Chapter 267 - Chapter 267: Talking Business
Chapter 267: Talking Business
Translator: Nyoi-Bo Studio Editor: Nyoi-Bo Studio
She had wanted to ask Su Wen when she learned to play the piano, but she quickly dismissed the idea. If she asked a question like that, it would sound like she had doubts about Su Wen. It would sound like she was questioning Su
Wen’s abilities.
Wouldn’t that be as good as looking down on her?
It was enough for Su Wen to have solved her crisis- -the rest was a private matter she would have to resolve herself.
“Sister Cao.” Su Wen twitched as she rolled the words in her mouth, feeling embarrassed.
Cao Meihua looked to be in her mid-twenties, an age similar to her own before she transmigrated. But so many things had changed since she first transmigrated. She was now married. While it might have seemed like she had been de-aged, she still maintained her memories of her life before transmigrating, so it seemed a little much to call Cao Meihua ‘Sister Cao.’
Standing around backstage was not the place to talk. Now that her greatest problem had been solved, Cao Meihua led Su Wen by her arm down a corridor to a place more conducive for their talk.
“Sister Cao, I know you’re very busy, so I shan’t take up any more of your time.” Su Wen took the initiative to bid farewell. Her eyes swept over Cao Meihua, landing on her bag. “Oh, right! Thank you for holding onto my bag.”
Cao Meihua returned Su Wen’s bag.
“Where did you buy this bag?”
Su Wen was delighted by the question but kept her expression carefully neutral. “I didn’t buy it. I made it myself.”
“You made it yourself?” Cao Meihua parroted incredulously. It was too great a surprise, causing her voice to jump an octave in disbelief.
“Yes, I did!” Su Wen looked at the bag in her hand and sighed. “It’s not just the bag; I processed all the materials from scratch. It took a month to tan the leather and thread the bag by hand.”
“A month?” Cao Meihua was no longer surprised. “No wonder it’s of such good quality. I didn’t know your talents extended so far! Leatherwork isn’t something everyone can do.”
Su Wen pretended not to notice Cao Meihua’s fiery gaze, responding casually, “I was planning to sell it, but I could not bear the thought of doing so. The materials and labor costs were just too great! I doubt very many people in Clear Water County can afford it. Hence, I decided against selling it. Selling steamed cakes is still a more profitable business.”
Cao Meihua cut to the chase, no longer wanting to beat about the bush. “I’m sure the book you wrote on steamed cakes can compare with a bag like this. Tell me how much it costs, and I’ll buy it.” Now was not the time to be frugal. Even if it were a little expensive, she would grit her teeth and endure it.
Her husband’s family was well-off, and she had a well-paying job. Splurging a little on a bag she liked was not a big deal.
“That won’t do.” Su Wen shook her head. “I only made two. My sister and I each have one, and they’re of different designs. Even if you wanted to buy them, you can’t.”
“You can make bags of different types?” Cao Meihua’s shock grew, momentarily forgetting the urge to buy the bag Su Wen had on her.
“Yes, I can. Mine is made of cowhide, and my sister’s is made of lambskin. Lambskin tends to be softer and more delicate.” Su Wen’s eyes gleamed with cunning. Feigning a headache, she said, “Ah! Lambskin is so delicate… Even a slight scratch will leave a mark.”
Cao Meihua’s mouth twitched as she listened. “You! Don’t you call me Sister Cao? Quick, let me see what your sister’s bag looks like.” Cao Meihua realized Su Wen had been baiting her all along.
She could not help but sigh. None of this would have been a problem had she greater self-control. Who asked her to take a fancy to Su Wen’s workmanship? She wanted to show off in front of her mother-in-law!
Su Wen was not embarrassed, despite having been exposed. Instead, she smiled, “Don’t make me out to be the villain! Everything I’ve said is true; it’s a long process.”
“Fine, fine. I believe you..”