Fu Tingxiu didn't initially react, looking bewildered as he held the mask and stared at Meng Ning. Meng Ning helplessly remarked, "You're so handsome that girls don't dare to come near. How am I supposed to do business?" She realized her words could be hurtful, fearing he might misunderstand, and added, "I'm not blaming you. The more beautiful something is, the more people look up to it and dare not defile it. With such a handsome husband, if other girls set their sights on you, I'd be at a loss."
Understanding dawned on him, and Fu Tingxiu put on the mask, saying, "Okay."
Meng Ning smiled satisfactorily and then turned to pedestrians passing by, saying warmly, "Hey pretty girl, take a look. These accessories are all unique, handmade by me..."
"Miss, I also accept custom orders. Any requests you have, just let me know. All handmade..."
Meng Ning enthusiastically attracted customers, her words sweet and soon girls gathered around. Each accessory she made was exquisite and uniquely interesting, covering various styles. Whether earrings, hairpins, or rings, they were all exceptionally beautiful.
To promote her accessories, Meng Ning wore them on herself—her beautiful appearance enhanced by her glossy black hair and snow-white skin, drawing even more customers. Girls loved these distinctive accessories, and despite their complexity, Meng Ning didn't charge much, thirty yuan for simpler items and fifty for more intricate ones.
Fu Tingxiu watched nearby, calculating Meng Ning's costs. While materials weren't expensive, crafting them was time-consuming. To earn around four hundred yuan a day, Meng Ning needed to sell over a dozen items, each taking her a day or more to complete. This slim profit margin concerned him.
After a group of customers left, Fu Tingxiu suggested, "Meng Ning, with your design talent, you could apply to be a jewelry designer. You love designing, but relying solely on handmade production is very inefficient."
"I've thought about it, but those big companies require diplomas," Meng Ning sighed, "A diploma is the threshold for entering big companies. I don't even have a university diploma, just design skills. Without work experience or awards, no one would hire me for good projects."
Meng Ning looked at the billboards on the street, dreaming, "My biggest dream is to become an outstanding jewelry designer like her."
Following her gaze, Fu Tingxiu looked at the billboard featuring Serena, the chief designer of the jewelry brand under Shengyu Group.
Fu Tingxiu said, "You're even better than her."
Meng Ning smiled, "She's the ceiling in jewelry design, studied in France, won many awards there, and is the chief designer of the jewelry brand under Shengyu Group. By the way, since you're in the same company, have you ever met her in person?"
"No, I haven't," Fu Tingxiu replied truthfully. As the CEO of a company, he had no time to meet a designer. Moreover, the jewelry brand was just one of the subsidiary businesses developed by Fu Tingxiu.
Meng Ning sighed, "I guess not. You're in programming, she's in jewelry design, so there wouldn't be much overlap."
Fu Tingxiu suggested, "Shengyu Group's jewelry division is looking to hire new designers. You should give it a try."
Meng Ning was about to speak when Fu Tingxiu interrupted, "If you haven't tried, how do you know it won't work? Shengyu Group needs talented individuals, not just those with diplomas."
His words gave Meng Ning a sudden boost of courage.
"Shengyu Group is really hiring new designers? I thought they only recruit internally," Meng Ning asked.
Fu Tingxiu solemnly fabricated, "I've received insider information that they'll be recruiting externally this year."
Meng Ning believed him wholeheartedly, "Of course, you're an employee of Shengyu Group, so it's normal for you to know some information."
She wondered if Fu Tingxiu encouraged her to apply so they could progress together in the same company. Surviving by running a stall couldn't be a lifelong plan. Plus, her efficiency was low working alone, and she preferred designing. She wanted more people to wear her jewelry.
Now that they were married, with Fu Tingxiu as an elite professional, they should progress together and work hard. She couldn't lag behind.
"Alright, I'll give it a try," Meng Ning agreed. "By the way, are you hungry? I'll go buy some food."
Neither had eaten dinner yet, and Fu Tingxiu was indeed hungry.
"Sure," Fu Tingxiu said. "I'll go buy. What would you like?"
He was reluctant to let her spend money, knowing how hard she worked.
"I'll go. You're not familiar with this place," Meng Ning said, getting up. "There are many delicious foods on this snack street, and there's something especially tasty that you've never tried. Watch the stall for a bit, I'll be back soon."
Fu Tingxiu was left to mind the stall. Shortly after Meng Ning left, Zhou, the vendor from the next stall, approached, offering a pack of cigarettes.
"Brother, want one?" he asked, presenting a pack of 13-yuan Liqun cigarettes.
Fu Tingxiu had never smoked a 13-yuan Liqun before but didn't want to refuse Zhou's hospitality. He took one and replied, "Thank you."
The elder brother surnamed Zhou sat on a folding stool and said, "Brother, you're really lucky. Xiao Meng is great—capable, thrifty, beautiful, and kind-hearted. There's a saying, 'A good wife brings prosperity to three generations.'"