Chapter 339: Chapter 338: Shop, Shop, Shop

After a good night’s sleep, Qin Yao was full of energy. She got dressed, called Liu Fei, and the two of them went out to find Manager Fang, who sold timber.

Manager Fang was quite happy to have business, but the price of the timber had increased by ten percent.

“There’s no other way. You’re asking for less now, and this is already the lowest price. It’s only because your family comes to pick up the timber themselves that our boss agreed to this price. If you don’t believe me, you can ask around the whole city; there’s no cheaper price than this.”

Manager Fang looked sincere, and Qin Yao understood, so she didn’t waste time and said, “Then let’s sign the contract.”

“The usual terms, right?” Manager Fang asked with a smile.

Qin Yao nodded, agreeing to a thirty percent deposit, with the balance paid upon receipt of the goods.

The contract was written quickly because it was simple, just a straightforward settlement document akin to a modern receipt, used for picking up goods.

The warehouse was outside the city, and Qin Yao wanted to see it in person. Manager Fang agreed and arranged for a clerk, who was going to the warehouse, to lead her there.

The group took an ox cart to the warehouse outside the city. After Qin Yao and Liu Fei checked the timber quality and found it satisfactory, they headed back to the city by evening.

Liu Bai had already arranged for the drivers to have their meals in the hotel’s main hall. Anyone who came out to transport goods had a meal allowance of thirty cents per day, as long as they didn’t exceed it.

Drivers not only handled the transportation but also had to stay up at night to guard and load and unload goods, warding off thieves and bandits, requiring sustenance to have the energy and spirit to complete such work.

Since the money wasn’t directly given to each person, the drivers didn’t save their boss any money and spent the allowance to the fullest, eating heartily.

Their families had initially worried they would lose weight driving long distances, not expecting that after three months at the stationery factory, not only hadn’t they lost weight, but they had even gained some.

Managers like Liu Bai and Liu Fei had their own standards for food and accommodation, which were clearly posted on a pillar outside the factory’s stables so everyone could clearly see the benefits at each higher level, motivating them to work well and seek promotion.

However, Qin Yao, who was the boss, wasn’t included in any standard because she paid for her own meals!

There was no curfew in the city, and as lanterns lit up, it was the busiest time on the streets after dinner.

With the timber loaded and ready for the return journey tomorrow, everything was done, and with some free time, Qin Yao excitedly asked Liu Fei, “Want to go for a walk?”

Liu Fei’s eyes lit up. “Yes, yes!”

Qin Yao gestured for him to ask Liu Bai if he’d like to join. Liu Fei quickly ran to the backyard guest room to find Liu Bai, and the two brothers eagerly met Qin Yao in the hall, and the three of them went out to explore the night market.

Liu Bai and Liu Fei knew the Prefecture better, having stopped there many times. Liu Fei knew which fabric shops in the city offered good prices and which stores regularly stocked unusual items from all over.

Led by him, the three arrived at a fabric shop, planning to buy some materials to make new clothes for their families back home.

As the weather cooled and winter approached, the shop brought out last year’s stock of hides, including rabbit, sheep, roe, and deer hides, all varieties, making for a complete collection.

There were also many premade fur jackets, boots, cotton pants, and cotton coats, including exquisite girl’s dresses edged with snow-white rabbit fur.

Many more women were in the Prefecture’s more open society compared to the county town, making Liu Bai and Liu Fei feel out of place among them.

Feeling uneasy, they each chose a half-piece of discounted printed cotton fabric and retreated outside to wait, leaving Qin Yao inside to decide whether to save money by buying raw materials to make clothes at home or simply buy ready-made garments for convenience.

Looking at the beautifully pink jacket and skirt ensemble trimmed with white rabbit fur, Qin Yao thought even though it was a bit large, she could hem the sleeves and waist, and it could last another two years.

“I’ll buy it!” Qin Yao decided it was unlikely Mrs. Qiu would replicate the cute little pink dress from raw materials and opted for the ready-made one.

Qin Yao eagerly called over a busy saleswoman and said she wanted that set.

The saleswoman was momentarily taken aback, then apologized with a smile and explained, “Madam, this is a sample and not for sale. If you like this dress, you can order a custom one, and it will be ready in half a month.”

Custom order?

Half a month?

Qin Yao couldn’t wait, so she decisively said, “I will pay extra.”

“This…” The clerk hesitated, and Qin Yao suddenly sighed softly, “Tomorrow is my daughter’s birthday. I’m sure she’d be very happy to see this dress.”

“My daughter has been weak since childhood…” Qin Yao sighed gently again, “It’s getting cold, and the doctor said her condition has worsened. I’m afraid…”

Turning away, she raised her hand to rub her eyes and then turned back with a resilient yet tragic smile.

The saleswoman’s heart tightened. She felt guilty!

“Just a moment, ma’am, I’ll wrap the dress up for you. Please check out at the front,” the saleswoman said much more gently, her eyes full of sympathy. What a loving yet pitiful mother!

At the counter, it seemed the saleswoman had relayed the story, as the lady shopkeeper nodded encouragingly to Qin Yao and handed her the dress wrapped in oilcloth.

“How much?” Qin Yao asked with a motherly smile.

The shopkeeper replied, “The original price is two taels of silver for you. The dress’s lining is made from a whole rabbit hide and is very warm. Your daughter will surely get better.”

Qin Yao kept her motherly smile, but inwardly she gasped at how expensive it was!

But she quickly paid, reasoning that they’d get another year of wear, so it seemed reasonable enough.

With the payment done and the dress in hand, she still wore that motherly smile when she left the store, surprising Liu Bai and his brother, who thought she had been enchanted or something, as she typically wasn’t this kind-looking.

Luckily, Qin Yao soon reverted to her usual self, and the brothers sighed with relief.

With a dress for her daughter secured, Qin Yao bought two bolts of cloth at another affordable fabric store for everyone else, planning to have them made at home.

So as not to be unfair, Qin Yao also bought ready-made leather boots for Da Lang’s three boys, even though the sizes were off, but since they were off-the-rack, they would have to be adjusted at home.

She also purchased a complete winter outfit for Ah Wang, from hats to shoes and socks to clothes.

Since these were ready-made, there was always some size mismatch. Mrs. Zhang and her daughter-in-law were already busy with their own clothing and sewing, so Qin Yao decided Ah Wang would learn to make the adjustments himself.

Seeing Qin Yao holding a pile of things but none for Liu Ji, Liu Bai kindly reminded her:

“Sister-in-law, aren’t you getting anything for Lao San?”

“Him?” Qin Yao shook her head, “Last year’s clothes can still be worn.” She casually bought a few packs of cakes.

Liu Bai: “…” He spoke too much.

The three returned with their haul, each going back to their room, quickly falling asleep until morning.

After eating breakfast at the hotel, they prepared the rations for the road, hitched the horses, loaded the timber, and by noon, began their journey home.

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep