As soon as these words were spoken, the onlookers grew excited. If they bought later, the price would increase—one yuan was equivalent to a week’s worth of grocery money. Saving that to buy meat would be much more satisfying.
“Miss, how long will you be selling for?”
Wen Ci thought for a moment and replied, “Until the market closes.”
“Alright, then I’ll go home to get money.”
Most people shopping at the market were nearby residents. The round trip was quick, and soon the small truck was surrounded by curious onlookers. Upon hearing that the price would increase the next day, many decided to make a purchase.
Wen Ci was busy on the truck, occasionally calling out what she was selling. She thought to herself how convenient it would be if she had a loudspeaker that could play recordings automatically.
Wen Ci raised her voice, “Don’t miss out if you’re passing by! You won’t lose out, you won’t be fooled! The trendiest clothes from the southern regions, available for all seasons!”
“Only 8 yuan per jin, same quality as clothes from big shopping malls. Buying now means profiting now—all styles that won’t go out of fashion even during the New Year!”
“Opportunities like this don’t come every day. Today is the first day, only 8 yuan! Tomorrow, the price will increase by 1 yuan. Guaranteed to be worth it, and you’ll look great wearing them!”
Instantly, many people were tempted. Good clothes could not only be worn by themselves but also gifted to friends and relatives. One auntie, looking at the clothes on the rack, asked, “Are these clothes produced by big factories? They’re not from some unknown small factory, are they? They might look glossy on the surface, but the cotton inside could be of the poorest quality.”
Wen Ci didn’t know whether to laugh or cry. She picked up a piece of clothing from the neatly folded pile on the ground. Inside the garment was the logo of the clothing factory—He Jing Brand, which wasn’t particularly famous. But as long as there was a factory logo, it proved it wasn’t some shady operation. The southern regions now supported private factories, though the approval process was rigorous and complicated.
Wen Ci thought carefully and said, “Auntie, how about you pick any piece of clothing, and I’ll cut it open in front of everyone to show you the quality of the cotton inside?”
“You’re not shills, are you? One singing and the other following.”
Wen Ci: “…”
Before she could explain, the auntie who had initially questioned her immediately burst out angrily, “You’re the shill! Your whole family are shills! Who in the East Market doesn’t know me? Why would I need to be a shill?”
As she spoke, Wen Ci borrowed a small knife from Second Brother Su and cut open the clothing, revealing the snow-white cotton inside. After showing it to everyone, Wen Ci smiled, her eyes curving like crescent moons. “If any other aunties still have doubts or don’t believe me, come up and pick a piece of clothing yourselves. I’ll sell it to you for five yuan per jin, but…”
She paused before continuing, “You’ll need to cut open the fabric in public. Afterward, I won’t be responsible if you mend the clothes or use the cotton to make new ones.”
The auntie who had doubted Wen Ci still seemed unwilling to believe her, but she stepped forward and said, “I want the piece you just cut open.”
Wen Ci’s eyes widened in surprise. She hadn’t expected someone to actively want to buy it.
“Sure.”
After Wen Ci’s live demonstration, everyone began selecting styles enthusiastically. Second Brother Su wasn’t idle either—he climbed onto the truck to help out.
By noon, before the market had even ended, the clothes on the truck were almost completely sold out.
Second Brother Su asked, “Boss Wen, should we go back and load another truck?”
Wen Ci had rented the truck for the entire day, so they could still return to the warehouse and load another batch.
Wen Ci shook her head, “No need, Second Brother Su. Let’s rest in the afternoon.”
Second Brother Su was surprised, “Not selling anymore?”
Wen Ci nodded, “Yes, we’re done for today.”
She needed to create some scarcity to expand the market, letting the residents who had bought the clothes spread the word themselves.
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