BYBOTE Chapter 34: A Money-Making Opportunity

Previous | Table of Contents | Next 

"Still mad?" Xi Yanqing held a bowl of bright red fruit in one hand and poked Luo Fei with the other. The young man had his back turned and refused to look at him. This kid sure had a big temper—one little incident, and he had stayed angry all day without saying a single word.

"Will you forgive me if I apologize?" Xi Yanqing sighed helplessly. "I really didn't know you were that afraid of wriggling bugs."

He had thought that by the time they returned from the mountains, Luo Fei's anger would have dissipated. But to his surprise, the young man was still sulking. Though he had done Xi Yanqing's laundry, he had refused to cook dinner.

"If you keep ignoring me, I'm going to eat all of this by myself," Xi Yanqing teased, bringing the bowl closer for Luo Fei to see. "These taste even better than nightshade berries."

Luo Fei immediately perked up his ears.

Even tastier than nightshade berries?!

So what if it is! That was picked by Xi the Big Tiger—don’t you know the saying, “If you eat someone’s food, you owe them a favor”? Have some dignity!

But the Big Tiger thought of you when he found something delicious. Isn’t that nice of him?

That’s true…

Luo Fei secretly glanced at the bowl, and instantly, saliva pooled in his mouth. He had never seen this fruit before—red, plump, about the size of a marble. It looked juicy and very sweet!

Seeing Luo Fei finally take interest, Xi Yanqing picked up a small red fruit and held it up to Luo Fei’s mouth to feed him.

Luo Fei stuck out his tongue to lick it, then bit into it in one go. The tiny fruit burst with juice in his mouth, filling it with sweetness!

"What is this?" The little donkey, having tasted the sweetness, finally spoke.

"This is a raspberry. Back in my hometown, we call it 'Guoguo.' In some places, it’s called 'March Bubble' or 'April Bubble.' It has many names, but its scientific name is raspberry," Xi Yanqing explained while feeding Luo Fei another one. "How is it? Delicious, right?"

"Yeah, I didn’t expect it to be so soft." Luo Fei also fed one to Xi Yanqing, but then suddenly exclaimed, "Eh?! Is it raining outside?!"

"Yeah, it started raining on my way back. It’s not too heavy, though." But his clothes still got a little wet, since he hadn’t brought an umbrella.

"Then hurry up and change your clothes. I’ll get you something to eat to warm you up." This place was good for making money and lifting spirits, but getting sick was not an option—illness here wasn’t easy to treat.

"I thought you didn’t cook." Xi Yanqing had been hungry when he came in, but when he lifted the pot lid, he didn’t see any food. He thought Luo Fei was mad and hadn’t cooked anything.

"I did cook." Luo Fei pouted. "But I was still a little mad, so I hid it. I’ll go get it now."

Luo Fei brought in porridge, steamed flower rolls, a plate of pickled vegetables, and a dish of sliced braised pork that Mu Ling had packed for him. He placed everything on the kang table, while Xi Yanqing sat on the heated kang bed, waiting to eat. The warmth from the kang made Xi Yanqing feel cozy, and as he ate the flower rolls and drank the porridge, he felt even warmer inside.

So this little wife of his was still worth pampering—his words might be awkward, but his heart was soft and caring.

Xi Yanqing smiled, and then he heard Luo Fei ask, "Did you also pick these raspberries in the mountains?"

Luo Fei knew that whenever Yanqing wasn’t working in the fields, he’d go up the mountain. Every time, he’d bring something back—medicinal herbs, wild fruits, or vegetables. He always made sure not to return empty-handed.

"Yeah, I picked them in the mountains." Xi Yanqing nodded. "I memorized the location. If you like them, I can go pick more in a few days. It’s a pity it’s not the right season, otherwise, I’d bring back some branches to plant. But come autumn, I’ll get some. If we can grow them at home, next year you can pick and eat them anytime."

"You really have me figured out, huh? Just using my love for food to your advantage?" Luo Fei poked Xi Yanqing. "But listen, don’t scare me with bugs again. If you do, I won’t let you in the house! I’m really scared of those things. Spiders and cockroaches are fine, but anything that wriggles? Just one look and I feel itchy all over."

"Got it, I won’t use them to scare you again."

After finishing his meal, Xi Yanqing cleaned up the dishes and took them out. "You take your time eating. I’m going to sort out the herbs I gathered today."

"Can’t that wait until tomorrow morning?" Luo Fei asked. Usually, they did it the next morning—sorting and drying whatever needed drying.

"It rained today. If I don’t deal with them now, they might spoil by morning."

"Then let’s do it together." Luo Fei followed with his bowl and suddenly said, "Open your mouth, ah..."

