Educated Youth in the Countryside: She is the Village's Embroidery Queen!-Chapter 344: Sowing Discord

"Tomorrow in May, there will be some international guests arriving. One of the guests’ wives is originally from Shanghai and loves cheongsams..."

At this point, Ning Jiandong gave her a knowing look, "So it has to be you."

Yi Chichi immediately understood. This wife originally from Shanghai loves Su Embroidery and cheongsams, and wants to combine the two for a custom cheongsam.

Can this job be taken?

Normally, Yi Chichi would accept such a job; it’s just customization, and she’s done it before. But this time, she can’t take it.

"Find someone else."

"Why?"

It seemed they didn’t expect her to refuse. Ning Jiandong and Gu Xinghua were momentarily stunned before realizing what she meant, and were suddenly anxious.

"The cheongsam needs to be tailored, with space reserved for adjustments. Even if you have the measurements, it’s difficult to proceed without seeing the person. Moreover, Uncle, don’t forget, I also have a double-sided embroidery project on hand. I don’t have eight hands."

The implication: she’s too busy and has no time.

After realizing she still had a double-sided embroidery project, the two of them were speechless. However, it was none of their business, so Gu Xinghua, being the director, had the leisure to tease Ning Jiandong, "Looks like you need to find another master."

Ning Jiandong found his food tasteless but was still unwilling to give up, saying to Yi Chichi, "I think if you squeeze out some time, you’ll have it."

Oh dear, is he channeling Zhou Bapi?!

Yi Chichi replied irritably, "Of course you’d say that since it’s not your time. I just can’t squeeze it in."

"The price isn’t low."

"How much?"

"This much."

Ning Jiandong waved a finger, and Yi Chichi was silent for two seconds, "A thousand?"

"Yes!"

For a single piece of clothing, this price is indeed high.

But for her, it’s nothing extraordinary.

So, "This money shouldn’t be earned by me."

Ning Jiandong sighed; even money couldn’t tempt her, typical hard nut to crack. 𝕗𝚛𝚎𝚎𝐰𝗲𝗯𝗻𝚘𝚟𝚎𝗹.𝕔𝐨𝕞

"Where can we find someone proficient in both Su Embroidery and handmade cheongsams at short notice?"

"Not only that, you also have to prepare suitable fabric for the cheongsam."

Ning Jiandong instantly wore a bitter face while Gu Xinghua couldn’t help but chuckle, "The fabric is easier to solve; there’s plenty in Jiangnan. Just contact the Friendship Store in Hang City or Shanghai to sort it out. The main issue is finding a master skilled in both Su Embroidery and sewing."

This line of thought had some issues, and Yi Chichi couldn’t hold back from giving advice, "Actually, you could find a master to make the cheongsam first, then another for the embroidery."

It’s indeed hard to do both, but separating them is different.

"The origin of Su Embroidery is in Jiang Province, which isn’t far from Hang City or Shanghai. Just outsource the task to the Friendship Store over there, much better."

This new approach intrigued Ning Jiandong, and after giving it some thought, he saw potential.

However, "I don’t know anyone from there."

"Find connections."

It’s all about networking, seeing each other frequently. Besides, some of the current leadership team in Yangcheng are transfers from there.

Thinking of this, she lightly reminded, "I heard that the second-in-command was transferred from Jiang Province."

Ning Jiandong immediately understood who she was referring to, "I’ll talk to my brother about it tonight."

"Let me know the result."

"Okay."

With that, the topic ended.

Meanwhile, Yi Chichi diligently worked on her drawings in the office every day.

She finished one, and Gu Xinghua would take one away.

By the time she completed all of them, only three days remained until the end of her temporary transfer, and finally, there was news from Ning Jiandong.

"It’s coordinated."

"How did you coordinate it?"

Yi Chichi sat up straight, looking like an intrigued onlooker.

Ning Jiandong chuckled and briefly explained the whole process.

He initially contacted the Friendship Store in Shanghai, but their attitude was too arrogant, and their demands too high, so nothing was agreed upon.

Then he reached out to the Friendship Store in Su City, which worked out. They provided both the tailoring master and the embroiderer, with just one requirement: when the international guests arrive, if they inquire about the clothes, Ning Jiandong and his team need to truthfully tell the guests where the clothes came from.

Ideally, they would guide the guests to visit them, contributing to the friendship between the two countries.

This demand wasn’t high, so Ning Jiandong had no reason to refuse.

So, everyone was happy.

Yi Chichi felt it was a good arrangement, "Who’s covering the material and labor costs?"

"Of course, we are."

The project is theirs, and now that the Friendship Store in Su City is willing to help, it wouldn’t be right to let them contribute both labor and funds.

He joyfully shared another piece of news, "I’ve arranged with them to send me a few exquisite Su Embroideries next year."

"That’s great."

The pressure on her alone is lessened, and that’s truly wonderful.

Gu Xinghua, who was admiring her embroidery designs, clicked his tongue and jokingly asked, "Aren’t you afraid Old Ning might no longer need you since he has other sources now?"

Without the support from Su City, she was the only option for the Friendship Store.

Now with external aid, it means she could be replaced.

"Uncle, do you think so?"

Yi Chichi wasn’t worried at all, and in fact, she cheerfully asked Ning Jiandong.

He shook his head, "No."

He valued not only Yi Chichi’s craftsmanship but also the future prospects of Wen Shi.

Primarily, his brother had high hopes, though he wasn’t sure where his brother got his information from. Regardless, his brother had advised him that even if they can’t befriend the couple, they should definitely not make enemies.

The relationship was going well, and sensible people would deepen it rather than cut ties when there’s outside support.

No need to mention that he wasn’t foolish enough to do it; if he really did, his brother would break his leg.

"You just focus on doing your job diligently. No matter how much external support there is, it won’t affect your interests. Don’t listen to Old Gu’s provocations."

Gu Xinghua, accused of provoking, couldn’t take it, "I was just joking, why are you being so serious?"

"I was joking too."

Ning Jiandong flashed a toothy grin at him, not laughing but showing a sneer, causing Gu Xinghua to shiver and rub the goosebumps on his arms, "You’d better stop smiling."

It’s creepy.

He then pulled a ticket out of his pocket and handed it to Yi Chichi, "7th, at nine fifteen in the morning. Do you need a lift then?"

Today is the 4th, meaning she can stay in Yangcheng for three more days.

As for giving her a lift, "No need, I’ll take the tram to the station myself."

There’s a tram at the entrance, very convenient, no need to trouble anyone.

She took a look at the ticket, a sleeper, and even a soft sleeper, which eased her mind.

"Thank you, Uncle."

"You’re welcome."

Gu Xinghua waved it off and reminded her, "These days, make sure to rest well, and prepare all the necessary documentation in advance, so you don’t forget anything, or else you won’t even get on the train."

"Okay."

With the ticket in hand, the embroidery designs finished, and the outsourcing task resolved, Yi Chichi, now less burdened, said goodbye to Ning Jiandong and others before heading out to explore Yangcheng.

Before setting out, she inquired about good food and fun places in Yangcheng. Her first stop was at a nearby state-run restaurant for some roast goose rice. It was indeed delicious.

She ate to her heart’s content.

Afterward, she took the tram to the Yangcheng Zoo and happened to bump into a familiar face in the panda area.