Ximing stared at the three unfinished outfits on his table.
Then he stared at the pile of fabric.
Then at the enchanted sewing machine.
Then at Kael.
"I have made a terrible mistake."
Kael folded his arms.
"You accepted an order."
"Exactly."
"You wanted the business."
"I wanted the business. I did not want to become the entire workforce."
Kael laughed.
Ximing dropped into his chair.
"I need help."
The following morning, Ximing visited the village.
He wasn't looking for customers this time.
He was looking for people who knew how to sew.
He soon found three villagers with sewing experience: an older rabbit beastwoman named Mira, a young human woman named Elena, and a fox beastman named Rian.
Ximing explained what he needed.
"I want to build a proper workshop. Not a huge one. Just a comfortable place where people can work and earn fairly."
Mira looked interested.
"What kind of clothing?"
Ximing opened his portfolio.
The three of them gathered around.
Within seconds, their expressions changed.
"These are beautiful," Mira said.
Rian picked up the sketch of the blue corporate outfit.
"You designed this?"
"Yes."
"You have good taste."
Ximing smiled.
"Thank you."
Elena studied the measurements.
"You've thought about everything."
"Not everything," Ximing admitted. "That's why I need help."
By afternoon, the workshop had changed completely.
Mira organized the fabrics. This chapter was copied from g.com without permission.
Elena prepared measurements.
Rian helped with cutting and finishing.
Ximing handled the designs and taught them how he wanted the clothes made.
The enchanted sewing machine made the work much faster.
Instead of spending an entire day on one outfit, they could finish several pieces together.
Ximing watched the workshop become busy.
For once, he wasn't overwhelmed.
He was enjoying himself.
"This is much better."
Kael stood nearby.
"I told you that you needed help."
"Yes."
"You didn't listen."
"I eventually listened."
Kael smiled.
"That's progress."
Three days later, the first order was complete.
Ten outfits.
Ximing carefully inspected every single one.
The stitching was neat.
The fabric was smooth.
The embroidery was beautiful.
He nodded proudly.
"Levon's first order."
Mira smiled.
"Your business is growing."
Ximing looked around the workshop.
He thought about how different his life was now.
In his previous life, working harder usually meant becoming more tired.
Here, working together meant creating something bigger.
He didn't have to do everything himself.
He could trust people.
He could teach them.
And they could build something together.
That evening, Ximing paid everyone for their work.
"You're paying us this much?"
"You worked for it."
She smiled.
"Then I hope Levon becomes successful."
Ximing smiled back.
"I hope so too."
That night, Ximing returned home with Kael.
He sat at the dining table while Kael served dinner.
Ximing took a bite.
"I'm tired."
Kael laughed.
"You finally admit it."
"But I'm happy."
He looked around the room.
The warm lights.
The large table.
The sound of the chickens outside.
The distant sounds of the restaurant.
His growing workshop.
His peaceful home.
Ximing smiled.
"I think I'm getting closer to the retirement I imagined."
Kael sat across from him.
"What does your perfect retirement look like?"
Ximing thought for a moment.
"A peaceful house."
He counted on his fingers.
"Good food. A successful business that doesn't control my life. A garden. Maybe some children running around."
He paused.
"And people I love sitting around this table."
Kael looked at him quietly.
Ximing smiled.
"That sounds pretty perfect to me."
Outside, the evening breeze moved gently through the trees.
And inside their little home, Ximing's dream continued to grow—one quiet day at a time.