Fortune Across the World

Chapter 97: A Test of Wit and Creativity (Part One)

The evening of the first challenge had arrived, and Ding Qiyu, confident with her creation, promptly went to find the young lady, Fu Ruqing, at Qingliu Garden, carrying her "little frog."

Fu Ruqing, having completed her day's tasks, was in her private study, quietly reading and occasionally wondering when Qiyu might present her with a new and intriguing mechanism.

After being informed of Fu Ruqing's location, Qiyu navigated her way to the northernmost part of Qingliu Garden, where the "Fumeng" courtyard was nestled against the foothills of the green mountain. This area, with its proximity to the pine forest and views of the temple and white pagoda on the mountainside, offered the most tranquil and meditative spot in the entire garden.

Qiyu requested the maid at Fumeng Courtyard's entrance to announce her arrival. When informed, Fu Ruqing set her book aside and instructed, "Let her in."

Led by the maid into the study, Qiyu found herself in a room that was both simple and spacious, with a subtle fragrance of coolness lingering in the air. Only Fu Ruqing and Yinsuo, her maid, were present.

Buoyed by confidence, Qiyu wasted no time. After a brief bow, she stepped forward with a small wooden box from her toolkit, asking, "Where would you like me to demonstrate, young lady?"

Fu Ruqing glanced at the box in Qiyu's hands and said, "It's small, so the table should do." Yinsuo promptly cleared the desk of books and papers.

Opening the box, Qiyu revealed the little dark green "frog." Fu Ruqing's brow furrowed at the sight. The thought of its slimy, green skin filled her with visible disdain. Unaware of the young lady's reaction, Qiyu focused on winding up the frog, explaining, "This little wooden frog not only looks like one but can also hop!" She set it on the table, releasing it to let it jump.

As the image of a frog with puffed cheeks and a big belly flashed in her mind, Fu Ruqing's dislike grew. She clenched her hand in her sleeve, leaning back in her chair to distance herself from the table, and remarked, "Its appearance is frightful; who would buy it?" Her tone remained calm, yet the distaste was evident. Turning her head, she closed her eyes, refusing to look at Qiyu's meticulously crafted, lifelike frog.

Frightful?! Qiyu stood frozen. Wasn't the point to marvel at its lifelike realism? Realizing her oversight, she felt a wave of regret. She had underestimated how unappealing a realistic frog might be, especially to those who found such creatures unpleasant. In her previous world, frog toys were often cute and cartoonish. Feeling apologetic, she quickly packed away the "frightful" frog and sincerely apologized, "I'm sorry, young lady. I didn't consider this thoroughly." She added, "This won't count as my attempt. I'll go back and try again."

Fu Ruqing refocused on her, her gaze calm once more, and nodded, "Alright, go ahead." She had anticipated something beautiful and novel, yet was disappointed by the frightful creation. She wondered how Qiyu had previously crafted the charming crane sculpture.

Retracing her steps to the west courtyard, Qiyu scolded herself, "I must have been out of my mind!" She chastised her inner self, feeling disheartened by the challenge’s outcome. Sitting down to sketch new designs, she mused aloud, "No frogs... maybe a rabbit, rooster, or kangaroo would be better!" Her mind raced with ideas for cute, hopping animals as her pen flew across the pages, producing several quick sketches.

With her sketches complete, Qiyu noted the time and decided to rest early, planning to tackle her task with renewed energy the next day. By midday, she had crafted a charming piece for the challenge. Admiring her work, confidence returned. Surely this time, she would pass the test!