Chapter 463
Chapter 463: 457_1 Chapter 463: 457_1 Lin Yue merely smiled without saying anything. Although she was not familiar with the art of mechanical devices, having lived in the modern era for almost twenty to thirty years, she had some knowledge. The design of the clasp had come from days of deep contemplation—it was her effort to make her products stand out and appear more upscale. Later, she incorporated some of the design elements from modern packaging boxes into her creation.
“Master Zhang, just tell me if you think you can execute such a pattern and design, and how much time it will take. I need to have an idea in my mind,” Lin Yue said. She was confident about her design and would not abandon it. If Master Zhang could not do it, she would simply have to look for another skilled woodworker; she was certain someone could get the job done.
Zhang Qiusheng did not disappoint Lin Yue. With his many years of experience and skill, as long as he had the drawings and the principles of structure, all he needed to do was follow them without needing to figure them out on his own. It would just require a bit more effort.
“Rest assured, Dongjia’s wife, I can craft the patterns and designs from the drawings. As for the time needed, I cannot be completely sure without starting on it. Why don’t you let me make a couple for practice first to see how it goes?”
“Alright, then I’ll leave this matter to you.” Lin Yue nodded happily upon receiving an affirmative answer. “Oh, one more thing I’d like to ask you about, Master Zhang. You’ve been in the woodworking industry for many years and must be quite familiar with its ins and outs. The intricate patterns and designs I created took quite some effort to devise, and using ordinary wood would make the final product look cheap. So, I’d like to purchase some high-quality wood. Do you have connections for that?”
“Yes, no problem. I’m well-versed in where to get the best wood in Xin’an City. I know exactly where to find it. Dongjia’s wife can just leave it to me, or we can arrange for someone trustworthy to accompany me right now to reserve the wood needed and have it delivered later,” Zhang Qiusheng offered eagerly, fearing he would miss an opportunity to prove himself, and as an expression of reciprocity. He had been treated most generously by Dongjia’s wife since he settled in the day before. They even had a new courtyard to themselves for their family. She had not held it against his daughter for her transgression. Initially, Zhang Qiusheng was worried that being too shrewd could be a disadvantage in dealing with Dongjia’s wife, but it turned out to be an unwarranted concern, like a fool’s suspicion. He had asked other servants and workmen, all of whom praised the family. Finding such a good employer would be difficult, so he had made up his mind to do his best in serving them in the future.
“Going now is fine, but does this mean that we can’t buy the wood directly and need to reserve it first?” Lin Yue asked with some confusion, not being familiar with this line of work.
Zhang Qiusheng, having made up his mind, did not hold back his knowledge from Dongjia’s wife. Whatever she wanted to know, he would tell her. “Ordinary wood can be bought directly, but for the finer varieties, you need to place a reservation since they fetch a higher price and are usually sold in exact quantities without surplus. Given the quantity you need, you will definitely have to place a reservation. However, it won’t cause much delay. Once reserved, it can be delivered within a day or two at most, so it won’t hold up any work,” he explained.
“I see. Each industry has its own rules and ways of doing business, something I’m not familiar with. In the future, I’ll have to rely on Master Zhang to guide me in such matters,” Lin Yue said, recognizing Zhang Qiusheng’s sincerity. Although she did not fully trust him yet, she showed a degree of reliance on him. With Zhang’s impressive skills and apparent shrewdness, if he proved to be trustworthy, she could delegate many tasks to him. His daughter, however, was somewhat problematic. Nevertheless, Lin Yue decided not to dwell on it, opting to wait and see how things would unfold.
With Zhang Qiusheng’s explanation, Lin Yue immediately understood the situation. Time was of the essence for her, and naturally, the sooner the better. Being impatient by nature, she did not like delays. She felt Zhang Qiusheng’s arrangement was suitable and thus organized for someone to go with him to purchase the wood.
Zhang Qiusheng saw that Lin Yue had made up her mind instantly, without any doubt, which showed her trust in him. This made him feel even more grateful and more belonged. “Dongjia’s wife, rest assured that I will do anything within my power with all my heart and effort.”
Zhao Erhu was actually at home, but he rarely had such leisure time. The business of purchasing was not something he absolutely had to do himself, so he instructed Zhao Fuquan and Wu Qiang to accompany Zhang Qiusheng.
“Brother Erhu, why are you at home today? Have you finished with all your outside tasks?” Lin Yue inquired with curiosity when Zhang Qiusheng had left.
Zhao Erhu nodded, “Things are almost settled. There’s no need for constant oversight; just checking in every other day is enough. By the time everything’s taken care of, it’ll almost be time to head south.” Zhao Erhu expressed a mix of anticipation and melancholy. As a tall and strong man, he naturally wanted to go out and see the world. However, the thought of being away for a long period made it hard to leave behind his beloved wife.
“That doesn’t sound like it’ll be too long from now. I’ve never been to the south before; it’s a shame I can’t accompany you,” Lin Yue said. She actually wanted to go with Zhao Erhu, but with the current situation at home, someone needed to be in charge, and there were also goods to be prepared for the overseas venture. Unfortunately, she wouldn’t be able to join him this time. However, she was confident that there would be future opportunities.
Zhao Erhu almost blurted out an invitation for his wife to come along, but he held himself back. The household affairs could be set aside, and he could bear any financial loss as long as his wife was happy. He worked so hard precisely so she wouldn’t have to. Providing for the family was the man’s job; all his wife needed to do was enjoy herself. However, he had never been to the south and had no idea what to expect on this trip. Plus, the preparations for acquiring goods would keep him busy, so it was best to leave her at home.
“Don’t be upset. If this overseas route works out, we’ll have to visit the south at least once a year. I’ll bring you with me next time, and you can play to your heart’s content. There’s not much time now; I must hurry to prepare the goods and won’t have time to entertain you. I wouldn’t be at ease leaving you alone in an inn,” he said.
“Alright, you must bring me next time. I’ll pass this time since I don’t have the leisure anyway,” she agreed.
Lin Yue had settled matters with Zhang Qiusheng, but at the Wei Residence, Master Wei was incredibly frustrated. The servants he had sent out to pursue someone had not yet returned after an entire day, leaving him without a clue as to what was happening. The servants seemed to be getting less and less capable of handling affairs, he cursed angrily.
The mood at the Wei Residence was grim, and Zhao Lingxiang, who planned to return to Zhao Family Village today, postponed her departure, deciding to leave in a couple of days. She was tentatively accommodating Master Wei, yet internally she cursed that vixen who had apparently bewitched Master Wei into such obsessive concern.