CHAPTER 18: I WAS WRONG ABOUT YOU

Gari, who had just received the plan designs and was savoring it with every pore of his body, didn't even raise his head as he replied, "With such a design and additional buildings required, the construction will take at least two months with my current team."

"However, if I recruit more workers, I can cut the overall time down to at least six weeks. That's all I have to offer you. If I cut it any further, I'm scared the quality will suffer, and I still want to maintain my reputation."

Chipo clenched her hands as she listened to Gari respond to her question, and to be honest, she was a little disappointed with the answer.

After all, she had hoped that everything would take at least a month and that she would be able to launch the business sooner as a result, but who could have predicted that it would take so long?

However, after hearing what Gari had just said to her, her grumpiness vanished as well: 'It's wrong to compromise quality just because I'm in a hurry.'

"All right, that's fine with me. Let's talk about the quotation now, and we'll go from there!"

Gari finally lifted his head, reluctant to leave the design that had stolen his heart and meet Chipo, whom he had long undervalued.

"To complete the renovations for the entire inn and get it......."

The longer she listened, the worse her headache became.

'Is he attempting to steal all of my savings? He couldn't be trying to get back at me for how I treated him when he first arrived, could he?'

Gari, on the other hand, was not doing anything of the sort. As someone who enjoyed his work, he always took satisfaction in using the best materials for the project, and everything of poor quality was scraped out.

The majority of the funds were allocated to materials, with only a small portion allocated to wages. When Chipo evaluated the salaries required for the job to be completed in six weeks vs. eight weeks, she opted to let Gari take his time.

Although she was eager to finish the inn and reopen it for business, she wasn't in a position to splurge as much as she desired. Her funds did not permit anything of the type.

So, the three of them talked for a bit, swapping ideas until everything was finished and everyone was pleased with the results.

Gari took a closer look at Chipo before leaving the inn and stated softly, "I underestimated you before. Sitting with you today made me realize how completely wrong everyone else is about you. Today you definitely opened my eyes."

Chipo simply smiled at the man and let him be confused at the time. She had no intention of telling him that all this was something that someone had taught her

She planned to luxuriate in her own glory for as long as it took. She was going to give herself some credit and feel really good about herself.

It had been far too long since she had felt this way.

Chipo was obviously very happy and in a good mood now that Gari was gone. Despite the fact that the renovations would take a long time, she planned to use this time to think about herself and learn more.

Meeting Madam Tapiwa taught her a lot, and she aspired to be like her.

There was so much that needed to be done during this time that she had no time to waste.

And, with Terrence and Gari on his side, Chipo was confident that everything would be OK.

Although her money would be depleted this time, she would gain much more in the future if she stayed close to Madam Tapiwa, and Chipo could already envisage a brighter future for herself.

And all of my anxiousness dissipated. With those good thoughts in mind, Chipo cheerfully left the inn, already picturing a bright future.

****

Tapiwa was busy laughing somewhere along the route as she talked with a young woman, she met on the coach carriage that day for the trip to Karoba.

When she was leaving Guche, she happened to sit next to a woman named Ratidzo. And the other wasn't even twenty-five.

Ratidzo was of an age when it was considered impolite to address her by her maiden name, but people like her who were either unmarried or didn't have children were always addressed by their given names.

Tapiwa was formerly married and divorced, thus anytime she is addressed, she is addressed as Madam to show her respect. Women or girls, such as Ratidzo, would use Miss or simply call her directly, depending on the caller's preference.

The first attraction between the two was due to Tapiwa's observation of Ratidzo's outfit. It appeared really fancy, and the design was very deep.

Ratidzo appeared to be the type of individual who didn't care much about society yet was eager to journey into the unknown.

Tapiwa discovered Ratidzo was a tailor and hailed from a long line of dressmakers through their cheerful conversations.

Her family was not from Karoba but from another nearby city. Her family did not approve of her deviating from her original goal of dressmaking, so she relocated to Karoba to follow her goals.

She was sick of producing kaftans and other old and boring garments. She wanted to experiment with dyes, produce a few colors, go bold, and just make outfits that would make the person smile and forget about traditions for a moment.

She was always wondering why her family didn't want to change as the world was changing.

And, unable to reach an agreement or compromise, she relocated to Karoba, where she opened her own shop and had been making clothes for almost a year.

And the more Tapiwa talked to Ratidzo and listened to her, the more she realized Ratidzo's way of thinking was exactly like hers.

It was like reuniting with a long-lost blook sister, and she was overjoyed to see her and be of acquaintance.

Who wouldn't adore such a fascinating individual, especially when one's head was filled with impossible and unachievable aspirations that would send the entire world into a frenzy if they found out?