When the Wind is Sweet: The Fairy Tale of Mr. and Mrs. Lancaster-Chapter 755: Culture Is Priceless

"Yes," Faye Turner said as she cut, "the first time I did this, I kept cutting through, and once I almost hurt my hand. I found you need to use some hidden strength, so you’re doing a great job already."

"I’m actually tense every second," Rachel Sherman laughed, "afraid of messing it up; all non-material heritage tasks are precision work."

"Just calm your mind, then you’ll be fine. Every inheritor of non-material heritage has a peaceful heart."

"That’s right."

After half an hour, the two sisters had cut all the plant pith into thin paper-like sheets. Their hands were really steady; not a single piece was ruined—it looked very professional.

In fact, it was Rachel’s first time doing it, and only Faye’s third time.

The tools were very simple: just two pairs of scissors in their hands. Creating a lifelike pith flower relied entirely on skill.

Faye became the teacher, very patient and attentive, cutting the pith paper into suitably sized pieces.

Rachel mimicked her actions while also asking, "What made you suddenly think of making pith flowers?"

"The Valerien Empress’s headdress is made of this flower. First of all, it symbolizes nobility. Secondly, Mrs. Fletcher will definitely love it. This gift is unique—it’s non-material cultural heritage."

After hearing this, Rachel was especially pleased, "Thank you for your suggestion. I also feel Mrs. Fletcher will definitely love this gift."

After cutting the pith paper, Rachel prepared a damp towel and spread the pieces on it, covering them for a while.

Soon, the delivery guy arrived, and after receiving the call, Rachel went down to pick up the food.

Because Mr. Shaw and Mrs. Shaw had caused a fuss before, Chase Fletcher had contacted management, so the entrance security became stricter.

Rachel quickly returned holding a bag. Faye said to her, "Damp pith paper is very malleable; it can’t be too dry or too wet. Hold it to feel the texture—I think it’s just right."

"Shall we eat something first?" Rachel was worried she’d get an upset stomach, "Being with you, I really learn a lot. The following tasks are more delicate and might take a few more hours."

"Did you forget? We both really love non-material heritage," Faye happily stood up and walked towards her, "It’s just that our energy is limited, and there can’t be too many things we’re committed to." It’s also a kind of regret.

In the afternoon, June was taken to the park by the nanny to play, which made Rachel feel particularly at ease.

Obviously, both of them now focused their attention on the child.

After dinner, Faye went with Rachel to mold the pith paper into petal shapes, much like when we used to do crafts as kids.

The force and curvature were handled particularly well.

Faye really resembled a craftsman, a bearer of non-material cultural heritage—quiet and meticulous.

Rachel carefully observed the real shape of the petals in the pith flower photos on her phone, getting better with each attempt.

"Only when you understand it clearly can it come to life," Faye glanced at her fingers and praised, "Not bad, very good."

Rachel grew happier as she worked, "Thank you so much for today." The petals kept getting better.

They were making chrysanthemums today, each needing about 220 petals. So after finishing the petals, they calculated they could make exactly two flowers.

Once the petals were ready, they began assembling and gluing them into flowers.

In celebrating the vitality of traditional pith craftsmanship, Faye still used the most traditional methods to assemble. 𝕗𝚛𝚎𝚎𝐰𝗲𝗯𝗻𝚘𝚟𝚎𝗹.𝕔𝐨𝕞

"Faye, last time I saw an exhibition in England, a single pith chrysanthemum was priced at 150,000. I was shocked."

"150,000 isn’t even that expensive," Faye told her, "I’ve seen ones priced at over a million—it’s just a single pith chrysanthemum, but it was truly exceptionally beautiful; the craftsmanship was unbelievable."

"Yes, for those who love intangible cultural heritage, a flower is hard to come by."