Before leaving, Yang Chuxia took away the newly built wheelchair by Yang Dayong. She pushed it along all the way, and the villagers found it rather curious, thinking that this chair could match a horse-drawn carriage. The more flexible-minded people guessed that this was another new idea from Yang Chuxia, which would earn her quite a profit. The third branch of the Yang family was truly on the rise now.
When Yang Chuxia returned from Yang Dayong’s home, she went straight into her room. She had long since thought that her shop should not only sell wheelchairs. Although Yang Dayong could also make some cabinets and tables, those were not unusual, as there were more than one shops selling such items in the town. So, she thought about the wardrobes, coat hangers, jewelry boxes, and suitcases from her previous life.
She wouldn’t be doing the carpentry work, but there were many novel items on Taobao and from exhibitions that she could just sketch and let someone else research.
Of course, it would be best to start with simple things.
Those jewelry boxes she had come across did not seem very difficult to make, and they were much more refined than their existing ones. Foldable ones could even have some carved patterns on top, which paired with wardrobes and tables, would undoubtedly be liked by those about to get married.
As for the suitcases, she was thinking about whether they could be made into small book boxes. With wheels underneath and space inside for scholars to store their writing brushes, ink, paper, and inkstone, the boxes could be made a bit smaller with a longer retractable handle; they would be suitable for both adults and children. Moreover, some secret compartments could be added inside for storing food or a couple of pieces of clothing and rain gear.
However, the price couldn’t be set too high because, as they say, most scholars were poor, excluding the sons of rich families.
Immersed in her thoughts, Yang Chuxia unknowingly drew several sketches until she was interrupted by Ye Zi’an calling her. Suddenly, she realized how much time had passed.
"Brother An, come in quickly. Look at these things I’ve drawn!" Yang Chuxia cheerfully waved Ye Zi’an over.
Ye Zi’an hesitated at the door but entered after thinking for a while.
"What have you drawn?"
"Look, this is a jewelry box, this is a book box, this is a wardrobe, this is a table." Yang Chuxia blinked and said, "What do you think? If this table is placed in Shopkeeper Li’s tavern, won’t it be convenient?"
Looking at the table with its up-down, round concept left Ye Zi’an somewhat puzzled.
Yang Chuxia then explained, "This table can rotate. All the tables we’re using now are fixed, so when many people dine together, they can only grab food in front of them. But with this rotating table, you can move dishes away from someone else to your front. It is much more convenient, isn’t it?"
As Yang Chuxia spoke, she grew more excited, as if seeing heaps of silver flying towards her. Pointing at another drawing, she said, "Look at this. This box is similar to the wheelchair, with small wheels at the bottom for mobility. What do you think about using it as a book box for scholars? Not only can it hold books, but it can also store daily necessities like clothes, rain gear, and hand stoves. Most importantly, it’s not tiring to pull around, and can even carry a small lock on top."
As Ye Zi’an looked on, his eyes gleamed brighter, "Excellent. Xiaxia, you are so clever to think of all these. If Shopkeeper Li sees your creations, I reckon he will worship you like a Buddha."
"Hehe, we still need to consult with Uncle Dayong about this. If he can create it, you can hint it to Shopkeeper Li. Even though our shop hasn’t opened yet, we can still find a market in advance."