Chapter 31

Big Job

It was a painting of peonies. The spring scenery was beautiful, and butterflies fluttered about. Seeing this, even Lin Xiaoyue was a little surprised.

Liu Shi was also surprised.

“This is a painting that we just received. A customer wants to have four partition screens embroidered. This is one of them.” Xiao You smiled as she looked at Liu Shi.

“Usually, this kind of work wouldn’t be outsourced. However, two of our workers are sick. In addition, the number of women in the workshop isn’t enough, so…”

Xiao You looked at Liu Shi. “We believe in your craftsmanship. This is an opportunity, so I wanted to ask if you would like to try it?”

Liu Shi’s eyes moved slightly. As she looked at Xiao You, she heard her say, “We don’t take deposits. In addition, the cloth, thread, and the drawings are all provided by us. The commission is 10 taels.”

Liu Shi blinked.

10 taels. A young man working could only earn this amount after working 2 to 3 months.

“Hehe, it’s just that the deadline is a little tight. There’s only a month’s time,” Xiao You said again.

Liu Shi was somewhat hesitant.

If she could earn 20 taels, plus the profits from her daughter’s hunting, perhaps her family would really be able to build a house.

“Moreover, this is only the first screen. After a month, if the customer is satisfied, you could also work on the next three screens. Four screens will earn you 40 taels.” Xiao You saw Liu Shi’s hesitation and continued.

40 taels?! Liu Shi’s heart trembled.

If she completed one painting every month, she could finish the embroidery in four months’ time. By then, she would definitely be able to save enough money to build a house.

She was about to agree, but Lin Xiaoyue stopped her.

“My mother’s eyes aren’t good. The house is messy and doesn’t have an embroidery rack. I’m afraid she won’t be able to take this job,” Lin Xiaoyue said to Xiao You.

Xiao You paused and looked at Liu Shi.

Liu Shi seemed to have come to her senses.

“Eh, that’s right. This kind of embroidery cannot be done without an embroidery rack. Thank you, Xiao You, but it’s better if you give me twenty blank purses,” she said regretfully.

She was indeed tempted by this job, but the situation at home was not not ideal.

Even when she was staying with the Lin family, she could not guarantee that she would be able to do such a job well, let alone in that dilapidated house.

Rather than wasting the materials and her efforts, it would be better not to accept it from the start.

Xiao You’s expression stiffened, and her eyes suddenly moved.

“If you’re only worried about the embroidery rack, why don’t you come here to work? I’ll inform the shopkeeper. There will definitely be no problem,” she immediately said.

“Um…” a hint of hesitation flashed in Liu Shi’s eyes.

Jinxiu Pavilion had wanted to recruit her as their worker for a long time. However, it was inconvenient for her to travel between town and Daishi Village alone. In addition, she had to take care of her daughter and son, so she didn’t agree.

But now, her daughter was no longer dumb. If she wanted to sell her prey, she would often come to town. It was just her son now…

“Zhi’er is still young, mom. Let’s forget about this matter.” Lin Xiaoyue hurriedly pulled on Liu Shi.

She had seen the picture just now. It was extremely intricate and complicated. Her mother’s eyes were already getting bad from embroidering purses, let alone this.

She would think of a way to earn money. There was no need to let her mother burn her eyes out for money.

Seeing Lin Xiaoyue looking at her with a pleading face, Xiao You’s face flushed with embarrassment.

“Well, there’s no hurry. I’ll get your purses first. If you change your mind, just tell me. I’ll arrange it,” Xiao You said.v