Educated Youth in the Countryside: She is the Village's Embroidery Queen!-Chapter 256: Obsessed with Money

"You might as well embroider the moonlight yourself."

She was sincere, and Yi Chichi fell silent. The moonlight was something she specifically designed for Liu Lan; this type of embroidery pattern was only suitable for Chaotic Needle Embroidery, any other technique would ruin the effect.

She couldn’t be bothered to embroider, really.

The key issue was she didn’t have the time.

"Really can’t embroider it?"

She pressed again, unwilling to give up, while Liu Lan shook her head, "It’s really beyond me."

The refusal was obvious.

Second Brother Liu, curious, leaned over for a look and then gasped.

"What is it?"

The gasp was pretty loud, prompting Yi Chichi and Liu Lan to both look at him with inquiring eyes.

Second Brother Liu took a deep breath and said, trembling, "This, this looks like the moon. It shines and warms like the sun, but actually, it’s ice-cold."

The description was spot-on, truly capturing Liu Lan’s feelings.

She slapped her thigh in excitement, "Exactly, I just said I can’t manage it, it’s too cold."

Yi Chichi twitched at the corners of her mouth, "That’s not cold, it’s serene."

If life showcases vitality and energy, then moonlight expresses serenity and solitude.

"No matter the kind of cold, I just can’t embroider it."

Liu Lan looked at her eagerly, "Of course, as my teacher, if you’re not afraid I’ll mess it up, then I could try to embroider it."

As for what it would turn out like, or whether she could express what she intended, she made no guarantees.

Seeing her like this, Yi Chichi decisively put away the embroidery pattern, "I’ll do it myself."

There was no point in expecting Liu Lan to do the moonlight, she decided it was best to handle it herself.

"I’ll draw another one for you."

"Now?"

Eager, her eyes were as bright as the sun.

Yi Chichi was just about to nod when Second Brother Liu coughed twice, "Brother, did you catch a cold?"

Liu Lan asked worriedly.

Yi Chichi also looked over, considerately saying, "Just tell me if you’re not feeling well, I’ll get you some medicine."

Second Brother Liu, who only remembered then she was the team’s medic, paused and shook his head.

"I’m not sick."

While speaking, he desperately winked at Yi Chichi, subtly pointing to the paper and pen on the table, then pointed at Liu Lan, and finally shook his head at Yi Chichi.

His meaning was too obvious, and Yi Chichi couldn’t pretend not to understand even if she wanted to.

She nodded slightly to reassure Second Brother Liu, then turned to Liu Lan, "I’m busy today, come back in a few days with your brother for the pattern, or I could send it to you."

A colored embroidery pattern couldn’t be made immediately, Liu Lan knew it required time and patience.

Therefore, she didn’t doubt Yi Chichi’s words at all, instead understanding and saying, "Then let my brother come pick it up, no need for you to go out in the cold."

Second Brother Liu thought, "So I’m not cold, huh?"

But he still smiled and said he could.

Thus, when Wen’s mother came back home with Qin Jiu after practice, intending to check if Yi Chichi was still embroidering and to forcibly make her take a break if she was, she didn’t expect to find her painting instead.

She came over for a look; Yi Chichi had already begun coloring.

It was a lotus painting, with lotus leaves, lotus flowers, water plants, and a fish swimming, forming a scene of Fish Playing Among Lotus.

"The fish looks nice."

Qin Jiu was deeply interested in the vibrant fish in the painting, "Auntie, how did you draw this fish?"

"Just like this."

Yi Chichi didn’t look up, carefully coloring with her paintbrush. Normally, if it were for her own use, without needing to hand over the embroidery pattern, she would just envision the design and color scheme in her mind.

Once the design and colors were set, she’d start sewing immediately.

She knew exactly which needlework techniques, thread thickness, and colors to use.

However, Liu Lan did not have that ability. She struggled to even draw her own embroidery patterns, let alone choosing colors for the embroidery.

So, only Yi Chichi could do it, and she had to pair the colors for Liu Lan to follow.

If she tried to cut corners, Liu Lan’s limited sense for color could mess up the entire embroidery with wrong color pairings.

"Auntie, can I learn it?"

These words finally made Yi Chichi look up. Puzzled, she asked, "You want to learn painting?"

"I think your paintings are really good."

Wen’s mother patted his head, "Just because your aunt can paint well doesn’t mean you can. Painting, like embroidery, requires talent."

"You don’t have the talent."

Yi Chichi poured cold water over him, seeing Qin Jiu’s disbelieving and hurt expression, the kind when you ignore a child’s self-esteem. Calmly, she said, "You’re a typical abstract soul artist."

More like an abstract soul artist.

"Maybe you’re suited for oil painting; what I do definitely doesn’t suit you."

Qin Jiu was good at catching key points, and his eyes lit up, "Auntie, do you think I’m suited for oil painting?"

"I said maybe."

Taking things selectively is not a good habit. Seeing the bright-eyed child look at her, she said helplessly, "Don’t look at me for that, I can’t teach you oil painting."

"Grandma Song can."

"??? Grandma Song knows oil painting too?"

This was truly unexpected; she hadn’t heard Old Mrs. Song mention it.

Qin Jiu nodded eagerly, "Yes, in Beijing, Grandma Song’s paintings were quite famous."

"Grandpa said her paintings were very valuable."

His focus was spot on; Yi Chichi exchanged a glance with Wen’s mother, sensing that Qin Jiu’s interest was solely on the value of Grandma Song’s paintings.

When asked, the kid said, "Painting is for making money, after all."

Goodness, this kid really had money on his mind!

"You’re just a child. Money matters are not for you to worry about."

With the things Grandpa had hidden and his restored official paycheck and allowances, Qin Jiu wouldn’t have to worry about his basic needs.

As long as he stayed away from the wrong path, even if not extraordinarily wealthy, he’d still fare better than most people.

So, "If you’re interested, you can ask Grandma Song if she’d be willing to teach you."

"She won’t be willing."

Qin Jiu’s tone was as firm as could be, leaving Wen’s mother curious, "Why?"

The child sighed, like a little adult thoughtfully lamenting, "Grandma Song was reported by her student."

With that said, the duo understood.

"Then don’t ask."

Avoid bringing up sad memories for the old lady.

"We’ll talk when there’s an opportunity."

Qin Jiu asked, "Will there be an opportunity?"

"There will be."

Not now, but surely in the future.

When reform and opening-up happen, all industries will thrive.

Oil painting, Western instruments, international-standard dances will appear.

If by then Qin Jiu still has oil painting on his mind, it’s believed a more open Old Mrs. Song would consider teaching.

If not, she could recommend a skilled teacher for him.

"Be patient and wait."

"Oh."

Qin Jiu nodded, taking off his thick coat and heading to his dedicated desk, he loudly proclaimed, "Auntie, Grandma, I’m going to practice calligraphy now."

"Go for it, practice well."

Wen’s mother encouraged him, then told Yi Chichi she would make dinner.

Soon, the warm interior left only the aunt and nephew, each busy with their own tasks.