Chapter 294: Chapter 294: Pooling Wisdom and Efforts
Han Dong doesn’t really like noodles. They had already reserved a spot at the restaurant, but knowing Sun Chan liked them, and it was the first time she asked for something, he couldn’t refuse her request and agreed.
As they walked down the street, Sun Chan suddenly stopped in front of a clothing store and hid behind Han Dong.
Han Dong was curious and saw a father and daughter come out of the store ahead. He was carrying several bags filled with clothes, and the girl affectionately hugged her father’s arm, chatting with a smile.
The father patted her head indulgently. Han Dong glanced back: "This seems to be the Yang family."
It was indeed Yang Dongfeng and Yang Yun. As it turned out, before visiting Sun Chan, he had promised his elder daughter to buy her clothes.
Sun Chan smiled: "Seems so."
Han Dong already knew about Sun Chan and the Yang family from Guihua. Wang Shufen did business on the first floor of Guihua Inn and was bound to tell them everything. Everyone thought it was a good thing and were happy for Sun Chan, but over time, they realized it wasn’t like that at all.
Han Dong said: "Don’t be sad."
"It’s fine. Let’s go." Sun Chan glanced at her father’s back, thinking that the indulgent look he gave was never meant for her.
Han Dong felt angry inside, thinking this kind of favoritism was wrong. They shouldn’t have found Sun Chan! Without them, she would have been happy, but now all she has is trouble. If they can’t give her happiness, then what are they boasting about!
On the way, Han Dong cracked jokes to cheer Sun Chan up. When they arrived at the restaurant entrance, they saw Yang Zhen coming over with a smiling face. She was wearing a cream-colored dress, not very trendy, and her shoulders appeared too wide, giving her an unsteady look.
Sun Chan thought the fashion these days made it hard to describe.
The three of them exchanged a few laughs and then went to eat noodles.
Besides the three bowls of cold noodles, Han Dong ordered a pickled pork ribs pot, several side dishes, and two bottles of beer.
Yang Zhen laughed: "Isn’t this a bit wasteful? At this rate, the business will fail before it even starts!"
"You’re underestimating me!" Han Dong laughed. "If my business were that easy to fail, I wouldn’t have started it. Let me tell you all, I’ve already got my first set of orders, and I’ve collected the deposit."
Sun Chan and Yang Zhen were surprised: "So soon? But the factory hasn’t even been built!"
"It’s just a matter of saying it." Han Dong’s mother’s hospital was organizing a mountaineering event and needed sportswear. Two hundred sets were initially going to be ordered from a usual supplier. However, upon learning that Han Dong was establishing a clothing factory, the unit leader did someone a favor.
Tian Jinhua was hesitant and declined: "Isn’t this inappropriate? I shouldn’t exploit my son’s power for private gains."
The dean smiled: "It’s not exploiting power. Whoever we give the order to doesn’t matter. Just have your son offer a slightly lower price than elsewhere, and both sides benefit!"
Only then did Tian Jinhua agree. After all, sportswear is lucrative, and cutting a few bucks off each set is still profitable, so Han Dong accepted.
"Design the style yourselves. My only request is that they should look fresh and not outdated."
Sun Chan and Yang Zhen were pleased and began discussing colors at the dinner table, eventually deciding on water blue with white accents on the back and pant seams.
Han Dong said: "Great, I’ll have samples made."
Both of them shared clothing inspirations accumulated over time. Yang Zhen had her school’s art teacher draw the sketches, so they were more visually appealing than Sun Chan’s.
Sun Chan laughed: "Obviously a teacher’s work, much better than mine." She envied Yang Zhen, wishing she could also draw.
"This isn’t feasible." Before Yang Zhen could modestly reply, Han Dong spoke directly: "Our clothing designs will be patented. If outsiders draw them now, and the designs get leaked, what then? It’s fine now since business hasn’t started. But if we’re successful and something happens, it won’t just be a small loss."
Yang Zhen’s face turned, and she hurriedly said: "I didn’t think so far ahead, I just liked the designs. I’m sorry."
"It’s fine, just be careful next time. Drawing poorly is no big deal, as long as the concept is there. I think your designs are both good. Later, we’ll create prototypes and I’ll have the salesmen promote them around to see if there’s potential." Han Dong giggled: "Don’t stress about it, I think it’s great."
Sun Chan and Yang Zhen were both happy, nodding together. Soon, the food arrived.
While eating, naturally, they discussed the Yang family issues. Sun Chan was full of unspoken grievances, sharing how her father came to visit and mentioned only meeting once a month without letting her return to the Yang family.
"I never wanted to live with the Yang family, but not returning because they don’t want me feels different. It makes me feel wronged." Sun Chan felt a bit sad, her eyes reddening: "I used to think if they found me, they’d treat me well and I’d be devoted to them. But now, having found them, I realize how naive I was."
Han Dong listened and frowned slightly, feeling his anger rise, thinking the Yang family was truly excessive.
Yang Zhen said: "Try to think differently. I’ve put up with Yang Yun for over twenty years. They are used to it. Now, she can’t stand someone who isn’t accommodating of her and constantly needs extra attention."
Han Dong coldly said: "Does the Yang family think they’re someone special? Sun Chan, remember, you need to have some dignity. If they don’t want to acknowledge you, you don’t need to actively seek them out either."
"Yes, I’m not going. He likes Yang Yun and doesn’t want to upset her. I won’t force proximity. Now I’ve realized, with or without parental care, it’s not crucial," Sun Chan affirmed.
"Your aunt treats you well."
"I understand." Sun Chan smiled: "Having a mom who cares for me makes me happy."
Yang Zhen held Sun Chan’s hand, understanding her thoughts, and didn’t offer any more consolation.
Han Dong said: "As long as you’re aware. Why care about the Yang family? Do they really think they’re so great? They’ve already lost their way, where do they get their pride from?"
Yang Zhen laughed: "How else? Since childhood, always pampered, chauffeured everywhere, living in mansions. Visitors flattering the old men would curry favor with Yang Yun. She was the little princess from the start, naturally disdainful of everyone."