Two weeks passed.
Ximing's workshop was no longer quiet.
Every morning, Mira, Elena, and Rian arrived early. Fabric was sorted, measurements were taken, designs were discussed, and the enchanted sewing machine worked almost constantly.
And today was special.
Today was the official opening of Levon.
Ximing stood outside the newly decorated workshop with his hands on his hips.
A wooden sign hung above the entrance:LEVON Wear what makes you feel like yourself.Kael stood beside him."It looks good."Ximing smiled.
"It looks better than good."
"You're proud.""Very."
The doors opened.
People slowly began entering.
Some had heard about Ximing's designs from the first customer.
Others had eaten at The Garden Table and wanted to see what else he had created.
A young woman picked up a wine-coloured jacket.
"This is beautiful."
"Try it on," Ximing said.
She disappeared behind the changing screen.
A few moments later, she came back out.
The jacket fit perfectly.
She looked at herself in the mirror.
"I love it."
Ximing smiled.
"Then it's yours."
Nearby, another customer tried on a dark-blue formal coat.
"This would be perfect for my work."
"We can adjust the sleeves if you'd like."
"You can do that?"
"Of course."
Soon, the workshop was filled with conversations.
People examined fabrics.
They requested different sizes.
They asked about custom designs.
Ximing moved from customer to customer, helping wherever he could.
Kael watched him.
Ximing didn't even look up.
"I'm having fun."
By afternoon, several outfits had already been sold.
Mira was keeping track of orders.
Elena was taking measurements.
Rian was organizing completed clothing.
Ximing stood in the middle of it all.
He looked around.
The dream he had drawn on paper was becoming real.
Not enormous.
Not extravagant.
Just something beautiful that belonged to him.
A Surprise Visitor
Just before closing time, a carriage stopped outside.
Everyone became curious.
A well-dressed woman stepped inside.
She looked around the workshop before approaching Ximing.
"Are you the owner?"
"Yes."
"I heard about Levon while visiting the border city."
Ximing raised an eyebrow.
"Already?"
She smiled.
"Your clothing has attracted attention."
She examined several designs.
Then she picked up the royal-blue coat.
"This is beautifully made."
"Thank you."
"I would like to order several formal outfits."
Ximing smiled.
"Certainly."
She handed him a card.
"I have connections with merchants who travel between the human territories and the beast villages."
Ximing looked at the card. This chapter was copied from g.com without permission.
"This could be useful."
"It could."
She gave him one final smile.
"I expect to hear more about Levon."
Then she left.
Kael walked over.
"Who was she?"
"A merchant."
"What did she want?"
"To introduce Levon to more places."
Kael smiled.
"Your retirement is spreading."
Ximing laughed.
"Apparently."
That evening, after everyone had gone home, Ximing closed the workshop.
He stood beneath the Levon sign.
The village was quiet.
The restaurant lights were glowing in the distance.
Kael came to stand beside him.
"Are you happy?"
Ximing looked at the sign.
Then at the workshop.
Then toward the house beyond the trees.
"Yes."
He smiled.
"But tomorrow I'm sleeping late."
Kael laughed.
"You say that every time."
"This time I mean it."
They walked home together.
And for the first time, the name Levon was no longer just a name on Ximing's sketches.
It had become something real.
Something that belonged to his new life.
And Ximing couldn't help wondering what other dreams might grow from it