Rebirth in 1980: The Farm Wife Makes a Comeback
Chapter 432: Whom to Choose

Chapter 432: Chapter 432: Whom to Choose

Although she wouldn’t wait for the government to assign her a job or seek one herself, she was determined to excel in her graduation project as a culmination of her years of study. She refused to compromise. Despite having settled for less her entire previous life and lived in frustration, she would never do so in this lifetime.

If it meant compromising, she would rather abandon it altogether.

Just like the Qin Family, just like Qin Guohua, and just like that so-called father.

She handed in her graduation project, which was not as exaggerated as the others’. What she designed and described were all very practical garments rather than artistic pieces. However, in the eyes of the teachers, the highest praise went to Liu Xiaohua’s and Xiao Keke’s works—those stunning designs from the last fashion contest, like the skirts made of steel. They called this transformation. Indeed, Qin Xiangnuan was also amazed by their creativity, but having creativity doesn’t necessarily mean one can grab onto the hem of fashion trends. Perhaps they could become great designers, or even painters or artists, but to be a fashion designer, Qin Xiangnuan felt it wasn’t a given.

Coincidentally, a prominent clothing company based in the Southern region was looking for talent. It was said that the company always strived to align with international standards. However, there was a scarcity of designers in China, as the fashion industry was just beginning to develop. Therefore, they were in dire need of talents from design programs.

This time they were interested in two individuals: Liu Xiaohua, for her bold imagination, and Qin Xiangnuan, for her grasp of popular colors. Whether in terms of style or color, her designs made people feel comfortable, as if they induced a desire to buy and wear them.

At the moment, both were sitting with the manager from Fenghua Clothing Company.

Liu Xiaohua, Qin Xiangnuan, and their mentor were all present.

Liu Xiaohua seemed a little nervous, but still maintained her lofty posture.

"Mr. Li, both of our students are exceptionally outstanding. I think the talent you are looking for is right here."

The young man known as Mr. Li kept flipping through the profiles of the two students. Indeed, this time he was having trouble deciding which one to choose.

"I am quite fond of Qin Xiangnuan’s design style, practical and feels like her clothing foundation is incredibly strong, already at a top-tier level."

However, another opinion leaned towards Liu Xiaohua, "Choosing Liu Xiaohua, if it’s just about clothing production skills, aren’t there enough workers in the company? What we need is not a garment worker, but a designer. We need designers who can set trends that align with the international stage. It must be said that the students from Jing University this time are quite promising."

This person was clever, quick-witted, expressing their own thoughts and praising Jing University. Yet, within their words, they were undoubtedly scoring points for Liu Xiaohua.

Liu Xiaohua held her head higher, looking at Qin Xiangnuan with an additional sense of pride, as if confident she would win against Qin Xiangnuan—who had never felt defeated, especially not to a nobody like Qin Xiangnuan.

"Manager, what’s your decision?" The one who preferred Qin Xiangnuan persisted, "I still feel that we should go for talent with practicality. Besides designing good clothing, a designer should also be able to make it themselves, so their designs will have a soul."

Liu Xiaohua felt her face burning. It was as if she was being slapped in the face—indeed, her designs were extraordinary, but the problem was that the clothes she made were quite mediocre.

Qin Xiangnuan kicked her own feet under the table. She had been here for a long time and didn’t want to be a designer or anything; she just wanted to go home and sleep. It seemed they wouldn’t let her leave today without a clear outcome.

The debate between the two, one for her and one for Liu Xiaohua, raged on, nearly coming to blows. But no matter how heated the argument, the final decision rested with the manager.

"Teacher, what do you think?"

The manager tossed this hot potato to their mentor—who was also tired of the argument. He didn’t understand why they didn’t just take both since they wanted them. But if the company insisted on only one, even though both were his students...

The mentor glanced at Liu Xiaohua, then at Qin Xiangnuan.

In truth, Liu Xiaohua was better at networking than Qin Xiangnuan. Qin Xiangnuan didn’t board at school and had an average relationship with the mentor. She wasn’t too keen on performing or talking. But Liu Xiaohua was different; likely, she had treated the teacher to meals before.

The teacher’s preference was clearly for Liu Xiaohua.

"I think..." He pondered before ultimately supporting his favorite student, "Liu Xiaohua might be better suited to be a designer. Her performance in school has always been noteworthy and very promising. The issue with handcrafting can be developed later, but talent is innate, something that can’t be imitated or cultivated."

His point was clear: Qin Xiangnuan was skilled, but only suited to be a seamstress or a worker, not a designer. Both were good and outstanding; it was up to Fenghua Clothing to decide.

In the end, after considering various factors, Fenghua’s manager chose Liu Xiaohua.

Liu Xiaohua curved her lips into a smile, stood up, walked over to Qin Xiangnuan, and lightly touched her own hair.

"Sorry, I actually hoped we could be colleagues."

Qin Xiangnuan smiled back, "Congratulations. I think it’s best we aren’t colleagues after all."

Liu Xiaohua sneered, "That’s right, you don’t have the chance anymore."

When Qin Xiangnuan left the school, she ran into Jian Zhiqing, who had specifically come to wait for her.

"How did it go?"

"What do you think?" Qin Xiangnuan pointed to her own face, "Do I look happy, excited, joyful? Every expression on my face is saying, I’m not happy, I’m not thrilled."

Jian Zhiqing hugged his chest.

"You got eliminated?"

"Yes, poor me," Qin Xiangnuan dropped her shoulders in mock despair, as if saying I’m so pitiful, come comfort me.

"Okay, mwah."

Jian Zhiqing patted her on the head, comforting her like a little girl. This ’mwah’ was something Qin Xiangnuan would say to Conghua, and now Jian Zhiqing had picked it up.