Fortune Across the World

Chapter 99: Finding Joy in Challenges and Overcoming Them

Thus, Ding Qiyu enjoyed a "VIP-level" lifestyle at Qingliu Garden, though she was too focused on passing her assessments to notice her enhanced living conditions.

...

Once again, the bi-daily assessment was upon her. In Fu Ruqing's study, Ding Qiyu was ready to demonstrate her latest creation: "Young lady, this time, it's interactive and visually appealing. I need to show it on the floor, if you don't mind moving over a bit." She placed a small turtle-shaped mechanism on the ground, explaining, "This little mechanical turtle can crawl powered by wind."

As Fu Ruqing approached, Qiyu introduced the turtle, but when she reached into her bag for the small folding fan she had bought for the demonstration, she couldn’t find it.

"What's the matter?" Fu Ruqing inquired upon noticing her delay.

Did she leave the fan in the west courtyard?! Frustrated with herself, Qiyu's inner self fainted from the stress. Not wanting to keep Fu Ruqing waiting, she reluctantly said, "Nothing—I’ll start now."

With no other choice, Qiyu crouched down, puffed out her cheeks, and used her hands to channel her breath toward the turtle’s side leaves, turning herself into a human "fan." Her breath spun the small blades, and the turtle’s legs began moving, crawling slowly forward.

"Huff... like this... it can crawl forward slowly," Qiyu panted, determined to make the turtle move a bit further. She lay down on the floor, blowing hard at the turtle's blades.

Fu Ruqing, initially watching the leisurely turtle, found her attention drawn to the amusing sight of Qiyu puffing and turning red-faced. Beneath her veil, a smile crept onto her lips. The turtle was cute, but this person was quite amusing too...

Beside her, Yinsuo struggled to suppress her laughter, covering her mouth to avoid losing composure in front of her mistress. This Mr. Ding was certainly going to great lengths for the young lady's approval!

Finally, when the turtle reached its intended distance, Qiyu flopped over with exhaustion, sitting on the floor and gasping, "Young... lady, how... is this? It’s... interactive, right?" Though she asked, she already anticipated the outcome, chiding herself for forgetting the fan.

Fu Ruqing pressed her lips together, suppressing her amusement, and returned to her usual calm demeanor before saying, "Today, you should know its shortcomings without me pointing them out." Only those who knew her well might detect the subtle change in her tone.

Qiyu, having anticipated this result, felt more at ease. Repeated setbacks had dulled the sting of criticism. Leaning back on her hands, she replied, "I... understand. Young lady, let me rest a bit before I leave..."

"Alright." Fu Ruqing uttered a single word, then exited the study with Yinsuo, fearing her composure would crumble if she stayed a moment longer with the entertaining figure on the floor.

...

For days on end, Qiyu poured all her creativity and skill into crafting new, inventive pieces, demonstrating them in various lively ways, yet none met Fu Ruqing's standards. Where could she find a mechanism that was aesthetically pleasing, practical, convenient, low-cost, and... perfect in every way?! Nevertheless, Qiyu was determined to prove her mechanical prowess, growing more resilient with each failure. The assessments, unbeknownst to her, significantly honed her practical skills.