Chapter 373 - 367_1
As long as Lin Yue’s suggestions weren’t too outrageous, Zhao Erhu had no objection, and besides, Zhao Erhu thought Lin Yue’s ideas were good. Zhao Erhu could arrange both the manpower and materials needed. However, the house designed by Lin Yue couldn’t be built as they had done previously; they needed to hire craftsmen from the city. With Shopkeeper Liu’s help, this was easily resolved. Shopkeeper Liu was well-informed and influential, managing to hire the most renowned craftsman in Xin’an City.
"Madam Lin, Master Chen is the most famous craftsman in Xin’an City. Many of the large mansions there were designed and built by him."
Lin Yue looked over and saw that Master Chen was an ordinary-looking man in his forties or fifties, save for a hint of arrogance on his face, clearly pleased with his own achievements. He was respectful when speaking with Shopkeeper Liu, but he was dismissive towards her, clearly not taking a rural woman like her seriously.
"Master Chen, our house will be troubling you," Lin Yue said politely. As long as Master Chen was skilled, she didn’t mind giving him some praise, but honestly, she couldn’t really bring herself to like someone with such an attitude.
"No problem. So many of the grand houses in the city were built by my hands. Building a few rooms in the countryside is easier than easy," Master Chen said haughtily as he spoke, his head held high. If not for Shopkeeper Liu’s sake, he wouldn’t have taken such a minor job. He was the best craftsman in Xin’an City—building a house for a peasant woman in the countryside was beneath his dignity.
Seeing Master Chen’s attitude, Lin Yue already felt discontent. If Master Chen built their house with this attitude, it wouldn’t turn out well; it might be better to hire a less famous but capable craftsman who could do the work diligently. After all, she had already drawn up the house designs, yet she was unaware of the differences between practical implementation and the designs on paper. That’s why she needed a master craftsman to provide guidance and suggestions to integrate the actual construction with her architectural designs.
Having made up her mind, Lin Yue’s tone began to harden. "Master Chen, I believe Shopkeeper Liu has already discussed my ideas for the house construction with you. What do you think, can you build the house according to my designs?"
Master Chen, who was inwardly disdainful at the thought of building a house in the countryside, hadn’t even looked at the blueprints designed by Lin Yue. When Lin Yue asked him directly, his expression soured, "What would a country woman like you know? Do you think designing a house is that simple? It’s not as easy as stacking up some mud huts. Since I’ve promised Shopkeeper Liu, I’ll take care of everything. You don’t need to worry about it."
Lin Yue’s expression also turned sour. Master Chen was really too arrogant, looking down on others. Even if she was hiring someone to build a house, she didn’t have to put up with such disrespect. "Master Chen, I hired you to build my house, and as the owner, I naturally have the right to express my opinions. Whatever changes are made must follow my wishes. If you don’t think you’re up to the task, I won’t insist; I’ll just have to find someone more capable."