I trade in both worlds

The stall owner said with a look of loss: "I didn't believe it before, but now I have no choice but to believe it. Hu Jiu alone can explain everything."

Xu Ziqi and Xu Xu looked at each other, not knowing how to comfort him for a moment.

Of course, the stall owner did not need their comfort. He blinked and proudly continued to describe the process of making umbrellas: "Selecting bamboo and making the frame are the first steps in making umbrellas. Generally, bamboo that has grown for more than five years is selected, and after necessary technical treatments such as water soaking and sun drying, it is cut into bamboo strips."

"Then, the bamboo strips are wrapped together with twine to form the umbrella's skeleton. This step requires great craftsmanship and patience, because the length, width and thickness of each bamboo strip must be just right to ensure the umbrella's sturdiness and beauty."

Xu Xu and Xu Ziqing listened fascinatedly.

"The next step is to paste the umbrella surface." The stall owner continued, "The umbrella surface is made of special cotton paper, which is made from the bark of the mulberry tree, the bark of the safflower tree, the skin of wild plants, and plant gum. Cut the cotton paper into appropriate shapes and then paste it on the umbrella frame to ensure that it is flat and free of bubbles. This step also requires extremely high craftsmanship, because the paper must be pasted evenly and firmly to ensure the flatness and waterproofness of the umbrella surface."

Xu Xu asked curiously, "What about drawing patterns? Does every umbrella maker have to learn to draw?"

The stall owner smiled proudly and said, "Of course, these are the most basic requirements. It's just a matter of painting skills. When painting the umbrella surface, you have to draw it according to the shape and size of the umbrella surface. The patterns are also varied, such as landscapes, flowers and birds, etc."

Xu Ziqing was fascinated by what he heard, and had the urge to try it himself: "What about the last step? Apply tung oil?"

The stall owner nodded: "Yes, the last step is to apply tung oil. Brush the cooked tung oil on the umbrella surface to enhance its waterproofness and durability. After the tung oil soaks through the umbrella surface, the oil-paper umbrella can be used. This step is also critical, because the quality and use of tung oil will affect the service life and waterproof effect of the umbrella."

Gradually, more and more people came to the market. In order not to affect the stall owner's business, Xu Ziqing paid the bill, hugged a few umbrellas and left with Xu Xu.

Although it was a pity that I couldn’t film the process of Hu Jiu making the umbrella, I still gained a lot from this trip.

The next day, Xu Ziqing edited the video of the oil-paper umbrella and released it.

Xu Xu also asked curiously: "Didn't you say that you wouldn't post this kind of video for now?"

"I want to see if there is a market for oil-paper umbrellas." Xu Ziqing replied.

Xu Xu looked at her inexplicably: "You want to launch a new product again?"

"No." Xu Ziqing explained: "I just wanted to see if anyone wanted to see how oil-paper umbrellas are made."

Xu Xu looked at her puzzledly: "If so, what are you going to do?"

Xu Ziqing said with a smile: "Then let's go find the stall owner and ask if we can see how he makes oil-paper umbrellas."

Xu Xu concluded: "So, you still want to shoot the production video of the oil-paper umbrella."

Xu Ziqing winked at her slyly: "It would be best if we could take a photo of it. Of course, it would be even better if someone placed an order to buy it."

It was three days after the video was posted that it began to attract the attention of netizens.

Everyone left messages to express their love for oil-paper umbrellas and admiration for the ancient craft.

[These oil-paper umbrellas are so beautiful! Each one is like a work of art, and people can't put it down. ] A netizen left a message.

[Yes, I also like oil-paper umbrellas. Especially the rich umbrella, the peony pattern on it is so beautiful! It symbolizes wealth and prosperity, and it must be very face-saving to give it to relatives and friends. ] Another netizen replied.

"I prefer the longevity umbrella. The pine and crane pattern on it gives people a sense of tranquility and peace. It is definitely a suitable gift for elders!" another netizen commented.

[What you said is all good, but my favorite is the Qingyou umbrella. The simple yet elegant forest pattern makes people feel a sense of tranquility. This umbrella is most suitable for those who like quietness and pursue inner peace. ] A netizen left a message, and his message resonated with others.

Unfortunately, no one expressed any interest in buying it.

Xu Ziqing could only put down the oil-paper umbrella temporarily with disappointment.

On Saturday morning, the sunlight quietly slipped into the room through the gaps in the curtains.

Just after breakfast, Xu Jin took Xu Xu's hand, his eyes sparkling with anticipation: "Sister, we are going to the movies. I heard there is a very good cartoon recently."

While cleaning the table, Xu Xu asked curiously, "What movie?"

"Mom, I know, I know." Xu Qiwei jumped beside him and said, "It's "The Adventures of Bear Bears in Neverland.""

Looking at this lively little guy, Xu Xu asked with a smile: "How do you know this too?"

Xu Zhun also rushed to say: "Many children in the kindergarten have seen it, we also want to see it, sister, can we go and see it?"

After saying that, the three of them opened their bright eyes wide and looked at Xu Xu expectantly.

Xu Xu looked at them helplessly.

She went with her four children alone, as she was afraid she wouldn't be able to take care of them.

Let's ask Xu Ziqing to go together, but she was afraid that it would affect her date with Lin Feng. They finally had a date opportunity on the weekend, and she didn't want to disrupt their plans because of herself.

Not knowing how to answer, Xu Xu just chose to evade: "Let me finish washing the dishes first."

She tried to give herself some time to think and find a reasonable reason to convince the children.

The three of them looked at each other, then stood at the kitchen door, watching Xu Xu wash the dishes, their eyes full of anticipation and desire.

After Xu Xu finished washing the dishes, he looked at the colors they were looking forward to and sighed.

After thinking for a while, he squatted down, looked at them and said, "I know you all want to watch this movie, and I want to go with you. But if I take you four out by myself, I'm afraid I won't be able to take care of you. If you meet human traffickers who take you away, I won't be able to see you anymore, and I'll be very sad."

Seeing the pitiful expressions of the three people, he continued, "Wait a few days, when Sister Qing is free, we can go and see them, okay?"

After hearing what Xu Xu said, Xu Jin's eyes flashed with disappointment, but he nodded sensibly.

In order to watch the movie, Xu Qiwei quickly expressed his intention, regardless of whether he could do it or not: "Mom, I will be obedient."

Xu Zhun looked around, thought for a moment and said, "I will hold onto my sister's clothes tightly and follow her closely."

At this time, Xu Ziqing walked in, saw the lost looks of the children, and asked, "What happened?"

Just as Xu Xu was about to speak, Xu Qiwei spoke first.