CHAPTER 558: CHAPTER 556: STARTLED

The negotiation was a success, and Dan unceremoniously picked out a glitteringly golden evening gown to keep.

Wan Chu’er generously gave it to him, and then she and Mai Qiqi packed the other dresses into boxes to take away.

On their way back, Mai Qiqi said, "Dan must be hugging that dress and snickering right now."

Wan Chu’er laughed and said, "Don’t feel bad, you can take any of these clothes in the box if you want. When you get to Dan’s studio, if he wants you to run around buying coffee, delivering clothes, and such, don’t just foolishly do it."

"Don’t worry, I’ve got it figured out," Mai Qiqi couldn’t help but laugh and speak, her excitement barely contained—they were about to start their venture!

After dropping Mai Qiqi off at her home, Wan Chu’er drove to find the old tailor.

"Not seeing anyone, I don’t just let any Tom, Dick, or Harry in here," the old tailor refused upon hearing the request and instead pointed to a pile of bright clothes thrown on the shelf, "Take these, just take these things away quickly, they’re taking up space and are an eyesore here."

It seems he had made quite a few clothes for her, Wan Chu’er said with a smile, "Thank you. Please just do me this favor, we three have finally found something to do, please be generous and give us a push."

The old tailor haughtily said, "What nonsensical thing are you messing with, aren’t the clothes I made for you enough?"

"They are enough, but I’m not fussing over this to make clothes for myself. If you were willing to take on an apprentice, I would have sent Jiang Lingling to you directly, why would I bother with all this trouble," Wan Chu’er countered.

The old tailor laughed heartily but remained unmoved.

Wan Chu’er continued, "You know, your shop only makes clothes for acquaintances and doesn’t do business with the public. Otherwise, I could have Mai Qiqi come here to manage and operate for you. What do you think?"

"Nonsense!" said the old tailor.

Seeing that he was still not spitting it out, Wan Chu’er’s eyes rolled, and she turned towards the clothes the old man had made for her. Then she went over, picked up a water-green cloak, and said,

"That cloak designed by Dan is also very interesting, I got one a few years ago and have never had the heart to throw it away."

She picked up another coat and said, "This coat is very traditional, I think you could discuss with Dan. He has been living abroad for years and is particularly adept at Western-style tailoring."

"Oh, this dress is quite interesting, it seems similar to one I saw in Dan’s shop today. Are you two referencing each other, or is it simply a coincidence?"

The old tailor watched as Wan Chu’er exhausted all her wiles, trying to persuade him. He found it amusing, and even a few ideas began to emerge in his mind. Perhaps he could alter some details of the coat he was working on.

Wan Chu’er talked at length, but not only did the old tailor not agree with her, he even began to daydream, which made her speechless. In the end, she childishly said,

"If you don’t agree, I’m not leaving today."

The old tailor, who had snapped back to the present, happened to hear this and couldn’t help but laugh, "Alright, then don’t leave."

Wan Chu’er felt discouraged. She didn’t expect the old tailor really didn’t want to meet Dan. What to do?

If it really came down to it, she couldn’t force the old tailor. Compared to Dan, the old tailor meant more to her—she might as well break her promise to Dan. She would ask Mai Qiqi to give back two dresses to make up for it and then find other fashion studios for Mai Qiqi and Jiang Lingling to intern at.

After deciding what to do, Wan Chu’er dusted off her clothes, ready to leave.

"Alright then, I won’t force you into a tough spot. I’ll be on my way."

Chuchu hadn’t expected Wan Chu’er to suddenly stop dawdling and actually make to leave. The old tailor was taken aback for a moment, then chuckled, "Kids really have no patience these days, giving up so easily."

Wan Chu’er was delighted, asking, "What do you mean by that? Are you playing with me? Alright, alright, whatever makes you happy. When shall we meet? Tomorrow? The day after? Or when?"

It’s unbelievable, truly like dealing with a big kid. Thinking of Dan, Wan Chu’er felt that those involved with art really are incomprehensible to ordinary people, and Jiang Lingling seemed to be trending in that direction too.

The old tailor gave her a sideways look and said, "Why all the fuss then? He wants to meet me, doesn’t he? Fittingly, I also want to see what kind of person opts for Western fabrics. Let’s do tonight then. Pick a nice place, I prefer strong flavors."

Strong flavors! No wonder all those gowns he made for her are so intensely distinguished.

Wan Chu’er agreed readily, "Don’t you worry, you’ll definitely be satisfied."

She immediately called Dan, whose excited voice pierced straight through the phone and hit Wan Chu’er’s eardrum.

"Turns out not only is his manner like a lady, but his little quirks are the same. Gets all squealy when excited." Wan Chu’er couldn’t help but comment sarcastically, quickly asking Xiao Bai for Beijing’s restaurants with strong flavors.

When Wan Chu’er arrived at the restaurant with the old tailor, Dan was actually waiting outside. Upon seeing them, he came over, barely able to conceal his excitement and respect.

As he laid eyes on the old tailor, he stood frozen in disbelief, asking Wan Chu’er, "Is this the esteemed senior you mentioned? The one who created those magnificent garments?"

It was just too hard to believe. This was a plain old man who would disappear into a crowd, the epitome of drab.

Right, he was just the type of old-fashioned figure Wan Chu’er normally wouldn’t spare a second glance!

With his salt-and-pepper buzz cut, thin and slightly tanned figure – even his back slightly hunched – wearing a plain Zhongshan suit that had clearly been worn for years, and black cloth shoes on his feet, not forgetting the black-rimmed glasses on his nose.

Wasn’t this the very image of an accountant from a nearly bankrupt state-owned company?

Wan Chu’er could well understand Dan’s reaction, holding back her laughter she nodded seriously, "Yes, that’s him. He’s the master you’ve been yearning to meet."

Dan, after all, was an educated person, having mingled among foreign socialites and the fashion elite, he struggled to maintain his composure, repeating to himself, "Don’t judge a book by its cover, don’t judge a book by its cover..." and managed to squeeze out a smile at the old tailor, "Nice to meet you, senior. I’ve heard a lot about you."

The old tailor had already taken in Dan’s reaction without surprise, simply glancing haughtily at him with a sidelong look, and was the first to head towards the restaurant.

Wan Chu’er hurriedly followed, but Dan grabbed her arm in a rush.

"You’re not fooling me, are you?"

"Ouch, calm down, calm down, what’s the rush? A chat will clear things up," Wan Chu’er threw off his hand and quickly followed after the old tailor.

Dan was left in a mess, his meticulously groomed head spinning. Still, he ended up following the others.

Once seated, Dan was even more startled like a frightened rabbit when he heard the old tailor order those dishes with strong flavors.

"I’ll just have a vegetable salad," he said.

Eating such rich food, he was certain to have pimples pop up on his face tomorrow, not to mention swelling.