RMWDS -Chapter 275 Long Time No See

A white-haired embroidery master took the microphone and explained the craft’s true value to everyone present:

“I’ll briefly explain some industry knowledge about double-sided embroidery for the audience. The most common type on the market is standard double-sided embroidery, where the front and back patterns are identical in composition. Only subtle adjustments in color depth are used to create layers. This is a basic foundational technique that every beginner must learn.

A more advanced form is double-sided embroidery with the same pattern but different colors. The design remains the same, but the color tones differ. This is already a high-level technique, and only a handful of artisans can master it.

But double-sided embroidery with completely different images is the absolute pinnacle of the entire embroidery world.

The compositions, themes, and artistic concepts on both sides are entirely independent, with no repetition whatsoever, yet they complement each other and revolve around the same overarching theme. The margin for error in this technique is extremely small—the stitches on both sides interfere with each other, and even a slight mistake can ruin both sides at once. I have lived for decades, and I have never seen such a flawless double-sided work of different imagery!”

With these words, the crowd finally realized just how terrifying the value of the piece before them truly was.

The venue fell silent for two seconds—then thunderous applause erupted from every corner, lasting for a long time.

The white-haired master who had just spoken let out a long sigh. His aged, heavy voice spread through the entire hall via the speakers:

“In today’s world, too many people claim that smart devices can do everything, and that traditional craftsmen will eventually be eliminated by the times. But this piece today is the best answer to that claim.

Even the most precise digital printing cannot replicate something with this level of emotion and warmth.

Skills may be caught up by technology, but traditional craftsmanship infused with human feeling and conviction can never be replaced.”

These words voiced the sentiments of all the artisans present.

After deliberation, the judging panel reached unanimous agreement without any dispute and awarded the only perfect score of the entire competition.

After all participants were evaluated,

the host raised the microphone and announced in a loud, resonant voice:

“I hereby declare the champion of this year’s National Traditional Embroidery Competition—Wen Xiuning!”

Spotlights focused on her. Wen Xiuning stood gracefully, her expression calm and gentle, accepting her well-deserved honor.

In the audience, Ling Yunxiao’s eyes reddened slightly, filled with undisguised pride and tenderness.

Ling Nianci clapped hard, her small face full of pride.

Only Miao Yunyou turned excitedly to Luo Xinglan and said, “Wow, does that mean we might get to attend the auction tomorrow? That’s amazing! Do you think we’ll get to see some classic face-slapping scenes?”

Like tearing up contracts and throwing them into the air, flipping out and knocking over champagne towers, giant screens exposing scandals, or smashing priceless collectibles in public—those big dramatic moments. She absolutely had to see them!

Luo Xinglan: “……”

.

The next day.

After resting and preparing, the group followed the address on the invitation and drove to the venue of the charity auction.

The car finally stopped in front of a super high-rise five-star hotel.

After stepping out and looking up at the skyscraper piercing into the clouds, the four ancient-era people all froze, their pupils slightly contracting.

The tallest building they had ever seen was the unfinished hotel at the resort, only about nine stories high. They had never seen anything like this—dozens upon dozens of floors.

It was truly an eye-opening experience.

Taking a dedicated high-speed elevator straight to the top floor, they stepped out onto a long crimson wool carpet. Security and reception teams were fully in place at the entrance, all staff uniformly dressed, strict in etiquette, carefully verifying each guest’s invitation to prevent unauthorized entry.

Inside the banquet hall, the space was even more vast and magnificent.

Several massive, multi-layer crystal chandeliers hung from the ceiling of the grand hall. Countless transparent crystals cascaded downward in tiers, refracting warm golden light across the entire space. The hall was dazzling and opulent, shimmering with flowing brilliance.

Three sides of the banquet hall were lined with floor-to-ceiling panoramic glass windows. Beyond them stretched the sunset-lit city skyline and countless twinkling lights of homes below. The breathtaking view from such a height created an unmatched sense of awe.

Not only the four people from ancient times—even Miao Yunyou, a modern person, had never been to such a high-end place.

