Chapter 4, Suji Cloth Store

Xiao Sui'er agreed with a crisp sound. Coming from a poor family herself, she empathized with the life of the impoverished. The actions of the young master today shattered her previous image of him as a dull and pedantic figure, replacing it with a radiant and towering presence that left her in awe.

Su Jin began to think about how to reorganize the business of the fabric store. In terms of business acumen, Su Jin was almost completely inexperienced. However, having come from the highly developed commercial environment of the twenty-first century, he had been somewhat influenced by various business techniques and strategies, and perhaps it was worth a try

Chen Gui's excited lips trembled as he knelt down on the ground, repeatedly bowing to Su Jin, saying, "Thank you, young master, thank you, young master, my mother is saved now... Chen Gui vowed to serve Su Ji diligently, young master, just you wait and see"

Alright, alright. Su Jin found the sight of these big men shedding tears quite disheartening. While she was merely trying to win their hearts and put on a show, their reactions were rather exaggerated.

Such pretentiousness as displayed by Su Jin may not be regarded as anything significant in the eyes of the naive youth, who might even consider it a display of affectation. However, for this group of young professionals from the Song Dynasty, they would likely associate it with the teachings of ancient sages, such as 'Respect the elderly as one would their own elders.' Therefore, their feelings of being moved are not surprising when compared to the principles found in books.

Su Jin fell into deep thought after hearing his words. According to what Chen Gui said, there are more and more wealthy people, yet they pay no attention to their clothing, which is indeed a strange phenomenon. He tried hard to recall whether there had been similar business cases in later generations. Suddenly, he understood the reasoning behind it. It is somewhat unreasonable to say that wealthy individuals do not care about their food and clothing. The only possibility is that this consumer demand has not been developed. In other words, no one is leading the trend of dressing well.

Chen Gui and the other associates could no longer endure this emotional scene, each one with red-rimmed eyes shedding tears

Su Jin tapped his index finger on the table, deep in thought: "If that's the case, does it mean that high-end fabrics in Luzhou Prefecture have no market? Then why were these fabrics imported before, and how did they manage to turn a profit?"

"Young Master." Chen Gui got up and cupped his hands in salute, saying: "I have conducted some inquiries in Luzhou Prefecture. The market for high-end fabrics is indeed sluggish. Tang Ji and Huang Ji have significantly reduced the display of high-end fabrics, replacing them with ordinary fabrics in order to pursue thin profits through high sales volume. What Manager Zhang said is not without reason."

"Young Master, I am called Wen Kai, not Ou Kai," a servant stepped forward and said with a smile, cupping his hands in greeting.

Chen Guidao: "The common man has also investigated this matter. Although Luzhou Prefecture is not the richest and most prosperous place in the world, there are still many wealthy families, as numerous as the stars in the sky. There is a completely high-end market here. In recent years, the weather has been favorable, and there have been no natural disasters or man-made calamities. Many households in the community are quite affluent and seem to be making progress, but the common man truly does not know how to proceed."

"Young Master, you are right. However, Manager Zhang has never allowed us to speak out of turn. We actually proposed suggestions regarding business matters long ago, but after being scolded a few times, who would dare to seek trouble for themselves?" said a slightly older worker.

"Xiao Sui'er, tomorrow buy some fruits and medicinal herbs to send to Chen Gui's home, as a gesture of our hospitality. Remember this matter." Su Jin continued to be sentimental

The other fellows, upon seeing Su Jin, were immediately concerned about Chen Gui's mother's illness, and they were greatly moved. In today's world, how many wealthy families still possess such benevolence? It seems that working at Su Ji is indeed the right choice for them.

The Song people valued literature over martial prowess, which in terms of human nature expresses itself as weakness. According to Su Jin's understanding, this so-called weakness should be seen as the awakening of the mind brought about by the popularization of poetry, literature, and Confucian thought. When a scholar discusses reason with a group of common soldiers, it naturally results in being slapped in the face. However, when a group of scholars engages in conversation together, it is much better; the smooth communication leads to resonance.

