Chapter 92: Meeting a Big Client

“Auntie, this Comrade Xu really is such a good person, and generous too. The money she gave for the wedding dress is enough for me to live on for half a year.”

“Yes, then I have to put even more care into making it, so she’ll be satisfied.”

People these days are generally simple and honest, especially women, who are naturally kindhearted. They wouldn’t just slack off or take advantage simply because someone paid well or gave extra money midway.

When Xu Jiaojiao returned to her shop, business was as quiet as always. But after thinking about it, that made sense—after all, her store always kept the door shut for the sake of coolness and quiet.

On top of that, she didn’t even have a shop sign. Getting Lin Lin as a client had already been a complete stroke of luck. Realizing this, her mood lifted a lot.

She thought the place was so suitable for reading that maybe she should buy a few books to keep there—it could also be a way to make customers stay longer.

Lin Lin checked the time, put the book she was reading into her bag, and asked in a steady tone:

“Jiaojiao, I have a friend who’s getting married. She saw the clothes I had made and wants to order a set from you. Do you have time?”

The girl froze for a long moment before stammering:

“O-of course I do.”

“Shall we go now?”

“Yes. She wants you to design a few… more private outfits, the kind for between husband and wife.” Lin Lin’s gaze was clear and serious, as though there was nothing strange at all about what she just said.

Xu Jiaojiao’s heart flipped upside down. So it was true—no matter what era, married couples needed romance and playfulness. She immediately nodded in agreement. It was only a little past eleven, plenty of time to take measurements.

She locked the shop up quickly and followed Lin Lin, though she kept her guard up inside.

Lin Lin brought her to the county’s largest military compound, home to retired generals and commanders.

This county had the perfect location—not as hot as Qingcheng or Yuncheng, and not as poor as the surrounding areas. Instead, it was an important hub connecting them all.

Because of that, many people chose to settle here for a comfortable life.

The military compound was far grander than the home of Xie Zhi’s parents—European-style villas that used to be in the foreign concession area, complete with fish ponds and flowing water.

Xu Jiaojiao trailed behind Lin Lin, watching her sign in both their names. After the guard phoned in to confirm, they were finally allowed in.

The moment they entered, all the noise of the outside world seemed to vanish. It was peaceful inside, with groves of bamboo and little birds chirping along the path—a natural retreat.

Lin Lin led her to the second house and rang the bell.

A woman in home clothes opened the door. Her hair was tied up high and neat, giving her a capable, tidy look.

“Lin Lin, you’re here. Come in. And this is…?”

“Auntie Tian, this is Jiaojiao—the designer who’s making Sister Xiaoxue’s clothes. That set I had last time was designed by her.”

Xu Jiaojiao could only smile awkwardly and change into the slippers Auntie Tian provided, looking a little restrained.

Auntie Tian spoke warmly, quickly putting her at ease:

“Oh, so it was you who made it. That outfit was beautiful. Once I save up a bit, I’ll order one too.”

“Of course, it would be my honor.”

“All right then, the young lady’s upstairs. I’ll go finish cooking. I’ll call you later.”

“Go ahead, Auntie.”

Once the woman left, Xu Jiaojiao could finally take a proper look around.

Though she was from the modern world, she’d only been from an ordinary family. She’d only ever seen luxury online—never in real life. No time, no money for travel.

So this house truly stunned her, though she kept a calm expression.

The first floor was a vast receiving hall. From outside, it looked Western, but inside all the furniture was redwood, timeless in style. There were even screens and an indoor pond.

There was a grandfather clock and porcelain displays everywhere. Jiaojiao had to tread carefully with every step—wealth really did dazzle the eyes.

Lin Lin led her upstairs and knocked on a door.

A clear, cold voice came from within: “Come in.”

The brown wooden door opened, revealing a huge room—about fifty square meters, serving as a lounge, dressing room, and receiving space all in one. Xu Jiaojiao tried hard not to let her jaw drop.

Jie Xue emerged from within, lazily stretching in a silk nightgown, clearly not quite awake.

“You’re here.”

She sprawled carelessly on a soft chaise, long legs stretched out as she idly played with her nails.

“You’re the designer?”

“Yes. Comrade, whatever requirements you have, just tell me.”

Lin Lin, as though her task were done, quietly sat at a side table with her book, leaving the rest to them.

“My requirements? Simple—something to strengthen the bond between husband and wife. I want him to lose control, to look at me and not be able to hold back.”

Xu Jiaojiao carefully noted it down, then looked her over—pale skin, perfect figure, the kind of beauty that could carry off anything.

Politely, she asked: “Comrade, may I look at your full figure?”

“Sure.”

Jie Xue stood lazily. She was indeed stunning—the type of cold, striking beauty with a body that was nothing short of spectacular, a textbook angel face and devil figure.

Jiaojiao pulled out her sketchbook and some coloring tools. With a nod, she indicated she was ready.

Jie Xue, who had always thought her fiancé was too stiff and serious—like a father more than a lover—had been determined to pull him off that pedestal. Her Western-leaning education had only strengthened that resolve.

Jiaojiao quickly designed a piece: a low-cut, form-fitting top, paired with a bottom that didn’t need to be removed, and fabric that teased between concealment and exposure. Not fully bare—that lacked artistry—but not overly covered either.

In about ten minutes, a sketch was ready—complete with Jie Xue’s figure in simple strokes. It looked just like the “bedroom outfits” that would one day flood Taobao.

“Here, Comrade. Please see if there’s anything that needs adjusting.”

Jie Xue’s lazy reading was interrupted. She lifted her eyes and, to her surprise, saw how fast it had been done.

She skimmed it casually. The figure drawn resembled her closely, and though it was her own body, the suggestive half-concealment made her blush.

Still, pride and confidence surged within her, her smile widening.

“This set will do. Make me six more. If they turn out well, I’ll order everything from you from now on. These clothes are meant to be torn anyway.”

Xu Jiaojiao was overjoyed, nearly speechless.

Indeed—these kinds of outfits were meant to be cheap, and passion rarely spared the fabric. If she priced them low enough, in such an environment, she might have just landed herself a long-term, high-value client.