Under the guidance of the etiquette staff, they presented their invitations and were led to their designated viewing seats. The seating arrangement was orderly and hierarchical; their seats were in the front portion of the middle section, offering a clear, unobstructed view of the auction stage and the entire hall.

One by one, they took their seats. Around them, guests conversed in low voices in small groups, discussing antiques, business collaborations, and elite networking. The atmosphere was formal, reserved, and somewhat distant.

Miao Yunyou was not used to such an environment and could only look around idly out of boredom.

But when her gaze swept across a figure in the second row ahead, she suddenly paused.

A flash of surprise appeared in her eyes, quickly turning into excitement.

That blond man in front—she could never mistake him.

It was the head coach of the American team from the previous international martial arts exchange competition, Hawkins, who had repeatedly targeted them and ultimately suffered a crushing public defeat. Beside him sat his familiar professional interpreter.

As if driven by instinct, the moment Miao Yunyou’s gaze landed on him, Hawkins’ back muscles suddenly tensed, and a chill ran through him.

He stiffly turned his head—and met her smiling eyes directly.

His face instantly shifted from pale to dark and then to an even more unpleasant shade.

Miao Yunyou not only didn’t look away, her smile widened instead. She looked extremely lively as she greeted him loudly:

“Oh, isn’t this Coach Hawkins? Long time no see~”

Her straightforward greeting drew the attention of nearby guests, who turned to look curiously at the two of them.

Some who had watched the competition immediately recognized her.

“Coach Miao?!”

“Then who’s that guy?”

“Oh, that’s the American team’s…”

“Ah, I get it now.”

“Wow… how does he even dare…”

Although Hawkins couldn’t understand Chinese, the tone and reactions around him were enough for him to grasp the meaning. His expression darkened further, veins faintly popping on his temple as he clenched his fist, forcing down the rage surging inside him.

In the end, he only let out a cold snort and pretended he hadn’t heard anything, acting as if he neither saw nor heard.

Only his interpreter beside him could clearly sense the dropping pressure around his boss and didn’t even dare breathe too loudly.

No one knew that Hawkins, who was now swallowing his humiliation, had from the very beginning not even wanted to attend this auction at all.

The Hawkins family primarily operated a high-end sports goods empire. They had a strong foundation in Europe and America and had long regarded the Chinese market as a crucial overseas growth sector. Over the years, they had invested heavily in expanding there, and their sales in China had consistently ranked among the top in the industry, generating substantial profits.

But everything changed after the international martial arts exchange competition.

The footage of Hawkins’ arrogance and humiliating defeat was edited into viral clips and spread rapidly across social media platforms in China, triggering a nationwide wave of backlash. Consumers grew deeply disgusted with his arrogant behavior, and that resentment quickly extended to his brand.

A large number of Chinese consumers voluntarily boycotted the brand. Physical stores were left empty, distributors terminated cooperation one after another, and online sales were nearly cut in half. The Chinese market essentially collapsed overnight.

The fallout from this collapse continued to spread overseas, shaking the confidence of both Western consumers and investors. Critics accused the brand’s leadership of arrogance and poor judgment, and domestic orders also began shrinking. The company suffered a simultaneous blow from both inside and outside, with revenue plummeting.

Internal conflicts within the family escalated instantly. Senior executives unanimously blamed Hawkins for his arrogance, saying he had single-handedly destroyed years of effort in the Chinese market and dragged the entire group into crisis. His father flew into a rage and issued a strict order, forcing Hawkins to personally go to China and do everything possible to repair the brand’s damaged reputation.

This charity auction was the family’s chosen solution.

Hawkins contributed a treasured antique from his own collection, donating it to the auction. All proceeds would be given to out-of-school children in remote areas of China.

His goal was simple: use charity as a cover to whitewash his image, present himself as friendly and respectful toward China, and soften international backlash in order to save the collapsing reputation of the company.

He never expected—no matter how unlucky life could get—he would run into Miao Yunyou here as well…