"What?" Xi Yanqing asked, but still obediently opened his mouth. Luo Fei then shoved a handful of raspberries in. The sweet juice spread in Xi Yanqing’s mouth, warming his heart.

The two squatted down to sort the herbs and ended up with a large basin of dandelion greens. This plant was common even in modern times, with some people even cultivating it in greenhouses. It was indeed useful—not only could it clear heat, detoxify, and reduce inflammation, but it also served as food. Xi Yanqing had found this batch near the foot of the mountain. Since there wasn’t much of it growing in the deeper parts, he planned to gather more and eat it occasionally with Luo Fei. While eating too much could be harmful, moderate consumption had many benefits.

At first, the dandelions looked a bit wilted from being cut for a while, but after a soak in well water, by the next day, they looked as fresh as if they were still growing in the ground.

Luo Fei thought the rain would stop overnight, but instead, it poured even harder the next day, making it difficult to pick vegetables. Thankfully, they had dandelions at home, which they ate with sauce and mantou. They also had an egg each and some porridge—a nutritious meal. The dandelions were a bit bitter, but their hearts were sweet.

Huaping Village was in the northeast, where the seasons were distinct. The summers weren’t as humid as in the south, but July and August could still be quite hot. The rain, however, made the air cooler and more comfortable. Luo Fei pulled up a small chair and sat by the door to embroider—a rare opportunity to spend an entire day with Xi Yanqing.

Xi Yanqing, borrowing a book on medicinal herbs from Doctor Liang, sat beside Luo Fei, flipping through it. He had studied agriculture and only knew the medicinal herbs he had encountered before, but that wasn’t nearly enough—he wanted to learn more.

The couple seemed to be busy with their own things, but their gazes would occasionally meet in the air. Each time they exchanged smiles, even the air around them felt sweet.

Xi Yanqing couldn’t resist. He set his book aside and kissed Luo Fei’s forehead. Just then, a "drip" sound was heard—something had fallen onto Luo Fei’s forehead.

Xi Yanqing frowned and wiped Luo Fei’s face dry. Looking up at the roof, he cursed, "Damn it, it’s leaking?!"

"Where’s the basin? Hurry and get one!" Luo Fei said.

"Better get a bucket." Xi Yanqing fetched a bucket and placed it under the leak, then the two moved to another spot.

"Looks like we really need to fix this house soon." Luo Fei said uneasily. "Qing-ge, do you think the house will collapse?"

"Not unless we get a long stretch of torrential rain. At most, some water might seep in." Xi Yanqing ruffled Luo Fei’s hair. "Are you scared?"

"Not really. But this is our only home—if something happens to it, we won’t have anywhere to go." Luo Fei had grown attached to this place. He had wiped every piece of furniture, swept the floors daily, tended the vegetable garden, and fed the chickens and ducks. Just a few days ago, he even planted some flowers from Aunt Zhou, hoping they would brighten up the yard.

"I’ll try to build us a new house by next year or the year after at the latest." Xi Yanqing took Luo Fei’s hand. "Come with me."

Luo Fei had saved up ten days' worth of embroidery work, enough for another trip to town.

“My wife is so capable,” Xi Yanqing sincerely praised, constantly surprised by Luo Fei’s talents.

“I don’t earn as much as you, but it’s enough for us to get by. This way, all your earnings can be saved,” Luo Fei mused. While their life wasn’t exactly wealthy, it was at least stable.

“We’ll take it one step at a time. As long as we keep working hard, things will only get better.”

“Mm.” Luo Fei rested his head on Xi Yanqing’s shoulder and suddenly asked, “By the way, Qing-ge, how can I sell my pouches for a higher price? That shopkeeper Li is too good at haggling, I can never win against him. He always gives me the same price.”

“That’s easy. Don’t just embroider the same old patterns.” Xi Yanqing gently placed Luo Fei’s head back on his shoulder. “Let me give you a simple example. Look at the supermarkets selling food, drinks, and school supplies—aren’t they always upgrading their products? Sometimes it’s just new packaging, sometimes a new flavor, but every time they do, the price goes up. Consumers are resistant to price increases on familiar items, but they’re willing to pay more for something new and different. That’s human nature.”

“What if he still refuses to raise the price?”

“No problem. Next time, let’s check out the embroidery workshop. We don’t have to rely solely on Shopkeeper Li.” Xi Yanqing said, “We’ll wait for good weather and go together. I’ll negotiate with him.”

“Alright! And whatever extra we earn, we’ll buy some good food!” Luo Fei said. “You put these things away, I’m going to check what we need at home and buy them when we go to town.”

In this place, people were as self-sufficient as possible. They grew their own vegetables and raised their own chickens and ducks. Some even wove their own fabric. But when Luo Fei and Xi Yanqing arrived, it was early spring, and they had nothing. So, apart from vegetables, they had to buy almost everything.

