Since Li Ying had spoken so, A Man didn't dare to say more. She could only obediently shut her mouth, hang her head, and follow behind Li Ying.
They had only taken two steps when there came a fluttering sound. A carrier pigeon landed on the window lattice. Its bright, inquisitive eyes sized her up.
Li Ying recognized it. This pigeon was raised in Lu Xunguang's mansion. A surge of joy welled up in her heart. She quickly caught the pigeon and untied the note on its leg.
"The brocade from Yunnan and the brocade from Sichuan have been rushed to the silk store. You may help yourself."
The few words were scrawled in a hasty yet elegant hand.
It was undoubtedly Lu Xunguang's handwriting.
A Man wondered, "How did Brother - in - law Lu know that Sister needed high - quality materials for the photo studio? We've only been in business for a few days. Even if one were to ride a blood - sweating steed and travel day and night, it would still take several days and nights to transport the newly arrived brocade from the capital to this fishing village all the way."
Li Ying had no time to worry about these details. Since Lu Xunguang had offered his full - fledged help, she would accept it all. With this support, she would have a better chance of dealing with the troublesome guests.
The two of them rode on Wu Zhui. Before long, they arrived at the silk store.
From afar, the storekeeper spotted Li Ying and came forward with a beaming smile.
"Boss Li, you've come!"
"The owner sent a message by pigeon, ordering everyone in the store to follow your instructions. This is the newly arrived Sichuan brocade. We've already cut it into clothes according to your design. Please take a look. Do you like them?"
Li Ying took the dresses. Although they were made in a hurry, the stitches were fine and the cuts were neat. There was no sign of shoddy workmanship. She was quite pleased.
"Storekeeper, and all the staff, you've really worked hard. When the photo studio's business gets on the right track, I'll definitely triple your salaries as a token of my appreciation."
She spoke generously, but the storekeeper of the silk store waved his hand dismissively.
"Boss Li, what are you saying! We're all willing to do this! The owner had already told us clearly that this job would require working day and night for several days and would be very tough. He had also given us triple the reward in advance. Since we've received the reward, we'll surely do our best for you!"
The second half of Li Ying's words got stuck in her throat.
Her Lu Lang, her sweetheart far away in the capital.
Her Lu Lang was unable to come in person but still missed her and thought about everything for her.
Li Ying held the thin note in her hand. Reading the words was like seeing him in person. The lingering haze in her heart over the past few days instantly dissipated.
She thanked the storekeeper, personally selected two dignified and elegant dresses, and headed straight for the oyster - shell house.
A Man had briefly told her about the matter at the guesthouse. It turned out that the wife of a wealthy merchant, who had been childless for many years, had no choice but to arrange for her husband to take a concubine.
She didn't want to be hurt by the joy of the wedding night, so she came to the fishing village to get away from it all. But unexpectedly, she had run into Qing Liu, who had brought her bad luck.
When Li Ying arrived in a hurry, as expected, Lady Li and Mrs. Zhang were standing on either side of the angry lady, constantly apologizing.
Seeing Li Ying coming from afar, the two of them heaved a sigh of relief in unison.
With A Ying around, they had a backbone.
Li Ying stepped forward gracefully and bowed politely.
"Madam, we've failed to treat you well and make you feel at home. It's really our fault."
As the saying goes, one doesn't hit a smiling face. Her humility, courtesy, and gentle words, along with the two sets of clothes, instantly softened the lady's anger a bit.
"Madam, this is a small token of apology from our fishing village. It's not much, but please accept it."
"We've failed to entertain you well and made you unhappy. If you want to return to the capital, later I'll personally handle the refund and compensation for you. But please give us a chance to show our apologies."
The lady had been being unrelenting, but she didn't expect Li Ying to agree so readily, and even mention "compensation". This piqued her interest a bit.
Under everyone's watchful eyes, she knew Li Ying wouldn't take back her words. So the lady ordered her maid to accept the apology gifts, then raised her eyebrows, waiting to hear what else Li Ying had to say.
Li Ying whispered an order to A Man. A Man understood and trotted off to make preparations.
Before long, a table full of delicious and beautifully presented dishes was set up in Li's Restaurant. Each dish was a signature one.
Li Ying filled a pot of peach blossom wine, bowed to the lady again, and said loudly, "It's my fault for not managing my subordinates well. I'll punish myself with this pot of wine as an apology to you, madam!"
She couldn't hold her liquor well. After drinking a whole pot, a faint blush instantly appeared on her face.
"This second pot is to toast you and your husband, wishing you a harmonious and affectionate marriage!"
After saying that, she tilted her head back and drank it all in one gulp.
A Man frowned tightly and almost let out a cry of surprise.
"Sister, don't..."
A Man wanted to stop her, but Li Ying just waved her hand and silently stopped her with a look in her eyes.
Li Ying swayed slightly, but then filled a third pot of wine.
"I wish madam all your heart's desires will come true!"
The lady really hadn't expected that a mere woman like Li Ying would be so bold and straightforward. If she continued to be overly persistent, she would seem petty.
She awkwardly took a sip of wine and finally waved her hand reluctantly.
"It's okay, it's okay. Forget it!"
But Li Ying didn't plan to let it go so easily.
She turned to give a wink to Dong Erlang, who was following behind her.
Dong Erlang understood and immediately stepped forward two steps, bowed his head respectfully, and saluted.
"Madam, this is also a little token of our appreciation. We hope it will make you smile."
Before Li Ying finished speaking, Dong Erlang took out a lifelike clay figurine from his sleeve.
The clothes, hair, and appearance of the figurine were clearly the very lady in front of them!
The lady stared in shock and was momentarily speechless.
"You... When did you...?"
She had seen clearly just now. Dong Erlang was just a humble servant following behind Li Ying, with his hands nervously tucked into his sleeves, looking like a timid and unimpressive person.
Who would have thought that this unassuming servant could sculpt a statue of her in just a few words and with ease!
Even more remarkably, the little statue had a smiling face, as if it had been carved exactly according to her appearance!
She hadn't genuinely smiled for many days. Now, seeing this image of herself with a bright smile like a spring flower, she felt as if she had stepped into a different world. A sense of fondness welled up in her heart.
Seeing her reaction, Li Ying knew her gamble had paid off. She just smiled politely and calmly.
"This is just a little trinket from the fishing village. If it can bring you a moment of joy, it's an honor for it. If madam likes this clay figurine, would you like to come with me to the Mazu statue? There are many clay - made children there. Their every look and smile are so cute and interesting."