Chapter 30: Sell it to Me

Hemaio also picked a fabric for Ah Xun, a deep blue cotton fabric that was very dignified and attractive. She thought he would look handsome in it. His farming clothes were really too old, so she thought if Ah Xun didn’t find his family, she could sew him a couple of garments.

“Just, just, just these three pieces!” Hemaio waved her hand grandly.

“Alright!” The assistant rubbed his hands together, grinning broadly. “The total for the three pieces is four hundred and ten coins!”

“What? How can it be so expensive?!” Hemaio exclaimed in surprise. She recalled that in Xie Shui Town, ordinary cotton and linen fabrics were only about sixty coins per piece, yet this cost over a hundred!

“Miss, this is high-quality cotton fabric! The color is elegant, the prints clear, soft, and breathable,” the assistant explained, and he was indeed not lying.

Seeing the attire of the two girls, the assistant figured they were from a well-off family, so he didn’t recommend any expensive silks; he just led them to look at the reasonably priced cotton but still quality fabrics.

“Miao, Miao’er, what are you afraid of? We have money now!” Hemaio said, shaking her bulging purse, “I have ten taels here! You can’t refuse; I’ll buy it for you.”

Hemaio shook her head, intending to decline. At that moment, Ah Xun spoke up, “Miao’er, I’ll buy it.”

Seeing her still hesitating, he lowered his head and said softly, “You’ve taken care of me for so long. For this past month, everything I’ve eaten and drunk was provided by you. Isn’t it right for me to buy you something in return?”

Hemaio pouted her lips and thought it over, then smiled modestly. 

She really liked this fabric; it felt so soft, and the color and patterns were very pleasing. She had never seen anything like it in town, and what girl didn’t love to look beautiful? She really didn’t want to let it go. “Okay, thank you, Brother Ah Xun.”

The man smiled at her indulgently and went to the counter with the assistant to pay.

By the time they left the fabric shop, it had been quite a while. The few of them then found some food along the market street, but they were still not full.

Not far from the fabric shop, there was an embroidery shop. Hemaio thought about selling some of the handkerchiefs and pouches she embroidered to exchange for some silver, so she pulled Hemaio along inside.

This shop dealt in all kinds of embroidered products and also had some ready-made clothing, all of exquisite and delicate craftsmanship.

As soon as Hemaio entered, she saw a very charming embroideress sitting at the counter. She appeared to be a woman of about ten years old, negotiating prices for goods with someone.

From their conversation, Hemaio felt that this person was likely the shop owner.

Taking out her embroidered handkerchief, Hemaio politely asked, “Madam, do you accept embroidered goods here? I’ve made some handkerchiefs and pouches; I wonder if they catch your eye?”

Upon seeing such a cute girl, the shop owner was very polite. She carefully examined Hemaio’s embroidery.

Though the handkerchief wasn’t particularly intricate, and the patterns weren’t complicated or difficult, the stitching was neat, with simple flowers and plants. It was aesthetically pleasing, and the color matching was also soft and comfortable.

“Miss, your embroidery is quite good. I’ll take this handkerchief and pouch.” The shop owner smiled, her eyes sparkling. When she saw the man behind Hemaio, even though he was in plain clothes, he appeared exceptional and handsome, making her gaze momentarily fixate on him.

“Madam? How much would that be?” Hemaio asked again, seeing her gaze wander.

Returning her focus, the shop owner replied, “A total of thirty coins, and I’ll give you seventy coins.” With that, her gaze was glued back to Ah Xun.

Ah Xun was too focused on Hemaio to notice the blatant admiration in the shop owner’s eyes.

However, Hemaio noticed the shop owner’s interest and glanced back to see the woman was sizing up Ah Xun. Her eyes nearly seemed to twinkle!

Suddenly, a wave of sourness washed over her heart. “I-I’ll sell it!” she declared, picking up her embroidered items and turning to leave the shop.

“Miao’er, what happened?” Ah Xun quickly followed her outside.

Seeing the girl pouting with an annoyed expression, he guessed and tried to comfort her, “Do you think the price isn’t fair? No problem, we can look for other embroidery shops.”

Ah Xun didn’t have much of a concept about the price since the shop owner had just offered seventy coins. He felt surprised to hear how little Hemaio had earned from her embroidery after months of work. 

Ah Xun treasured what Hemaio made. How could he bear to let her sell her goods for such a low price? “Miao’er, I’ll give you ten taels. Sell it to me!”

Hemaio was quite satisfied with the seventy coins. She had just seen the shop owner eyeing Ah Xun, making her feel sour and, in a fit of anger, wanted to sell it right away.

To her surprise, the person at fault hadn’t noticed at all. Hemaio lifted her eyes, shot him an annoyed glare, and walked towards the various stalls along the riverbank.

“Miao’er?” Ah Xun was puzzled, scratching his head, when Hemaio’s friend, Hemaio, came over, whispering, “Silly big guy, that shop owner was just staring at you; Miao’er is jealous.” Saying this, Hemaio hurried after Hemaio.

Ah Xun suddenly realized, feeling both sweet and soft inside. He knew he guessed right; Hemaio had the same feelings as him, and this was just a one-man show.

Business at the embroidery shop didn’t end up being critical; Hemaio inquired at another stall and managed to sell her embroidered goods for one hundred and ten coins. Although it was a little less, she felt satisfied and reassured.

Now, Hemaio’s pouch was also bulging with copper coins. Though it was all small change, it gave her plenty of confidence for shopping.

After wandering around, they arrived at a dinner place just in time for evening meals and happened to pass by a stall selling lamb soup. Hemaio stopped there and couldn’t help but move.

She remembered last time in Xie Shui Town, spending thirteen coins for a bowl was something she couldn’t bear to do.

But here, listening to the prices another customer was settling, she discovered that it was only nineteen coins a bowl, surprisingly cheaper than in the town.

The few of them happily reached a consensus to have lamb soup for dinner!

The white, frothy soup, generous slices of lamb, paired with some green onions and cilantro, along with steamed buns—it was simply delicious!