Educated Youth in the Countryside: She is the Village's Embroidery Queen!-Chapter 334: Walking the Razor’s Edge

The follow-up matters had nothing to do with Yi Chichi. She was neither the police nor a member of the Nan Family, so there wasn’t much point in staying.

So, after saying goodbye to Nan Juhong and the others, she took her leave and headed to the Friendship Store.

Ning Jiandong was surprised by her arrival, impulsively blurting out, "You finished the embroidery?"

Hearing this, Yi Chichi couldn’t even be bothered to roll her eyes, directly retorting, "I don’t have ten pairs of hands."

That was her way of saying he was overthinking.

Ning Jiandong rubbed his nose, awkwardly smiled, invited her to sit down, and made her some tea, along with giving her some candy, before helplessly explaining, "I’ve been too busy lately, and my brain can’t keep my mouth in check."

"Busy with what?"

"Crocheting stuff."

Upon hearing this, Yi Chichi had a bad feeling and instinctively got up to leave, but Ning Jiandong seemed to know what she was thinking and quickly grabbed her wrist, saying, "Sit down."

"I don’t want to sit."

If she sat down, Old Ning would pile more work on her; only a fool would sit.

"We won’t make you work for nothing!"

Old Ning, skilled in tempting with benefits, offered her a deal.

Yi Chichi, "... In that case, sitting down for a bit isn’t out of the question."

His heart finally settled down.

If she’s willing to sit, that means further discussion is possible.

He let go and watched Yi Chichi sit back down on the chair before getting up and heading to the door to call out, "Xiao Huang, go call Director Gu over!" 𝚏𝕣𝕖𝚎𝚠𝚎𝚋𝚗𝐨𝐯𝕖𝕝.𝕔𝐨𝕞

"Yes, Manager."

The summoned Xiao Huang immediately got up to find Gu Xinghua.

Ning Jiandong returned to face Yi Chichi, taking out paper and pen from the drawer without another word, handing them to her, "Draw. Not only crochet patterns but also make a few embroidery ones."

His manner was very unceremonious, proving that he truly didn’t see Yi Chichi as an outsider.

Yi Chichi was equally direct, "How much for each design?"

Ning Jiandong fell silent.

Seeing this wasn’t good, Yi Chichi angrily said, "Uncle, you’re not planning to get something for nothing again, are you?!"

The previous crochet patterns were a friendly gift, but this time she wouldn’t allow it.

"No."

Ning Jiandong quickly denied it, having no such intention, "The main thing is I haven’t bought designs before and don’t know what a reasonable price is."

Unfortunately, Yi Chichi hadn’t sold designs either and was equally clueless about the price.

The uncle and niece were at a standstill, and the atmosphere fell into silence.

Fortunately, the silence didn’t last long because Gu Xinghua, summoned by Xiao Huang, arrived.

Seeing Yi Chichi, he enthusiastically extended his hand, "Comrade Xiao Yi, you’re finally here. I’ve been missing you so much!"

Yi Chichi shook hands with him and said, "Uncle, it’s not me you’re missing; it’s my designs."

A statement, not a question.

Gu Xinghua felt awkward, this kid was too straightforward.

Somewhat helplessly, he said, "Niece, I thought you understood the concept of ’seeing through but not telling.’"

Yi Chichi just laughed, "Uncle, if I don’t tell, I’d be working for nothing, so please understand."

"Understood, I absolutely understand."

The last batch of designs helped them a lot.

"Niece, can you please understand an uncle too and provide a few more designs?"

"We can talk about the price upfront."

As soon as he said this, Gu Xinghua’s gaze fell on Ning Jiandong, "Call the finance to settle the bill."

He was also a man of action, immediately addressing the awkward silence between the uncle and niece regarding the price.

"Old Ning, are you planning not to pay?"

Gu Xinghua clenched his fist, looking fierce as if he was about to start a fight, asking aggressively.

Ning Jiandong rolled his eyes, "I never said that. I just don’t know what’s a suitable price for each design."

Gu Xinghua unclenched his fist, "It’s no big deal, just double the price of Master Tang’s."

Who was that?

Yi Chichi became intrigued by Master Tang and, upon asking, learned he was a top-notch crochet maestro. Not only were his crafting skills superb, but his drawing was also exceptional.

He was a specially hired master at the Friendship Store and a formal employee, holding a secure job.

Though called a master, he wasn’t very old, just in his early forties, an age when he should be at his prime. However, Master Tang and his wife couldn’t educate their children well, and each of their three children was more troublesome than the last.

The second child even caused a major incident, developing enmity with the brother of a certain official over a beautiful young female comrade.

It led to him getting his leg broken and Master Tang’s wrist suffering a debilitating fracture.

Reportedly, the hand was ruined, and even after it healed, its dexterity would be reduced. It might be hard to hold heavy objects or even use scissors.

Thus, the Friendship Store lost a master-level employee, and Master Tang’s apprentice wasn’t yet capable of taking charge on their own.

The crafting skills were okay, but the designs were disastrous, lacking any aesthetic.

After understanding the situation, Yi Chichi finally realized why Ning Jiandong had set his sights on her.

"Can’t find another designer?"

Ning Jiandong’s mouth twitched, "Those capable of drawing don’t want trouble and dare not take on the job. Those willing to take on the job can’t produce decent designs. You’re the only option left."

Yi Chichi nodded in understanding, but she still couldn’t help suggesting an idea.

"Why don’t you offer one of them a special master contract? I can’t stay in Yangcheng for long and can only help temporarily."

Gu Xinghua sighed, "It’s not like we haven’t thought of that suggestion, but implementing it is fraught with problems."

He went on to detail the situations of several capable designers.

They all had identity issues, entangled in troubles, and the Friendship Store’s master title couldn’t save them.

Without the special hire, they’d still sweep toilets and streets, regularly reflect and report, but they could survive.

If they were to accept the Friendship Store’s special hire contract, who knows what those watching them would do?

It’s a magical era, where to stand out and have an easier time, you have to take extreme measures.

The Friendship Store couldn’t break the rules or toe the line.

Their responsibilities were different, and in some areas, they really couldn’t interfere.

If they got involved, it would be trouble for them too.

Yi Chichi sipped her tea, thinking this crappy world forces people to tuck their tails and live cautiously.

Just bear it; it’ll end eventually.

Before having the ability to change the rules, looking out for oneself becomes very necessary.

She couldn’t change anything, so she focused on doing her part.

"How much does Master Tang earn per design?"

Gu Xinghua held up one finger, "Ten bucks!"

"How much?"

Yi Chichi jumped in shock, wondering if she heard wrong or if Gu Xinghua misspoke.

"Uncle, are you sure it’s ten bucks and not a hundred?" She asked incredulously.

"Ten bucks!"

Gu Xinghua confirmed, "But Master Tang’s situation is different from yours. He’s a full-time employee at Friendship Store with a secure job, and ten bucks is just his extra reward. For you, it could be twenty."

Yi Chichi’s mouth twitched, asking Ning Jiandong, "Can Uncle Gu decide on this?"

"Yes!"

After successfully passing the responsibility, Ning Jiandong felt relieved, as he had been unsure about the price. Too low, and he feared Yi Chichi would get angry; too high, and it might exceed his expectations.

Now that Old Gu had decided to negotiate directly, it was good news for him.