In the years that followed, Wang Xiuxiu devoted herself wholeheartedly to her embroidery career.
Because of the sensation caused by that fan, wealthy families in Jiuyuan County who had daughters considered it an honor to present a double-sided embroidered piece when their daughters got married.
For a time, the reputation of double-sided embroidery soared, and people flocked to Fuyuan Embroidery Workshop to order embroidery products, with orders even booked for several months in advance.
Wang Xiuxiu's life thus became busy and fulfilling.
Besides burying herself in embroidery in her room every day, she has developed a new hobby—going for walks in the nearby mountains.
However, she did not dare to venture too far, but only lingered near the foot of the mountain.
Every time she goes up the mountain, she never returns empty-handed. Sometimes she picks some fresh mushrooms, and sometimes she picks some wild fruits.
Whatever she finds or gathers will bring her joy and make her happy for a long time.
That day, Wang Xiuxiu went up the mountain to relax, just like she always did.
Having just experienced a mountain rain, the air in the forest was exceptionally fresh and pleasant, filled with a refreshing fragrance.
Wang Xiuxiu looked down and searched for mushrooms on the ground. Suddenly, she noticed something trembling slightly under a pile of dry leaves not far away.
Wang Xiuxiu was terrified of snakes. Upon seeing this, her heart pounded like a drum, and her legs went numb instantly.
Just as she was questioning the meaning of life, a furry little head peeked out from under the leaves—it was a little squirrel!
It huddled beside the tree, its body covered in wounds, its beautiful fur soaked through and clinging tightly to its body, looking thin and fragile.
One of his legs was injured, and he could only move slowly, supporting his body.
Looking at the little guy, Wang Xiuxiu couldn't help but feel a surge of pity.
She cautiously took a few steps forward, wanting to help.
However, the squirrel didn't appreciate her kindness. As soon as it sensed her approach, it bared its teeth and made a warning sound in its throat.
Startled by its sudden appearance, Wang Xiuxiu involuntarily took a half-step back.
Wang Xiuxiu couldn't help but laugh at herself for being so timid; even such an injured little thing could scare her.
She looked around and found a fairly large wild fruit. Taking advantage of the little guy's inattention, she quickly stuffed it into its mouth.
Seeing the squirrel's astonished expression after being forced to swallow the wild fruit, Wang Xiuxiu laughed triumphantly: "Hehe! Now let's see how you dare to be mean to me!"
The squirrel was clearly startled by her bold move, and by the time it realized what was happening, it was already in Wang Xiuxiu's arms.
Wang Xiuxiu sneakily brought the squirrel home, unnoticed by the rest of the Wang family, but caught red-handed by Wang Chengwen, the youngest son of the Wang family, who had just returned home.
In an instant, their eyes met, and the atmosphere became extremely awkward.
The squirrel stopped struggling and obediently hid in Wang Xiuxiu's arms, pretending to be dead.
"Chengwen, you left too fast, why didn't you wait for me... Xiu... Xiuxiu... what are you doing here..."
A clear male voice came from behind; it was Cui Erlang.
He caught up, panting, and when he saw Wang Xiuxiu, a look of surprise appeared on his face.
Wang Xiuxiu looked puzzled, wondering if it was strange that it was right in front of her own house.
That second son of the Cui family is truly an oddball!
Wang Chengwen quietly stood in front of Wang Xiuxiu, cupped his hands in greeting to Cui Erlang, and said in a cold tone, "Senior brother, I've arrived home, so I won't trouble you any further."
Before he finished speaking, he slightly raised his head and glanced at Wang Xiuxiu quickly, seemingly unintentionally.
Wang Xiuxiu: ……
Is that brat trying to signal me to leave?
Wang Xiuxiu turned to leave, but Cui Erlang spotted the squirrel she was holding.
"Xiuxiu...Xiuxiu, do you need medicine for your injuries?" Cui Erlang suddenly asked.
Upon hearing this, Wang Xiuxiu was taken aback at first, then her face lit up with joy, and she nodded eagerly, "Yes, yes, yes!"
"Then wait for me, I'll go get it right away! Xiuxiu, you must wait for me!" After saying that, Cui Erlang turned around and left in a hurry.
Wang Xiuxiu felt a surge of gratitude.
The Wang family had no medicine for her injuries, and given her situation, she didn't have the extra money to buy it.
She was in a dilemma when she unexpectedly ran into Cui Erlang!
It has to be said, this was truly a timely help!
Although the second son of the Cui family is a bit strange, he has a very good heart!
Thinking this, Wang Xiuxiu met Wang Chengwen's gaze.
How to describe that look in his eyes?
It was mixed with a hint of disdain, as well as a touch of helplessness and disappointment.
No, you brat! Can't you just say what you mean?! I really can't figure you out!
Feeling utterly disdainful as she was being stared at, Wang Xiuxiu's anger flared up instantly. If she weren't afraid of Chen Chunhua, she would have rushed up and taught this arrogant brat a lesson!
Unexpectedly, Wang Chengwen slowly ordered, "Go inside, I'll wait for my senior brother."
"Oh, okay." Wang Xiuxiu was as docile as a little lamb and obediently went inside.
She dared not touch Chen Chunhua's beloved, so she could only timidly obey the arrangements.
Not long after, Wang Chengwen entered the room, took out a small, exquisite bottle from his pocket, threw it to Wang Xiuxiu, and turned to leave without saying a word.
Wang Xiuxiu was left waving her hand at his retreating figure, gritting her teeth and cursing him under her breath.
After calming down a bit, Wang Xiuxiu rolled up her sleeves and began applying medicine to the squirrel.
She dipped her fingertip in the ointment and gently applied it to the squirrel's wound.
The squirrel was initially somewhat resistant, but perhaps sensing her kindness, it gradually calmed down and let her handle it.
"Little guy, you must get better soon," Wang Xiuxiu said softly, her eyes full of tenderness as she looked at the squirrel.
She placed the squirrel in a small nest made of old cloth and straw, and fed it some water and food.
After doing all this, Wang Xiuxiu sat on the edge of the bed, looking at the sky gradually darkening outside the window, and felt an unprecedented sense of peace in her heart.
Perhaps that's life; there are always unexpected little surprises that offer a bit of comfort amidst the busyness and exhaustion.
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