Business at the photo studio was booming, and Su Caiqing was getting increasingly busy.
After Liang Qiheng had developed Wang Chaoying’s cousin’s wedding photos, Wang Chaoying accompanied her cousin to pick them up.
Seeing how well Wang Chaoying got along with her in-laws, Su Caiqing could tell she was living comfortably after marriage.
Wang Chaoying and her cousin flipped through the photos and found them beautiful; both the indoor and outdoor shots were exquisite and detailed.
Su Caiqing also admired Liang Qiheng’s photography skills: “He doesn’t just click the shutter and call it done. He thinks carefully about lighting, angles—it’s like artistic creation. That’s why the photos turn out so beautiful. Years from now, even when you’re old, these wedding photos will still be timeless.”
Su Caiqing had never worked as a photographer, but having been a designer’s assistant and a personal assistant to celebrities, she understood the artistic side of such work.
With her discerning eye, she also noticed Liang Qiheng had a sense of aesthetics; he wore crisp white shirts every day, standing out from other boys of his age.
“Not bad, Caiqing! You’ve only been at the studio a few days and already learned so many new terms!” Wang Chaoying teased, thinking she had picked them up from Liang Qiheng.
Su Caiqing replied, “You’re underestimating me. I could explain these things to you without a problem; you might not even know more than I do!”
Her cousin added, “It’s true. During our shoot, Caiqing helped with the lighting, and even the photographer asked for her opinion!”
Su Caiqing glanced at Wang Chaoying, “Your cousin appreciates quality more than you do!”
Wang Chaoying immediately admitted, “Caiqing, I had no idea. You’re generous; please forgive me.”
Su Caiqing snorted lightly, “You use too many idioms—I can’t understand them all.”
Her cousin laughed, and Wang Chaoying sighed, “Caiqing, if I really looked down on you, would I even team up with you?”
“Team up for what?” Su Caiqing asked.
Wang Chaoying explained, “That polka-dot dress—I had it made by an old tailor. After people wore it, several asked where it came from. I thought, if it looks this good, why don’t we make a batch and sell them while it’s still summer and wearable?”
Su Caiqing understood—since the clothes were her idea, Wang Chaoying would need her approval to sell them.
“So, do you want to sell just this batch, or other clothes in the future? Are you thinking of starting your own brand, or…?” Su Caiqing asked.
Wang Chaoying hesitated, “I haven’t thought that far. If I keep selling, I won’t have time to manage it all.”
Su Caiqing said, “Then it’s just a short-term venture. Have you decided how to sell them? Street stalls, or consignment in a store? If street stalls, will buyers trust the quality? If consignment, which stores? What about profit splits?”
Overwhelmed by the questions, Wang Chaoying said, “I haven’t thought it through yet. We can take it slow.”
“Of course we can,” Su Caiqing said, “but summer will pass quickly. The longer we delay, the less money you’ll make.”
Her cousin’s cousin curiously asked, “If she wants to do this long-term, will you help her?”
Su Caiqing’s thoughts raced. She wanted to do business herself, but lacked funds and resources. Business meant leveraging resources to make money.
Previously, Su Caiqing planned to study the market first and then start a venture, needing enough funds to secure her and her children’s standard of living.
Wang Chaoying had ample resources. She knew many affluent people, and various factories had connections with her father’s machinery business. Utilizing these resources could definitely yield a profitable venture.
As for Wang Chaoying herself, Su Caiqing judged her a good partner—her character and personality were ones she admired.
Seeing Su Caiqing pondering, Wang Chaoying became anxious.
After a moment, Su Caiqing nodded: “If she wants to run a clothing business, I think I can join. I want to make money.”
Wang Chaoying, surprised, covered her mouth, “Really?! I thought you wouldn’t team up with me. You’re already making decent money, why join me?”
“Who ever thinks they have too much money? I’m short on cash! My kids need to go to school, and I want to support them through college, ideally at prestigious universities. I also want to build a big house so each child has their own room, comfortable to live in,” Su Caiqing said with longing.
Her cousin gasped, “Caiqing, you’re a great mom. If all your kids go to top universities, you’ll become famous!”
