An unexpected windfall

Sun Xibai came out in the chorus performance costume, making their eyes light up.

"It's gorgeous. It's like wearing the national flag," one of the women said, walking over to touch the outfit.

"I love it too. Little Sister Xiao Xi, those hands of yours are amazing." Sun Xibai stood beside the mirror and looked herself over, delighted.

"Sister Sun, hurry and change into the other one so we can see," the others urged.

"All right." Sun Xibai nodded with a smile and hurried backstage again.

"The next outfit is even prettier. I caught a glimpse when Sister Sun took it out just now. It's even more beautiful than this one," a woman said with a smile.

"Oh, I think we have a ninety percent chance of taking first place this time. No one else's costumes can possibly compare to ours," another woman said, clapping her hands and laughing.

Sun Xibai came out in the second outfit. Stroking the fabric, she looked at Shen Moxi in surprise. "Xiao Xi, what material is this made from? It feels so comfortable, and it's cool too."

Shen Moxi walked over. "I got all this fabric from a friend. It came from abroad. The name was so long I didn't remember it, but I thought it was very nice, so I bought quite a bit."

"Oh my, Sister Sun, you look like an actress on television in that outfit. It's so beautiful." The women who gathered around could not take their eyes off the clothes.

"Exactly. Is that an embroidered phoenix tail? It's gorgeous. Is this really a performance costume? I wouldn't even bear to wear it out."

"Sister Sun, we're about the same size. Take it off and let me try it on. I can't wait any longer either," a younger girl pleaded, hugging Sun Xibai's arm.

Seeing this, Shen Moxi took a pen and paper out of her shoulder bag. "Ladies, give me your measurements. I'll go back and make them for you, and you'll have them in two or three days."

"Really? Two or three days? I thought we'd have to wait until next month."

"Quick, let's give her our measurements so she can go back and make them. Then we'll get them sooner."

Sun Xibai shook her head with a smile, went backstage to change out of the outfit, and came back out.

"Xiao Xi, I really can't thank you enough. Let's go out for lunch later. My treat."

Shen Moxi quickly waved her hands. "Sister Sun, there's no need. This is what I should do. I'm happy as long as you're satisfied. We're friends now, Sister Sun. You mustn't be so formal with me."

Hearing that, Sun Xibai knew the girl was sincere and nodded. "All right. From now on, you're a friend to all us sisters in the arts troupe. We should get together whenever we have time."

"My birthday is next month. You must come, Xiao Xi. I'll send you an invitation ahead of time," a young girl said, stepping forward and taking her hand.

"I'm getting married at the end of next month. As long as it isn't at the end of the month, I'll definitely come," Shen Moxi said shyly.

"Oh, really? We should all go to Xiao Xi's wedding and share in the good fortune. Xiao Xi is so pretty. She'll definitely be the most beautiful bride." Delighted by the news, Sun Xibai stroked her head.

"All right. I'll come bring everyone wedding candy then." Shen Moxi smiled and nodded.

Sister Sun picked up her bag. "Come on, Xiao Xi. I'll see you out."

Shen Moxi nodded and followed her outside. They reached the courtyard and had just wheeled the bicycle to the gate when they saw a potbellied middle-aged man walking toward them.

His face was full of worry, and he had nearly rubbed his already sparse hair bald.

Sun Xibai stopped when she saw him. "Director Liu."

The man looked up at her voice and saw Sun Xibai. He walked over with a smile. "Troupe Leader Sun, what a coincidence."

Sun Xibai nodded. "Has something happened, Director Liu? You look so worried."

"Ah." At this, Director Liu tugged at the few hairs on his balding head again. "It's my son. A new leader has been transferred to his workplace, his direct superior. My son was about to get promoted, wasn't he? With this sudden change in leadership, we're no longer sure where things stand. So I was thinking of giving the leader something to help my son get noticed."

"I see. That really is tricky. The higher-ups don't like this sort of bribery. If it's discovered, they'll call it corruption. It could even cost someone their position." Sun Xibai nodded in agreement.

Hearing this, Shen Moxi had an idea and asked, "Director Liu, how old is this leader you mentioned? Does he have any hobbies?"

Only then did Director Liu notice the young girl, Shen Moxi, behind Sun Xibai. He quickly said, "This leader came from the Capital. He's in his fifties. I heard his family is one of the most prominent in the Capital. His ancestors were scholars, and he likes calligraphy, painting, and fine tea."

He paused and sighed. "I thought about getting him a piece of calligraphy or a painting, but there's nothing good enough around here. As for famous paintings by masters, even if we have the money, we don't have the connections to get them."

Shen Moxi nodded and looked at him. "Director Liu, I do know a friend who works in that field. But her pictures are all embroidered, far more intricate than ink paintings. She also has plenty of fine tea. These things are all extremely difficult to get. If you think that would work, I can bring some for you to look at."

Director Liu nodded in delighted surprise. "It would, it would. Fine embroidery is even better than ink paintings. I went south on a business trip before, and the embroidery there was incredibly expensive. I think that leader would definitely like it too."

"All right. If you're satisfied with them, I'll give you the lowest price for Sister Sun's sake." Shen Moxi was inwardly elated. Oh my, another sizable bit of income! Haha.

"Good. Thank you, young comrade. When can I go take a look? The sooner, the better." Director Liu rubbed his hands happily.

"How about tomorrow at noon? I'll bring them here, and you can come pick them out, Director Liu," Shen Moxi said after a moment's thought.

It looked like the wedding photo shoot would have to be scheduled for the day after tomorrow. For the sake of money, she would put it off one day.

"Good, good, good. Thank you so much, young comrade. Troupe Leader Sun, thank you too. It's lucky I ran into you. You've helped me solve a major problem." Director Liu shook Sun Xibai's hand, thanking her from the bottom of his heart.

Sun Xibai waved her hand sheepishly. "Oh, please. This is all thanks to Little Sister Xiao Xi. I wouldn't dare take the credit. You really were lucky to catch us just as we were coming out."

Director Liu nodded vigorously. "Exactly. Once my son gets promoted, I'll treat everyone to a celebration. You two must come."

"Of course, Director Liu. We'll be on our way, then. I'll see Little Sister Xiao Xi off." Sun Xibai smiled and nodded.

"All right, goodbye. I'll be here on time tomorrow." Director Liu's face creased into a chrysanthemum-like smile.

Shen Moxi wheeled her bicycle beside Sun Xibai and could not help asking, "Sister Sun, what's Director Liu's financial situation like?"

Sun Xibai turned to look at her. "Director Liu's family is very well-off, and he's a learned man too. His wife's family is in business and has plenty of money. They just lack power. His son finally has a chance at a promotion, which is why he's so anxious."

Shen Moxi nodded. "I see. Then I don't have to worry. I was afraid the price would be too high for him to accept."

"Don't worry. He can afford three or four thousand. His father-in-law will spare no effort to help them for his grandson's sake too." Sun Xibai shook her head with a smile.