Wushuang and Mrs. Bai had just finished devouring the massive spread of food at the inn. Although the fare was simple, to Wushuang, who had been accustomed to frugal meals, it felt like a feast from a royal kitchen. She relished each bite, savoring the flavors with an appreciation that only someone who seldom dined so well could truly understand.
The next morning, as the first light filtered through the narrow windows, Wushuang led Mrs. Bai to the noodle shop where she had painted the plaque. The air was crisp and filled with the enticing aroma of simmering broth and freshly cooked noodles. The shop, which had previously been a quiet spot, now buzzed with activity. The transformation was palpable—people flowed in and out, their laughter and chatter a stark contrast to the previous silence.
As Wushuang and Mrs. Bai approached, they were suddenly flanked by two large figures, their paths obstructed by the owners of the neighboring steamed bun and dumpling shops. The abrupt appearance of these men startled both women. Mrs. Bai instinctively pulled Wushuang closer, her protective instincts kicking in as her eyes darted nervously between the two men.
However, the tension quickly dissipated as the bun shop owner, a stout man with a hearty laugh and a ruddy face, broke into a broad grin. "Miss Wushuang! I've been looking everywhere for you. Could you help me with a plaque for my bun shop?"
Before Wushuang could respond, the dumpling restaurant owner, a slightly shorter man with a more wiry build but no less intensity, jostled the bun shop owner with his shoulder. "No, no, Miss Wushuang, you must paint a plaque for my shop first! Don't worry about the fee, just let's get it done."
The two men began a heated exchange, their voices rising as they argued over whose request should be honored first. "I saw Miss Wushuang first, so she should work on my plaque first!"
"No, I was here first. She should paint mine first!"
Mrs. Bai, initially fearful, now watched with a mix of astonishment and amusement as the two men bickered. I never thought I'd see my daughter causing such a stir. Who knew a simple plaque could create this kind of commotion?
Realizing that the situation was escalating, Wushuang raised her hands, her voice cutting through the cacophony. "Alright, enough! I won't be able to paint plaques for either of you for the next ten days."
The two men looked at her, their expressions a mix of confusion and frustration. "Why?" they demanded in unison.
Wushuang gestured toward the bustling noodle shop. "This shop's noodles are fantastic, but their business isn't doing well. The shop is situated between your two establishments, which means it's less visible to customers. I painted the plaque here to help boost their business. If I paint plaques for both of your shops now, it will draw customers away from this shop. You'll need to wait ten days. During this time, let's see if their food can attract customers through word of mouth. After that, I'll be happy to paint plaques for you."
The owners, momentarily stunned, exchanged glances before the dumpling restaurant owner sighed, "Miss Wushuang, your consideration is truly remarkable."
At this point, the bun shop owner pulled out a small ingot of silver and placed it in front of Wushuang. "Here's a deposit of two taels. Please remember to come to my shop for the plaque in ten days."
The dumpling restaurant owner, not to be outdone, quickly followed suit, producing an equal amount. "I'm also leaving a deposit. Don't forget about my shop!"
Wushuang accepted the money with a nod, "I assure you, I'll start on your plaques in ten days. For now, I won't be painting any more plaques on this street."
With this assurance, the two shop owners thanked her profusely and left, their earlier frustration replaced by gratitude.
Mrs. Bai, now visibly relieved, watched as her daughter tucked the silver into her purse with a contented smile. Another four taels to come in. We're going to be rich! She looked at Wushuang with a mix of pride and joy. "Yaya, are you hungry? Let's go grab a bite."
Just then, the noodle shop owner, who had been observing the scene, stepped forward. "Miss Wushuang and Mrs. Bai, if you don't mind, please come to my shop for a meal. I'd like to show my appreciation."
Wushuang, a bit embarrassed, shook her head. "There's really no need. I'm just doing what I think is fair."
But the noodle shop owner was insistent, his voice earnest. "Miss Wushuang, delaying your work for a few days is a big deal for my business. Please, accept this meal as a token of my gratitude."
Despite her reservations, Wushuang found herself persuaded by the owner's sincerity and persuasive charm. She agreed to go with him and Mrs. Bai to the noodle shop.
Upon entering, Wushuang and Mrs. Bai were greeted by the delicious smells of a hearty meal. The owner had outdone himself, presenting two oversized bowls of noodles topped with generous portions of braised pork, alongside a large plate of assorted meats.
The meal was as delightful as it was generous. The rich, savory broth complemented by the tender, flavorful pork left Wushuang and Mrs. Bai thoroughly satisfied. As they enjoyed their meal, Wushuang marveled at the way the noodle shop had transformed. The plaque drew people in, but it's the taste that really keeps them coming back.
After finishing, the noodle shop owner, with a grateful expression, collected the empty bowls and addressed Wushuang. "Miss Wushuang, my relative runs a grocery store in the south part of the city. He visited yesterday and was very impressed by the plaque you did for my shop. If you could paint one for his store, he would be very appreciative."
Wushuang thought for a moment before responding, "I can create a small sample on paper for him to review. If he likes it, I'll be happy to paint it. If not, we'll have to reconsider."
The noodle shop owner was relieved by this arrangement. "That sounds reasonable. I'll prepare everything you need."
He quickly gathered the necessary supplies—paper, pens, and paint from Wushuang's previous work. As Wushuang mixed the paint, she pondered the design for the grocery store's plaque.
The grocery store's diverse inventory called for a creative approach. Wushuang decided on chibi-style anthropomorphic figures for the various grocery items, each with its own playful story. She envisioned a tiny wine bottle, grinning mischievously, running with a broom in hand, while a chibi broom, holding a dustpan, chased it in a humorous chase.
These chibi characters are so much fun to draw! If only my purse could get a boost as easily as these characters are coming to life.
With her design taking shape, Wushuang finished the sample and prepared to present it. She hoped the playful and engaging design would appeal to the grocery store's owner and ensure another successful commission.
As the day wound down, Wushuang felt a sense of accomplishment. The bustling street, the lively noodle shop, and the promise of future projects gave her a renewed sense of purpose and excitement. Who knew that a simple plaque could lead to such an interesting turn of events?