Ancestors, I told you to seduce the villains, not to turn evil.

Ding Huiying only discovered this year. She was still hesitating about how to tell Xu Manman, but she didn't expect Xu Manman to come back for the Chinese New Year.

Now, taking advantage of the opportunity to chat, Ding Huiying told Xu Manman about the situation.

She even took the initiative to speak.

“I know that the main reason you asked me to help make dolls was to help me earn income.”

"I have some spare money now, so it doesn't matter if the price of this doll is a little lower."

That's all she has to offer, and she doesn't want to give up this job because she still has to support Lü Ming, so she's willing to earn less.

Xu Manman didn't expect Ding Huiying to think that way, and she couldn't help but say, "Sister Huiying, you continue with your work. As for these replica dolls, I will handle it."

"Don't worry, since I've entrusted you with making the dolls, it's because I trust you."

"Besides, how can handmade items be priced the same as machine-made ones?"

Ding Huiying is skilled in embroidery, and her handicrafts are top-notch. Her works are truly exquisite; they are all handmade.

Machines can never replicate the dexterity of handcraftsmanship.

Her merchandise is all about high-quality items. As for the dolls she has, at first glance, they seem to be no different from each other. It's as if, with just a change of fabric, they're no different from the ones made by Ding Huiying.

But if you look closely, you'll notice the difference.

Each doll has some minor issues with the stitching.

They're not obvious when viewed individually, but when placed together and examined with the naked eye, you can tell which one is the good one.

Ding Huiying was touched. The skill she now used to make a living was originally taught to her by Xu Manman. If it were taken back now, she wouldn't hold a grudge.

She would never be grateful to Xu Manman for giving her work just because they had a good relationship, only to hold a grudge when Xu Manman took it back later.

She will always be grateful to Xu Manman.

It was Xu Manman who made her live like a human being.

She's now well-regarded in the village because of her puppetry skills; people respect her and treat her with respect.

It's also because people can make money from her, but once they can't make money from her anymore, they might not be so polite to her anymore.

Ding Huiying understood this from the very beginning.

After all, her own mother initially wanted to sever ties with her, but later, when she found out that she could make money, she came back and spoke well of her.

If even one's own mother is like this, then one can only imagine what others are like.

Because of this, as long as it's not illegal, she's willing to help Xu Manman with anything she asks.

Xu Manman was both amused and exasperated: "Sister Huiying, do you know why I call you 'sister' instead of 'sister-in-law'?"

In the village, everyone who saw Ding Huiying called her either "the daughter-in-law of the Lü family" or "the sister-in-law of the Lü family." Only Xu Manman called her "Sister Huiying."

That's because she recognized Ding Huiying's character and admired her determination, not because she was someone's daughter-in-law or how powerful her husband's family was.

"Just do this job without worry, Sister Huiying. Do you think I only gave it to you because of our relationship?"

"That's only a small part of the reason, I don't deny it, because we know each other, so I entrusted her to you, but that's not the biggest reason."

"It's because of your character, your strong will, and your skillful hands that we met. It was just that I discovered your good qualities; everything else is due to your own abilities."

Having returned from the future, Xu Manman was certain that if Ding Huiying lived in the future, she could also make a name for herself with her own abilities.

It can only be said that they were born at the wrong time.

In this era, it's the norm for everyone to dress simply. Anyone who dresses too brightly will be criticized, which is why Ding Huiying's abilities have been overlooked.

Xu Manman knew that Ding Huiying had always been insecure.

Without any hesitation, she showered Ding Huiying with praise, exaggerating her abilities to the point of being unparalleled.

In the end, even Ding Huiying herself was confused. Was she really that good?

Xu Manman nodded affirmatively.

"Of course. If you don't believe in yourself, don't you believe in my judgment? When have I ever misjudged someone?"

"Besides, so many women in the village know how to sew, but many young women still bring their clothes to you for mending."

"Putting everything else aside, when a daughter in the village gets married, they all ask you to make their clothes."

"You think it's because their mothers don't know how to sew? No, it's because you're good at sewing, and they don't have your skills."

Ding Huiying believed Xu Manman's words. She even felt that she must be pretty good too, otherwise why would Xu Manman praise her so much?

If you praise someone, you'll definitely get along with them.

Xu Manman went to the brigade with Fei Huainan and made a phone call to Xie Zhixin.

Xie Zhixin happened to be home. He was about to call Xu Manman, but unexpectedly, Xu Manman called first.

What he wanted to talk to Xu Manman about was the profit. He had already prepared everything and would send it to Xu Manman later.

Upon hearing this, Xu Manman agreed to stay in the village for the few days before the Lunar New Year, instead of in Beijing.

Another issue is the dolls.

Xie Zhixin was also preparing to talk about this.

"Several factories have contacted me, wanting to take over our doll-making skills. There are also quite a few good craftsmen, and they seem pretty good to me. Their prices aren't high either."

"Another reason is that the newspaper's leaders want to replace the staff. They believe that for the same quality, the one with the lower price should be used."

That's only natural, but since Xu Manman arranged for the dolls to be made, those people still wanted to ask for Xu Manman's opinion.

Xu Manman didn't mention this matter; instead, she brought up something else.

"With the reform and opening up, the country has begun to encourage the individual economy. Editor Xie, what are your plans?"

Xie Zhixin was taken aback. These were two seemingly unrelated things, yet they were connected.

He knew that his thoughts could not be hidden from Xu Manman.

Moreover, he had already started making plans.

Otherwise, Xu Manman's contract wouldn't be renewed annually.

Xie Zhixin was just waiting for an opportunity.

I will leave the newspaper when the time is right.

Perhaps now is the right time.

"I'm thinking of starting my own publishing house. I wonder if Mr. Bai Zi would be interested?"

Xu Manman immediately smiled: "Of course."

"If I don't have enough money, I can invest a little more."

Having worked with Xie Zhixin for so many years, she has complete faith in his character.

In fact, over the years, the newspaper had long been dissatisfied with her treatment.

However, Xie Zhixin suppressed them all.

Xu Manman knew all of this.

Partnering with a company whose values ​​don't align with yours will inevitably lead to a breakup sooner or later. Regardless of the type of partnership, you should always look for people whose values ​​match yours.

Whether it's marriage, friendship, or cooperation.

People who are not compatible can only walk together for a while, while people who are compatible can walk together forever.

Xie Zhixin smiled and said, "Since you trust me so much, then invest some money! We'll meet and discuss it in detail when you come back."

He had hesitated before, and the reason he didn't suggest leaving was because he was short of money.

They had originally planned to go out and solicit investment, but unexpectedly, Xu Manman was willing to invest money.

Then things will be easier to handle.

"As for the dolls, wait a bit longer. Once we've established our own business, I'll give you an explanation."