Educated Youth in the Countryside: She is the Village's Embroidery Queen!-Chapter 388: No Quitting Halfway Allowed

Yi Chichi thought for a moment and gave a response.

"It’s hard to evaluate now, because Niu Niu is just starting out, while Liu Lan’s embroidery can already make money."

And it’s earning foreign exchange.

When Niu Niu can earn foreign exchange from her embroidery, only then will she be qualified to compare with Liu Lan on the same scale.

Aunt Ma and the others were not very satisfied with this answer, but they knew Yi Chichi was speaking realistically.

A young girl just starting out indeed can’t be compared to Liu Lan, an adult who can earn money from embroidery.

They’re simply not on the same starting line.

"Is it possible for Niu Niu to reach Liu Lan’s level?"

Niu Niu’s mother asked this question very pragmatically; she had no other intentions, just wanted her daughter to have more options when she grows up.

If the broader environment improves and children can go to school and take college entrance exams, then naturally a future from studying and graduating from university is brighter.

Who doesn’t admire educated people?

Those factory, supply and marketing cooperative, and department store jobs all require town registration and at least a middle school education.

Culturally educated people always have it better than farmers.

If she can’t go to school or take entrance exams, and can’t find a job after graduating from junior or senior high, learning embroidery well could also be a means to make money.

Just like Liu Lan, what’s wrong with staying at home?

Two pieces of embroidery a year earn enough to cover the expenses for three people, as well as be filial to parents and friendly to siblings and their children.

If Niu Niu can reach this level, she won’t need to dig in the dirt, suffer hardships, and get sunburned.

However, Yi Chichi refused to give a definite answer.

Her reply was—

"It’s too early to say anything now; the key is whether you agree that they learn."

The team leader uncle and others looked at Niu Niu, the little girl grinned and emphasized again, "I want to learn."

It’s not that she wants to, she decides to.

The word "want" is enough to show her determination.

The family exchanged a look and collectively nodded in agreement.

But the caution followed.

"Since you want to learn and Aunt Chichi is willing to teach, you must learn well and not give up halfway."

Liu Dalin solemnly instructed.

Niu Niu, who got what she wished for, responded heavily, "I will definitely learn well."

She truly found embroidery very interesting; how just a needle and some thread could stitch out tigers, flowers, and plants; this work was amazing.

With Niu Niu’s promise, the family started discussing with Yi Chichi what items would be needed to learn embroidery.

"Currently, a needle, some thread, and light-colored fabric scraps are enough."

This wasn’t a high requirement.

But still, "Do we need colored thread?"

"If you have it, that’s fine; if not, using the thread at home for clothing repairs will do too. Right now, the focus is on practicing needlework."

The Su Embroidery needlework is diverse, each with its own characteristics; how to insert the needle, how to use each type of needlework is a study in itself.

Once they’ve learned enough, that’s considered entry-level.

Then they can copy designs.

Practice until it becomes second nature.

Finally, they will independently complete embroidery pieces.

If they can learn painting, how to compose, and similar skills, it would be perfect.

But the talent for combining painting and embroidery is rare and cannot be forced.

So, take it slow, no need to rush.

"Let her practice the needlework first, there’s much to overcome if she really intends to pursue this path."

The family nodded in understanding, then Niu Niu’s mother asked, "Should she formally become an apprentice?"

"Don’t make her an apprentice yet; let’s see her perseverance first."

Most children lack persistence; they might be interested now, but lose interest after a few days.

If she can persist, then we can talk about apprenticeship later.

If not, and she gives up halfway, it would be a waste.

"Then let her learn with you first; you’re free to scold or discipline her as you see fit."

The team leader uncle’s words made Yi Chichi speechless for a moment; she wanted to say something, but he didn’t give her a chance, instead turning to Niu Niu, "Remember Aunt Chichi’s words, whether you can become an apprentice mainly depends on you."

"I understand!"

The little girl with a mischievous grin replied, "I will definitely learn well and have Aunt Chichi as my teacher."

"That’s the spirit!"

Yi Chichi patted her head, "Then it’s settled, starting tomorrow, you can come to my house to practice needlework for two hours every day."

"That long?"

Niu Niu’s mother looked worried, "Won’t that harm her eyes?"

She herself would feel discomfort in her eyes and neck when sewing for long periods, so two hours a day...

"Niu Niu, how about we don’t learn this and just focus on studying?"

She started to back out, attempting to persuade Niu Niu.

"No."

Niu Niu surprisingly was very decisive, she said, "I can practice, and Aunt will help me protect my eyes and keep active."

Logical and clear in thought.

This child was impressive.

The family looked at Yi Chichi; she smiled and said, "Don’t worry, I’ll teach her how to protect her eyes, neck, and hands."

Speaking of hands, Aunt Ma glanced at Yi Chichi’s hands, then thought of Liu Lan’s hands, and decisively grabbed Niu Niu’s hand to inspect it. The difference was clear.

"If you want to learn this, you can’t go fishing in the pond, digging for earthworms in the dirt, or making mouse holes in the field. Can you hold back?"

She knew her granddaughter’s temperament too well - a lively and restless little girl.

It would be tough to make her give up these activities.

Sure enough, Niu Niu hesitated, "Not even once?"

"You can with gloves, but you also need to do hand exercises daily to ensure finger dexterity, apply ointments and such for hand care; no calluses, no roughness."

Yi Chichi smiled as she explained the embroiderer’s requirements for their hands.

Niu Niu looked at her own hands and sighed like a little adult, "Indeed, my hands aren’t that great; they need care."

"Yes, they need care."

Comparing with Yi Chichi’s hands, the child’s hands were hard to look at.

Aunt Ma patted her hand, "I’ll go to the cooperative tomorrow to buy hand lotion for you."

"Don’t buy it, go to Uncle Yaozi for ointment."

"Does he have it?"

"Yes."

Initially, he didn’t. Her ointment and face cream were homemade, but later, when Uncle Yaozi had Aunt Mu as his wife, he showed interest in her ointment.

Plus, many people in the village suffer from frostbite, so there was a high demand for frostbite ointment.

Yi Chichi was willing to make a small amount for personal use, but when it came to larger quantities, she was too lazy.

Just when Uncle Yaozi asked for his wife, Yi Chichi decided to be lazy and gave him the recipe and production method altogether.

That’s why the clinic had ointment for sale.

Niu Niu’s mom got enthusiastic and stared at Yi Chichi’s face, "You use Uncle Yaozi’s ointment too?"

"Yes."

In an instant, she couldn’t sit still.

"I’ll go buy it now."

She wanted skin like Yi Chichi’s.

Even if she couldn’t achieve the same, as long as her face wasn’t dry, she’d be satisfied.

Thus, this matter concluded here.

The next day, when Liu Lan came to work after dropping off her daughter, she discovered she had gained a little embroidery companion.

Watching Niu Niu sitting cross-legged on the kang, little hands holding a needle and thread, poking at a piece of cotton cloth, she looked at Yi Chichi, gesturing with her eyes about what’s going on.