CHAPTER 273: CHAPTER 273: HELPING CHEN MEILAN AND QIN SHUANG CHOOSE OUTFITS

Su Xiaoxiao turned around and saw Chen Meilan standing not far behind her.

"Director Chen?"

People around her were shocked upon hearing her address and looked at Chen Meilan, their eyes filled with amazement.

"Is this really Director Chen? Why does she look like a completely different person? Could it be there’s another Director Chen in our department store?"

"Since when did Director Chen become so good-looking? She looks like a movie star from a magazine."

People around them lowered their voices to discuss, and Qin Shuang quietly tugged at Su Xiaoxiao’s sleeve: "Is this really Director Chen?"

"How could it be fake? Take a closer look."

Su Xiaoxiao took the opportunity to tease her, "Next time, I’ll also give you a makeover to make sure your childhood sweetheart can’t take his eyes off you."

Qin Shuang’s face immediately turned red: "You always make fun of me. If you keep this up, I’m going to ignore you."

Chen Meilan also heard the murmurs around her, feeling a bit embarrassed. She adjusted her hair and gestured to Su Xiaoxiao: "Xiao Su, come over here. I have something to discuss with you."

Su Xiaoxiao recalled what Manager Wang had told her earlier, guessing that Chen Meilan wanted to talk to her about a temporary transfer, and quickly followed.

As expected, Chen Meilan indeed wanted to discuss the temporary transfer to Lin City’s main supply office.

"The main supply office there will take care of your meals and accommodation, and you’ll also get an additional five yuan daily as a travel allowance. How does that sound?"

There’s even a travel allowance?

Su Xiaoxiao readily agreed without hesitation.

Of course, she wasn’t in it for the five yuan allowance, but rather to help the leaders by solving the stock issue for their brother unit in Lin City.

After all, she’s a helpful comrade.

The travel is set for three days later, so there’s plenty of time to prepare.

"Take the next few days to prepare. If you encounter any difficulties, feel free to reach out to me anytime."

Chen Meilan patted her shoulder and then turned to leave.

In the afternoon, the department store was still bustling. Due to a new bargaining promotion, customers almost broke down the doors.

A group of sales clerks hustled around, nearly exhausted.

Finally, it was time to clock out. As Su Xiaoxiao was about to pack up to head home, she spotted Manager Wang from a distance walking over with a tall, thin male colleague.

The male colleague looked about twenty-five or twenty-six, wearing gold-framed glasses on his nose. His hair was slicked back, each strand meticulously combed.

The two of them strode toward the snack counter side by side.

Su Xiaoxiao nudged Zhang Yulan beside her: "Sister Zhang, who’s that leader? I’ve never seen him before."

Being a veteran at the snack counter, Zhang Yulan was familiar with all the department store’s leaders. Su Xiaoxiao usually turned to her for information about any unfamiliar leaders.

Zhang Yulan glanced over and promptly introduced: "That’s our department store’s sales manager, Manager Liu. He’s been out on business trips for a while, so you new folks probably haven’t seen him."

So, this is the legendary sales department manager.

From time to time, Su Xiaoxiao had heard stories about this Manager Liu from veteran colleagues.

It was said that he graduated from a university for worker-peasant-soldier students, known for being shrewd and skilled at flattering his superiors. Otherwise, he wouldn’t have become a sales manager at such a young age.

As she was lost in thought, the two leaders approached.

Manager Wang cheerfully pointed at Su Xiaoxiao and introduced her to Manager Liu: "Manager Liu, you really should thank Comrade Xiao Su here. If it weren’t for her promotion strategy, the slow-moving stock in our warehouse would have been a problem for us."

"Not only did we sell them, but there’s also a profit."

Manager Liu glanced at Su Xiaoxiao and, noticing she was a young girl, laughed: "Indeed, the younger generation surpasses the older one. Truly remarkable young talent!"

"Comrade Su, I’ll certainly report back on this matter to the higher-ups. If you have any good suggestions in the future, feel free to discuss them with me. We’re all part of the department store family, and only when the store does well can we do well. If you need any assistance, don’t hesitate to reach out to me."

Su Xiaoxiao: "..."

No way, why did Manager Liu’s words sound so familiar?

It wasn’t until they left that she suddenly realized this was just the same old routine where leaders make empty promises to employees.

A lot of fancy words but no substantial benefits.

No wonder they say Manager Liu is shrewd.

Isn’t he? He wants the horse to run without feeding it. All the benefits go to him. Being just a sales manager seems to unfairly underuse his talents.

"Xiaoxiao, don’t get deceived by Manager Liu. There’s not a truthful word from him. If you really believe him, you’ll end up getting tricked," Zhang Yulan reminded her, worried that she might have been moved by Manager Liu’s words.

"Thank you, Sister Zhang, I’ve got it," Su Xiaoxiao quickly expressed her gratitude. She had been played for a fool enough times in modern times. She wouldn’t be swayed by such unrealistic promises now.

After a busy afternoon, it was finally time to clock out. Su Xiaoxiao felt completely drained.

The workload for the day almost equaled a week’s worth. The bargaining promotion was indeed effective but also exhausting.

The sales clerks, usually lively after work, were all lackluster today, too tired even to talk.

There were too many customers today and not enough staff, so Su Xiaoxiao and the others couldn’t rehearse for their performance.

Anyway, the rehearsal was nearly done, and now they just awaited the year-end party.

"Xiaoxiao, go home quickly. As for helping me dress up, let’s do it some other time," Qin Shuang said, feeling embarrassed to trouble her further given how tired she was.

The two had previously agreed that after work, Su Xiaoxiao would help her with styling advice.

Su Xiaoxiao quickly waved her hand: "No problem at all, it won’t take long. Let me see what clothes you’ve got, and I’ll help you pair them."

She couldn’t go back on her promise.

Qin Shuang hesitated: "But..."

Su Xiaoxiao took her by the arm: "We’re best friends, so don’t be so formal with me. Otherwise, you’re not treating me as a friend."

"If you really feel bad, just bring me two of those almond cookies you made last time. I’ve been craving them these past few days."

With Su Xiaoxiao putting it this way, Qin Shuang felt obligated not to refuse further and nodded: "No problem, I’ll bring you extra tomorrow."

Qin Shuang already had a nice sense of style, with fashionable clothes. Su Xiaoxiao picked out a few pieces and held them against Qin Shuang to suggest combinations.

With a white shirt matched with a beige knitted vest for the upper body, a plaid long skirt for the lower body, and a khaki wool coat over it.

The whole look was both pure and sophisticated.

After fixing her hairstyle, Su Xiaoxiao gave her a thumbs-up: "Shuangshuang, you look amazing now!"

Qin Shuang blushed from the compliment, lowering her head shyly.

Su was ready to tease her a bit when someone at the door called her name.