Xiuyun’s mother retorted, “What are you talking about? It was no trouble at all. Don’t look at the soles of the shoes, it’s nothing big. The spots that required a bit more detail were done by Xiuyun. This girl is very good at crafts, so she was more than happy to make a pair of shoes for you.”

She urged Lin Lan to try it, “Just accept it, alright? It’s made for you and Qingsong, so others can’t wear it. Good girl, put it on quickly; I’ll make more for you if it’s comfortable.”

The elder woman’s expressions seemed to convey that if Lin Lan were to wear the shoes she made, it would be a great joy to see it.

Lin Lan was still a bit reluctant, so she hurriedly dragged Xiuyun’s mother into the house to find some cloth and thicker fabric that could be used as a shoe sole for her.

Xiuyun’s mother refused to take it.

Lin Lan deliberately said with a straight face, “I was just about to make some new shoes, but because I’m not that great in crafting that I didn’t really dare to start on it. Sister-in-law, you have helped me a lot, so you have to take the cloth. If you don’t want it, I won’t wear your shoes.”

Xiuyun’s mother couldn’t refuse Lin Lan, so she had to accept it. She said embarrassingly, “You see, I came to give you a gift, why am I still leaving with your own items?”

“Isn’t that what it should be?” Lin Lan said with a smile, “How is your family eating the meat?”

Xiuyun’s mother became happy again, “We’re making dumplings,” She looked at Lin Lan’s fine flour that was left outside, “You’re making dumplings too, so I’ll chop the stuffing for you.”

She really wanted to do something for Lin Lan since she always felt that Lin Lan was really a good person. Her little Xiuyun was hurt so much by Youth Chen, so she was truly afraid that everything was over back then.

But with Lin Lan’s guidance, her daughter was getting more and more motivated. She was either doing needlework, learning to read and write at home every day or following Lin Lan to tackle some publicity talks. In fact, the girl seemed to be even busier than the actual cadres.

Xiuyun’s mother was happy.

Lin Lan hurriedly declined, “Sister-in-law, go home and do what you need to. My children will help me out when they return.”

She pushed Xiuyun’s mother to the door and said goodbye to her.

Xiuyun’s mother was a  bit reluctant to leave, but she waved her hands. She also insisted that if Lin Lan ever wanted to make shoes, coats, cotton trousers and quilts, she should look no further.

Lin Lan wiped off her sweat, feeling a little scared of Xiuyun’s mother. She was definitely a force to reckon with when it comes to intelligence, but it seemed that the entire village also knew that her crafting skills were subpar at best.

She came back and looked at the cotton shoes. The small ones were thick, whereas the bigger ones were lighter.

Upon looking at the crafts made by others, Lin Lan decided an eternity wouldn’t be enough to catch up on her skills.

Therefore, she gave up her efforts confidently, hahaha.

At this time, Han Qingsong just came home. Seeing her happily playing with two pairs of cotton shoes, he pretended to be surprised and asked, “You did it?”

Lin Lan was a little proud, “Well, Director Han, try it out and see if the work of a good friend’s fit your size.”

Han Qingsong took two steps forward to put it on and nodded, “The craftsmanship is good and the material is comfortable. It’s just a little hot, so I think we can make another lighter one.”

Lin Lan, I see that you are being careful of your words.

She smiled mischievously, “It’s okay, I’ll open a few small openings inside— if you think it’s hot, just take out the cotton; if it’s cold, stuff it back in.”

Han Qingsong, “…” 

I’m afraid that my wife has gone mental?