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Seeing the uniformly woven needlework baskets, Chen Feng thought of the intricately designed storage boxes from her previous life. If she modified the storage boxes to serve as needlework baskets, they would look more than a hundred times better than the needlework baskets of this era.
Although most of those storage boxes were made of plastic, there were some made of fabric or adorned with woven small baskets made of fabric, straw, or bamboo. It was out of the question to consider plastic, and purely fabric ones couldn’t hold much. Given Chen Ming’s talent, she chose a combination of fabric and woven small baskets.
She planned to initially produce two styles, as these items were simple and could be quickly imitated by others. Introducing new products in batches could earn them more. While these items wouldn’t bring in a fortune, their novelty would attract attention and earn them some money.
She explained how to use fabric to decorate the needlework baskets and also described a type of needlework bag different from those of this era, with only two styles. It was a set of needlework bags from her previous life, with designated spaces for pins, threads, thimbles, and even small scissors or awls. When closed, it formed a beautiful bag with a button clasp, and when opened, the flat fabric revealed several small pockets or straps to hold and organize various needlework items, making it neat, attractive, and unique. The two styles were similar, with one being rectangular and the other circular.
The material for the needlework bags had to be of a better quality, while the fabric for the needlework baskets didn’t have to be too good, vibrant colors would suffice. She suggested sewing some fabric flowers, leaves, or small animals on top, adding uniqueness and saving the trouble of embroidery, thus saving time.
Wang was an embroiderer and had a quick understanding of beautiful things. She was delighted by Chen Feng’s ideas, even though she hadn’t seen the actual products, just imagining their uniqueness and attractiveness.
She excitedly told Chen Ming, “The needlework baskets and needlework bags proposed by A’Feng are indeed much more attractive than what we currently use. They’ll definitely fetch a good price.”
Upon hearing Wang’s remarks, Chen Ming felt happy and said, “Then let’s make more and take them to sell on the 19th. These things will be quickly imitated by others, and once that happens, we won’t be able to sell them at a good price.”
Chen Feng agreed and told Wang, “Mom, when you go to deliver your embroidery work in a few days, buy some attractive fabric or scraps. You can also take on less embroidery work, my fingers aren’t very nimble right now, and I’ll need your help with many tasks.”
Mrs. Wang readily agreed to buy fabric and scraps. The embroidery workshop was never short of these two items. However, she was reluctant to take on less work and wanted to do more work in the evenings.
Chen Ming advised, “You’re already working late, if you work even later, your body might not be able to take it. Listen to A’Feng and take on less embroidery work. On the 19th of June, Lingyin Temple will attract many female worshippers, and there will also be many visitors to Yingshuan Monastery nearby. You also mentioned that these unique needlework baskets and bags will sell well; they might even earn more than your embroidery work.”
In his heart, Chen Ming gave a nod of approval to Chen Feng. After all, he was a scholar, and his mind was quite agile.
Seeing that Wang was still a bit hesitant, Chen Feng playfully patted Chen Lu’s head and said, “Let’s try to earn more this time and quickly take my brother to the prefectural city to have his leg examined. A’Lu is so handsome and smart, he’s going to take the imperial examination in the future. We can’t have him limping forever.”
Chen Lu’s limp leg was the deepest pain in Wang’s heart, and upon hearing this, she readily agreed.
The family was elated at the thought of a bright future, and the two children were grinning from ear to ear.
After that, the whole family became busy. Chen Feng was occupied every day with various rehabilitation exercises and also provided artistic guidance to Chen Ming and Wang. Chen Ming wove small baskets whenever her health allowed it.
During the day, Wang did embroidery work, and in the evenings, she worked on the needlework bags and decorating the needlework baskets with fabric. Chen Lu and Dabao were busy every day, searching for good-quality bulrush and thin willow branches and inspecting the small baskets woven by Chen Ming, tucking any protruding straw or knots inside the baskets, which would be hidden by a layer of fabric. This time, they were going for a high-end route and had to strive for perfection.
Additionally, Dabao became even more clingy to Feng, insisting on sleeping in her arms every night. With the weather turning warmer, she would end up sweaty from holding him and would have to gently move him away after he fell asleep, only to find him back in her arms the next morning.
Chen Lu also became more attached to his sister, often retreating to the eastern room when he had some free time.
Amidst the busy and joyful days, time flew by, and before they knew it, May arrived.
Chen Feng’s health had greatly improved. Firstly, her speech had become smoother, her pronunciation clearer, and she no longer stuttered. Her voice was just a bit deep, falling into the alto range. In her previous life, Westerners liked this kind of voice, considering it magnetic. However, people of this era didn’t appreciate it, finding it coarse, almost like a man’s voice.
Her body had also become more agile. She could bend, squat, rise, and assist with simple chores like lighting fires, feeding the chickens, airing clothes, and cleaning. She even asked her mother to teach her how to make tassels, both as decorations for the needlework baskets and bags and as an exercise for her finger joints. Her fingers still weren’t very nimble, so she didn’t dare to touch needles.
Furthermore, her eyes had become more lively, and the muscles on her face, or rather her expressions, seemed more natural, making her appear even more beautiful than before.
The family was overjoyed at every bit of her progress. However, seeing her delicate appearance, graceful figure, and unique charm, Chen Ming and his wife couldn’t help but worry. What should they do if such a beautiful daughter attracted the wrong kind of attention?
Mrs. Wang, in particular, was deeply troubled. How had she not noticed that her daughter looked so much like him? Would someone recognize the resemblance in the future? If Chen Ming noticed, would he stop liking their daughter?
She knew that Chen Ming had met Chen Shiying during his early years of study.
Seeing Wang’s concern, Chen Ming comforted her privately, saying, “Regardless of who A’Feng resembles, she is my beloved daughter whom I’ve cherished since childhood. I’ve always cared for her, and I will continue to do so.”
Touched, Wang shed tears and said, “Thank you.”
Chen Ming responded, “The thanks should be directed at me. You work tirelessly day and night for the sake of this family. And A’Feng, as soon as she recovered, she was eager to work and find ways to earn money. However, A’Feng’s just a bit too attractive. Once they start living separately, we must get a dog to help guard the house… Ah, when all is said and done, it’s my own inadequacy. I can’t protect this family, can’t safeguard our daughter.”
Wang wiped her tears and said, “Your words are deeply moving. I know how well you treat me and A’Feng. Without your protection, how could A’Feng have grown up and recovered from her illness? You deserve A’Feng’s gratitude more than anyone else.”
Whether the Chen family was happy or worried, Chen Feng’s illness gradually improved, and she became more lively.