Chapter 676: Lack of sales of paper
Translator: Henyee Translations Editor: Henyee Translations
Just as he was having a headache, Chu Qingzhi sauntered in through the door, morning sunlight draping her in a glow that seemed to grace her with an ethereal light, catching Chu Feng off guard with her luminous presence. Approaching Chu Feng, Chu Qingzhi inquired, “How’s the workshop doing
Snapping back to reality, Chu Feng hurriedly replied, “The workshop’s fine, but, but no one’s buying the paper we’ve made.”
“Let’s check out the storeroom,” Chu Qingzhi suggested, turning to leave.
Chu Fenghurriedlyfollowed. “Qingzhi, our paper is so white and doesn’t blur the ink at all. It’s top-quality and should have fetched a handsome price. But, because of Tao Zhenfeng’s meddling, we haven’t sold a single sheet.” Nodding, Chu Qingzhi acknowledged his concerns, “Has anything out of the ordinary happened at the workshop during this time?”
“Nothing at all. Everyone’s been sticking to the rules, going about their daily tasks. It’s been peaceful,” Chu Feng reassured her as they reached the storeroom.
Fumbling for the keys, he unlocked the door, “Qingzhi, all of our paper is stored here.”
The storeroom was spacious, airy, and dry, with stacks of pristine white paper laid out on wooden tables and covered with cloth to keep the dust away.
Chu Feng unveiled the paper, presenting it for Chu Qingzhi’s inspection.
After examining the paper, Chu Qingzhi could tell it was indeed superior to most on the market, “Were these produced under Xiao Zongchao’s guidance?” Chu Feng said, “Mostly, though Master Li occasionally chipped in with advice.” This reminded Chu Qingzhi of something, “Where’s the hard paper made by Master Li?”
Pointing towards a wall, Chu Feng said, “In the next room. His paper is different, so I’ve allocated a separate room for storage.” “Well organized,” Chu Qingzhi praised as they moved to the adjacent room, which was set up similarly to the storeroom, with many sheets of paper labeled with numbers from one to four.
Chu Qingzhi approached the first set, noting that it was the first batch of hard paper developed by Li Changjiang, tougher than the usual but not yet suitable for packaging.
However, the patterns printed on them were exquisite.
Following the sequence, she examined the fourth batch, which had the rigidity of a cigarette box, meeting the requirements for packaging paper.
Seeing Chu Qingzhi silent, Chu Feng grew anxious, “Qingzhi, Master Li is the hardest working among us, arriving at dawn and leaving only after dark.” As he finished, Master Li himself walked in with a stack of paper, surprised, “Miss, you’re here?”
Turning with a smile, Chu Qingzhi greeted, “Master Li, you’ve been working hard.”
“It’s just my duty, no hardship involved,” Li Changjiang replied, placing the paper next to number four and marking a new number, “five,” on the table, “Miss, this paper is even harder than number four. Does it meet your requirements?”
Folding a sheet, Chu Qingzhi found it to be perfect, “Master Li, this is exactly what I wanted.”
Relieved, Li Changjiang finally relaxed, “So, what’s next…”
“Hold on a moment,” Chu Qingzhi interjected, leading him to the study where she handed him a box of ground pearl powder, “This is pearl powder, already ground. Add some of this to the paper next time.”
“Okay.”
Chu Qingzhi then pulled out some paper and a pen, sketching a design, “Master Li, could you please make some molds based on this design for the paper?” This was a packaging paper custom-made for apple pies, featuring not just specific dimensions but also a unique printed pattern that looked exceptionally distinctive.
Li Changjiang studied the blueprint closely, “Give me three days, and I’ll have it done.”
Thank you, Master Li,” Chu Qingzhi said graciously.
“There’s no need to thank me, miss,” Li Changjiang responded, asking a few more detailed questions to solidify his understanding before hurrying off.
Chu Feng expressed his concerns with a sigh, “Qingzhi, while Master Li’s problem is solved, what do we do about the stockpile of unsold paper?” “Just sell it,” Chu Qingzhi replied casually.
Chu Feng looked at her, feeling helpless. He knew that selling was the solution, but the real challenge was finding buyers.
Reading his thoughts, Chu Qingzhi said, “I’ll handle the sales. You just focus on managing the workshop.”
“How, how will you do that?” To him, selling their paper seemed as daunting as scalmg the heavens, but to Chu Qingzhi, it appeared to be no big deal. Chu Feng was curious.
“Do you want to come and see?” chu Qingzhi asked.
Without hesitation, Chu Feng replied, “Yes.”
“Then get the workshop in order. I’ll wait for you at the entrance,” she instructed.
“Yes, right away!” Excited by the prospect, Chu Feng dashed out of the storeroom.
Chu Qingzhi also left the storeroom and had only taken a few steps when Xiao Zongchao approached.
He was still lean but no longer looked like the stick figure he had been upon first arriving, now dressed in a tailored white work uniform, standing tall with a newfound confidence and brightness in his eyes that lent him an air of handsomeness.
“Miss Chu!” he greeted with a broad, somewhat goofy smile.
“How have you been? Is anyone bothering you?” Chu Qingzhi asked.
Shaking his head, Xiao Zongchao replied, “No, my parents came looking for me
a few times, but Chu Feng sent them away. I’m doing well now.”
“Do you need money?” she inquired, noticing a shadow cross his face.
He nodded slightly, “Yes.”
“Next time they come looking for you, tell me. I’ll help you solve this problem once and for all,” chu Qingzhi offered, tired of the harassment.
Xiao Zongchao looked incredulous, “Can this problem really be solved completely?”
Chu Qingzhi whispered a plan into his ear, “Remember this, and say exactly that next time. Understood?”
With gratitude, Xiao Zongchao thanked her, “Thank you, Miss Chu.”
Chu Qingzhi saw Chu Feng walking over and said, “Go ahead. I have something to do.”
“Ok.”
Together, Chu Qingzhi and Chu Feng left the workshop for the county town, browsing through stationery shops before arriving at Yunfei School.
Chu Feng looked up at the school’s gate with awe,
“Qingzhi, are you planning to sell our paper here?” His tone reflected disbelief.
Chu Qingzhi nodded. “Let’s go.”
Chu Feng grew nervous, “Qingzhi, how could the school possibly buy our paper? Let’s leave before we’re ridiculed.”
“You’ll see in a moment.” Chu Qingzhi quickened her pace towards the school. Watching her confidently navigate her way, Chu Feng grew even more admiring. Women were typically not allowed in the school, yet Qingzhi not only entered but did so unimpeded.
The person in charge of managing paper and other supplies at Yunfei School was Wei Yanqi, a man in his forties, currently overwhelmed with work in his study.
A knock on the door was followed by Chu Qingzhi’s voice, “Is Third Master Wei in?”