Chipo was no longer comfortable with her partner staying at someone else's inn and spending money now that Tapiwa was in town.
It was preferable to save that money and put it towards something worthwhile. Because the manor was empty, Chipo directed the nanny to clean the guestroom where Madam Tapiwa would be staying.
Tapiwa did not turn down this offer. The inn she was staying at was pricey, and if she used that money to buy grains, she would be able to eat for nearly a year.
And because there was a free house to stay in, she decided to let Chipo do whatever she wanted.
Tapiwa returned to the site for the next two days to inspect the progress of the improvements. When she wasn't doing that, she was checking on the progress of the furniture making.
Tapiwa astounded the carpenters in the workshops by informing them and opening new possibilities for them in terms of craftsmanship.
Tapiwa enjoyed working with the carpenters and didn't mind overworking herself because she knew she was contributing to assets that would bring her more money in the future. And at the same time, increase her knowledge bank as well.
Tapiwa chose to visit a neighboring community just a few kilometers away on her fourth day in Guche.
Her reason for getting there was because of what Chipo told her the night before.
Tapiwa was enjoying her dinner when she noticed something that piqued her interest.
She had never seen so many wooden oil bottles before. Clay bottles were being sold by merchants in Namwapa, and she was used to seeing these types of containers.
So now that she was seeing something unusual, she fell in love with it right away and wanted to know more about it, as well as if the costs were reasonable enough for her to acquire a couple.
At the same time, she wanted to see if the artisan could make something special for her.
There was no plastic in this world yet. No one had invented it yet, but glass and ceramics were available, albeit at a high cost.
So, if she wished to store her belongings, she would require clay or wooden objects.
Tapiwa set out for the hamlet with this plan in mind, but she wasn't alone; she was accompanied by Chipo, who was eager to show her about and make her acquainted with the place.
"You don't need to be so worried, Sister Tapiwa. That person is very skilled at his job, and he is also very cheap and quick. As long as it's him, you only need to have a relaxed mind," Chipo said as they sat inside the carriage on their way to the artisan's village.
Tapiwa gazed at Chipo, who had suddenly started calling her big sister instead of being as formal as she used to be.
To be honest, Tapiwa thought this style of calling was more intimate and better than being addressed as Madam. Every time she was called that, it reminded her that she had been married before and was now divorced.
"I believe him because you recommended him. I'm just hoping he can give me what I want," she groaned, recalling the wild endeavor she had been contemplating.
"Don't worry. He is incredibly skilled, and I am confident that he will deliver."
The two ladies naturally talked about a variety of things on the way, and the carriage arrived in the village an hour later.
They were pretty relaxed when they approached the village to hunt for the artisan because they had booked the carriage for the entire day.
"Ms. Chipo, you are here today!"
"You haven't been here in a long time. How are you doing?"
Chipo beamingly grinned at the folks. She wasn't as close to them as one might imagine, but they got along just fine.
Because of the inn she was running, she purchased many items from the local villagers to save money, and as a result, the villagers knew her by heart.
"Haha, it's been a bit hectic at the inn, and you all know how low business has been lately," Chipo replied, embarrassingly. Her eyes were a bit dodgy.
"Haha, don't be alarmed, lass. Everything will be OK as long as you keep trying."
"I've heard you're redecorating. Continue your fantastic job, and I look forward to seeing the new developments over there."
"Hehe, aren't you looking forward to seeing that so you can sell your food crops?"
"So, what if I'm thinking that way? Don't act as if you don't want to sell your items!"
Chipo shook her head as she walked alongside a quiet Tapiwa. She was used to these villagers. She had understood for a long time that there was nothing like genuine friendship.
People would maintain a tight relationship as long as there were benefits, but if the benefits were gone, it would be foolish to continue dreaming.
Chipo silently led Tapiwa to the artisan's house, which was not as filled as Tapiwa would have expected, given the man's craftsmanship.
"Doesn't he have any customers?" Tapiwa asked as she entered the yard.
"Most people don't know about him actually," Chipo said gently as she strolled in the yard, "Most of his things are sold in cities, and he will have someone do that for him. He merely stays here and does the most of the job."
Tapiwa shook her head, "That saves him a lot of trouble then," thinking the notion was more acceptable.
After a short walk, Tapiwa noticed a man seated under a tree, busy working on a piece of wood. She had no idea what he was up to, and she didn't care.
Just because she had a lot of knowledge in her head didn't mean she had to be good at everything. She was simply too lazy for it, and it was also stressful for her.
A person should prioritize activities that she or he enjoys the most. In this manner, they can add value to what they do and produce results that benefit the community and society.
"Uncle Farai!" said everyone. As soon as she saw him seated, Chipo began to shout out for him.
The man working on the piece of wood abruptly came to a halt and turned around to face the person who was calling him with such familiarity.
When he saw the lady calling him, he smiled softly and said, "Ohh, it's you, Chipo. Come this way!" he called out to her.
Chipo smiled at the man before urging Tapiwa to proceed, "Let's go, sister. Uncle is calling for us."
Tapiwa was perplexed as she witnessed this discussion.
'How come she didn't inform me she was so close to the artisan?'