Miss Xiao slowly stood up, gracefully walking towards the crowd. With a courteous bow and a smile, she addressed everyone, "I express my gratitude to President Yu and the kind colleagues. Those present are my seniors and colleagues who have supported the development of my Xiao family. I, Xiao Yuruo, sincerely appreciate your continuous support."
As she spoke, she elegantly bowed. The young lady was beautiful, her demeanor warm and natural, possessing both talent and grace that easily won the favor of the audience.
"These perfumes and soaps are the latest ventures of my Xiao family. I believe you all have heard about them. The perfume, derived from floral scents, is meticulously crafted through secret methods, making it expensive and hard to obtain. However, its fragrance is enduring, subtle, and elegant, surpassing the convenience of ordinary cosmetics used by ladies. It has gained the admiration of many ladies."
Miss Xiao spoke eloquently about the perfumes, seizing the opportunity to promote her products to the potential buyers in the audience, who were not only merchants but also potential customers.
"As for the soap, it inherits the fragrance of the perfume, refreshing and pleasant. Many ladies have already tried it, and I believe they can attest to its quality. These two items are carefully crafted by my Xiao family, intending to bring benefits to countless households in Wuhua. I also hope that you, esteemed seniors, will continue to support the Xiao family. I am deeply grateful."
Miss Xiao briefly introduced the perfumes and soaps. A female merchant from Zhejiang stood up and said, "Miss Xiao, I've heard about these perfumes and soaps and had the pleasure of trying them. They are incredibly refreshing. However, there seems to be a shortage of supply in Hangzhou and other places, causing some urgency among us sisters."
Miss Xiao smiled and reassured them, "Ladies, please don't worry. The perfumes and soaps will be available soon. If any of you need them, you can register directly at our branch, and when the products arrive, we will ensure they are delivered to each of you."
Tao Wanying took out a transparent glass bottle with a light pink liquid from her pocket, proudly proclaiming to the female merchants around her, "This is rose perfume, a gift personally given to me by Sister Yuruo."
This announcement sparked exclamations from the surrounding female merchants. Holding the bottles in their hands, they couldn't bear to part with them. Some even tried to buy them from Tao Wanying, who hastily took them back.
Lin Wanrong chuckled at the scene, amused that the perfume given to Tao Wanying during the promotional event at the academy had become a showcase item today.
However, Tao Dongcheng felt irritated and signaled to President Yu, who casually gestured. Another merchant stepped forward, saying, "Miss Xiao, while your perfumes and soaps are excellent, your Xiao family is being somewhat unscrupulous."
Miss Xiao raised an eyebrow, "Master Li, what do you mean?"
Li, with a smug tone, replied, "Miss Xiao, one must be modest and not overly aggressive. While your Xiao family has been in the fabric business for generations, entering the cosmetics industry may be stretching your boundaries. Your hands might be reaching too far."
Lin Wanrong, hearing this, sneered internally. This old man was clearly envious. With the introduction of perfumes and soaps, who would bother with the old-fashioned cosmetics like rouge and powder? Trying to impose industry regulations on Xiao's family, Lin Wanrong found it laughable.
Miss Xiao replied firmly, "Master Li, my Xiao family has been engaged in business for generations. While we have a background in the fabric business, does that mean we cannot explore other ventures? My family has been in female-led commerce for two generations. Venturing into cosmetics is a natural progression."
Lin Wanrong smirked, appreciating Miss Xiao's eloquence. He had underestimated her before.
Li insisted, "Miss Xiao, crossing industries is breaking the rules. If everyone follows your lead, doing one thing today and another tomorrow, where will the rules of this industry and commerce association be?"
Miss Xiao retorted, "In business, we must adapt and evolve. My Xiao family struggled in the fabric business due to increased competition. To survive, we had to explore new avenues. If I were to complain like you, blaming others for my troubles, I'd be cursing every day."
Li was angered, and Miss Xiao continued, "Master Li, although you may disapprove of my Xiao family entering the cosmetics business, why should your family, originally blacksmiths, now engage in the perfume and powder trade? Isn't that also breaking the rules?"
Lin Wanrong chuckled silently. This guy was obviously jealous. With the introduction of perfumes and soaps, who would bother with the outdated cosmetics like rouge and powder? Trying to impose industry regulations on Xiao's family, this guy must be daydreaming.
