RGL – Chapter 140

As soon as William left, Shu Jing leaned over to Su Min mysteriously and said, “Whatever terms you have later, just say them directly. He’s a very straightforward person—if you try to be vague with him, he won’t understand. I think he’s going to raise the price for this outfit. If he does offer more, just take it. Don’t be polite.”

Su Min quickly nodded in agreement.

After a while, William came downstairs wearing the Zhongshan suit.

The outfit was made from dark blue fabric, with sharp, clean edges that gave it a very dashing and refined look.

William was already tall and well-built, and on top of that, fairly handsome—so when he walked out, everyone was a little surprised.

William touched the fabric of the outfit and said, “I feel great. It looks beautiful.”

Su Min smiled and said, “We spent two months making this suit. All the embroidery was done stitch by stitch by Qingqing. It’s completely handmade.”

Hearing this, William glanced at Zhang Qingqing. “Thank you.”

Zhang Qingqing lowered her head shyly and murmured, “You’re welcome.”

Su Min originally thought William was a strict and cunning businessman, but after interacting with him, she realized he was quite easygoing.

He was very interested in traditional Chinese culture and even asked about Su Min’s future plans.

When he learned that she was still studying and planning to open a branch store in City B after entering university, he expressed his support. “That’s a great idea. Good things deserve to be shared and promoted. In fact, if you’re willing, I’d like to have the chance to collaborate in the future.”

Su Min’s spirits lifted when she heard this.

Even Ke Wan gave her a light tap on the arm, signaling her to agree quickly.

Su Min smiled and said, “It would be an honor to have such an opportunity. I’m just curious—what kind of collaboration are you thinking about?”

“I’m also in the fashion business abroad, mainly dealing in high-end clothing. I already represent several brands. If you’re interested, I can help promote your brand in other regions. Of course, by then, your store would need to scale up production to ensure at least thirty outfits can be exported per year.”

“Thirty sets? That’s no problem. I was already planning to hire more staff once I move to City B.”

Su Min couldn’t help but feel excited at the thought of an order for thirty pieces. Clothes that sell for one or two thousand yuan in China would be worth several times more abroad. Even if William took a share of the profits, what she received would still be more than enough.

William smiled. “You’re a very straightforward person. It’s a pleasure doing business with you. I know you’re still in school and don’t have time to handle all this right now. If you’re okay with it, I’d like to get images of your previously made clothes to feature in fashion magazines. That way, you’ll already have a group of potential customers waiting when you’re ready.”

Su Min originally thought William brought up the collaboration on a whim, but seeing how quickly he had arranged follow-up plans, she realized he had probably been thinking about this for some time. She also saw that William, despite his straightforward personality, was actually quite thoughtful and strategic. But that was to be expected—no matter how direct someone might be, anyone doing business isn’t truly simple.

She smiled. “I suggest we start by drafting a collaboration agreement to clearly define each party’s responsibilities and share of profits. That way we can avoid future misunderstandings.”

“You really are smart,” William praised with a nod.

Shu Jing laughed. “I told you not to underestimate Xiao Min. She may be young, but she knows just as much as the rest of us.”

William smiled. “I never underestimate any of my collaborators.”

This time, William came with Shu Jing partly to meet Su Min and discuss business, but also to take a few days off and travel around before returning with Shu Jing for the Spring Festival.

When he heard during dinner that Zhang Qingqing would be heading back to her hometown the next day, he said with a smile, “If you don’t mind, can I come along? I’d really like to see the countryside.”

Zhang Qingqing said awkwardly, “Actually, there’s really nothing much to see. It’s winter, the fields are bare, the trees are all leafless, and the river is frozen.”

Although she was a bit embarrassed, she honestly told him the real situation.

Unexpectedly, William laughed and said, “I actually think that kind of scenery has more flavor than spring. Don’t worry, I won’t cause you any trouble. I just want to take a quick look, then I’ll come back with the car.”

Seeing his expression, Shu Jing could immediately tell what he was really thinking.

She just hadn’t expected that, after seeing so many strong women, fashion models, and socialites, William would end up liking a girl with such a personality.

Is this what they mean by “each to their own taste”?

Seeing the eager look on William’s face and Zhang Qingqing’s hesitation, Shu Jing decided to give her a little push. “This foreign friend of mine is really quite curious. If he doesn’t get to see what he wants, he probably won’t even enjoy the New Year properly.”

Zhang Qingqing rubbed her hands and bit her lip in thought. In the end, she could only nod slightly. “Alright then.”

William immediately beamed. “Thank you very much, ma’am.”

Watching from the side, Su Min felt a little confused. She didn’t believe William simply wanted to see the countryside. But seeing Ke Wan shake her head subtly, she decided not to ask anything.

