CHAPTER 189: CHAPTER 189: DRIVING DOWN THE PRICE

"No problem with that," Yi Chichi replied very straightforwardly.

But she also had some conditions.

"The silk, embroidery thread, and even the whole set of embroidery needles and embroidery frames need to be provided by the Friendship Store."

"Of course."

If they didn’t provide this stuff, it couldn’t be bought elsewhere anyway.

The thread used in the Four Great Embroideries is different from the regular thread outside, and so are the needles.

Not all needles are called embroidery needles.

"Additionally, I need the Friendship Store to issue a certificate."

Ning Jiandong’s eyes brightened a bit as he looked at her, "Why would you ask for something like that?"

Yi Chichi gave a wry smile, "Uncle, you know better than I do about the current situation outside. I’m just trying to avoid unnecessary trouble. In case I’m reported, having a certificate will help me distance myself."

Hearing this, Wen Shi felt a jolt in his heart, "Is embroidery taboo?"

But that doesn’t seem right, if the needles were taboo, why would there be embroidery factories? Many pillowcases and duvet covers have embroidery on them.

"The enforcement standards of policies vary from place to place."

Ning Jiandong explained helplessly, "Because if you can’t grasp the standard, you can only go with the flow."

Is there no master of embroidery in Yangcheng?

There is.

Even if Yangcheng doesn’t have one, the surrounding cities do.

Take the Li Clan on the island, for example, their double-sided embroidery is also unique, and their brocade is a valuable cultural heritage.

But no one dares to touch it, why?

They were scared by the frenzy of earlier years.

Then, some changed careers, others fell silent.

Those who couldn’t bear to change careers ended up in textile factories, doing work that had nothing to do with embroidery.

Do they not want to change the current situation?

They do.

But still, as the saying goes, no one dares to move.

After all, pulling one hair can affect the whole body.

The whole country is going down the same path, but you want to carve out a different one, which is not good for them.

The risks are great.

The benefits are unknown.

The saying "the gun hits the bird that sticks its head out" applies to any era.

In the absence of the ability to change the big picture, going with the flow is the only right way.

Therefore, currently, only the Friendship Store has handmade embroidery, nowhere else does.

And the main clients for the handmade embroidery at the Friendship Store are foreigners, overseas Chinese, etc.

It is not affected.

But masters are rare.

The few existing masters are old, their eyes have deteriorated, and the apprentices they trained either don’t master the craft or changed careers.

Therefore, it’s hard to find a master.

Yi Chichi gave him hope, so he solemnly said, "I’ll first issue you a certificate with the official seal. Rest assured and embroider boldly, and I’ll also give you my phone number just in case. On the day of delivery, if there are no problems, I’ll give you a certificate for a special appointment as a technician."

"Okay."

With Ning Jiandong’s words, Yi Chichi could work with confidence.

The next thing was to discuss the price.

The process was not smooth, Ning Jiandong was a bit harsh in suppressing the price, and since it was about her own interests, Yi Chichi was not willing to compromise either.

So, a fierce argument broke out between the two.

"No way, your price is too high."

"My skill is worth this price, I won’t compromise. Either we do it at this price or I won’t do it at all, I can go and be a tailor."

Yi Chichi didn’t bother to argue with him any further and directly issued the final threat.

Ning Jiandong was at a loss for words. This threat was a bit strong.

Even if he had a single master of embroidery with such superb skills, he wouldn’t have budged against this threat.

But he didn’t have one.

"Truly can’t be reduced?"

"Uncle, you’re asking for double-sided embroidery, not single-sided. The artistic value and collectible value of these two kinds of embroidery are not on the same level."

In other words: It can’t be lowered, and it won’t be.

Ning Jiandong gulped water from his teacup like he was afraid of dying from thirst if he drank too slowly.

Wen Shi signaled to Yi Chichi, indicating that she had driven him crazy.

Yi Chichi’s response was a smile. This was just the beginning; the big-sized price was what’s really high.

Once she passed the single-sided test, the double-sided embroidery of the panda and the young panda was the real main thing.

She also didn’t think she couldn’t pass, so she had to prepare Ning Jiandong about the price issue beforehand.

To avoid him suppressing the price again next time.

Lowering the price every time one is handed in was truly annoying.

She glanced at Ning Jiandong, who was holding a teacup as if cradling a Jade Seal, and smiled, "Uncle, would you prefer to think it over before contacting us?"

What does that mean?

Ning Jiandong was shocked, "You don’t want to do it anymore?"

"No, I’m just seeing you looking very troubled."

She smiled sweetly, an expression that seemed ignorant of sorrow, which made Ning Jiandong’s teeth ache.

He put down his cup and stared at her, "Without the Friendship Store, you really only have tailoring as an option."

"Who said that."

Yi Chichi disagreed, "Even if I don’t become a tailor, my husband can support me."

Finally, it was his turn to shine.

Wen Shi straightened his chest and cleared his throat, "I’ve thought about it. Actually, embroidery is not easy work, it’s bad for the eyes. How about, wife, we don’t take this work, after all, I can afford to support you."

Ning Jiandong, "..."

What else could he say?

Nothing more should be said, if he continued talking, he wouldn’t know where to find a master.

This year’s trade fair could still be sustained, but next year he really couldn’t support it.

Good embroidery pieces need time, and skill is key.

That’s the way it is.

"We’ll go with your price, but you’ll have to put down some money on the materials. Also, if I’m not satisfied with the work, today’s terms won’t count."

"Okay."

Yi Chichi nodded.

Seeing this, Ning Jiandong promptly issued her a certificate and also handwrote something like a contract, detailing the obligations and responsibilities of both parties, followed by their signatures and seals.

The official seal of the Friendship Store.

Two copies were made. Yi Chichi took her copy, looked at the bright red stamp at the bottom, and breathed a long sigh of relief. With this, even if someone reported her, she’d be invincible.

No more need to work secretly on big stuff to earn money, sweet!

"Uncle, I have a piece of Chaotic Needle Embroidery here, would you like to see it?"

Chaotic Needle Embroidery?

Ning Jiandong, who was tidying up the official seal, became interested, "Let me have a look."

Then, Yi Chichi took out her bag and pulled out a piece of Chaotic Needle Embroidery made by Liu Lan and handed it over.

"The fabric is just ordinary cotton."

"Hmm."

Ning Jiandong nodded, indicating understanding.

Most people find it hard to buy even some cotton fabric, let alone silk or similar silken fabrics.

He reached out to take it and unfolded it, revealing a Spring Bunting picture.

The entire embroidery piece featured forsythia and magpies as the theme, not overly complex, yet vibrant and full of life.

The feeling of spring was almost tangible.

The composition, mood, and color scheme were all exceptional, exuding vitality everywhere, making one feel as if they were in the midst of nature’s awakening.

Looking at the needlework, amidst the chaos was order, lively and dynamic, and the colors were vivid...

"Marvelous!"

He exclaimed in admiration, "This is an oil painting-type embroidery piece."

"Chaotic Needle Embroidery is characterized by strong layering and a unique style."