Rong Dai also needed to prepare many things for her embroidery. The pieces she had done before were just small objects, so she didn't need that much.
She had to buy all the different embroidery frames, stools, stands, embroidery threads and needles.
Since the modern times had not lost these ancient items and they still held unique value, she could not let her skills be lost either.
Plus, she had made some plans for her own future. She could not rely on Huo Shao Ting.
In a year, the two of them would have to part ways. She needed to re-learn how to survive in this modern world and compete with those young girls in the workplace. She wouldn't be able to beat them.
However, she had her own skills. If done well, these skills could not only bring her income but also allow her to put her learning to use.
In her past life, she and those young ladies from prestigious families had worked hard to learn these things in order to stand out from the crowd.
But once they became the master's wife or concubine, naturally these skills were no longer needed to make a living. Their days were spent competing over that courtyard and palace walls. The skills that they had spent nearly ten years learning were rendered useless.
Since she could make use of them here, why wouldn't she?
"I don't know where in Shenjing would have all these things ready for you. They're practically antiques now and some have been phased out."
Rong Dai took out her phone which already had a list of everything she needed to buy.
Seeing the list, Huo Mei Shu also looked forward to Rong Dai's embroidery skills.
"These things can be bought but you'll need a room cleared out for them. But that's no big deal, there are empty rooms in the house that I can have Auntie Wang tidy up."
She readily agreed and then instructed Auntie Wang to find people to clean up the empty room upstairs.
"Let me go take a look."
Hearing this, Rong Dai felt relieved.
"Then I'll ask some friends where we can buy you these things. These are practically ancient artifacts! I don't know where some can still be found."
Huo Mei Shu waved her hand while sitting on the couch, messaging people on her phone.
Rong Dai followed Auntie Wang up to the third floor. The third floor had Grandmother's bedroom and three other empty rooms. After looking at them, she chose the one facing south which had ample light and a view of the garden in the Huo residence.
This was not like her past life where an exquisite work required a certain temperature in the embroidery room. But here there was air conditioning so she didn't need to worry about minor factors like that.
Going back downstairs, she went to the bedroom to fetch her wallet and took out the black card that Huo Shao Ting had given the original owner.
The card didn't even need a password. The original owner had told her during that dream. It was for the monthly allowance that Huo Shao Ting put into her account.
It seemed the original owner had truly been an ungrateful wretch. At least Huo Shao Ting still paid attention to details like this and continued providing for her financially after being snubbed.
Holding the thin card, she lamented the convenience of this modern age but also grieved that her debt would increase again.
The embroidery frames and other items were fine but the base fabric for embroidery and the threads were the most expensive.
She would definitely bleed money today but she had no choice. If she didn't spend this money, filming for her new drama hadn't started yet so she wouldn't have income.
Right now the only way she could earn money quickly was from embroidered works. Although she knew that in this modern age, skills like musical instruments, calligraphy and traditional Chinese painting could also be taught for a fee.
But firstly she didn't have time to learn all the theory for graded musical exams. And secondly, the Huo family definitely wouldn't allow it.
Also, if she suddenly excelled in all those skills, it would be too bizarre.
She couldn't rush these things and could only take them one step at a time.
With a soft sigh, she put the card into her handbag. Seeing her come back down, Huo Mei Shu immediately showed her phone.
"All done. It's right here, guaranteed to have everything you need. I'll go today to broaden my own horizons too."
Huo Mei Shu had an outgoing personality. She called for Uncle Li to bring her car keys.
"I'll be your driver today!"
The two sisters-in-law got into the car and headed straight for their destination. Once Huo Mei Shu believed in and liked someone, she would give her all, as she currently felt about Rong Dai.
The two of them got out of the car and were met with a wave of heat. Huo Mei Shu wildly sprayed herself with sunscreen, not even sparing Rong Dai.
Rong Dai was around the same age as Huo Mei Shu. The two beauties attracted many gazes as soon as they stepped out.
The architecture in this area was antiquated. From far away, numerous embroidered works could already be seen. But Rong Dai was discerning and none could catch her eye.
On the other hand, Huo Mei Shu thought each piece was great. Rong Dai was slightly exasperated but also amused. She started lecturing her sister-in-law.
"Sister-in-law, look at this one, isn't it double-sided Suzhou embroidery?"
Huo Mei Shu suddenly stopped in front of a decently sized shop with elegant décor. Her gaze landed on an embroidered piece in the display window as she pulled Rong Dai to ask.
Rong Dai also stopped to take a look. She nodded, "It's embroidered with two colors but the technique is lacking. The concealed stitches are imperfect and there are many flaws.
She blurted out her critique out of habit but ended up offending people.
The two of them didn't expect the female owner to be chatting with someone next door and overhear every word Rong Dai said.
"Such arrogance! If outsiders didn't know better, they'd think you two young girls were experts!"
The owner was wide and stocky, speaking in a coarse loud voice. If she yelled a little louder, she could train up a Lion's Roar skill like the monks at Shaolin Temple.
Rong Dai was startled for a moment. Her gaze suddenly turned sharp as she gently pulled Huo Mei Shu behind her to protect her.
Huo Mei Shu was surprised and felt a strange warmth in her heart seeing Rong Dai's straight back...
"Arrogant? I didn't mean to insult your goods. But since you dare display them, you should be prepared for critique. If you displayed a superior work, experts would know at a glance.
But this two-colored embroidery clearly underwent secondary processing by different embroiderers. The first embroiderer had skilled techniques and concealed the stitches flawlessly which is difficult with two-colored embroidery. See for yourself, some threads are poking out below? Isn't that obviously shoddy work?"
Rong Dai had an innate aura and spoke sharply and accurately. The owner instantly deflated.
"What nonsense are you spewing?! There are no threads sticking out! If you dare spout rubbish again, I'll rip your mouth!"
The owner was stunned for a few seconds. Noticing many customers and the shop owner watching, she immediately put on a fierce expression and angrily berated Rong Dai.
"Say one more word, I dare you! Who's mouth are you ripping?! Can't take critique for subpar goods? Should I call the police to come over and watch you rip a mouth?!"
Hearing this, Huo Mei Shu immediately flared up! She rushed in front of Rong Dai, hands on her hips to retaliate against the owner!
