Fortune Across the World

Chapter 98: A Test of Wit and Creativity (Part Two)

"You made this in two days?" Fu Ruqing remarked as she watched the koi swim, her tone revealing her awareness that the fish shared the same basic principle as the previous creations. She noted internally that, aesthetically, it wasn't as pleasing as the rabbit, though its ability to swim was intriguing.

Criticized again! Ding Qiyu felt like kneeling before the young lady. Sure, the mechanics were similar, but designing a structure that allowed smooth swimming was far more challenging than a simple hop! Plus, it could blow bubbles! Her inner self protested vigorously. Yet, on reflection, she understood Fu Ruqing's point—she had indeed focused too narrowly on wind-up animals and hadn't invested enough time into the koi's design.

Feeling exasperated with herself, Qiyu sighed and admitted her oversight, "Alright... I'll go back and try again..." She began to pack up the basin and the koi.

Fu Ruqing interjected, "Leave it. Yinsuo will handle it." Relieved to not have to lug the heavy basin back, Qiyu took her leave from Fu Ruqing's study.

Once Qiyu departed, Fu Ruqing reached out to wind the koi again. Noticing, Yinsuo quickly intervened, "Miss, let me," deftly retrieving the fish, winding it, and returning it to the water where it resumed its wobbly swim.

Fu Ruqing, though initially wanting to do it herself, let Yinsuo take over. She watched the koi for a while, popping a bubble with her finger before instructing Yinsuo, "Put it away."

...

Fu Ruqing's repeated critiques had ignited Qiyu's determination. She vowed to create something that would impress the discerning young lady! The straightforward yet insightful feedback reminded Qiyu of her former boss (mentor) who could spot issues in her work with a mere glance. Although Qiyu often grumbled, she was the type to improve based on constructive criticism.

Where had her innovative spirit gone? She couldn't rely solely on past inspirations if she aimed to become a master mechanist. Reflecting in her workshop, Qiyu realized she needed to step up her game. Returning from the study, she found it was late evening, and the sky had darkened completely. Stuck for ideas, she decided to clear her mind with a walk, preparing herself for the next challenge.

Carrying a bottle of Yizhou's distinctive "Ganyao" wine, Qiyu left the west courtyard. The temple bells on the distant mountain rang out, and the lanterns in Qingliu Garden were lit. Following the winding stone path, she reached a pavilion by the willow pond, taking a seat on the wooden railing to sip her wine while gazing at the crescent moon above the willows.

Fu Ruqing, returning from handling an unexpected matter at Ningxin Hall, noticed Qiyu drinking in the pavilion.

"Miss—" Yinsuo began, but Fu Ruqing gestured for silence. She observed Qiyu's solitary figure, surprised by this introspective side of her.

The taste of Ganyao, softer than Tianlu, was like a gentle Jiangnan beauty. As Qiyu drank, a wave of melancholy washed over her. She carefully retrieved a sachet embroidered with the character "Xi" from her pocket, gently caressing it with her thumb before tucking it away with a resigned smile. It was all in the past... What use was longing? Her feelings only troubled the one she loved... As for the one who loved her, she could only ever be a sister. Perhaps it was for the best... Her heart ached again, prompting her to clutch her chest.

Fu Ruqing took note of the sachet, reminiscent of a woman's gift. She curbed her curiosity, refraining from delving into Qiyu's past sorrows, and prepared to leave.