Transmigration: The Little Chef Calls The Shots
Chapter 1089 - 026 Riddle Contest (Part 2)_2

Chapter 1089: 026 Riddle Contest (Part 2)_2

After the disturbance caused by that man just now, everyone on the stage became much more disciplined, no longer acting recklessly.

The riddles posed by Embroiderer Ru became increasingly difficult, transitioning from eager hand-raising at first to later no one raising their hands, which also made the audience exceptionally anxious.

"Half green, half purple."

Again, no one raised their hand. Xia Zheng glanced behind him; they had already answered four questions correctly and were just one step away from winning a spot.

Lin Yuan furrowed her brow, pondering for a moment, when she heard Embroiderer Qiao say with a gentle laugh, "Young Master Xia."

As soon as it became apparent that Xia Zheng had again seized the question, the other contestants couldn’t help but shake their heads, feeling inferior.

"Half green, half purple signifies plainness."

Embroiderer Ru nodded, "Correct, please Young Master Xia and companion step forward."

Thus, Lin Yuan and Xia Zheng became the first to cross the boundary, causing the audience, who were enjoying the show, to erupt into excited applause, filled with both admiration and envy.

"Congratulations to the two of you for becoming the first pair to win. Please rest here for a moment. Once all ten pairs of contestants have crossed the boundary, the next competition will begin."

Embroiderer Qiao, true to her name, was skilled with both her hands and her speech, and was also very petite and cute; her smile was particularly charming.

Lin Yuan took an immediate liking to her. That day, Tian Hui had brought some embroidery ladies to take measurements for Lin Yuan and the others; those two weren’t present, but their skills were already quite exceptional, suggesting that Embroiderer Ru and Embroiderer Qiao were even more impressive.

Benches were arranged in three rows to the side of the stage; as soon as Lin Yuan and her companion sat down, a maid served them tea. This tea was a rare Dragon Well, unsullied by any other ingredients, yet the flavor was quite delightful.

"This Red Smoke Pavilion really is extraordinary, casually serving high-quality Dragon Well," Xia Zheng sipped the tea, "I haven’t been back to the Capital City in several years. It seems there have been quite a few major developments."

Lin Yuan wasn’t greatly interested in the grand developments of the Capital City, but she was very curious about Madam Cheng, who had single-handedly established the entire Red Smoke Pavilion.

Especially these two embroiderers, if she could receive personal instruction from them, Lin Wei’s embroidery skills would definitely advance significantly.

However, these were just her thoughts because for many merchants like Madam Cheng, it was common to be wary of others learning their crafts. Moreover, Lin Wei was already considering starting her own embroidery shop, and Madam Cheng would definitely not welcome the idea of training potential competitors.

The pair chatted idly, and soon the other nine victors had also emerged. Lin Yuan took a look; they were all the men and women who had performed very well before.

After the first round of competition, those who had not advanced received a small gift—handkerchiefs embroidered by the ladies of Red Smoke Pavilion. Although they were not as precious as garments, anything crafted by the Pavilion was still highly sought after.

Everyone joyfully took their handkerchiefs and stepped down from the stage, joining the audience to watch the ongoing competition.

The upcoming competition could best be described as a "free-for-all." The rules were simple and clear: Participants were to pick and guess riddles on their own. After finding a riddle, they would go to one of ten young men standing by to present their answers. Correct answers scored points, and incorrect answers scored none. Among the ten pairs of contestants, the first to reach thirty points would be the winner.

These thirty points, however, had specific requirements: one must guess at least ten from the lowest tier to be eligible to pick from the middle tier, secure at least three from the middle to go for the top tier riddles. Altogether, a minimum of ten from the lower, three or four from the middle, and one from the top tier were needed.

Thirty points might not seem like a lot nor too little. Moreover, the riddles hanging from the tree in the lowest tier certainly weren’t in abundant supply. Thus, while the rule might not specify a time limit, a time constraint was inherently present. Only those quick to answer could collect at least ten riddles from the lowest tier; those who were slow were already doomed to elimination from the first tier alone.

Lin Yuan and Xia Zheng exchanged a glance, rolling up their sleeves, ready to begin.

However, just moments before the gong was struck to start the match, Embroiderer Ru suddenly smiled mysteriously and clapped her hands. Promptly, ten beautiful young girls gracefully ascended the stage and stood before the ten competing pairs.

Lin Yuan was startled, as the woman standing in front of her was the one that Tian Hui had brought to take measurements that day. The woman obviously recognized her too and smiled warmly, offering a polite bow.

Each of the girls held a colored ribbon. Before Embroiderer Ru could speak, the girls tied the ribbons around the wrists of the contestants, pairing the men and women together.

This arrangement forced those planning to act separately to abandon their plans and instead work together to pick riddles from beneath the tree.

Looking at the ribbon tied around her wrist, Lin Yuan chuckled, "It seems the person who devised the rules has become much smarter this time, knowing well enough to quash any opportunistic mentalities."

"Enough praising them; let’s get ready to fight instead," Xia Zheng was fully intent on winning the seasonal garments for Lin Yuan, so as soon as the ribbon was tied, he was completely geared up for battle.

Influenced by Xia Zheng’s urgency, Lin Yuan also became earnest. During the initial competition, she had noticed that several groups were quite capable. Winning the seasonal garments was certainly not a guaranteed victory.

"Everyone, after obtaining a riddle, please proceed to submit your answers to the designated person and don’t forget to leave your riddle with them," Embroiderer Ru’s expression turned serious, "A final reminder, you may only pick a new riddle after correctly answering the one in hand, so please choose wisely."

At the sound of the gong, everyone dashed to the tree like arrows released from bows.

Xia Zheng’s first riddle was: "One stroke, one vertical, one dot."

Lin Yuan furrowed her brow: Another riddle!