Chapter 377 - 371_1
Lin Yue somewhat understood, but was also somewhat confused, "Then, Master Lu, what exactly do you mean?"
"I wish to have a small cabin within the farmhouse, where I could reside permanently. I wonder if you and Erhu’s wife could agree to this arrangement? Of course, I won’t ask for your cabin for free. I will not charge a single coin for helping you build your houses, and I will personally cover the cost of materials needed for my own lodging. All I need is a little place of my own."
Zhao Erhu and Lin Yue were both surprised to hear Master Lu say this. Master Lu had a large house in the city, yet he wanted to live in such a rural location nestled in the mountains. It truly left them unsure of how to react.
"What, do you not agree?" Seeing Zhao Erhu and Lin Yue’s stunned expressions, Master Lu thought they were opposed to the idea. Although he couldn’t force such a matter, he couldn’t help but feel a wave of disappointment and gestured dismissively, "Well then, it was just a momentary whim from an old man. If you are unwilling, let’s just forget about it."
Seeing how disappointed Master Lu looked, Zhao Erhu and Lin Yue exchanged glances, both feeling that there was no harm in agreeing. After all, Master Lu was a master craftsman of his generation, a figure others clamored to win over. He was merely asking for a small cabin in their farmhouse, not a mansion of gold and silver. With such a modest request, there was no reason for refusal.
"Master Lu, listen to what you’re saying. If you wish to live in our farmhouse, I couldn’t be happier. How could there be any unwillingness? However, if you really move in, it won’t do to just simply erect a small cabin. I must create a new set of blueprints and build a house that will satisfy you, unless, Master Lu, you would prefer to design it yourself. After all, you are the Polaris of our craft, and I am just an amateur. There is no way I could match your skill."
"You girl, why are you being so modest? The blueprints you draw, though impractical in some aspects, are remarkably novel and unique. Some ideas are sheer genius. If you are willing to design a house for this old man, there could be nothing better." Master Lu was immediately uplifted from his disappointment to surprise upon hearing Lin Yue was not only willing to have him live in the farmhouse but also personally design his house. He was effusive in praise, celebrating her design talent as unparalleled.
Lin Yue was somewhat embarrassed. She truly didn’t have such skills; it was merely that, coming from modern times, she was a bit more knowledgeable. And since the farmhouse was something she longed for, naturally she was willing to devote her effort and time to plan it. With Master Lu praising her like this, she felt truly ashamed.
"Master Lu, don’t speak like that. You’re praising me too much, and I—a younger generation—cannot accept such high praise."
The more Lin Yue spoke in such a manner, the more Master Lu found her modesty agreeable and grew even more satisfied, "You have good character, skilled but not arrogant. You’re far better than those conceited youths I’ve met. Zhao Erhu, that foolish lad, is truly blessed to have married such a fine wife."