Normally, Luo Fei would ask Han Xu if he wanted to come along, but Han Xu had just gotten married and was likely still basking in newlywed bliss with Chen Huazhang. Luo Fei didn’t want to be a third wheel, so when the weather cleared up, he and Xi Yanqing went to town alone.

Since they were in a hurry, Luo Fei didn’t have time to create too many new patterns. Most of the pouches he brought were ones he had embroidered before, except for three new designs: two with canaries and one with mandarin ducks. The mandarin ducks took more effort, so he could only finish one, while the canaries were simpler, so he managed to make two.

Luo Fei originally planned to sell the older designs for ten coins each and the new ones for at least twelve, ideally fifteen.

However, Xi Yanqing had a different approach. When they arrived at the fabric shop and met Shopkeeper Li, Xi Yanqing boldly stated that the canary pouches were twenty coins each and the mandarin duck pouch was twenty-five. Since these were new designs and there were only a few, they didn’t mind if Shopkeeper Li chose not to buy them.

Shopkeeper Li was a businessman and knew the importance of fresh designs. Selling the same products over and over again would bore customers, but new items could attract buyers—especially wealthy young ladies who enjoyed collecting beautiful trinkets. Besides, new designs could even spark conversations among them.

Everyone has a sense of vanity. Who doesn’t like nice things?

But Shopkeeper Li couldn’t just agree to any price they set; otherwise, he’d be at their mercy in the future.

“These prices are too high! I’d have to sell them for at least fifty coins to make a profit,” Shopkeeper Li said. “Lower the price a bit, and I’ll continue buying your embroidery regularly like before.”

“Well, even if you want to buy them regularly, I can’t make them regularly,” Luo Fei countered, just as Xi Yanqing had coached him. “You’re an expert—you can tell at a glance that these require a lot of time and precision. If I make too many, my eyes will go blind from all the stitching.” He added, “And besides, rarity increases value. Do you see anyone else in town who can embroider like this?”

“Hmmph, the owner of Ruyi Embroidery Workshop can.”

“Well, even if she can, she sells them in her own shop. She’s not supplying you, is she?” Xi Yanqing remarked. Then he turned to Luo Fei. “Maybe we shouldn’t sell these after all. Didn’t Sanbao say she liked them yesterday? We could just give them to her.”

“Sanbao…” Luo Fei nearly laughed—Sanbao hadn’t come by yesterday! But he played along immediately, putting on a conflicted expression before sighing, “Well, she’s my little sister. If someone has to be disappointed, it can’t be her.” He let out a heavy sigh. “Shopkeeper Li, let’s just sell you the usual designs.”

“That won’t do!” Shopkeeper Li had actually been waiting for Luo Fei to bring new designs and had been meaning to ask him to create more. Since Luo Fei had done so of his own accord, Shopkeeper Li couldn’t appear too eager. If he asked directly, he would have to compromise, but if Luo Fei brought them willingly, he had the upper hand.

“Well, it’s not a big deal for me. I just embroider to pass the time and earn some pocket money. Even if I do nothing, my husband can still support me,” Luo Fei said. “Just take these, and we’ll be on our way.”

“Come on, Little Luo, that’s not fair! You supply me, and we both benefit,” Shopkeeper Li reasoned. “Alright, how about this? Knock five coins off each of the new ones—fifteen for the canary and twenty for the mandarin ducks. The rest stay at the original price. Deal?”

“Oh, come on. Your main business is selling fabric and ready-made clothes. These little trinkets are just an extra bit of income. Do you really need to haggle over this?”

“Hah! Extra income? You think I can afford to drink tea that expensive?” Shopkeeper Li chuckled. “Fine, but in the future, whenever you have new designs, you have to sell them to me first. And no selling to Ruyi Embroidery Workshop—I can’t stand that woman!”

Right on cue, a fragrant breeze swept in, and a voice called out, “Hey, Big-Headed Li! What are you saying about me behind my back?”

In walked Lu Ruyi, the owner of Ruyi Embroidery Workshop. She ran the shop with two full-time embroiderers.

“What do you want now?” Shopkeeper Li scowled—he hated being called “Big-Headed Li”! His head was big, sure, but that wasn’t anyone else’s business!

“I can’t enter your shop just because you run a business?” Lu Ruyi shot back before turning to Luo Fei and Xi Yanqing. She glanced at the pouches in Luo Fei’s hands and asked, “Young man, are these your work?”

“Yes, sister. Is there a problem?” Luo Fei found her straightforwardness quite likable.

“This must be fate! I came here specifically to ask if Big-Headed Li knew how to contact you.” Lu Ruyi examined the pouches and nodded approvingly. “You’ve got real skill.”

