Chapter 965 - 967: Embroidery
Gong Jiaxin occasionally looked up at Gong Ruini who was quietly painting.
Initially, this was a very normal thing, as Ni Zi often painted, but at this moment Gong Jiaxin suddenly had a thought, which was, perhaps Ni Zi wasn’t in a good mood.
"Painting can calm one’s mood." Gong Jiaxin put down the book in her hand and walked over to watch Gong Ruini painting from behind.
Seeing this, Gong Jiaxin was quite surprised; the subject of the painting was Chu Ling, knowing Ni Zi liked to paint landscapes and plants the most, she rarely painted people.
But today, she actually painted a person, and it was Chu Ling; what does this mean, is it an indication that Ni Zi’s mood isn’t great?
"Doesn’t it resemble her a lot?" Gong Ruini put down her brush and stepped slightly away from the drawing table.
Gong Jiaxin involuntarily nodded, though it wasn’t perfect, it was rather good.
"Before, Chu Ling wanted me to paint a portrait of her. I refused. I’m not really skilled at it, but I always paint a family portrait every year, and I’ve painted self-portraits of all of you because you are my family."
Gong Ruini’s meaning was very clear, if she truly had to paint a self-portrait, it must be of her own family, otherwise, it was an impossible task.
This was a big revelation, Gong Jiaxin could hear the implication in Gong Ruini’s words, which was her complete satisfaction with Chu Ling.
"As long as my brother likes the person, I will like them too, and Chu Ling joining the Gong Family is good for me and for everyone." Gong Jiaxin, although she masked it well, clearly showed signs of unease.
Of course, it’s good for everyone; Gong Jiaxin understood what it meant for Chu Ling to marry Gong Ruwen, but understanding and comprehension are somewhat disparate.
"Chu Ling has been good to you all indeed; her nature is just like this, not aloof, perhaps just unsure of how to interact with people."
Ha, not sure how to interact with people? Is this a joke? In this day and age, there’s still someone who doesn’t know how to interact with people? Gong Jiaxin was unconvinced, but just like Chu Ling’s status, there was no need to care about their thoughts.
"Well, I also want to give Chu Ling a gift." Since Ni Zi gave a gift to Chu Ling, Gong Jiaxin felt she shouldn’t fall behind; no matter how the other party would react, at least she should make a good impression.
"Alright." Whether the gift is valuable or not, it’s at least a thought; Gong Ruini was quite curious about what gift Gong Jiaxin would give.
Gong Jiaxin didn’t hold back, "I plan to give her a handkerchief I embroidered myself."
Embroidery? Impossible, Gong Ruini’s eyes widened; there are not many people who can embroider these days, "You can embroider?"
Gong Ruini had never heard Gong Jiaxin mention it before, and being able to say she would give such a gift meant it must be of quality, otherwise it would be a matter of losing face.
Gong Jiaxin smiled shyly, "Mm, I learned from an elder neighbor before; she said I have some innate talent."
Ah, some talent? Gong Ruini felt a bit guilty, not knowing how much truth was in those words; if Gong Jiaxin came to Beijing later, wouldn’t she have to put embroidery aside?
Even if Gong Jiaxin continued practicing often, having a teacher’s guidance or not are completely different concepts, "When you come to Beijing..."
"Grandma has already passed away, but I’ve built a decent foundation; later, I’ll take the insights grandma wrote and practice more, it will improve, but it’ll be quite tiring."
Gong Jiaxin also felt quite exhausted, although she had laid a good foundation, she had to explore on her own which was quite tiring.
Yet, Gong Jiaxin still quite liked it and had spent so much time on it; if she were to just give up, she would indeed be reluctant.
Embroidery, Gong Ruini suddenly remembered something; she couldn’t admire her masterpiece, hurried back to the bedroom.
What’s going on? Gong Jiaxin was startled by Gong Ruini’s actions, and before she could follow, she was startled again by Gong Ruini rushing back.
Could it be that this girl didn’t sweat enough from her morning run, and now had to jog even in the evening?
"Here, take a look." Gong Ruini, panting, placed the things in her hand on the desk, gesturing for Gong Jiaxin to see for herself.
Given to her? Gong Jiaxin felt very strange, glanced at it, and noticed some were even thread-bound books, which felt rather timeless.
Gong Jiaxin casually picked up a book to read, then looked shocked, and quickly switched to another book, repeatedly performing this action.
Seeing Gong Jiaxin’s excited appearance, Gong Ruini knew these things were just right for her; it seemed these books wouldn’t go wasted.
"Ni Zi, these books, can I really read them?" Gong Jiaxin was very excited; she truly didn’t expect to see books written by embroidery predecessors.
Of course, they were written by later generations, but the content itself was exhilarating.
Rolling her eyes, was this person excitedly becoming a bit dim-witted, "Not for you to read; is it for me?"
"Take them." Though these books may be precious, it’s also about whose hands they end up in; after all, giving them to Gong Ruini really doesn’t make them valuable.
To her? Is it really for her? Gong Jiaxin looked delighted, "Ni Zi, these books are actually quite precious; you can keep them yourself."
Despite her reluctance, Gong Jiaxin didn’t want to take this advantage without reason, "I can copy them."
Why copy them? Gong Ruini waved her hand generously, "Leaving them with me means they won’t see the light of day; books are considered precious when they are in the right hands."
"For example, I’m not suitable. Alas, if you had mentioned earlier, we might have consulted your teacher." Gong Ruini didn’t know how much Gong Jiaxin could comprehend.
If there was someone giving guidance earlier, this girl should have progressed faster; but she refrained from mentioning it, how would Gong Ruini know?
Gong Jiaxin never expected to say, "I didn’t mention it before because I was afraid you would mock me."
Mock people? Gong Ruini widened her eyes; was she such a person? How excessive.
"I had mentioned it to a friend before, and she then shared it as a joke in the class." Gong Jiaxin recalled that embarrassing story from her childhood.
Uh, really? "Then she wasn’t a friend. Sis, you strive to embroider; maybe embroidery will become valuable in the future, especially the craftsmanship of masters." Master’s works are very costly.
Gong Ruini thought for a bit, "Sis, I’m waiting for you to complete your learning, and then you can embroider for me."
"Deal." Gong Jiaxin immediately agreed; anyway, she needed to practice often to not forget this craft.
Nice, nice, finding a master, although it’s uncertain how things will develop, at least Gong Jiaxin will reach that stage in the future; as long as her craft is up to par, she could flaunt her embroidery works later.
Nice, nice; this is the greatest utility of these books.
"Sis, have you considered studying fashion design?" With embroidery skills, then if you can design clothes yourself, even without becoming a top designer, at least opening a studio would be nice.
As more wealthy people appear in the future, customized services will thrive, and after slight promotion by the family, business will definitely be good, better than Gong Jiaxin’s current bewilderment and uncertainty about the future path.
Fashion design major? Gong Jiaxin had never thought of entering this field; since Ni Zi suggested it, she should consider it seriously.