusion, everyone went back to their counters to continue working.

Su Xiaoxiao and a few others also returned to the conference room upstairs to continue discussing their performance plans.

Zhang Yulan was very interested in Su Xiaoxiao’s magic performance, "Xiaoxiao, how do you plan to perform this magic act?"

This question stumped Su Xiaoxiao. She had just thought of using the magic act in the small space of the warehouse but hadn’t considered it thoroughly.

This was the department store’s party, so the theme should naturally revolve around the department store.

In past years, the shows mostly showcased the spirit and demeanor of the salespeople. This could indeed be combined with that.

Su Xiaoxiao thought for a while and suddenly came up with a great idea.

"We can try combining magic with a sitcom."

Qin Shuang asked curiously, "How would that work? It sounds quite interesting."

However, these two things seemed unrelated, so combining them was indeed a challenge.

Su Xiaoxiao thought for a moment and said, "I have an idea. I would start with a magic act, using magic to reveal the props needed for the sitcom. Then, two people would come on stage as salespeople to show off the elegance of our sales staff. Finally, the remaining people would act as customers, demonstrating how our sales staff respond to different customers."

"In our city, there are over thirty department stores, and if each one prepares a show, there’ll be more than thirty shows. If our performance is scheduled later, opening with a magic act could really pique the audience’s curiosity."

Qian Xiaoyan was immediately interested when she heard this, "Sounds great, I like this idea, I support it."

Zhang Yulan nodded in agreement, "It’s quite creative."

Zhang Guoqing, the only man among them, nodded with gentlemanly grace, "I agree too. By the time we perform, the audience will be tired of the traditional shows like poetry recitals and skits."

Only Zhang Dongmei snorted dismissively, "Sounds impressive. I think you just want to show off. If you perform like this, won’t all the attention be on you?"

"What’s so special about a magic act? By the time you’re done, there’ll be nothing left for us. Why do we even need to go on stage?"

Qin Shuang frowned, "Mr. Zhang, that’s not fair. It’s not like only Comrade Su will get the spotlight. Our sitcom can be just as spectacular if performed well. If you have issues, why not do a solo act? Anyway, there’s no limit on the number of acts."

Zhang Dongmei glared angrily, "Fine, I’ll do a solo act. When I impress the leaders, don’t be jealous."

With that, she picked up her bag and said, "You guys take your time practicing; I’m not participating."

Since she planned to perform solo, why should she stay and watch Su Xiaoxiao show off?

She immediately picked up her bag and made to leave, hoping they’d ask her to stay, which she might consider.

She deliberately slowed down her pace as she walked out, but even as she reached the door, no one asked her to stay.

Zhang Dongmei felt even more upset inside. Why did everyone side with Su Xiaoxiao? Was she really worse than her?

Frustrated, she kicked the door frame, not knowing where she hit, sending a sharp pain through her foot.

But not wanting others to laugh at her, she gritted her teeth and limped out.

Inwardly, she vowed to prepare well and outshine everyone else.

Once she left, Su Xiaoxiao cleared her throat and said, "I was just making a suggestion. If anyone has other ideas, feel free to share them so we can discuss. We’re a team, and deciding on what performance we should do needs everyone’s input."

Qian Xiaoyan said, "I’m just here for fun and don’t want to think too hard. Comrade Su, I’ll follow your lead and do whatever you say."

Zhang Yulan chimed in, "Xiaoxiao, I think your idea is great, and I’ll follow your lead too."

There’s no need to mention Qin Shuang; she’s always been Su Xiaoxiao’s little fan, supporting whatever Su Xiaoxiao says with both hands and feet.

The three of them all looked at Zhang Guoqing, the only one yet to express his opinion.

Meeting their gazes, Zhang Guoqing immediately nodded, afraid to be excluded.

"I agree with what Comrade Su said."

Initially, he didn’t really want to participate in this performance, feeling forced into it.

Having someone else plan and him only needing to execute was just perfect for him.

Su Xiaoxiao said, "Since no one has any objections, let’s start rehearsing."

Without any dissent, everyone was enthusiastic and immediately got to work.

Busy times always fly by, and before they knew it, it was time to clock out.

As usual, Qin Shuang and Zhang Yulan left work with Su Xiaoxiao.

The three chatted as they walked.

Zhang Yulan said, "I wonder where we can buy that mini electric sewing machine? It would be quite prestigious to have one at home."

Her family had many children, and to save money, she often bought fabric to make clothes herself.

But without a sewing machine at home, she always had to spend money to have others make clothes.

Lately, she had saved enough money and was planning to buy a sewing machine.

It would be even better if she could buy an electric one directly.

Qin Shuang also chimed in, "Indeed, it sounds so advanced. I wonder if it’s a domestic product."

Su Xiaoxiao, who had a good relationship with both, heard their discussion and, touching her nose, said, "Actually, I have a friend who works at a sewing machine factory. He said there’s indeed a mini electric sewing machine that was just developed, but it hasn’t hit the market yet."