Chapter 228: Double Handicraft

After finishing their meal, the group started discussing their plans to head back.

Originally, Fang Zhou planned to take his sister home first, then send Zhang Zhiyin, and finally go out with Chu Xinran.

But Zhang Zhiyin unexpectedly offered to take his sister home first, suggesting that he and Chu Xinran enjoy their time without any pressure.

Fang Zhou gave Zhang Zhiyin a surprised look. Seeing her reassuring signal, he agreed.

Watching Zhang Zhiyin’s white Mercedes drive away, he started his own car.

Chu Xinran, sitting in the passenger seat, visibly brightened up.

“Where are we going to play today?”

Yesterday, Fang Zhou had promised to take her out on a date.

She was quite looking forward to it.

It had been over two years since they had a proper date.

On the dating show, they never had a chance to be alone due to various reasons.

This time, it seemed legitimate.

It was truly exciting.

Fang Zhou smiled and told her, “You’ll find out soon. Let’s keep some mystery.”

About 40 minutes later, the car stopped in front of a pottery shop.

“Here we are. Let’s go.”

Fang Zhou opened the passenger door for Chu Xinran, holding her hand as they walked into the shop.

“Welcome! We have discounted handmade pottery classes this afternoon. Would you like to try?”

The shop assistant, seeing the handsome man and beautiful woman walk in, brightened up and warmly greeted them.

Fang Zhou nodded gently, looking around to see that there were already people waiting. It seemed the class would start soon.

“Let’s wait here for a bit and learn some basic techniques first. We can try making something ourselves later.”

This shop was selected by Fang Zhou after looking at many highly-rated stores online.

It couldn’t be too crowded, but the service had to be good.

Chu Xinran curiously observed the handmade items on display, her eyes shining with interest.

For her, it had been a long time since she last did any crafts. The puzzle from before and now the pottery both felt new and exciting.

“This shape is so funny. It looks like a trash can and a cup.”

“And this one, this pig is so lifelike. Look at its big belly, just like after you’ve had enough to eat, hahaha!”

Chu Xinran pointed at the various quirky handcrafted items, laughing heartily.

They were likely creative projects left behind by previous customers.

Fang Zhou smiled and reassured her, “You can make an even quirkier one later.”

She pouted and hummed, “I don’t want to. If I make something, it has to be beautiful.”

However, her ambitious words met some obstacles during the process.

What seemed like a simple wheel-throwing technique turned out to be a bit tricky for her.

Either she pressed too hard or too lightly, causing the shape to deviate from her desired form.

Feeling disheartened, Chu Xinran looked around at others’ works, noticing that even Fang Zhou’s creation was taking shape.

“Fang Zhou~”

She called softly, a hint of urgency in her eyes, hoping he could help her.

It wasn’t that she wasn’t trying; the clay was just too hard to control.

Fang Zhou turned and saw the look in her eyes.

She looked like a trapped kitten on a balcony, unable to jump down, mewling for attention.

He chuckled, paused his own wheel, and went over to help.

“Use some water, place two fingers—one inside and one outside—at the same height to control the thickness.”

Fang Zhou demonstrated as he explained.

Sure enough, the previously uncooperative clay quickly took shape.

Chu Xinran’s eyes lit up, and she praised him, “You’re amazing! Let me try again!”

Fang Zhou found it slightly amusing. The pottery instructor had explained this earlier.

But at that time, Chu Xinran was gazing at him dreamily, probably not listening at all.

Now, her little face was filled with determination and competitiveness, her stubborn eyes silently declaring she would complete this pottery piece today.

Fang Zhou’s heart softened, finding it somewhat endearing.

He raised his hand and gently smeared some clay on her face, leaving a yellow streak.

“What’s wrong?”

Chu Xinran felt a cool sensation on her face but didn’t look up, focused on her clay, only asking Fang Zhou.

It was a state of extreme trust.

Suppressing his laughter, Fang Zhou replied, “Nothing.”

Seeing her engrossed in her work, Fang Zhou returned to his spot to continue his unfinished pottery.

The pottery instructor, making rounds, finally reached Chu Xinran, ready to offer some guidance.

But the first thing the instructor noticed was the streak of clay on Chu Xinran’s face, finding it hard not to laugh.

“You’re very serious. It’ll definitely turn out beautifully.”

Chu Xinran, not understanding, thought the instructor was praising her and giggled.

But then she saw the instructor pointing at her face, “But you should wash that clay off your face soon.”

Chu Xinran then realized something might be on her face. Thinking back to Fang Zhou’s earlier actions, she understood immediately.

“Fang Zhou!”

This time, her calling his name wasn’t affectionate but rather a scolding.

Fang Zhou laughed heartily, like a teenager trying to get the attention of a girl he liked by making funny faces.

The joyful atmosphere was contagious, and everyone around joined in the laughter.

“Alright, alright, don’t be mad. I’ll help you wash it off.”

He had intended to wash it off anyway; leaving it on too long might cause it to dry out.

Chu Xinran obediently followed him. As they neared the restroom, she pinched his waist hard, satisfied when she heard his yelp.

“Hmph! You’re too mean.”

She huffed softly, a playful revenge for Fang Zhou’s earlier prank.

The pottery-making process, from wheel-throwing to trimming to drying and glazing, took several hours.

By the time they finished, it was already dark, nearly 8 PM.

Since it was a paid experience class, the pottery shop packaged their finished pieces for them to take home.

Chu Xinran carefully examined her finished pottery cup under the bright lights, growing more delighted.

“Hehe, this is so fun.”

She felt her once-empty heart filling up bit by bit.

It turned out that crafting could be very enjoyable, watching her work take shape over time was truly rewarding.

“If you like it, you can come and do this on your own in the future.”

Fang Zhou said with a knowing look.

This was a suggestion from Chu Xuan’s psychologist last night.

Crafting could distract and unknowingly heal the mind.