Chapter 147

Ji Wanmei boarded bus number 101 and headed to the center of East China City.

At that time, the bus fare was two cents per person, and there would be a ticket collector to collect the fee after boarding.

After buying her ticket, Ji Wanmei sat down in a window seat.

Along the way, she enjoyed the street scenery of the bustling provincial capital.

On the roads, you see more Santana and Hongqi SUVs than in the county town, and there are also more minivans and tricycles that specialize in running commuter buses within the city.

But most of the vehicles were bicycles, their bells jingling, and riders had baskets tied to the back of their bikes to carry various things.

Ten years after the reform and opening up, the rapid economic development has been fully reflected in this major provincial capital city in southeastern China.

Upon arriving at the state-run department store, Ji Wanmei strolled around and discovered that the products there were basically the same as those in Beijing and Shanghai; all the brands available in downtown department stores were there.

Meanwhile, new technology industries such as DVDs are gradually emerging in East China.

When Ji Wanmei passed by several large stores, she would hear the latest popular Hong Kong and Taiwan songs playing inside.

Many young people gathered in front of a store that sells cassette tapes, vying to buy the latest cassette tape.

Ji Wanmei also passed by a century-old shop that specializes in making cheongsams and saw several wooden models displayed in the shop window.

The wooden model, dressed in an exquisitely handcrafted cheongsam, perfectly showcases the woman's grace and figure, making her exceptionally beautiful.

Ji Wanmei also loves cheongsams. In her previous life, she designed several retro-style cheongsams in her own clothing factory.

Upon entering the cheongsam shop, Ji Wanmei toured the wooden models of cheongsams on display.

Seeing that Ji Wanmei was interested, an experienced tailor came forward and asked, "Miss, what style would you like to choose?"

Ji Wanmei thought for a moment and said, "I want a sleeveless stand-up collar with Chinese knot buttons, a fitted waist and a low slit. As for the fabric, it would be best to choose silk, which has a good drape."

The master craftsman said they have a dedicated cheongsam designer who can help customers list their requirements, draw up designs, and then hand-make the cheongsams after the customer is satisfied. However, this process usually takes more than half a month.

Because the embroidery on handmade cheongsams is all sewn on by hand, stitch by stitch, it takes a lot of time.

Ji Wanmei said, "No problem, but can I draw the design of this cheongsam myself?"

The experienced craftsman opposite me was quite surprised: "Young lady, you can even draw cheongsam patterns?"

Ji Wanmei asked her master to bring her special paper and pen, and then she started drawing in front of the counter.

Having not touched paper for a long time, Ji Wanmei's hands were a little rusty at first, but after a few strokes, she slowly regained her touch, focused intently, and drew the cheongsam style she wanted in her mind onto the paper.

The experienced craftsman watched from the side, constantly expressing his astonishment.

He never expected that Ji Wanmei, a girl who looked only eighteen or nineteen, would have such a sophisticated skill.

At this moment, an elderly lady came out from the cabinet room.

The elderly lady was in her sixties or seventies. She wore an elegant updo with an emerald jade hairpin, and the same emerald earrings and rings on her ears and fingers. She was wearing a light green and gray silk one-piece cheongsam suit.

She looked elegant and poised, with a composed gait.

She came out and saw Ji Wanmei hunched over a long table drawing on paper. She leaned forward to take a look and her eyes showed surprise.

Ji Wanmei, who was engrossed in her painting, did not notice an old lady behind her as she focused on finishing the last few strokes.

This cheongsam design was one she created herself in her past life, and it's a piece she's very proud of.

After finishing the drawing in one go, Ji Wanmei picked up the blueprint and asked the master craftsman, "Master, can your shop make this cheongsam for me?"

The old lady smiled and said, "Young lady, you know a lot about cheongsams. Did you design the style of this pattern yourself?"

Ji Wanmei then noticed an old lady standing behind her, and quickly greeted her, replying, "Yes, madam, this is my own design."

"Who is your teacher? Does your family have a long history of making cheongsams and embroidery?" The old lady looked Ji Wanmei up and down with a kind expression.

Ji Wanmei smiled and said, "I'm just self-taught. No one in my family works in tailoring or embroidery."

"To be able to learn this much on your own, you're truly blessed," the old lady said with a smile. "I'll personally help you with this order."

The experienced tailor next to her was astonished: "Madam, your eyesight is poor, and you haven't made cheongsams for several years."

The old lady smiled and said, "It's alright. I really like this young girl today. It's just that my eyesight has been getting worse in recent years, so this cheongsam may take a little longer to finish."

After saying that, the old lady turned to Ji Wanmei and said, "Young lady, I am the third-generation inheritor of Shu embroidery. Are you interested in learning embroidery?"

Ji Wanmei was surprised, never expecting that the old lady in front of her was actually the famous third-generation inheritor of Shu embroidery.

Shu embroidery has a profound historical origin in China. Its embroidery techniques are extremely complex and exquisite. Without several years of dedicated study, it is impossible to grasp the subtle skills within this seemingly simple craft.

Ji Wanmei said happily, "Of course I'm interested!"

"Are you a local?" the old lady asked again. "If you're interested, you can come to our Shu Embroidery Disciple Hall to experience it first. If you like it, I would very much welcome you to join our Shu Embroidery Family."

My dear reader, there's more to this chapter! Please click the next page to continue reading—even more exciting content awaits!