I know that you all understand, but have you elevated this matter to the level where it concerns your reputation as related to the business? Surely some of you think, if the Su family falls, we can just switch to another fabric shop and continue as usual. But have you considered who would be willing to hire a group of people whose management led to the closure of their shop? Some of you might still think, if the Su family falls, we can just switch to another fabric shop and continue as usual. But have you thought about it? Who would be willing to employ a group of individuals whose management resulted in failure? Even if someone were to take you in, would they not secretly criticize you behind your back, saying that you are a bunch of incapable, untrustworthy, and irresponsible individuals? Doubts about your abilities might be tolerable, but when it comes to matters of reputation and character, that is no trivial issue. Perhaps it could even bring shame to your parents, wives, and children. Doing business is not merely about selling goods; it is also a combination of trust, reputation, and character. If you lose these, no one can conduct business successfully.

Su Jin's sensational and lengthy discourse left the group of associates feeling a cold sweat trickling down their spines. Among them, there were indeed some who held the belief that 'if this place does not keep me, there will be another place that will.' However, after the young master’s analysis, they felt utterly ashamed, realizing that their thoughts were so despicable, vile, and shameless. They wished they could slap themselves in the face and kick themselves twice to punish their own contemptible character

"Okay!" Su Jin exclaimed excitedly, using a phrase from the twenty-first century.

Cao! Su Jin rolled her eyes, signaling Wen Kai to step back. She addressed everyone, saying: "Now, everyone, follow my instructions and carry out the tasks as discussed. Chen Gui will temporarily take over as the shopkeeper of the cloth store. If this matter is handled well, you will all receive an additional half a month's salary; if not, you will all go home to take care of your children."

Young Master, your words have enlightened us. We will take the prosperity of the fabric shop as our own responsibility, and we will do everything possible to ensure the success of the business.

Young master, whatever you say, we will follow your lead

Now let us discuss how the fabric store can turn around its current unfavorable situation. Is it truly the case that the high-end fabrics we are selling, with their elevated prices, have led to this predicament? Has anyone considered this issue? Su Jin scanned the group of people before him; he could not make a hasty decision. As a first-time boss, he could not afford to make a mistake, so gathering collective wisdom was his only option

Seeing the expressions of the crowd, Su Jin realized that her words had taken effect. Everyone cherishes their reputation, from officials and gentry to common laborers and merchants; deep down, they all hope to be the beloved and admired ones, and no one wishes to be publicly criticized or insulted. This principle transcends time. Su Jin capitalized on this point to strengthen their self-awareness, imposing the honor and disgrace of Su Ji onto them, making them bear the burden.

Young master, we understand this principle. The crowd of workers all clasped their hands in response

He bowed respectfully and said: "Please give your instructions, young master."

Do not rush, Xiao Sui'er. Take five guan of money to Brother Chen Gui and have him bring it back to invite the doctor to treat the elder. This is of utmost importance.

Su Jin methodically elaborated on her approach amidst the gradually widening mouths and increasingly astonished expressions of the crowd

Xiao Sui responded crisply, taking out three taels of silver from her bundle and said: "We didn't bring much copper money when we left, three taels of silver is equivalent to five guan of money, take it."

In that case, there is no need to say more. However, starting today, you all must regard the fabric store as your own business. If the fabric store were to incur permanent losses and fail to turn a profit, do you think there would still be a need for the Su family to operate? At that point, it would naturally mean closing down for good, which would be both a loss of face and a financial setback for the Su family, while for you all, it would mean losing your means of livelihood

Ladies and gentlemen, while the primary responsibility for the poor management of the fabric shop lies with the shopkeeper, it is indeed a dereliction of duty on the part of the shopkeeper not to make operational adjustments in response to market demands. However, as employees of the fabric shop, you also bear responsibility for not considering yourselves as part of the shop and failing to provide reminders.

Su Jinwei smiled slightly and said: "Very good, it is worth my words, but one must pay attention to methods and means, along with concrete actions"