Zhao Panpan went for her interview at Ai Baby on the second day.
The store manager, Lina, listened to her introduction, then glanced at her stomach. “Six weeks pregnant?”
Zhao Panpan nodded. “Yes. I haven’t worked in this industry before, but I learn quickly. Over the past few days, I’ve studied on my own, learned the basics of maternal and infant care, and familiarized myself with this field. I’m confident I can handle the position.”
Lina didn’t reject her outright, treating her more like a potential client than an applicant. “Panpan, here’s an idea. If you’re worried about our prices, we’ll have a promotion during the next holiday. You could book a maternity package then.”
Zhao Panpan shook her head firmly. “Manager, I’m not here for a discount. I want the customer service position.”
Lina sighed and added her on WeChat, passing along the HR manager’s contact. Privately, she messaged Xu Guoguo: “A pregnant woman wants to apply for customer service. I can’t say no, so I sent her your contact first.”
Zhao Panpan didn’t know any of this. She thanked Lina and left.
Lijuan, Lina’s assistant, peeked over. “Sis, what’s going on?”
Lina shook her head. “Maybe she’s got problems at home—or maybe she just wants the discount. Let Guoguo handle it.”
The new Ai Baby store was three times the size of the old one. Before, Lina had managed a twenty-room shop alone, but now seventy rooms demanded a team. She had called her sister, a preschool teacher, to help run things. Recruitment was ongoing—this pregnant woman was the first new applicant in weeks.
Xu Guoguo raised her eyebrows when she saw Zhao Panpan’s application. “Six weeks pregnant, huh? You’re probably taking folic acid, right? Soon you’ll hear the heartbeat—two heartbeats from one body. That’s magical.”
Her warmth immediately put Zhao Panpan at ease.
After a brief chat, Xu Guoguo got to the point. “First trimester is delicate. Why work now? Are your family okay with it?”
Zhao Panpan was candid. “I’m divorced. I don’t want to stay home all day. Having a job makes life meaningful, and I like this industry.”
Xu Guoguo’s expression softened. “Do you plan to raise this child alone?”
Zhao Panpan nodded. Before Xu Guoguo could hesitate, she added, “If my health ever affects work, I’ll resign. The company won’t be responsible. We can even sign a liability waiver.”
Xu Guoguo smiled. She admired upfront employees.
“I know some might think I’m here for benefits or discounts,” Zhao Panpan continued. “But that’s not it. I want to experience motherhood, connect with new moms, and help build trust. A pregnant employee can relate in ways others can’t—it’s an advantage for both clients and the brand.”
“I don’t need colleagues to coddle me. Treat me like any other employee. I’ll learn the sales skills I need.”
Xu Guoguo was impressed. If Zhao Panpan weren’t pregnant, she might have considered sending her to manage another store.
“Do you know our salary structure?” Xu Guoguo asked. “Performance-based. During probation, base is 2,000 yuan. If sales don’t reach 120,000, no commission, and failing three months in a row ends probation.”
Zhao Panpan nodded. “I’m more interested in commission above 120,000.”
Xu Guoguo explained, “Over 120,000, commission is 1%. Extra sales above that earn 5%. Example: 150,000 yuan in sales—120,000 gives 1,200, extra 30,000 gives 1,500. Add base 2,000, total 4,700. Attendance affects base salary—perfect attendance keeps it at 2,000; any absence drops it to 1,800.”
Zhao Panpan agreed to everything. Xu Guoguo had her sign employment and probation agreements, along with the liability waiver, then called Lina. “Zhao Panpan will start a trial shift tomorrow. You two can get to know each other.”
Lina frowned. She didn’t understand why they were hiring a pregnant woman.
The next day, Zhao Panpan arrived at the store. Lina’s attitude was cold. Zhao Panpan hadn’t expected hostility so soon.
Once, she might have cringed, lowered herself, and begged for approval. But from her father, Zhao Yongwei, she had learned one hard truth: if it needs doing, just do it. No cowardice. No excuses.