Chapter 637: Chapter 636 Going to the Blacksmith Shop to Make Lanterns

Wufu, with Jadeite in tow, arrived at West Street Willow Alley and made a beeline for Li’s Blacksmith Shop. It was thanks to her good memory that she still remembered this blacksmith shop.

“Miss, what are we doing here?” Jadeite didn’t understand.

“Ordering lanterns!”

Jadeite made a noise of disbelief, worrying that Wufu wasn’t aware, and said, “Miss, for lanterns, there are shops that specialize in making them, not blacksmith shops.”

Wufu smiled mysteriously, “A blacksmith shop can also craft beautiful lanterns.” As she spoke, she had already reached the entrance.

The shop’s door was wide open, yet no one was inside. Wufu stepped through the threshold, seemingly hearing a faint bell ringing somewhere. Before she could call out to anyone, someone quickly lifted the curtain and walked out from the back hall, as if they knew someone had entered the shop.

Wufu’s eyes gleamed slightly, she turned slightly, and looked down at the floor. She saw a thin wire hidden in a gap, barely protruding a bit. She had stepped on it without noticing. Following the wire with her eyes, it led to the back hall. Thinking back to the sound of the bell, could it be because of this?

“What are you looking at? What do you want to buy?” The voice was as unpleasant as ever, and it belonged to Lady Li.

Only then did Wufu look at her. Their gazes met, and Lady Li clearly flinched.

“It seems Lady Li still remembers me!” Wufu revealed a smile.

“Butterfly Knife!” Lady Li looked her up and down, “It seems you’ve been doing quite well for yourself.”

“I’ve come across some opportunities, acquired some silver and gold. And look, now I’m dressed up like a golden phoenix with a false pretense!” Wufu shrugged and spun around, showing off her skirt.

Lady Li’s facial expression cracked slightly. It was uncertain whether she was trying to smile or not. She coughed, then asked, “What do you want?”

“I’d like to order a lantern from you.”

Lady Li was taken aback, then scoffed, “You’ve come to the wrong place!” As she spoke, she was about to turn away.

“It’s not the wrong place. If you can’t make them, your husband surely can.” Wufu said.

Lady Li turned around, her gaze sharp, “The decision to take or turn away a business is mine to make, not yours. We’re not doing your business!”

Wufu frowned.

“Why are you like this? If the door is open for business, we will pay however much silver it takes!” Jadeite couldn’t bear to see Wufu slighted and spoke out.

“Whether you have money is your business, but whether we accept the order is ours. How can we take it if we can’t make it?” Lady Li snorted, yet her words carried a hint of sorrow.

Wufu’s heart stirred, “Your husband is unwell?”

Lady Li remained silent.

A bout of severe coughing came through, followed by a man walking out from the back hall. Lady Li came to her senses and immediately turned to greet him, scolding, “What are you doing out here?”

Wufu looked over, and her heart skipped a beat. Despite him having grown much thinner, she still recognized him as Lady Li’s husband, whom she referred to as Young Master Duan.

His face was pale with a bluish tint to his lips. He wrapped himself in a thick cloak. Even though the shop burned with a warm fire and she felt sweat on her brow beneath her cape, he seemed to feel cold still, clutching the cloak around him tighter.

It had only been half a year since they last met, and his health appeared to have deteriorated further. He was so frail it seemed she could knock him over with just a flick of her finger.

In Lady Li’s rebuke, there was deep urgency and affection, and she even helped him fasten the straps of his cloak.

Seeing Wufu, Young Master Duan smiled, “It’s Butterfly Knife Miss! What brings you here this time?”

“She wants a lantern. She’s come to the wrong place. Don’t bother with it, go back to your room!” Lady Li urged anxiously.

Young Master Duan patted her hand, “There is no reason to turn away business that comes to your doorstep. I’m fine!”