Turning Antagonist to Protagonist: He is Both Soft and Fierce-Chapter 137 - 132: Taking an Unpaid Role Was Already Her Biggest Compromise

Chapter 137: Chapter 132: Taking an Unpaid Role Was Already Her Biggest Compromise

Afterwards, the shopkeeper went into greater detail about some other requirements, mentioning that the split for the design draft would be two taels of silver.

Even though it’s better than what the boss is offering, the design needs to be much more detailed and customized, requiring considerable effort.

Lin Qiao thought carefully, "I’ll give the shopkeeper a response in three days."

"Alright." The shopkeeper couldn’t help but steal another glance at her. This young woman was truly charming, even more so than the women wearing sample clothes at the shop.

If she wore the shop’s sample clothes, she’d certainly be a living advertisement.

He was just about to say something else when there was an urgent knock at the door. A waiter rushed in, flustered and said, "Shopkeeper, something terrible has happened, Zhu’er suddenly has diarrhea, Chun Niang said she won’t be able to go on stage later."

Upon hearing that Zhu’er wouldn’t be able to take the stage, the shopkeeper’s face changed. This exhibition was meant to showcase the spring collection, and many merchants were present; it had been stressed by the boss that there couldn’t be any mistakes.

Why did it have to fall apart at such a critical moment!

"What happened! Didn’t I say not to eat random things? Where can we find someone now, are they trying to leave, causing trouble on purpose."

Zhu’er had been assigned the most important outfit for this stage, being positioned right at the front, and others had been envious for a long time.

As soon as he finished speaking, he thought of something and looked at Lin Qiao, "Miss, could you lend a hand, you can definitely do it,"

Meeting his gaze, Lin Qiao was taken aback: "..."

She politely waved her hand, "Shopkeeper, it’s not that I don’t want to help, it’s just that my legs aren’t convenient, I’m afraid I’d only make things worse."

She’s someone who doesn’t like helping unless there’s a benefit for herself.

Noticing her difficulty with walking since she arrived, the shopkeeper was silent for a moment, quickly coming up with an idea, "You don’t need to stand, you just need to change into the outfit and sit in the middle."

Without waiting for Lin Qiao to agree, he instructed the waiter, "Everything else remains the same, go and have Chun Niang bring Zhu’er’s outfit and accessories quickly."

The waiter nodded repeatedly, then turned and ran off.

Lin Qiao was completely pushed into this, not panicking about going on stage, only wondering if she would be paid.

She had already made the biggest concession by taking on a role without compensation.

Her hesitant demeanor made the shopkeeper think she was afraid, worrying internally, but at this point, there was no other option. He reassured her, "Miss, don’t be afraid. Once you’re on stage, just sit still, look straight ahead."

Pausing for a moment, he then used money to encourage her, "Miss, if you just sit properly, I’ll pay you according to Zhu’er’s wage afterwards, two taels of silver."

Two taels of silver.

Lin Qiao’s eyes lit up, quickly lowering her gaze, pretending to be embarrassed, "Shopkeeper, no need, I’ll do my best..."

"Doing your best is all we ask for, don’t worry, you definitely won’t be treated unfairly." The shopkeeper wasn’t the type to take the two taels, right now the main thing was ensuring the exhibition proceeded smoothly.

Then a sophisticated woman in her thirties came in with two maids, Chun Niang took a look at Lin Qiao’s appearance, a hint of amazement flashed in her eyes, "Such a lovely face, where did you find her, shopkeeper?"

"Let’s not discuss this now, quickly put makeup on her and change her outfit." The shopkeeper, impatient, pointed at Lin Qiao before leaving the room.

Chun Niang proved to be quite skilled in makeup, finishing in just a short while; actually, it was also because Lin Qiao had an excellent foundation - her skin was fair enough that a bit of rouge sufficed, and her upward-slanting eye corners were softened with an ink pen.

Chun Niang lifted Lin Qiao’s chin, growing more satisfied with what she saw, instructing the two maids behind, "Change her outfit. Be careful not to smudge the makeup."

Smudging the makeup was secondary, mainly fearing the fabric would get stained.

A spring outfit, composed of five layers, was on, yet didn’t appear cumbersome or heavy. Lin Qiao glanced at the material; it resembled gauze but was softer and smoother.

Chun Niang sized her up from the side, with the young lady’s figure being tall among women and having a good shape. The spring green dress’s beauty was completely accentuated.

But this wasn’t the time for discussing such matters. After getting dressed, she started styling the hair. The young lady’s face shape was very standard, a simple bun would suffice.

Before she could insert a hairpin, the waiter knocked and hurried them, "Chun Niang, the shopkeeper asked if you’re done, it’s time for her to get on stage."

"Here we come."

Chun Niang quickly inserted a tassel hairpin and placed no more, Lin Qiao had no chance to see herself before being helped out by the two maids.

The two maids, aware of her mobility issue, didn’t hurry, walking down a corridor, where others frequently glanced at her.

Soon they entered a room, apparently the backstage for the exhibition.

The previously chatty room quieted upon noticing their entrance, the young women inside looked at Lin Qiao with varying expressions: jealousy, resentment, disdain...

All were young women with outstanding looks. Internally, Lin Qiao couldn’t help but click her tongue twice. No wonder those with some money liked having multiple wives.

Seeing their reactions, Chun Niang understood why Zhu’er had diarrhea today, it surely wasn’t unrelated to them. After the showcase, she’d investigate and ensure a lesson was learned!

She introduced, "This is Miss Qiao, from now on she will take Zhu’er’s place at center stage, she doesn’t need to dance, just sit in the middle. Do remember to cooperate."

So it’s the center stage; no wonder Zhu’er got diarrhea, Lin Qiao saw through this easily. She’s familiar with such tactics; in the modern world, she’d been sabotaged several times before, her resources having been hijacked.

But she prefers to repay her grievances. She found ways to get back at them later.

Seeing everyone nod, Chun Niang privately instructed her a bit, "Don’t panic, just sit straight and you’re all set."

Lin Qiao nodded gently, "Don’t worry, Chun Niang."

As long as she’s paid, she’s very professional.

Soon, the waiter signaled them to take turns going on stage from behind the curtain. Lin Qiao’s outfit being the highlight of the exhibition, she was last.

The shopkeeper, still uneasy, came backstage again to remind her. Lin Qiao replied calmly, assuring him.

Then it was her turn. Lin Qiao lifted both sides slightly, trying to steady her footing as she stepped onto the stage. The stage was a large room, with only a few people below, each dressed in fine clothes - likely merchants.

In contrast to the previous women’s exquisite makeup and elaborate hair accessories, this woman in a light green embroidered outfit with a simple bun adorned only by a tassel hairpin, looked simple yet not lacking in elegance, making everyone take notice.

She walked from the back to the front, slightly bowed to the audience below, then gracefully took her seat at the front.

Since her appearance, the audience below focused their attention on her, each sitting up straight, though it was unclear whether they were admiring the outfit or her.

Had it been someone else, certainly not handling this as calmly as Lin Qiao did.

The shopkeeper observed for a while, seeing her confidently sitting, he breathed a sigh of relief. At this moment, someone beckoned him over. He hurriedly walked over, respectfully saying, "Mr. Li."