Miss Xiao coldly stated, "Master Li, even though you may dislike my Xiao family entering the cosmetics industry, we don't mind your family engaging in the fabric business. Does Master Li have any interest in that?"
Lin Yue'e praised her, "My sister is indeed outstanding. She surpasses men in both ability and courage."
Another merchant, engaged in cosmetics, stood up and said, "Miss Xiao, while your Xiao family has every right to enter the cosmetics business, we hope that there are some rules to follow. Our businesses may suffer if everyone disregards these rules."
Miss Xiao shook her head, "Shopkeepers, we are all in business, and the word 'business' is not exclusive to me alone. We need everyone to compete and restrain each other for mutual development."
Master Li snorted, "Miss Xiao, your perfumes and soaps have already taken away seventy percent of the cosmetics market in Hangzhou. Where is the competition? It seems your Xiao family dominates the industry. Where does this leave our association and the fellow merchants?"
A few others behind Li began to clamor, creating an atmosphere of anger and discontent.
Lin Yue'e couldn't stand it, stood up, and said, "Are you people still reasonable? Miss Xiao's business has nothing to do with you. You blame others just because you lack the ability. It's truly ridiculous."
Despite the numerous members in the Jinling Commerce Association, only Lin Yue'e stood up for the Xiao family, while the rest looked to Tao Dongcheng for cues.
Lin Wanrong smiled at Miss Xiao, giving her a thumbs-up. Blushing, she shot him a reproachful glance.
"Master Li, with competition, conflicts are inevitable. It's a natural part of business. My Xiao family has faced difficulties in the fabric business due to increased competition. We had to explore new avenues for survival. If I were to complain like you, cursing others for my troubles, I'd be doing it every day."
Several cosmetic merchants exchanged glances, unsure how to respond, and looked to President Yu for guidance.
Tao Dongcheng signaled President Yu, who stood up with a smile, "Let's not get too heated. There's room for discussion. Both parties have valid points. Perhaps I can suggest a compromise."
Master Li eagerly said, "Please, President Yu."
President Yu turned to Miss Xiao, "Miss Xiao, considering the challenges these cosmetics merchants face, I propose transferring the operating rights for your perfumes and soaps in the entire Zhejiang
province to Master Li and his associates. This way, both parties can cooperate and benefit."
Lin Wanrong sneered inwardly. They finally revealed their fox tails. With the operating rights, they would gain significant profits. Lin Wanrong thought, "I've planted the tree and grown the fruit. Now, you want to pick it? Dream on. You guys are dreaming if you think you can push the Xiao family out of Hangzhou."
Miss Xiao's expression changed, "President Yu, my Xiao family has numerous shops in Zhejiang, and we have our own channels of operation. We don't currently need assistance."
President Yu smirked, "Miss Xiao, that makes it difficult for me. My colleagues in Zhejiang also need to make a living. Young Master Tao, what do you think?"
Tao Dongcheng, with a "difficult" look, glanced at Miss Xiao and said, "Dear sister, our commerce associations in Jiangsu and Zhejiang are like one big family. It would be broad-minded to consider some compromise."
This collusion between the two made Lin Wanrong sneer. The Xiao family had faced oppression for years, and today's situation brought tears to Miss Xiao's eyes. However, she remained strong, resisting the tears and smiling sadly, "After introducing perfumes and soaps, it seems like everyone only sees success. But has anyone considered that if these ventures fail, my Xiao family, with hundreds of members, will face an irreversible fate? In recent years, our fabric business has faced hardships, but we never thought of suppressing our peers. We rely on our own efforts, legitimately earning money. Why do we face such scrutiny today? Though my Xiao family consists of women, we hold our heads high, and I, Xiao Yuruo, am no easy target for bullying."
President Yu and Tao Dongcheng coldly smiled, seeming confident of their victory.
Damn, I tried to talk to you nicely, but you old bastards think too highly of yourselves. Seeing the sly smiles on President Yu and Tao Dongcheng's faces, Lin Wanrong silently picked up a sturdy stool, walked over, and stood protectively by Miss Xiao's side. Smiling at her, he said softly, "Don't cry, it won't look good."
"Lin San..." Miss Xiao seemed to have found a relative and grabbed his arm. After enduring her teardrops for a while, they finally poured down like a waterfall.