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

Chapter 220: Advanced Salesperson Election

Su Xiaoxiao: "Oh."

As a newcomer, she thought it wouldn’t be her turn, and regarding matters unrelated to herself, Su Xiaoxiao was generally not very interested.

Zhang Yulan didn’t expect such a lukewarm response, and couldn’t help but add: "Being selected comes with a bonus."

Hearing about a bonus, Su Xiaoxiao showed a slight interest: "How much?"

Zhang Yulan mysteriously held up five fingers.

Su Xiaoxiao: "Fifty?"

Zhang Yulan shook her head: "Five yuan."

Su Xiaoxiao: "..."

The leaders of their department store were too stingy. She might as well spend the effort selling more items.

"It’s not so much about the money; it’s about the honor. When the selected salesperson receives the award, it’ll be personally presented by Director Song from the municipal supply, which is quite an honor."

In those times, people had a strong sense of honor, but unfortunately, Su Xiaoxiao wasn’t from that era and thought differently.

She figured that those superficial things weren’t as practical as more money.

"Let me tell you, as long as you perform well, even a new salesperson has a chance to be selected."

Zhang Yulan was excited, "I must perform well because if I’m selected, it’ll be a family honor."

Due to the evaluation, all the salespeople were extremely enthusiastic and motivated, acting like they’d been injected with adrenaline.

Su Xiaoxiao couldn’t help but sigh at the simplicity of people’s thoughts in those times.

After busying for a while, Zhang Yulan poked her: "Xiaoxiao, there’s something I want to ask you for help with, okay?"

"Sister Zhang, we’re like family, why are you so formal? As long as it’s something I can help with, I surely will."

Zhang Yulan was a bit embarrassed: "It’s about my brother-in-law’s country girl who wants to find a job in the city; can you ask if the cafeteria still lacks people? She’s definitely diligent and capable."

Recently, the cafeteria business was booming, so much so that even some leading cadres were dining there.

For a time, Liu Cuilan and Xu Zhaodi were indeed a bit overwhelmed.

During holidays, the two younger brothers were dragged in to help, complaining about it.

Though it was just the lunch rush, those two were definitely busy enough.

According to Liu Cuilan and Xu Zhaodi, they definitely wouldn’t want to hire more people, because each additional person would mean less profit.

But seeing how the two had visibly become worn out after just a few days, Su Xiaoxiao couldn’t help but feel a little pity for them.

She immediately agreed: "Alright, no problem, I’ll ask tonight, but Sister Zhang, you mustn’t tell anyone else."

Last time, a large group of salespeople had also wanted to ask for her help, but she’d declined. If people found out she only helped Sister Zhang, it would be hard to justify.

Zhang Yulan nodded repeatedly: "Don’t worry, I’m not that kind of person."

They had a good relationship, and Su Xiaoxiao was happy to help, especially since Zhang Yulan wasn’t the type to talk excessively.

Just as they were talking, a customer arrived, and Zhang Yulan hurried back to her counter.

At that moment, a man who looked around thirty walked over to Su Xiaoxiao’s counter: "Comrade, I want to ask, do you have shampoo here that treats hair loss?"

Su Xiaoxiao enthusiastically suggested: "Uncle, you can inquire at the cosmetic counter over there."

Upon hearing "Uncle," the man’s face instantly turned green: "What ’Uncle’? I’m only 22 this year."

Su Xiaoxiao: "..."

Wow, this guy looked quite aged, like he was nearly her mom’s age.

The man walked away looking gloomy but soon returned with a drooping face, seemingly having failed to find the shampoo.

Su Xiaoxiao was puzzled; she remembered that the anti-hair loss shampoo sold to the First Detergent Factory was quite popular. Could it be that their department store had run out of stock?

During their lunch break, she asked Zhang Yulan about the situation.

"You’re referring to the popular anti-hair loss shampoo developed by the city’s First Detergent Factory?"

"Yes, since the shampoo is such a hit, why doesn’t our department store stock it?"

Before Zhang Yulan could reply, Qin Shuang, who was eating nearby, spoke up: "Not only does our department store not have it, but all department stores in the city are out of stock."

Su Xiaoxiao was curious: "What’s the deal here?"

"What’s there to say? The products are selling too well and demand is exceeding supply nationwide. Right now, the First Detergent Factory is becoming a major player in the detergent industry."

"Since it’s selling so well, why don’t they hire more staff?"

"Hire more? Now, many other factories have started research too. Once new products are launched, these shampoos might not be as sought after, and then what about the hired workers?"

Zhang Yulan chimed in.

"I have a relative working there who said they’re working overtime every day, and many people can’t take it anymore."

Su Xiaoxiao pondered. She had been thinking of seeking sponsorship from the city’s First Detergent Factory these days and might as well go check out the situation.

She had an idea but wasn’t sure if it would work.

After finishing their meal, the three walked back with their items, spotting a tall figure standing in the shade near the entrance of the department store.

Seeing them approach, the man looked up, his unusually light eyes stood out.

His formerly long hair was now cropped short, and his pale skin had become quite tanned, unknowingly making his facial features appear even more defined.

"Comrade Su!"

Spotting her from afar, Song Weidong greeted her with excitement, waving energetically.

Su Xiaoxiao was pleasantly surprised to see him and smiled as she nodded back.

Zhang Yulan teased: "Xiaoxiao, is that your boyfriend? He’s quite handsome."

Qin Shuang cleared her throat: "Xiaoxiao, why didn’t you tell us you have a boyfriend? Are we still your best friends or not?"

Su Xiaoxiao was at a loss, thinking her relationship with Song Weidong was purely that of classmates. What kind of opinions did they have?

She hurriedly tried to explain but before she could speak, Song Weidong with his long strides was already at their side.

The two chuckled knowingly and quickly left hand in hand.

Su Xiaoxiao: "..."

Couldn’t they at least let her explain?

Song Weidong looked at her, with a slight blush on his face.

After a brief silence, he handed her a finely packaged box: "Comrade Su, here’s a gift I brought for you, see if you like it."

"Look, you didn’t have to be so courteous..."

Unable to refuse such courtesy, Su Xiaoxiao opened the box as she spoke, revealing a shimmering silver watch inside.

She froze for a moment and quickly put the watch back: "Comrade Song, this is too valuable; I can’t accept it."

Initially thinking it was some local specialty, a valuable item like this was something she couldn’t take.

But Song Weidong insisted, not taking it back: "What I give to you is yours, it’s not anything valuable."

A watch costing over a hundred yuan wasn’t anything valuable?

Su Xiaoxiao was just thinking of finding an excuse to return it, but Song Weidong quickly shoved it into her hand and took off.

"Comrade Su, I have something to do today, see you tomorrow."

With his height and long legs, he disappeared quickly.

With no choice, Su Xiaoxiao had to accept the watch.

Carrying the watch back to the department store, she was greeted by two pairs of gossipy eyes upon reaching the grocery counter.