“What do you mean?! Don’t you dare try to steal my business!” Shopkeeper Li dashed around the counter and snatched the pouch from her hands. “Xiao Luo, I’ll pay you now. Just go home and bring me more next time!”

“Oh, come on! I haven’t even made my offer yet!” Lu Ruyi rolled her eyes. “Forget it. Xiao Luo, take your money and come with me—I have a business proposal for you.”

“What kind of proposal?” Luo Fei asked.

“A money-making one.” Lu Ruyi slapped the counter. “Big-Headed Li, stop staring and hurry up with the payment!”

"Xiao Luo, we've agreed, right? No more sending embroidery to her!"

"As long as Boss Li pays promptly, I naturally won't send it elsewhere."

Boss Li glared at Lu Ruyi and instructed someone to count out 215 copper coins. Initially, he had intended to give Luo Fei an even 200, but with Lu Ruyi present, he couldn't lower the price.

Luo Fei accepted the money without counting it, tucked it away, thanked Boss Li, and left the fabric shop with Lu Ruyi.

On the way, Lu Ruyi introduced herself and asked about Luo Fei and Xi Yanqing's background. Upon learning that they were a married couple, she smiled and said, "You two are a perfect match."

Xi Yanqing loved hearing this and grinned. "So, Sister Lu, what business do you have with my Luo Fei?"

Lu Ruyi gestured invitingly. "Let's talk inside my embroidery shop. It's hot out—let me treat you both to a bowl of Suanmeitang!"

T/N: Suanmeitang or sour plum soup is a traditional Chinese beverage made from smoked plums, rock sugar, and other ingredients such as sweet osmanthus.

It was nearing noon, and indeed, the heat was intense. Seeing that she was running a business, Luo Fei and Xi Yanqing didn’t hesitate much before following her inside and finding a seat. Luo Fei casually glanced at the embroidery pieces in the shop.

In fact, this wasn't his first time here, but on his first visit, he hadn’t met the owner.

Lu Ruyi sipped some sour plum soup and got straight to the point. "I'll be direct, Brother Xiao Luo. I want to know if you're interested in taking on embroidery work."

"What kind of embroidery work?"

"All kinds—patterns on clothing, bed covers, hats, belts, shoes. Embroidery is embroidery, no matter where it goes!" Lu Ruyi said confidently. "Not to brag, but with your skills, you could earn way more than at Big-Headed Li’s shop. Our town may be small, and there aren't many wealthy families, but all of their embroidery work comes to my shop, which is already quite a lot."

She had previously heard from customers that Boss Li’s shop sold embroidered pouches with exquisite craftsmanship, featuring a unique style of floral embroidery. At first, she thought they were exaggerating. But when she finally went to check for herself, she was surprised. No matter how she inquired, Boss Li wouldn't reveal the source of the work. Luckily, she had gone there today! She hadn’t expected that a young man could embroider better than the two women working in her shop.

"But I don't live here. I only come to town every ten days or so," Luo Fei said hesitantly. If he took on embroidery work, wouldn’t that mean making frequent trips to the shop?

"You can take some small pieces home and work on them there. To be honest, the wealthiest families in town are the Zhou and Luo families. The Zhou family alone has seven daughters—just think about how many outfits they need each year, not to mention other embroidered items. But sometimes, they probably feel our embroidery isn’t good enough, so they go to the county town instead. If you take on the work, it would be different. I believe they’d be satisfied with your craftsmanship."

"I'll think about it," Luo Fei said.

Lu Ruyi hadn't expected to convince him in one go, but she sincerely hoped he would agree. After all, everyone wants to earn money. She had the resources but lacked the skill. Just like Boss Li, she had the customers but not the craftsmanship. If Luo Fei agreed to join, then making money wouldn't be a problem.

Luo Fei finished his sour plum soup, thanked Lu Ruyi, and bought some embroidery thread before leaving. Since Lu Ruyi truly wanted to work with him, she gave him the wholesale price.

After they left, Luo Fei asked Xi Yanqing, "Qing-ge, do you think I should take the job?"

Xi Yanqing replied, "It's up to you—I won’t interfere. But I think it’s better not to take it, or at least only accept pieces without strict deadlines. When you embroider pouches, there’s no pressure. You can sew when you feel like it and take breaks when you don’t. But accepting custom orders is different. You’ll likely have deadlines. Especially for clothing, shoes, and accessories, which are seasonal—there will be pressure to complete them on time."

Luo Fei hadn’t thought that far, but after hearing Xi Yanqing’s perspective, he hesitated. By the time they returned to Huaping Village, he had made up his mind: he wouldn’t take the job, or he would only accept work without time constraints.

But later, something happened that made him change his mind.

Xi Yanqing got injured.

T/N: Please give support on my ko-fi page, it's a big help, thank you🌰🌰🌰