Take charge again?

Zhu Suizhou had indeed contemplated this question.

He put himself in Xia Xiaolan’s position, facing major price reductions from several state-owned department stores, and wondered what he would do.

After much thought, he could only think of increasing advertising while offering even lower prices than the state-owned stores to win back customers… Zhu Suizhou couldn’t think of a better solution.

He was human, not a god!

Facing major price reductions from state-owned stores, avoiding losses was impossible – it came down to who would surrender first.

However, he would have joined the ‘price war’ from the start, selling more goods than state-owned stores even at a loss. In that case, the state-owned stores’ supply blockade against Ya Xi Ya would be laughable – suppliers would remain neutral, unlike now when they’d stopped supplying Ya Xi Ya – how would Xia Xiaolan break this deadlock?

Old Huang hadn’t explained clearly about the ‘shopping cards’ and recharge cashback – Zhu Suizhou was curious about the specific operational model.

“Comrade Huang, don’t worry. Ya Xi Ya is my life’s work, I won’t abandon it. When the time is right, I’ll return to Ya Xi Ya.”

Zhu Suizhou made his first clear statement.

Old Huang felt instantly invigorated.

As for what constituted the right time, they were all clever people – no need to spell it out – naturally, it would be after Xia Xiaolan’s ‘shopping card’ counter-attack failed.

This had to be the final counter-attack. With suppliers cutting off Ya Xi Ya’s supply, if the ‘shopping cart’ strategy couldn’t save Ya Xi Ya, how could Xia Xiaolan continue as general manager with any dignity?

Even if she finally agreed to major price reductions then, it would be like slapping her face, losing all credibility!

Old Huang’s voice brimmed with joy:

“Director Zhu, I’ll quietly await your return!”

After hanging up, Zhu Suizhou was also puzzled.

He saw hope for his return but wasn’t as certain as Old Huang.

Zhu Suizhou knew Xia Xiaolan better than Old Huang did. Based on her previous “achievements,” she seemed more capable than this… She could have won back customers through major price reductions, yet she kept delaying, letting Ya Xi Ya’s existing customers constantly drift away, with daily revenue now just one-tenth of before!

Why would Xia Xiaolan make such a thankless “stand”?

Unless she believed she had better methods than major price reductions.

Zhu Suizhou could only speculate.

Was this ‘shopping card’ better than major price reductions?

He couldn’t judge based on Old Huang’s limited knowledge, as Old Huang wasn’t Xia Xiaolan’s confidant and didn’t understand the detailed operations of the ‘shopping cards.’

But Minglan seemed to have earned Xia Xiaolan’s trust and surely knew all her detailed plans.

Never mind Song Minglan – she was Third Miss Song, when had she ever regarded him, her maternal uncle, with any importance? Zhu Suizhou didn’t resent anyone. Song Minglan’s attitude ultimately stemmed from his inadequacy. If his achievements had surpassed Xia Xiaolan’s, Song Minglan would naturally respect him, value her maternal uncle more than her paternal aunt, and even the Song family would respect him!

“Shopping cards? Hope they really can save Ya Xi Ya…”

Zhu Suizhou muttered.

His feelings were complex and contradictory – while hoping to seize the chance to retake Ya Xi Ya’s management, he didn’t want Xia Xiaolan to be truly cornered by the state-owned stores. He had always held high hopes for Ya Xi Ya and invested much effort. If Xia Xiaolan returned a devastated Ya Xi Ya to him, it would break his heart!

No wonder turncoats like Old Huang were getting restless, eagerly awaiting their old master’s return – Ya Xi Ya was under immense pressure.

Previously, suppliers had been stalling, perfunctorily following Lu Hongbo’s orders to stop supplying Ya Xi Ya.

Some suppliers leaked the ‘association’ news to Song Minglan, hoping she’d inform Xia Xiaolan – facing such a situation, surely Ya Xi Ya’s Manager Xia would join the major price reductions?

They waited and waited for Xia Xiaolan’s return to the city.

Waited until November, while Ya Xi Ya barely held on, showing no signs of major price reductions!

What?!

They hadn’t expected Ya Xi Ya’s Manager Xia to be so stubborn.

Was it really as Lu Hongbo said – Manager Xia was young and proud, thinking she could withstand several state-owned stores’ major price reductions with just service and varied ceremonial squad performances?

Suppliers agreed that shopping at Ya Xi Ya felt wonderful, with an excellent experience and a sense of being valued – money spent there felt worthwhile.

But faced with real monetary savings, the city’s residents could probably overcome their desire for a pleasant shopping experience.

After all, before Ya Xi Ya appeared, everyone had endured poor experiences for years and had mostly gotten used to it…

Xia Xiaolan’s stubbornness gave suppliers headaches. With increasing pressure from Lu Hongbo’s side, suppliers personally met with Xia Xiaolan, who still refused major price reductions:

“Please be patient. Ya Xi Ya’s response will launch soon, definitely not inferior to major price reductions!”

The suppliers were frustrated.

“Manager Xia, we’re grateful for your help with clearing our inventory before, but we really can’t withstand the pressure now. If we continue supplying Ya Xi Ya, the state-owned department stores won’t let our goods on their shelves… We must apologize to you!”

Xia Xiaolan’s expression turned serious:

“Won’t you reconsider? Manager Lu and others’ behavior violates market economy principles. Do they think higher authorities won’t intervene?”

Oh my, why not demonstrate your connections that could influence Manager Lu and others? Show whatever background support you have – it’s time for your trump card, as things are now desperate!

The suppliers felt Xia Xiaolan had two options:

Either join the major price reductions and battle it out with the state-owned stores!

Or find an influential mediator in the city to facilitate “peace talks” between Xia Xiaolan and Lu Hongbo’s group… Of course, with state-owned department stores having the upper hand, any negotiations would require Ya Xi Ya to make territorial compensations and sign numerous humiliating agreements to satisfy Manager Lu and others!

“Manager Xia, why not find a mediator to sit down with Manager Lu and others? In business, harmony brings wealth – there’s no insurmountable obstacle, right? As long as there’s money to be made, face is a small matter.”

One supplier spoke frankly to Xia Xiaolan before leaving.

Find a mediator for peace talks.

This method was never in Xia Xiaolan’s plans.

In business matters, she always tried to avoid mixing in other elements.

She wanted to negotiate, but not the kind involving Ya Xi Ya’s territorial compensation. She had gone with sincerity, but Lu Hongbo wouldn’t even meet her – what could Xia Xiaolan do?

As for these suppliers cutting off Ya Xi Ya’s supply – so be it!

Xia Xiaolan politely saw them off:

“Our paths will cross again. I still look forward to future opportunities to cooperate!”