Chapter 213 "This cloth tiger is very cute, I like it very much"
Chapter 213 "This cloth tiger is very cute, I like it very much"
On the street, crowds thronged. As usual, Li Yue displayed her exquisite handmade crafts at her front stall.
Look at that row of wood carvings, the flowers, birds, fish and insects are so lifelike, the birds seem about to take flight, and the fish seem to swim freely. And those embroidered pieces, the needlework is delicate, and the color matching is exquisite.
Li Yue put her hands on her hips and shouted at the top of her lungs: "Don't miss out! Handmade, unique items, perfect for gifting to friends and family or keeping as souvenirs!"
A customer picked up a wood carving and examined it closely, raising some questions about the details. Li Yue waved her hand dismissively and laughed heartily, "Don't worry! I put my heart and soul into everything I make. This little problem won't affect the overall quality. If you really like it, I'll give you an even better price!"
The customer was amused by her straightforwardness and immediately paid for the purchase.
While efficiently collecting money and giving change, she chatted and joked with customers, her easygoing manner making people feel very friendly.
Another middle-aged woman strolled over to the stall, picked up an embroidered sachet, examined it closely, and muttered, "Young lady, this sachet looks quite exquisite, but could you make the price a little cheaper?"
Li Yue's face instantly lit up with a bright smile, her eyes crinkling into crescent moons as she readily said, "Auntie, you have such good taste! This sachet, from selecting the materials and drawing the design to embroidering every stitch, was all done by me with meticulous care, and the cost was quite high. But since you like it, I'll gladly give you a discount, just to be friends!"
The older woman seemed to think it wasn't enough, and frowned as she gently shook her head: "Oh, young lady, can you make it a little cheaper? I really want it."
Without any hesitation, Li Yue slapped her thigh and laughed heartily, "Alright! Auntie, seeing how honest you are, I'll take a loss today to gain publicity! I'll lower the price by another ten yuan. Are you satisfied now? If you like it in the future, just recommend more customers to me!"
The woman beamed with joy, taking out her money as she said, "Young lady, you're so generous! I'll definitely come here often from now on."
Li Yue took the money and casually picked out a small embroidered bookmark from the stall, stuffing it into the old lady's hand: "Auntie, please take this little bookmark, consider it a small gift from me to thank you for supporting my business! I wish you happiness every day!"
The woman thanked her repeatedly and left satisfied. Li Yue watched the woman's retreating figure, smiled and waved, then energetically called out to the bustling crowd: "Come, come, come, take a look! Exquisite handmade products, affordable and beautiful, even if you don't buy, you're welcome to take a look!" Her optimistic and cheerful demeanor infected everyone around her.
Lin Qianqian walked straight toward the Ninth Prince's Mansion. Suddenly, her eyes flashed, and she stopped in front of Li Yue's stall, her gaze drawn to a hand-sewn cloth tiger.
The cloth tiger is adorable, with a round body, bright black eyes, and vibrant colors that, while not flashy, exude a simple warmth.
Lin Qianqian slowly reached out, picked it up, and gently stroked it; the touch was soft and familiar.
Her vision blurred, and her thoughts drifted back to some fond memories: [Before the time travel, every New Year when she was little, her mother would sew cloth tigers for her and her younger sister by hand. The two sisters would hug the cloth tigers and play happily in the sun-drenched yard, their laughter carrying far. Her younger sister would always follow closely behind her, calling out in her childish voice, "Sister, wait for me." Their father would watch them from the side, a doting smile on his face.]
But now, time flies, and as she struggles through this complex world, her contact with her family has gradually diminished. The cloth tiger in front of her is like a key, unlocking the long-sealed door in the deepest part of her heart.
Thinking of this, Lin Qianqian's eyes instantly reddened, and tears welled up uncontrollably. A crystal tear slid down first, and with a "plop," it dripped heavily onto the cloth tiger's forehead, leaving a small dark stain, as if the cloth tiger was also shedding tears for her longing.
Unaware of her surroundings, she simply held the cloth tiger, her voice trembling as she murmured, "Dad, Mom, Xiao Wan, how are you doing now?" Her voice was full of longing and concern, sounding so faint yet so sincere in the noisy market.
Li Yue was enthusiastically introducing her handicrafts to other customers when she inadvertently turned her head and saw Lin Qianqian crying over the cloth tiger. She couldn't help but frown in confusion.
In her eyes, this market had always been a place full of laughter and bustling trade, and such a scene of tears was truly rare.
She scratched her head, pouted, and said with concern and apology, "Young master, why are you crying? Is my little tiger too ugly and scared you? I'm so sorry, so sorry..."
Hearing the sound, Lin Qianqian came to her senses, hurriedly raised her hand to wipe away her tears, shook her head repeatedly, and forced a smile as she said, "No~ This little tiger is very cute and exquisite, I like it very much."
Li Yue tilted her head slightly, the doubt in her eyes not fading, and asked, "Then... why are you crying?"
Lin Qianqian hesitated for a moment, then said softly, "I was just thinking about some things, don't overthink it."
"Oh, oh..." Li Yue nodded, then smiled and said, "By the way, if you like it, young master, just buy it! This cloth tiger isn't expensive, only 20 coins. It's guaranteed to bring you a good mood, and from now on, when you see it, you'll only think of happy things."
Without the slightest hesitation, Lin Qianqian said, "Okay, I'll take this." As she spoke, she took out a silver ingot from her sleeve and handed it to Li Yue, "Keep the change."
Li Yue took the silver, her eyes wide with delight, her face beaming with joy: "Young master, you're so generous! Here, take this cloth tiger. May it always be with you, like your childhood playmate, and may it always help you overcome any difficulties you encounter in the future. May your life become smoother and smoother, and may you be happy every day!"
Upon hearing this, Lin Qianqian's previously gloomy mood improved considerably, and she couldn't help but chuckle, "Thank you for your kind words." Holding the cloth tiger, she left the stall with light steps.
With a warm smile and a beaming expression, Li Yue waved to Lin Qianqian as she walked away, shouting, "Take care, young master! Please come visit often when you have time!"
She stood there, her gaze following Lin Qianqian's retreating figure until it disappeared into the bustling crowd.
She couldn't help but shake her head slightly, a helpless yet somewhat amused expression appearing on her face.
Having set up a stall in this bustling market for a long time, she had seen all sorts of people, but few were as moved by the scene and as genuinely emotional as Lin Qianqian.
After a brief moment of distraction, Li Yue quickly regained her composure, straightened her back, put her hands on her hips, and raised her clear, penetrating voice to loudly call out to the passing crowd: "Look, look! Exquisite handicrafts, each piece unique, you'll miss out if you don't!"
Her shouts echoed through the market, drawing even more attention to her stall.
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