I trade in both worlds

After hearing this, Xu Ziqing understood that people who like to pay attention to details usually produce good things.

She whispered to Xu Xu, "This is a truly ingenious craftsman. With Hu Jiu's personality, if we want to watch him make oil-paper umbrellas, it's probably impossible."

Xu Xu nodded without holding out hope: "People with outstanding talents have unusual tempers."

The stall owner saw the two of them whispering and didn't know what they were talking about, so he just asked directly: "Have you two girls agreed? Do you want to buy Hu Jiu's umbrella or another umbrella?"

Xu Ziqing thought for a moment, pointed at the remaining five umbrellas and asked, "Can you see the patterns of the other ones?"

"Sure." The stall owner picked up a red umbrella and explained, "This red one is a blessing umbrella. There is a picture of five sons passing the imperial examinations painted on the umbrella, which means a safe journey and success in high school."

As the oil-paper umbrella opened, the five successful candidates on the umbrella were brought to life by Hu Jiu, as if they were really about to jump out of the umbrella.

The five boys are holding various stationery, standing on auspicious clouds, and have smiling faces.

The lines of the pattern are smooth and delicate, and the colors are bright and harmonious.

"The pattern on this umbrella is so exquisite. Hu Jiu's craftsmanship is really well-deserved. Even if he doesn't make umbrellas, he can still be an excellent painter." Xu Ziqing exclaimed.

The stall owner looked at Xu Ziqing with a smile and said: "The pattern of the Baofu umbrella has a good meaning. Whether it is given to relatives and friends or for personal use, it is an excellent choice."

Xu Ziqing nodded in agreement. She pointed to another purple oil-paper umbrella and asked, "What color is that purple umbrella?"

The stall owner picked up a purple oil-paper umbrella and showed it to Xu Ziqing: "This purple one is a longevity umbrella. There is a picture of pine and crane painted on the umbrella. The tall and green pine tree symbolizes longevity, and the dancing crane symbolizes good luck. The whole pattern gives people a sense of tranquility and peace. It is very suitable for giving to elders."

Xu Ziqing looked at it carefully. The picture of pine and crane on the umbrella was lifelike. The shapes of the pine trees and cranes were depicted very vividly and realistically.

"Hu Jiu's craftsmanship is indeed amazing." Xu Ziqing said with emotion.

"That's right." The stall owner looked at her proudly: "He often said that making umbrellas is like making people, every process can not be sloppy, every umbrella must have its soul."

The third umbrella stall owner displayed a green oil-paper umbrella: "This green umbrella is a Qingyou umbrella, and there is a landscape painting on the umbrella. Look, the mountains are undulating, and the clouds and mist are lingering, as if you are in a fairyland."

Every stroke of the landscape painting on the umbrella reveals the painter's exquisite skills and profound foundation.

She seemed to be able to feel the mountain breeze on her face, hear the gurgling of the water, and smell the fragrance of the mountain flowers.

This umbrella is not only a piece of rain gear, but also a fine work of art.

"This umbrella is so beautiful." Xu Ziqing sighed, "It would be better if it was white. I think landscape paintings look better with a white background."

Xu Xu: "..."

The stall owner's face darkened when he heard this, and he looked at her with disdain, "You are so old, how can you still be so ignorant?"

Xu Ziqing looked bewildered. He looked at Xu Xu, and seeing that she also had a speechless expression, he looked at the stall owner.

Asked: "Why, what happened?"

The stall owner sighed and explained, "White umbrellas are used for funerals. Why would ordinary people use white umbrellas?"

Xu Ziqing suddenly realized what was going on. She smiled awkwardly and said, "I'm sorry, I didn't think of it for a moment. This green landscape umbrella is really beautiful. I like it very much."

The stall owner shook his head and picked up a green oil-paper umbrella: "This green one is a Qinghe umbrella."

There is a lotus pattern painted on the umbrella of the Qing Dynasty lotus umbrella. The pink lotus looks particularly beautiful against the backdrop of the green lotus leaves.

Xu Ziqing nodded: "This one is also very nice."

The pattern is quite fresh, but not as stunning as the previous ones.

The stall owner glanced at her, put away the umbrellas silently, and opened the last orange oil-paper umbrella: "This orange one is a wealth umbrella. The peony pattern on the umbrella represents wealth and prosperity. It is a great choice to give to relatives and friends or for yourself."

There is a picture of peonies painted on the umbrella. The peonies are in full bloom, with layered petals and bright colors. Each petal is depicted very delicately.

"This one is not bad either." Xu Ziqing said with a smile.

The stall owner looked at Xu Ziqing with a smile and said, "What do you think, young lady? Hu Jiu's craftsmanship is one of the best in the country. Every year, many people come here to buy his umbrellas."

Xu Ziqing looked at the stall owner suspiciously: "His umbrellas are so popular, how come you have any in stock?"

"Of course it was Hu Jiu who sold it to me." said the stall owner proudly.

"Do you know each other?" Xu Ziqing asked.

Hu Jiu glanced at her proudly: "Of course, Hu Jiu is my uncle."

This unexpected news surprised Xu Xu and Xu Ziqing. They didn't expect to meet Hu Jiu's relatives in this market.

"Then can you take us to see Hu Jiu making umbrellas?" Xu Xu asked impatiently.

The stall owner shook his head: "Hu Jiu doesn't like to see outsiders. When he is making umbrellas, he needs absolute silence and concentration. Even his family members can't disturb him casually."

Xu Xu and Xu Ziqing felt a little disappointed after hearing this. They originally thought that through this stall owner, they might have the opportunity to see Hu Jiu making umbrellas with their own eyes.

"Is there no other way?" Xu Ziqing still wanted to fight for it.

The stall owner shook his head, pointed at the umbrellas and asked, "Would you like to buy these?"

"Buy." Xu Ziqing said affirmatively: "I want all six umbrellas."

"You want them all?" The stall owner looked at her with wide eyes in disbelief.

"Yes." Xu Ziqing said with a smile: "Uncle, can you tell me about Hu Jiu?"

The stall owner heard this and a hint of surprise flashed in his eyes: "Of course, our Hu family has been making oil-paper umbrellas for generations. I am the fifth generation. Most people in our family make a living by making oil-paper umbrellas, but my uncle is the best at it."

"Oh, it's a family craft. Uncle, you can also make umbrellas, right?" Xu Ziqing asked.

The stall owner smiled and said, "Yes, but my skills are just average, not comparable to Hu Jiu's."

After hearing this, Xu Xu and Xu Ziqing became even more curious about Hu Jiu.

Xu Ziqing asked: "Can you tell us how oil-paper umbrellas are made?"

"Girl, do you want to learn how to make umbrellas?" The stall owner looked at him curiously.

Xu Ziqing shook his head: "No, I want to know how oil-paper umbrellas are made. It doesn't matter if I can't tell you."

"There's nothing that can't be said. There are only a few steps, and the rest depends on talent."