After dinner, the group had some tea and snacks and chatted for a while. Then Su Min said she had to go home to eat with her family.

Zhang Qingqing also quickly followed when she saw Su Min leaving.

Ke Wan already knew Su Min wouldn’t be staying for dinner, so she didn’t insist on her staying. Instead, she personally arranged for a driver to take them home.

On the way, Zhang Qingqing said nervously, “Su Min, do you think Mr. Wei is really going back with me tomorrow?”

“His name is William. ‘Wei’ isn’t his surname. He’s just going to take a quick look. Just show him around and that’ll be enough. Don’t let yourself feel wronged. Even though we’re working together, that doesn’t mean we have to put ourselves out for others.”

Zhang Qingqing looked a little embarrassed. “It’s not really a big deal. It’s just that our place is very remote, and I’m worried he won’t be able to adapt. Also, no one in our village has ever seen a foreigner before.”

“Then just take him around the outskirts of the village. Don’t worry about it too much.”

Back at the Wu family, Shu Jing was also warning William.

“Girls here aren’t like the ones abroad. If you keep getting too close, it’ll make people uncomfortable.”

“I’m just pursuing a fine lady, as any gentleman should,” William said with a smile, gently stroking the embroidery on his sleeve.

“You’ve clearly only learned that one line. Anyway, Zhang Qingqing is Su Min’s friend, so everyone here knows each other. If you’re not serious, don’t go messing with her,” she said seriously.

The two of them had known each other since college, and after so many years of friendship, seeing her speak so earnestly made William drop his playful attitude. He sat upright and replied solemnly, “I would never mistreat anyone. Don’t worry.”

“I’d be surprised if I could be at ease,” she sighed. “Forget it, I won’t meddle too much. Just don’t go throwing yourself at her tomorrow. Even if you’re starting to feel something, you need to take it slow, otherwise, she might get put off.”

William nodded seriously. “No problem.”

Ke Wan was playing with her child nearby. Hearing the two of them seriously discussing the matter, she couldn’t help but laugh. “Actually, it’s normal that William likes Qingqing. I know a bit about Zhang Qingqing—she’s a very down-to-earth girl. I heard she has younger siblings and is very good to her family. This year, the house they’re building was funded by her.”

Shu Jing caught on to Ke Wan’s implied meaning. This Zhang Qingqing clearly placed great importance on her family and wouldn’t be willing to marry far away. Moreover, things in China were different from abroad. Here, family ties were deeply valued. If someone got involved with Zhang Qingqing, they’d need to look after her family too.

She turned to William and said, “If you want to become a Chinese son-in-law, that means being a live-in son-in-law. If you’re hoping to whisk her away with you, don’t even think about it.”

“I don’t think any of that is a problem,” William replied confidently.

Although Zhang Qingqing felt embarrassed to go to Su Min’s house, Su Min didn’t let her spend Little New Year’s Eve alone in her dorm.

There was no one at the dorm, and it would’ve been too lonely and cold to send her back on such a day.

When the two arrived home, Sun Qiufang was in the kitchen preparing the evening meal. Seeing her daughter bringing Zhang Qingqing back, she was overjoyed. “Qingqing’s here too! Come on in and have a seat. The food will be ready soon.” She turned to Su Min and added, “It’s cold today, and there’s no one in the dorm, right? Let Qingqing stay over tonight.”

“That’s what I was thinking too,” Su Min said, smiling as she pulled Zhang Qingqing into the room.

“Qingqing, I want to discuss something with you, okay?”

Once inside the room, Su Min let Zhang Qingqing sit on the bed and brought over a chair for herself.

Earlier today, William had proposed producing and exporting thirty embroidered outfits per year. Su Min had agreed at the time, but after giving it more thought, she realized that if Qingqing had to hand-embroider every piece herself, it would be impossible to keep up. However, Xiuse (Embroidered Elegance) wasn’t well-known enough yet to attract famous, skilled embroidery artisans. So during dinner, she had come up with an idea—though Qingqing might not agree to it.

Seeing Su Min looking so serious, Zhang Qingqing grew a little nervous and asked, “What is it? Did I do something wrong?”

“No, you’ve done everything really well,” Su Min reassured her. After organizing her thoughts, she continued, “I wanted to ask if you’d consider taking on apprentices.”

“Me? Teach apprentices?”

“Yes. Let me be honest—if we want Xiuse to grow, we can’t have just one embroidery master. You heard it too: if we partner with Mr. William, we’ll need to produce thirty outfits a year just for export—and that’s just the initial estimate. There’s also domestic custom orders. There’s no way you can do it all alone. But we also can’t afford to bring in people from outside.”

