The task of adding onto the house was entrusted to Madam Zhou, who was accompanied by Liu Jin. In Wufu’s view, although Liu Jin was young, he was very clever, harboring his own little schemes in his heart. Accompanying Madam Zhou, he could help out while also developing his ability to handle affairs.
Liu Jin, aware of Wufu’s intentions, patted his chest and said, "Miss, rest assured, this servant will certainly take good care of the tasks."
"I have faith in you," Wufu said with a smile, nodding her head, then plunged into the world of jade carving.
The top-quality Mutton Fat White Jade she had acquired from Shopkeeper Lin had already been divided by her into three small jade pieces according to their shapes. One of these pieces had already taken form—it was a lotus pendant, with the outermost layer of petals already carved out, each one with distinct and clear lines.
The next layer in featured petals that were only partly open, and another layer still contained the wrapped bud—these were the parts yet to be completed.
With no spare rooms at home, Wufu made use of Liu Jin’s room to lay out her tools. Putting on her homemade white cloth gloves and holding a carving knife in one hand and the lotus pendant in the other, she took a deep breath and focused deeply on her carving.
Carving was never an easy task. Each cut required the carver’s full concentration and dedication, as well as a mastery of skill and technique.
Therefore, each stroke carried the carver’s dedication and spirit, for it was they who imbued an ordinary piece of stone with vitality, allowing these stones to possess a jade’s soul.
It was for this reason that carving was not something that could be accomplished overnight. It wasn’t a matter of spending a day and a night on; it required a great deal of time and energy. This was why, after so many days, Wufu had only carved out such a basic shape.
This was only a small piece, and yet it was completed so quickly. If one were to carve larger pieces, it would take years for a single person to finish them.
Hence, some jade pieces were considered ordinary not only because of the preciousness of the jade itself but also due to the craftsmanship. The more masterful the craftsman, the more seriously they treated their work, and the more dedication they put into it.
Because of the great effort involved, Wufu in her previous life did not rely on carving as her main source of income. Compared to using it to make money, she had more of an interest and passion for jade carving—a very pure affection.
It was precisely because of this love that she decided to dedicate herself to studying and learning the craft. Due to her focus and specialization, she eventually became an expert.
But, this was all predicated on having a financial foundation; she was not lacking in funds. Her income as a mercenary ensured a full wallet and a secured life, allowing her to study jade carving without any worries about her livelihood, which contributed to her success.
Consider how much time it took to carve a single jade piece—she still needed to eat and live. If it took so long to produce work, what income could she have? Without income, how could she sustain her life?
It may seem like Wufu didn’t care about such matters, but in her previous life, she always opted for quality in her consumption, ensuring that her standard of living was always top-notch.
Wufu knew how to enjoy life, but enjoyment required money. Worried about finances, how could she fully immerse herself in carving?
Without bread, what dreams could one speak of? That’s just nonsense.
Free from worrying about income, she would lock herself in the studio, day and night, free from the distractions of the outside world, carving away.
Carving also demanded a craftsman’s heart.
Bringing in utilitarian motives ultimately introduced an air of vulgarity.
Only when jade possessed a soul could it be considered a fine piece.
Wufu carved, stroke by stroke, with nothing but the Mutton Fat White Jade lotus flower in her eyes.
Regardless of the outside noise, she herself remained undisturbed and at peace.