Chapter 31: Bringing Back Some Local Specialties

The most beautiful things humans can perceive are, for the most part, products of their own imagination. Consequently, QQ-style apparel that is too blunt or crude often fails to stir any interest. The items that truly become runaway hits are those that ignite infinite flights of fancy. In the future, when short-video platforms explode with popularity, those female influencers who desperately walk the line of propriety for the sake of traffic will have put in immense effort—and in doing so, they will have greatly expanded the horizons for human exploration of QQ-style aesthetics.

Right now, Lu Yao is taking the insights he learned from the future and applying them to the present. With just a slight display of his prowess, he has left Boss Xu Zhiqiao and Boss Chen Xing completely stunned.

A mere decoration made of a few fine gold chains, draped over a black velvet mannequin, was enough to spark endless imagination. Compared to the older models produced in Chen Xing’s factory, the piece Lu Yao brought out felt like it belonged to an entirely different dimension. While QQ lingerie may only differ between "high season" and "peak season" in terms of sales, these QQ props—which can be worn for photos and significantly boost a girl’s charm—possess an inherently potent viral quality. It is foreseeable that this chest chain will undoubtedly become a bestseller.

Lu Yao stood beside the mannequin and smiled. "This is just one type of design; there are several variations I didn't have time to put together. For example, you could use slightly thicker chains with sparkling crystals to flesh out the details, then add a hemline to create a natural, pleated effect like silk fabric. Or, you could make it into a two-piece set."

Under Lu Yao’s description, Xu Zhiqiao—a man who aspired to be a legendary playboy—already began to let his imagination run wild. "Brilliant! Simply brilliant, heh heh..." Damn, once these products were actually made, he would definitely be among their first loyal customers! Just the thought of these items being worn by his female companions was enough to make him restless.

Boss Chen Xing was equally excited. QQ lingerie is, after all, apparel, and in the world of fashion, success often hinges on creative design. After seeing what Lu Yao presented, Chen Xing looked at the lace stockings, JK skirts, and lace undergarments in her office and suddenly found them to be stale and tacky.

But that wasn't all. Lu Yao chuckled, "I have eight more sets of similar new designs!"

Boss Chen Xing: "..." She was a smart woman. The moment Lu Yao said this, she understood he was holding back specifically to negotiate a better price. And sure enough, after the presentation, Lu Yao and Chen Xing engaged in a back-and-forth price war. In the end, Lu Yao secured the price he had in mind, having left Chen Xing thoroughly outmaneuvered.

Once the negotiation finished, Boss Chen Xing slumped onto the sofa, looking dazed. "You really pushed the price to the absolute limit!"

Lu Yao smiled, painting a grand picture of the future. "It’s a bit tough now, but as long as the orders explode, this price point will still be very profitable. Besides, I didn't charge any extra for the designs." Design work was valuable, after all. Upon hearing this, Boss Chen Xing immediately beamed. "So, our partnership is settled?"

Lu Yao was quite satisfied with Chen Xing’s attitude and her vision. Since that was the case, there was no need to keep looking for other options. Thus, Lu Yao nodded. "Settled!"

A sly smile appeared on Chen Xing’s glowing face. "Then, as partners, you wouldn't mind offering some suggestions to upgrade the rest of the factory’s products, would you?"

"No problem!" Lu Yao agreed instantly. Since he was planning to open an online store, he couldn't just have one product line. Helping Chen Xing upgrade her inventory was also a way to expand his own supply chain. He began wandering around Chen Xing’s office, picking out items that were still decent but had room for improvement, and offering suggestions.

"These stockings are too high-quality; switch to a material with a glossier finish that isn't quite as durable."

"These pantyhose are too old-fashioned. Make them into a garter-style design, and maybe add a red trim to the stockings. You could even sell them as a set with red-soled high heels."

"For these shorts, use snap buttons on both sides so that customers can rip them open with a single pull."

Every time Chen Xing heard a suggestion, she felt as if a new world had opened up. So that’s how it could be done! These improvements would definitely make them much more stylish! She was learning so much! Like an honor student with a notebook, she recorded every single point Lu Yao made.

Through Lu Yao’s explanation, she gradually realized that QQ apparel wasn't meant to serve just one side; it was meant to serve both. Men wanted it to be visually alluring and fun, while women cared more about the aesthetics and style during use. When a product could satisfy the needs of both, it would naturally be loved by both, and inevitably become a hit.

As a factory owner, Chen Xing was learning from Lu Yao with a student's mindset. Xu Zhiqiao’s thoughts were much simpler: *Damn, once these go on sale, I’m buying everything!*

Brother Lu really lived up to his reputation! His crafty ideas were endless, and every single one hit the bullseye of a lecherous heart. Although in the hierarchy of consumer markets, men’s purchasing power is sometimes ranked even lower than a dog's, that depends on the field. In the world of electronics, men are the absolute primary consumers. And when it came to these ingenious, seductive QQ products, no "old pervert" could possibly resist.

Indeed, following Brother Lu meant living the good life! The most critical part was that this business could not only make money but also benefit the vast community of "old perverts." It was truly a virtuous deed.

While browsing through the various samples, Lu Yao suddenly noticed an item covered by a plastic bag. It was a purple satin halter-neck maxi dress. Even through the dust-proof plastic, it was clear that the fabric was of high quality. It was only the lace patchwork that cheapened the overall texture of the dress. However, compared to most of the products here, the effect of this dress was actually quite good.

Lu Yao pointed to the purple dress and asked, "This dress... I assume you designed this yourself, Boss Chen?"

Boss Chen Xing sighed and smiled. "Yes, but other than the material, I felt it was quite mediocre, and the cost was high, so I hid it away."

Lu Yao nodded, pulled the dress out, and suggested, "Remove all the lace patchwork. Make it a deep-back halter dress. The cut should be more fluid to emphasize the quality of the fabric."

Chen Xing didn't understand. "Wouldn't that just be an ordinary dress then?"

Lu Yao smiled. *Missing the bigger picture again, aren't you?* True QQ apparel shouldn't just look good; it had to be functional. Lu Yao pointed to the halter strap at the back of the dress. "Add a small hidden drawstring mechanism here. With a gentle pull, the back of the dress can be lifted up like a window shade."

Chen Xing’s body trembled, and she felt a tingling sensation as if her brain had been electrified. Xu Zhiqiao was completely dumbfounded. *You can play it like this? This is just too damn scandalous! Where the hell does Brother Lu learn these tricks?*

Facing their stunned expressions, Lu Yao laughed. "Get these prototypes made as soon as possible. I want to take some samples back with me." After all, since he had made the trip, he had to bring back some "local specialties" for Sister Wang.