I Became a Vicious Supporting Role in the '70s-Chapter 234: Image is So Important

Jesse thought for a moment before saying, "If you think the price is not suitable, you can name your own price, until you are satisfied, I can afford it."

Seeing his friend liking it so much, Mark could only go along with her.

"Yes, girl, if you think the price is not appropriate, we can offer a higher price, but Hua Country girl, I still want to tell you, don’t be too outrageous, it would hurt our dignity. You invited us here not for money, your constant refusal is also about money, just say it straight, don’t use excuses like ’partnership’ anymore, Jesse and I simply do not believe it."

Shen Meng still had a polite smile on her face as she looked directly at Jesse.

"Money is a good thing. We invite foreign guests to our country to showcase the best of our country to the world, not just to make money. This headpiece is indeed made by the women of my hometown, stitch by stitch, and it’s not for sale, but I can personally give it to Miss Jesse for free. Our Hua Country is a land of propriety. You have traveled long and hard to come here, and even if you don’t buy anything, we will still host you well. It is our national ethos of hospitality, which has nothing to do with money. Miss Jesse, this hair accessory is for you, I hope that in addition to experiencing the local customs of my country, you can also appreciate the stunning landscapes it has to offer, and have a pleasant journey."

After Shen Meng finished speaking, she took the headpiece off her head and placed it on Jesse’s head, and the latter was incredibly surprised and greatly admired Shen Meng.

"Thank you very much, girl. May I ask your name?"

"Shen Meng."

Jesse spread her hands apologetically towards Shen Meng and said, "I’m sorry, Shen Meng, Mark was really rude just now. I apologize on her behalf and thank you for your generosity. This headpiece is indeed beautiful, and I have enjoyed every day in Hua Country immensely."

How could one not be happy? Wherever they went, they were warmly welcomed and treated with great esteem, Shen Meng thought sarcastically.

Mark was also somewhat embarrassed and he too apologized to Shen Meng.

Shen Meng knew how to seize opportunities, and although she was not familiar with the Provincial City, she boldly introduced them to various places, mostly focusing on Ning County. Her enthralling descriptions kept them listening on their feet for nearly an hour before they parted. Before leaving, Shen Meng specifically asked where they were staying, suggesting she might visit them.

Jesse gladly agreed, feeling as though she had met a soulmate.

Passersby who saw Shen Meng chatting so happily with the two foreigners also stopped to watch. Foreigners were still quite eye-catching at this time, and they seemed to naturally enjoy being observed. Seeing that people were continuously looking, they even smiled back, with passersby shyly stealing glances.

Because Shen Meng had told them earlier that they were being watched due to their fashionable and beautiful attire, which people admired, thus the continuous looks, mixed with shyness.

Mark and Jesse understood this and behaved very generously when facing others.

When Shen Meng returned to the guesthouse, she also reflected that being attractive definitely had its advantages; had she dressed casually today, she probably wouldn’t have been able to talk with Jesse and Mark for so long.

It shows just how important the image is.

The next morning.

While having breakfast, Shen Meng handed over the latest heavy work and embroidered headpieces to Mr. Li.

"Mr. Li, although the ones we previously brought over were pretty good, I think they still aren’t perfect. These are the ones I improved overnight, please take a look."

The headpieces given by Shen Meng were either beaded, laced, or meshed. Even though they were all men present, they found them incredibly beautiful, and the staff who walked around doing service work all exclaimed in amazement.

"These, these indeed look very good, but looking at the price, they shouldn’t be cheap. Xiao Meng, if these are chosen, can we produce them?"

"Some of the materials on these are seldom sold in the county, and our county doesn’t have a machine factory. It’s hard to get these auxiliary materials, but the Provincial City has machine factories. If we can get assistance from the machine factory in Provincial City, then these little gadgets can be made."

Shen Meng had no connections to the machine factory, but Mr. Li was confident that if they could secure the order for Ning County, the leaders in the Provincial City would also issue orders to have the machine factory cooperate.

Creating foreign exchange is a big deal. If Ning County makes a name for itself, the Provincial City, being the capital, would also benefit. They would definitely be willing, but if the mechanical factories in the Provincial City get involved, the cost of the headpieces will increase. The specifics of pricing were quite intricate, and Mr. Li found it difficult to decide at the moment, as many detailed issues hadn’t been discussed. If they were to investigate costs now, they wouldn’t make it for today’s negotiation.

"If we could secure the order for headpieces, we can find solutions for subsequent issues, but Xiao Meng, how should we price these headpieces? We need to consider the cost."

Shen Meng smiled and said, "As for pricing, since we are making money from foreigners, naturally we should aim high, take a look please."

When Mr. Li, Tang the interpreter, and Secretary Guan saw the price list handed over by Shen Meng, they all took a deep breath. A lace hair clip decorated with just two large plastic pearls was priced at 1.80, and the heavy work ones were even more, all upwards of two or three.

"This, this is...."

"This one is our bottom price, Mr. Li. You don’t need to worry about the pricing, but it is essential to stick to the bottom price."

Mr. Li: "....."

This bottom price isn’t all that low either; it’s just a few cents cheaper. You really dare to ask for this price!!!

At two in the afternoon, Mr. Li met with interested foreign traders regarding the headpieces. The person had a sharp look, a fifty-year-old foreign man, clearly a shrewd businessman.

"This foreigner’s name is John, a seasoned businessman. It’s said that his business is very extensive. He has come to our country because his daughter is curious and fond of our country’s sceneries. Do you know why he doesn’t visit big cities but comes to our Provincial City? This old fox is very shrewd. He knows we want to generate foreign exchange but don’t want to pay high prices, yet want good quality items, so he specifically comes to second and third-tier cities. In Guangyuan Province, he has already signed quite a few orders. Mr. Li says he is genuinely interested in the headpieces, but he is also very ruthless in price negotiations."

"Understood."

Secretary Guan informed Shen Meng of this not to give her too much information about John, but to let her know the cunningness and importance of this foreigner so that she could keep quiet during negotiation, not just chat with anyone freely.

Mr. Li laid out all the headpieces he had brought on the table. John was visibly impressed upon seeing them, but he concealed it well as he looked up at Mr. Li.