Chapter 8 - An Yang City (2) (1/2)

Yao Ying was going to beat the one who mocked his wife. But before he did anything that probably would land him in trouble later, he heard what the host said, ”It seems like I misjudged you, Young Lady.” The middle-aged man slightly bowed to Yao Ling, apologizing. Although he was a hot-headed person, the host was quite honest in his conduct.

He took Yao Ling's embroidery and showed it to the crowd. The mandarin ducks were beautifully embroidered, and they looked like they were alive! The crowd murmured to themselves; they couldn't believe it! How could a young girl make such beautiful embroidery and it was done in just less than one shichen[1]? When they saw the other young ladies' work, the difference was too big. They couldn't even finish one of the ducks.

Even Yao Ying never knew Yao Ling was talented in embroidery. He didn't think he had ever seen her doing embroidery during the time they lived together in the village. He looked at Yao Ling in disbelief. It seemed like there were a lot of things he didn't know about his wife after all.

The host changed his attitude, feeling apologetic. He looked at Yao Ling in respect. He announced Yao Ling as the winner and gave her the prize. Before Yao Ling went down from the stage, he asked Yao Ling, ”Young miss, may I ask your name?”

”Is there a need for me to give you my name?” Yao Ling asked back politely.

The host grinned at her, ”My name is Wang Luo Huai. I own several embroidery shops; I'd like you to join our shop. I can give you a job and you will be paid according to your embroidery. I will also prepare the material for you. I won't swindle you and will honestly pay you according to your talent.”

Wang Luo Hai is a businessman. He knew she was a gold mine for his shops, so he wouldn't let the opportunity slip by.

Yao Ling answered him, ”I need to discuss it with my husband first. Can we talk again tomorrow? We must find an inn to rest for the night first. We just arrived in this city a few shichens ago.”

Wang Luo Hai looked at her in amazement. This young lady just had a long journey, but she could embroider beautiful piece like that under such circumstances. He knew he had to make her work for him before his competitors found her. He understood the news about this girl would certainly spread tomorrow.

Without feeling ashamed, Wang Luo Hai followed Yao Ling to meet with her husband. Yao Ling was speechless but didn't stop him. The audiences gave her way and looked at her in a different light. In An Yang City, embroidery talent was valued very high. Their main source of income was from embroidery. It seemed Yao Ling and Yao Ying really hit the jackpot.

Yao Ling smiled and gave Yao Ying her embroidery, ”I will finish this embroidery and make a pouch for you.” Yao Ying nodded, feeling happy. He admired her talent.

Wang Luo Hai didn't want to lose his chance, trying to persuade this amazing talent. ”Young man, my name is Wang Luo Hai. I'd like to talk to you about a business deal regarding your wife. Do you have time?” He didn't dare to be impolite. He knew judging from their clothes, they were only peasants. He didn't care though; he only judged a person based on talent alone.

”Husband, I need your permission. I already told him we need to find a lodge first and talk about it tomorrow,” Yao Ling explained.

”How about both of you live in my house for the night?” Wang Luo Hai offered. ”It's late and because of the festival, the inns are probably already fully booked.” What he said was the truth.

Both husband and wife looked at each other helplessly but nonetheless agreed. Wang Luo Hai was so happy that his smile was so wide, and his face was beet red. He quickly ordered his servants to bring them home and prepared a room. Everything was done efficiently.

They found themselves in a large house with beautiful decoration. This Wang Luo Hai was certainly rich. They had no time to pay attention to each detail and quickly brought to a guest room. The room was simple, but still emitting a rich aura. It had all the basic necessities and furniture. The bed was bigger than the one they owned back at the village. After settling down, dinner was also prepared for them.

”I don't know this Wang Luo Hai. Whether he has a good or bad character is still unknown, so we have to be careful.” Yao Ying reminded Yao Ling. He was a cautious person and Yao Ling understood that perfectly. It was a good thing, especially when they knew nothing about this man and the business he had.

”Let's think about it tomorrow! We will know when Wang Luo Hai tells us the details. At least, we get a free lodging tonight,” Yao Ling joked.