At that time, university admission was rare and difficult, requiring hard study and some luck. Wang Chaoying and her cousin had both experienced it.
Su Caiqing smiled confidently, “It won’t be that hard. The country needs talent, and more universities will open, admitting more students. So entrance should become slightly easier.”
The two women were skeptical but didn’t want to discourage her, so they stayed silent.
Her cousin signaled Wang Chaoying, who said, “I only suggested one batch initially because without you, none of us could think of such beautiful clothes. If you join, my plan changes!”
“What about your current job? Will you quit?”
Wang Chaoying had a secure, well-paying government job most people would never dream of leaving. She hesitated but said, “Let’s start and see how it goes. If it succeeds, I can quit and go all in! Besides, if clothing sales make enough money, Caiqing, you won’t have to earn through hard labor—you can just be a co-owner with me.”
Before Su Caiqing could respond, Liang Qiheng came out of the darkroom, displeased: “Wang Chaoying! Why are you always trying to poach my people?”
Wang Chaoying stuck out her tongue, “You’re not making big money here, so what if Caiqing goes with me? Nyah nyah!”
She then grabbed her cousin and ran off, laughing.
Since Su Caiqing had agreed to cooperate, they didn’t continue discussing business at the studio, avoiding Liang Qiheng’s interruptions.
Before leaving, Wang Chaoying shouted, “Sayonara! Mr. Liang!” and laughed with her cousin.
Liang Qiheng chased them to the door, hands on hips and pointing at them, utterly helpless.
“She’s definitely obsessed with Blood Suspicion!” he muttered angrily.
“Blood Suspicion? That Japanese drama?” Su Caiqing asked.
Liang Qiheng nodded: “My mom and sisters watch it daily. They even rewatch episodes the next day, always lamenting poor Sachiko and her loyal Mitsuo.”
Su Caiqing had heard of the show; Director Zhao had mentioned it several times, watching it religiously at home.
She sensed an opportunity.
That evening, after dinner with the kids and picking a few cucumbers from the yard, Su Caiqing visited Director Zhao’s house.
Director Zhao was delighted: “Perfect timing! The show is about to start. You can discuss it with me!”
Su Caiqing smiled and handed over the cucumbers.
Televisions weren’t common yet; only well-connected families like Director Zhao’s could own one.
Several people had gathered in the yard to watch, showing how popular the series had become.
With others’ help, Su Caiqing quickly caught up with the plot and got absorbed in the show.
The drama was somewhat tragic, drawing viewers into the story even as it pained them.
During this time, Su Caiqing arranged for Wang Chaoying to come over for dinner after work.
She even prepared a spicy fish head dish for the occasion.
Sitting down, Su Caiqing said directly: “Chaoying, I’m watching Blood Suspicion too.”
“Really?!” Wang Chaoying was surprised. “I didn’t think you’d watch TV at night at someone else’s house! Is it interesting? What do you think will happen to Sachiko? Will she die? She’s so beautiful.”
Indeed, they were captivated by Sachiko.
Su Caiqing said, “Judging by the plot, she’s likely to die. Leukemia can’t be cured yet, and her blood type is rare, making a bone marrow match almost impossible.”
Wang Chaoying was disappointed, the fish head lost its appeal: “What a shame, she and Mitsuo were perfect for each other!”
Su Caiqing smiled faintly, “Everything has its flaws. At least she experienced true love before her death.”
Tears welled in Wang Chaoying’s eyes: “Stop, I’m going to cry.”
“Alright, I didn’t call you here to discuss the drama. I want to talk about something else.”
“What is it?” Wang Chaoying asked in a subdued voice.
Su Caiqing said, “Have you noticed what Sachiko and Mitsuo wear?”
“No, why?”
Su Caiqing asked, “Think about Sachiko’s clothes in the show. Don’t they look beautiful? Wouldn’t you want one too?”
Wang Chaoying immediately perked up: “Of course! That white shirt—oh wow! My mom said it looks like a white lotus, so clean and beautiful. The coat was great too! Wearing it makes you stand tall like a pine tree, so spirited!”
Su Caiqing said, “That’s why I want to make a batch of shirts like that to sell. They’ll definitely sell well.”