Why was it to be built in Bushen Village? It was for the convenience of Hongji management, and the designers could return home to live every day.
The bicycle factory had an iron workshop, other spare parts workshops, and assembly workshops, each workshop separated so no one could learn another’s skills, only mastering one specific technique.
Once outside, they could perform only a certain job, but could not produce an entire bicycle on their own.
Ever since Ye Shiqi’s copied wooden bicycle left the factory, commoners could afford one to carry goods to the market or sell them in the county town.
For just a bit more than the cost of an ox cart, they didn’t have to rely on walking, which was much slower, though buying a bicycle was somewhat painful to the wallet.
But it would last a long time, saving them time and effort, which many farmers welcomed.
The pricier wooden bicycles were particularly popular among men from wealthy families, as they no longer had to rely solely on horse-riding or carriage-riding as modes of transport, falling in love with cycling.
Initially sold in the county town, then to the neighboring markets, and eventually nationwide.
Others, seeing someone succeed in creating and selling a new profitable product, began to investigate.
Some already started to research, buying a bicycle to study its parts, then began to make imitations.
The Tang Family had its own industry hallmark, but others started to innovate their replicas.
Ye Shiqi greatly admired this innovation; her copies mimicked others but were only slightly better in quality.
The ancient society was filled with talents; this intellect could outwit many, no wonder antiques from ancient times are incredibly valuable, especially those produced by masters.
Riding the Iron Bull, Ye Shiqi felt it strenuous as her body had begun learning martial arts; though she hadn’t mastered Qinggong, her jumping ability had improved significantly.
At this moment, on an early summer morning, fiercely pedaling on the mountain side, her face was flushed red.
Wearing the small hat she designed herself, made by her mother just like her elder sister’s hat but in a different color.
The hats of her friends were also provided by her, with different styles for males and females.
For normal outings, fabric hats were used, but cycling was different, protecting against head injuries from falls.
Made of an armor-like material, the protective hats came in multiple colors, not just dyed.
Ye Shiqi, sweating, found the Iron Bull clunky and tall, a bit difficult for an 8-year-old girl to ride, straining to pedal.
She forcefully pedaled up a steep hill, fearing falling off would be no fun. The bicycle bounced over the small rocky road, jolting her sorely.
Her hands tightly gripped the handlebars of the bicycle; not gripping the front tightly could cause a tumble on the slope.
Then came a downhill segment, usually a time to rest and not pedal, but since it was a race, she couldn’t follow too closely behind the other bicycles to prevent a crash if someone ahead fell!
"Hehe, little sister, you’ve outdone even me, your elder sister,"
Ye Fengqi, gasping, followed behind her younger sister and spoke.
"Hey, hey, hey, little sister, don’t follow so closely, let me take third place this time! I’ll bring you some candy next time!"
Tang Xiyue felt the intense effort and competition; looking back, wow! Those two younger sisters were truly fierce!
"No way, I want the third-place prize, and not just that, I want first place. I don’t just want Silver; I want promises. Is your candy made of gold? Can it compare to silver?" Ye Shiqi certainly wasn’t giving favors.
"Hey, hey, hey, can’t you be less materialistic? I’ll give you the Silver privately, how about that? Next time I’ll buy you an expensive gift, okay? Please agree, little brother!"
Tang Xiyue, panting heavily, found this sport challenging as he and his friends were just participants, Tang Shunyan’s cycling was formidable enough.
Then there was Si Ma Roumei. These two young girls were also his competitors, he couldn’t lose again and again; his pride and dignity wouldn’t allow it. Once defeated, he yearned for redemption in the races!
Each race was organized by the boys, who also gathered the Silver, awarded to the winner.
The friends, repeatedly defeated, returned each time sighing heavily. They lost not just Silver, but face as well.
Some friends were left far behind, a consequence of living too comfortably, eating fattening foods; exercising was truly difficult for them!
Ye Shiqi... simply ignored it, battling to pedal so strenuously; talking would just tire her further. The Silver prize awaited her ahead.
She wanted more than just Silver; she wanted promises, she desired more... These were things she could not discuss with her friends, some things had to be kept to oneself.
Those with abilities always accomplished deeds quietly, only the incapable blustered about!
Sighting the finish line near the entrance of two estates invested by her family.
Ye Shiqi was just two meters away from surpassing the first and second place, having already passed Tang Xiyue, leaving the young boy staring in disbelief.