Seeing Qingqing hesitate, she continued, “If you agree, I’ll pay you separately for teaching. Plus, for every piece an apprentice embroiders, you’ll get a cut of the commission. Of course, I know your skills were passed down in your family, and you can’t make that decision alone. Since you’re going home for New Year, talk it over with your family. If it’s possible, let me know after the holidays. If not, I’ll need to make other arrangements.”

Zhang Qingqing lowered her head and was silent for a moment before replying, “I’d be more than happy to. Really, my whole family is so grateful that you gave me such a good job. But this isn’t something I can decide. I’ll need to ask my grandma. Actually, if you’re okay with it, it’d be even better if my grandma teaches. She’s the one who taught me everything by hand.”

Su Min’s eyes lit up at this suggestion. She smiled and said, “Great. If your grandma is willing, let’s meet after the New Year. As long as we can train good embroidery artisans, whether it’s you or your grandma, it’s all fine by me.”

Early the next morning, Wu Zhe’s driver came to pick up Zhang Qingqing. William also came along, dressed in a casual down jacket.

He was tall and broad, and even with the bulky jacket, he didn’t look clumsy—he actually looked quite sharp. Once again, Su Min couldn’t help but appreciate the advantages of height.

Sun Qiufang had specially prepared some New Year’s gifts from home for Zhang Qingqing to take back.

Seeing Su Min and her mother loading the gifts into the car, Zhang Qingqing felt embarrassed. “Auntie, really, there’s no need. We already have all this at home.”

Sun Qiufang smiled. “It’s New Year’s. How could we let you go back empty-handed? Besides, if it weren’t for helping Minzi with her work, you wouldn’t be going back this late. Don’t worry, it’s all homemade stuff. Nothing expensive.”

William stepped out of the car and greeted Sun Qiufang.

Seeing the foreigner in front of her, Sun Qiufang froze. “Uh… how should I address you?”

“Mom, he speaks our language. Just call him Mr. William.”

Sun Qiufang quickly said, “Mr. William, hello.” Her voice trembled slightly from nervousness.

William smiled. “Hello, Auntie. Thank you for the gifts.”

“Oh, no need to thank me, it’s nothing,” she replied quickly.

Noticing the time, Su Min urged them to get going. Zhang Qingqing finally said her goodbyes and got into the car with William.

As the car started to drive away, Sun Qiufang and Su Min kept waving until it exited the community. Only then did they turn back. At the stairway, Sun Qiufang suddenly asked in confusion, “Wait, I just gave some stuff to Qingqing—why did Mr. William thank me?”

She turned to Su Min. “Is he Qingqing’s boyfriend?”

Su Min had been thinking about recruiting embroidery apprentices after the New Year. Hearing her mom’s question, she felt a little odd but also like it wasn’t too far-fetched. “Not yet.”

As for the future—well, who knows?

Thinking back to William’s actions at Ke Wan’s place yesterday, Su Min felt like things suddenly made more sense.

Zhang Qingqing didn’t dare say much during the ride. She sat by the window, quietly watching the scenery outside. When William spoke to her, she would cautiously reply, always worried that saying the wrong thing might offend someone and affect Su Min’s business. Eventually, she pretended to fall asleep and leaned back in her seat.

After only dozing for a short while, she felt something being draped over her. A warmth spread through her body. Now she really didn’t dare open her eyes and just kept them shut. With the car gently rocking, she actually drifted off to sleep.

She didn’t wake until they reached the town and the driver called her name.

The roads from the town to the village were complicated, and the driver didn’t know the way, so he had to ask Zhang Qingqing.

Rubbing her eyes, she looked out the fogged-up window. She rolled it down and peeked ahead to confirm the road into her village. After giving the directions, she quickly rolled the window back up.

The car moved on. Not far away, a middle-aged woman pointed at the car driving off and said, “I just saw Zhang Laosi’s daughter Qingqing in that car. What’s she doing riding in a private car? Did she strike it rich?”

It wasn’t a small thing that Qingqing had made enough money to build her family a house. The nearby villages had all heard about it.

Everyone used to say daughters were a burden. But here was a girl who turned out to be more capable than a son—building her family a house! No wonder the story had spread like wildfire. Zhang Qingqing had become somewhat of a local celebrity.

And now she returned home for the New Year in a private car. People couldn’t help but speculate: just what was she doing out there?

“A young girl coming back in a private car? Must be involved with some shady man. I heard things are really messy out there—people keeping one at home and one outside. Rich men love throwing money at women.”

“Qingqing’s not even that pretty.”

“She’s young, that’s all. Who knows what’s really going on?”

Zhang Qingqing had no idea she had once again become the topic of every village gossip session. The car’s arrival in the village drew a lot of attention, especially with the foreigner, William, who everyone stared at like he was some exotic creature.