Chapter 35 An Unexpected Encounter
In the hopes of expediting the proposal process, Lauren decided to personally observe how the salespeople at the Robinson Conglomerate hawked their products.
Caught in the throes of public scrutiny at the time, she chose not to loop in Noah about her decision, and instead directly informed the Sales Division Department Head, Francis. After all, when she joined the Sales Department, Noah had made it clear that she needed to report her actions to the Department Head.
That very day, Lauren accompanied the sales staff to the most bustling upscale commercial district in City A.
Given the wide range of products the Robinson Conglomerate dealt within, Lauren picked their best-selling line—luxury kitchen and bathroom accessories.
The Sales District Manager warmly greeted her, "Hello, I'm the manager in charge here. Welcome, and if you need any assistance, don't hesitate to ask."
As Lauren accepted his business card with a polite nod, she smiled and said, "Thank you, I'm here to learn, and hope I won't disrupt your work."
"No problem at all," the Manager replied. "Francis from the Department Head specifically instructed us to fully support you, so just focus on your work without worries."
Hearing this set Lauren at ease. She was genuinely impressed by the caliber of Robinson Conglomerate's employees—it was no wonder they were the leading company in City A.
After the introductions, the Manager took Lauren on a tour, describing their products. By the end of it, Lauren had a good grasp of the main product categories.
"I never realized kitchen appliances could have such advanced features," Lauren remarked, watching the Manager demonstrate a smart ignition device with astonishment.
The Manager chuckled and explained, "You might think the kitchen is a small part of a home, but there's a big science behind kitchen tools. Typically, it’s women who toil in the kitchen, but as society progresses, women have become prominent professionals, and their expectations for the kitchen have increased. They want simplicity and full functionality, which is why the market for high-end kitchenware has so much potential."
"Yeah, I've truly learned a lot today. Thank you so much for taking the time to teach me all these things," Lauren responded with heartfelt gratitude.
The manager chuckled, "Alright, I've shown you everything. I've got a meeting, so I'll be taking off now. Chen, come over and take Amelia."
He gestured to a sales rep named Chen, who approached and exchanged greetings with Lauren before the manager exited the area.
Now it was time to get down to business. Lauren followed Chen around the sales floor, learning from his experience and attempting to sell the high-end kitchenware she had no prior exposure to. Although she often cooked, she had never imagined such enjoyment could be found in making soup.
Observing the bustling crowd of customers and the busy sales staff, Lauren couldn't help but smile ruefully. Compared to them, she felt she truly lacked the zest for life.
Someday, if financial freedom allowed, she considered the idea of installing a set of such sophisticated kitchen tools. The thought of effortlessly cooking for her children was rather appealing.
FuelledFueled by her interest in the high-end kitchen gadgets, Lauren decided to draft a dedicated proposal. She would base further decisions, like expanding her focus to additional products, on its viability.
She keenly watched the interaction between customers and salespeople, gathered insights, and compiled the most effective sales strategies.
Before she knew it, the morning had whisked away, and it was already afternoon.
Lauren had changed out of her earlier attire, ready to join the ranks of the sales team.
Just as she was brimming with confidence and about to dive into the fray, a familiar voice rang out from behind her.
"Young lady, could you tell me how this equipment works? Is it good?"
Lauren slowly turned around to see a familiar face. "Mom..." she said, slightly embarrassed by the coincidence of running into Kimberly.
"Lauren, what are you doing here? What's going on? Are you..." Kimberly's surprise was evident, but her inquiry was cut short as Lauren pulled her aside.
"Lauren, what's all this about? How come you are here're selling things?" Kimberly couldn't wait to get her questions out.
Coming out of her initial shock, Lauren hadn't expected to run into a family member so soon; the world really was ‘"small.’"
"Yeah, I've got nothing much to do at home, might as well come out and work. Talking to people, socializing... it makes life more fulfilling," Lauren explained casually, careful not to reveal her financial strains to anyone, including her MomMom.
Kimberly's face darkened with concern as she questioned, "Is it that Quentin is making you work?"
Lauren quickly shook her head, "Why would you think that? Mom, don't worry, I'm doing fine. The decision to start working was something we discussed together; it really has nothing to do with him."
Kimberly was deeply distressed. "Lauren, it breaks my heart to see you being treated unfairly. Even though I can't do much, at least I can confront him for you. You're his darlingwife, not his servant, nor a stranger. If he doesn't cherish you, there's no need for you to keep defending him."
Lauren forced a relaxed smile and said, "Do I not look healthy to you? He hasn't mistreated me; we're really doing alright. Look, the department I'm working in is actually the best in the Robinson Conglomerate. If you don't believe me, you can ask around."
Hearing Lauren's explanation, Kimberly gradually felt reassured.
"That's true, Quentin's scandals have indeed decreased. I just hope he can have a change of heart, and you two can find love and happiness..."
"Uh-huh, we will, don't worry about it." Lauren smiled sweetly, "Mom, did you come here to buy kitchenware?" Lauren changed the subject.
Kimberly nodded, "Yes, I never expected to run into you here."
"Perfect, then let me be your guide. Let's see if there's anything you like?" Lauren took Kimberly by the hand and headed towardstoward the kitchenware section. "Also, Mom, please don't tell anyone we're related; otherwise, my sales achievements will be gone!"
Kimberly looked at Lauren, who seemed carefree and happy, yet she couldn't manage to smile herself. She could only hope that Lauren was truly happy and content.
After returning home, Kimberly, after much thought, felt that it was necessary to have a talk with Quentin. About her son-in-law, apart from their relationship, she really had nothing to complain about.
Quentin had indeed worked tirelessly to help revive the Walker Corporation, and now the company was slowly making progress. Lauren's father, Ulysses, couldn't stop singing Quentin's praises, yet he seemed to overlook their daughter's feelings.
