"You gathered these girls to sell your trinkets?"
Ling Muzhu's voice echoed from behind, met with the expected roll of Feng Jin's eyes.
"These aren't trinkets, they are skin toners, rose essence, and seaweed moisturizing creams..."
Feng Jin patiently introduced them one by one. Discussing these topics with men was indeed exhausting.
"I've heard enough, no need to say more." Ling Muzhu's vision was a blur, her mind filled with creams and toners.
"Young Madam, they are all dressed."
Led by Cai Qing, several women emerged. As the saying goes, gold adorns Buddha, and clothes adorn people. After being dressed up, they indeed looked much more presentable than before.
Girls of sixteen or seventeen had such excellent skin. Even without any prior care, their skin was still supple, firm, and smooth.
"Cai Qing, go and teach them the sales pitch I taught you last night, word for word. Once they've all learned it, practice mock transactions, with one playing the customer and another the shop assistant."
Opening a beauty shop was different from opening a medical clinic. Communication with people was paramount. These girls, with no experience and even afraid to speak loudly to others, needed proper training.
She had stayed up late last night to write a sales script. It would be much easier for them to learn if they simply followed it.
"It will be difficult for them, who have never handled these things before, to learn to sell them,"
Ling Muzhu said with a hint of pity, even doubting Feng Jin's intentions. Would they even be able to sell anything?
"Then who do you think would be more suitable?"
"Naturally, someone familiar with these things," Ling Muzhu replied without hesitation.
"There are two types of people who are familiar with these things. One is those with power and influence, and the other is women from brothels. Which of these two types do you think would be more suitable?"
Ladies and young mistresses from wealthy and powerful families were accustomed to being served; they would hardly stoop to such work. As for women from brothels, it was unthinkable. They were considered public enemies by all women. Who in the world would willingly spend money to buy things from an enemy?
To do so would require a lack of sanity. Therefore, her only option was to find ordinary girls and train them gradually.
Ling Muzhu was suddenly rendered speechless by Feng Jin's question and could not find an answer. She gave a couple of awkward laughs, "Just pretend I said nothing."
"Do more, speak less."
Feng Jin said coldly and resumed her work.
After several days of preparation, under Feng Jin's training, the girls who were once disheveled and afraid to speak loudly to people had completely transformed.
"Everyone, today is the opening day. We have trained hard for so long, all for this moment. Let's work hard and cheer up."
After a motivational speech, the shop officially opened. As Feng Jin had predicted, they were swamped.
It was all worth the effort she had put in during the few days before the opening, spending a considerable amount of silver on advertising among the ladies and young mistresses. Finally, all that investment could be recouped today.
After a day of busyness, the customers slowly dwindled only late into the night.
Feng Jin's eyes lit up as she flipped through the ledger, calculating the day's earnings. On the very first day of opening, the net profit reached ten thousand taels of silver.
If things continued at this pace, she would soon become the wealthiest person. Her next step was to open branches all over the capital and across the country.
"Young Madam, what are you thinking about that you're smiling so happily?"
Cai Qing, noticing Feng Jin's beaming face, sidled up and asked.
"It's nothing, I was just thinking about how I'm about to become the richest person in the country, and I can't help but be happy."
After all, no one would ever complain about having too much money. A life of wealth was truly wonderful.
"Cai Qing, I've decided. I'm going to appoint you as the head manager to help me manage Yu Yan Fang."
"Ah... me?" Cai Qing exclaimed in surprise. After a moment, she shook her head, "I can't do it, Young Madam... please find someone else?"
She had only learned to keep accounts recently. How could she manage a whole shop?
"You can learn as you go. I will teach you bit by bit."
Feng Jin patted Cai Qing's shoulder, showing her trust. Most importantly, she didn't have the time to manage Yu Yan Fang frequently. She still had research to do and new products to develop.
Seeing Cai Qing still hesitating, Feng Jin comforted her, "Don't worry, I believe in your ability. You don't need to worry about losing money; your Young Madam has plenty of money, and losing a little is fine."
"Ah?"
Cai Qing gasped in surprise. Her Young Madam was indeed rich and powerful, not even bothered by potential losses.
"Everyone worked hard today. Go home and rest early tonight. It will be busy for the first few days after opening. Thank you all for your hard work. Once this busy period is over, I'll give everyone a break."
She considered herself a good boss who would never exploit her employees. Besides, work and rest should be balanced, and everyone should find joy in their work.
"Thank you, Young Madam."
"The Young Madam is truly beautiful and kind-hearted."
"The Young General is truly blessed to have married the Young Madam."
Instantly, the room was filled with praises for Feng Jin.
Hearing this, Feng Jin's heart fluttered. She cleared her throat, trying hard to calm herself. She couldn't be arrogant or proud; she had to maintain a bình thường tâm (normal state of mind).
As she left, a faint smile played on Feng Jin's lips. It felt truly good to be praised by so many people. She was beginning to enjoy it.
"Young Madam, you seem very happy today. Your smile hasn't faded at all."
Cai Qing, with her keen observation skills, spoke at just the right moment.
"Of course. Who wouldn't be happy about earning money? My goal is to earn a lot of money and live a good life."
Feng Jin declared her grand ambitions. Her only goal now was to make money, make money...
"Then I will work hard to make money with the Young Madam."
Cai Qing lifted her chin and agreed, wholeheartedly believing that whatever the Young Madam said and did was correct.
"A promising subordinate. Following the Young Madam will surely lead you to prosperity."
"Yes, Young Madam."
Laughter echoed from within the room, a scene of harmony between mistress and servant.
...
"Sister Feng Jin, do I look good in this color of lipstick?"
Lin Yuwei held up a lipstick and asked for Feng Jin's opinion.
Feng Jin, who was calculating accounts, looked up at Lin Yuwei's direction when she heard the sound. "This color is a bit too light. Try this one."
Feng Jin took a box of cherry-colored lipstick and handed it to Lin Yuwei.
"This one looks better." Lin Yuwei applied the lipstick and looked at herself in the mirror. This color suited her better.