Courtyard Houses: From Bronze Compasses to Global Reach

Chapter 247 Chen Xueru Awakens

Lin Yan finally gave his conclusion, his gaze sweeping over Chen Xueru, and also subtly reminding the others present:

"Imagine a truly wealthy or powerful man; he's surrounded by countless beautiful women. And a woman's beauty diminishes with time. They might treat you like a pretty bird, tease you, and offer you a little treat, but what makes you want to sit on equal footing with them, to have them truly respect you as someone important?"

He asked himself the question and answered it himself, with unwavering certainty:

"There's only one point—what tangible benefits can you bring them? So, in business, you have to show your real skills and abilities. When you're capable, can make money, and can get things done, they might think more highly of you. If you can not only make money but also happen to be good-looking, then they will naturally treat you as an honored guest and give you the respect and cooperation you deserve. You absolutely cannot get this order wrong."

As the words fell, a brief silence descended upon this corner of the tavern. Only the faint sound of Xiao Qi licking her lips could be heard. Chen Xueru sat there, her expression shifting, a complex mix of emotions: shame, embarrassment, shock, and realization. After a long while, she seemed to finally process what she had said, slowly standing up. This time, her back was straighter, and her eyes held less of their usual ostentation and more of a solemn clarity. She bowed deeply to Lin Yan, her voice hoarse but exceptionally sincere:

"Thank you... thank you for your guidance, Mr. Lin. Xue Ru... I have learned a lot today and will keep it in mind."

Seeing this, Master Niu nodded secretly, thinking that if Chen Xueru could truly listen to reason, she would likely undergo a complete transformation. He raised his wine bowl to Lin Yan and sincerely said, "Brother Lin, your words are truly... truly enlightening! I toast you!"

Xu Huizhen quickly raised her glass as well, her smile becoming much more genuine: "Brother Lin is not only a benefactor, but also a discerning person! Come, let's all toast to you!"

Lin Yan accepted the toast without hesitation, picked up his glass, and lightly clinked it with the others.

Lin Yan looked at the eagerness in Chen Xueru's eyes for recognition and smiled faintly. He knew she had listened, but how much she could digest was up to her.

"It's good that you've thought it through." His tone softened. "Now, you can ask me your questions."

Upon hearing this, Chen Xueru's eyes lit up as if she had finally received permission, and she quickly straightened her posture.

"Mr. Lin, may I ask where you purchased this garment?"

"This coat is from a British brand. I bought it at a boutique on Fifth Avenue in New York City," Lin Yan answered in detail.

"New York, USA..." Chen Xueru murmured repeatedly, feeling that place was as distant as another world. But she didn't give up and continued to ask, "Then do you know where this material itself was produced?"

"It should be made in the UK," Lin Yan gave her a clear origin.

"England...that's so far..." Chen Xueru frowned slightly; this was beyond the scope of her current supply chain. But she was unwilling to give up, and asked with a last glimmer of hope, "Then...do you know where, besides Britain and the United States, we can find this quality, or similar quality, of fabric in other places, such as within China, or closer to Hong Kong or Japan?"

Seeing her persistent yet slightly frustrated expression, Lin Yan suddenly chuckled:

"Hehe, no need to go to great lengths, and no need to fixate on this old fabric." He leaned forward slightly, his voice not loud, but clearly reaching everyone present. "In six months, at most six months. The South Sea Spinning Mill of the Tang family in Hong Kong will launch several brand-new fabrics. Whether it's silk, ordinary fabric, or wool, the quality will be much better than what I'm wearing now... I can tell you, it will be the world's finest fabric."

These words were like a thunderclap out of nowhere, stunning not only Chen Xueru but also Niu Ye and Pian Ye standing nearby, who perked up their ears. Although Niu Ye wasn't in the fabric business, he understood the weight of the words "top global brand," and his gaze towards Lin Yan deepened. Pian Ye, on the other hand, clicked his tongue in amazement, thinking to himself that this Lin brother's influence was truly extraordinary; he even knew what the Hong Kong factory would produce in six months!

Xu Huizhen was deeply shaken. She keenly realized that this was not just an answer, but could be a huge business opportunity! She looked at Chen Xueru and found that her old rival's eyes were wide open and her breathing was rapid.

Chen Xueru suddenly grabbed the edge of the table, her voice trembling with excitement: "Mr. Lin...are you telling the truth? The South China Sea Spinning Mill? In six months? World-class?"

"I never joke about things like this," Lin Yan said, resuming his lazy demeanor.

Chen Xueru's chest heaved violently as her mind raced. Hong Kong! Nanhai Textile Mill! Top-tier global fabrics! This information was astonishing and incredibly valuable! She instantly understood that this casually given information from Lin Yan, if handled properly, could propel her silk shop to new heights, completely escaping her current small-scale operation that relied on manipulating men to stay afloat!

She stood up again, and this time, her bow was deeper and more solemn than ever before:

"Mr. Lin! I can't thank you enough! You enlightened me on how to be a person today and gave me this invaluable way to make a living! Xue Ru... Xue Ru doesn't know how to repay you!" Her voice choked with emotion, this time it was genuine gratitude.

Lin Yan casually waved his hand: "I've shown you the way. Whether you can walk it well depends on your own ability. Just remember what I just said. By the way, I didn't mean to humiliate you last time, but the perfume you chose was too strong. Change it when you have the chance! Foreigners wear perfume because they have strong body odor. Chinese people don't have much body odor, so they don't need to use such strong perfume!"

"Yes! Xue Ru will remember this forever and never forget it!" Chen Xue Ru nodded vigorously, her eyes regaining their light—a fighting spirit that showed she had found the right direction and was ready to make a name for herself with her true abilities.

Watching this scene, Xu Huizhen felt both envious and happy for Chen Xueru. She quickly greeted them with a smile, "Alright, alright, the important questions are all answered, everyone's happy! Come on, Brother Lin, Uncle Niu, Uncle Pian, let me get everyone another hot dish. We must drink to our hearts' content today!"

The corner of the tavern became lively again, but beneath the liveliness, everyone's state of mind had quietly changed.

Lin Yan was quite pleased that he had managed to give himself a "GG" in what seemed like casual conversation. Perfect!