Wang Xiuxiu was highly regarded in Jinxiufang, and the clothes she made were favored by Manager Su and the guests.
Faced with her true strength, even the embroiderers in the workshop treated her very differently, both envying and admiring her.
For a time, Wang Xiuxiu was the most popular person in Jinxiufang.
As Wang Xiuxiu's position in the neighborhood became increasingly secure, Steward Su's trust in her also grew day by day.
Gradually, she had more free time.
Whenever she finished her work, she would return to her little house to enjoy a moment of peace and quiet.
That afternoon, sunlight streamed into the room through the window, casting a warm glow on her embroidery frame, and a faint fragrance filled the air.
She saw Songsong lying comfortably beside her.
With nothing to do, Wang Xiuxiu took an unused calligraphy brush and gently scratched her loose belly.
Songsong felt comfortable from being scratched, so it squinted its eyes, its tail swayed gently, and it made gurgling sounds from its throat from time to time.
Wang Xiuxiu couldn't help but laugh when she saw its contented appearance.
"Songsong, you're a little squirrel, why are you acting like a cat?"
Songsong briefly opened her eyes, then closed them again, enjoying the moment.
Such moments are peaceful and warm, as if all worries are kept outside.
Wang Xiuxiu looked up at the window, where sunlight shone on her and Songsong, creating a warm and cozy atmosphere.
At that moment, she suddenly felt that life was not all hardship and helplessness, and that there were sometimes such beautiful moments.
However, this tranquility did not last long, as there was a sudden, urgent knocking at the door.
Wang Xiuxiu frowned, put down her calligraphy brush, and gently patted Songsong's head, signaling it to hide.
She got up and walked to the door. When she opened it, she saw a shop assistant from Jinxiufang, who looked anxious.
"Madam Wang, Steward Su wants you to come over. He says an important guest has arrived and he needs you to go and receive him."
Wang Xiuxiu nodded. Although she had some doubts, she didn't ask any more questions. She straightened her clothes and followed the shop assistant toward the main hall of the embroidery room.
Throughout the journey, she felt a vague unease, sensing that something bad was about to happen.
Upon arriving at the lobby, Wang Xiuxiu immediately spotted Steward Su.
The man who held absolute power in Jinxiufang was now standing next to a richly dressed old woman, his face beaming with smiles and his tone laced with obsequiousness.
Wang Xiuxiu walked to Steward Su's side, stood quietly, lowered her head, and dared not look up at him casually.
"Granny, this is Wang Xiuniang from our shop. Don't let her young age fool you, her skills are just as good as any of the other embroiderers in the shop," Manager Su said with a hint of pride.
The old woman nodded slightly, her gaze sweeping over Wang Xiuxiu with a scrutinizing look in her eyes.
Although she had her head down, she could still feel the sharpness of his gaze, as if he wanted to see right through her, which made her heart tighten involuntarily.
"This is Granny Lu, come and greet her!"
Wang Xiuxiu stepped forward and gave a proper bow.
Granny Lu looked Wang Xiuxiu up and down, a hint of satisfaction in her eyes.
She nodded slightly, her tone carrying an undeniable air of authority: "This little girl is quite good. Why don't you come back to the manor with me? Once her nightgown is finished, we'll send her back."
Upon hearing this, Wang Xiuxiu panicked and quickly looked up at Steward Su.
She didn't want to leave Jinxiufang, much less go to a completely unfamiliar place. At this moment, she could only ask Steward Su for help in making an excuse.
But Steward Su seemed completely oblivious to her unease.
"Of course! It's a blessing for this girl to have your favor, Granny!"
She didn't want to go, but she had no other choice.
Manager Su looked at Wang Xiuxiu with a warning in his eyes, as if reminding her not to be ungrateful.
Wang Xiuxiu quickly stepped forward, "Thank you for the honor, Granny Lu!"
After Granny Lu and her maid left, Steward Su's smile vanished instantly.
He turned and went inside, sat down in a chair, tapped his fingers lightly on the table, and looked smug.
Wang Xiuxiu stood there, suppressing her anger, biting her lip, still wanting to fight for herself.
"Manager Su, I've never traveled far from home before, I'm afraid I can't..."
Before she could finish speaking, Steward Su coldly interrupted her: "Xiuxiu, don't talk about whether you've been out of town or not. You've fled all the way from Yazhou, thousands of miles away, to get here. You should have become much bolder by now."
Su Guan paused deliberately, then continued, "Even if you don't want to go, think about your family. They always want you to go. Besides, I've already spoken to your mother, and she immediately agreed. So, I think you shouldn't be so modest anymore!"
Upon hearing this, Wang Xiuxiu's face turned pale instantly.
Her fingers gripped the hem of her clothes tightly, her fingertips almost digging into her palms.
Manager Su's words were both a warning and a threat.
Knowing her weakness, he thought of using the Wang family to force her to submit. This Steward Su is definitely not a kind person.
Wang Xiuxiu raised her head and looked at Steward Su's malicious face.
She had thought that as long as she demonstrated enough value in Jinxiufang, she would be able to say no when she didn't want to.
But reality is just that cruel.
In this feudal society, individual will is always insignificant, especially in front of those with power and influence. Even if she tries so hard, she is still just a plaything to be manipulated and entertained.
Wang Xiuxiu was filled with anger, but had no way to vent it.
This anger was like a firecracker with its fuse extinguished; it couldn't explode, only burning her internal organs with pain.
She lowered her head, a tear glistening in her eyes, but quickly suppressed it.
Don't cry! That bitch will laugh!
"Yes, Steward Su, I understand. I will definitely do my job well and live up to the name of our Jinxiufang."
Manager Su nodded in satisfaction, and a smile returned to his face: "That's more like it, Xiuxiu. Don't worry, once this deal is done, you'll definitely get your share of the profits."
"Thank you very much, Steward Su!"
Wang Xiuxiu didn't say anything more and silently left the room.
She walked into the courtyard and looked up at the sky.
The sun was still shining brightly, but Wang Xiuxiu's heart was filled with gloom.
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