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Xiao Si immediately went to fetch the measuring tape for Yu Wanwan, exclaiming, “Miss, you’ve lost quite a bit more weight yesterday!”

She showed Yu Wanwan the half-inch reduction marked on the tape.

Yu Wanwan was delighted, “Yesterday, I was helping out with the villagers’ work and sweated a lot.” After a moment’s thought, she added, “It seems the more exercise, the quicker the weight loss…”

Xiao Si nodded in agreement, “Then let’s go help out with work again today.”

Yu Wanwan was pleased, “Yes.”

After putting away the measuring tape, Xiao Si turned to her, “Miss, I’ll go prepare your medicine and breakfast. You should change your clothes.”

Yu Wanwan nodded, “Go ahead.”

Zhuang Ziqian was practicing swordsmanship in the courtyard. Hearing Xiao Si come out from the room, he quickly asked, “How’s Wanwan today?”

Xiao Si stopped to reply, “Miss has lost a lot of weight, her clothes are becoming too big. I’m planning to make some new ones for her.”

“After breakfast, I’ll go buy fabric. You go ahead and prepare breakfast and medicine for Wanwan.”

“Yes.”

Yu Wanwan, having changed, tugged at her oversized clothes and stepped into the courtyard, “Ziqian, do you notice a big change in me?”

Zhuang Ziqian approached and scrutinized Yu Wanwan for a moment, “You must have lost around twenty pounds.”

Yu Wanwan joyfully examined herself, “Really that much?”

Zhuang Ziqian affirmed, “Yes, trust my judgment. Keep it up, and you’ll soon look like an ordinary person.”

“Mhm.” Yu Wanwan replied confidently, her joy mingled with concern, “You’ve been with me for so long, don’t you need to go back for a while?”

Zhuang Ziqian didn’t want to go back alone, “I’ve already sent a letter home, it’s fine.”

Yu Wanwan slowly nodded, “But you should still care about your family.”

“I know, don’t worry about me.” Zhuang Ziqian reassured her with a smile.

After breakfast, Zhuang Ziqian headed towards the Chu household. Arriving at the gate, he saw Chu Xuhua stepping out and quickly approached, “Manager Chu, I have something to discuss with you. Do you have a moment?”

Chu Xuhua responded, “Let’s walk and talk.”

Despite the intense competition between Li Tingzhao of Fengxin County and the Lin family, it proved beneficial for their business. Many sought partnerships, prompting him to stabilize Fengxin County’s business. Hence, he was very busy every day.

Zhuang Ziqian nodded, “Alright.”

On the way, Zhuang Ziqian got straight to the point, “Previously, Miss Qingzhi mentioned your plans to expand the business to Wancheng. I’ve been thinking, why not let me scout for you first? What do you think?”

Chu Xuhua stopped, “What do you mean?”

Zhuang Ziqian explained, “I’ll order some of your products and try selling them in Wancheng to test the waters. By the time you expand there, you’ll have a reference, making it smoother. Manager Chu, what’s your opinion?”

Chu Xuhua was intrigued. The business in the capital and surrounding counties was stable, and Fengxin County was almost secured. Wancheng was the next step.

But Wancheng was unfamiliar territory. Having someone familiar lead the way would indeed be better.

“Master Zhuang, let me discuss this with my fifth sister and get back to you.”

“That’s fine. I’ll wait for your response.”

“Thank you.”

Chu Xuhua turned back home and relayed Zhuang Ziqian’s proposal to Chu Qingzhi, “Fifth Sister, what do you think?”

Chu Qingzhi responded, “We can agree to his proposal. However, Big Brother, you should visit Wancheng first to get a feel for it. I’ll be busy with the tissue paper business and can’t go to Wancheng.”

“Leave it to me. You don’t have to worry.”

“Okay.”

At the Chu Family Paper Mill.

When Chu Qingzhi arrived at the paper mill, Xiao Zongchao and Yu Zihui had just finished eating, but Li Changjiang was already there. Additionally, Chu Qingzhi noticed some workers sleeping in the corner.

Chu Feng explained, “They worked late last night and live far away, so they didn’t go home.”

Chu Qingzhi thought for a moment, “Arrange a large room, buy some beds and blankets. If it’s too late to go home, they can sleep here. Also, hire a nimble woman to prepare some late-night snacks as a reward, paying her thirty taels per day.”

With the tissue paper being a huge success, Chu Qingzhi didn’t mind spending a little to win people’s hearts.

“I’ll have someone take care of it right away.” Chu Feng thought to himself that working under Miss Qingzhi was a stroke of luck; she was the best employer one could have.

Li Changjiang presented the packaging sample for sesame crisps, “Miss Chu, please take a look.”

The packaging was ready, made quickly as the product was already prepared.

The sesame crisp packaging was pale yellow with added pearl powder for a shiny appearance. The front featured a cute illustration of a pine squirrel eating sesame crisps, with matching small images on the sides and back, making it overall very attractive.

“Master Li, thank you for your hard work.”

“It’s part of my job, nothing to thank me for. By the way, Miss Chu, we’ve prepared 5,000 tissue boxes ready for packaging.”

“I’ll arrange it.”

Chu Qingzhi immediately assigned workers to package the tissues, sealing them with pigskin glue.

Having prepared a lot of pigskin glue, they had plenty to use.

After ensuring everyone knew how to package, Chu Qingzhi left the mill for the Tan residence.

Tan Mengyang was satisfied with the packaging but suggested producing two sizes: one holding one 500 grams with twenty pieces, and another as a gift box holding 2.5 kilograms with one hundred pieces.

Chu Qingzhi agreed, and after re-signing the contract, she hired ten more workers upon returning to the mill, instructing Master Li to organize production.

With the growing workforce, Chu Qingzhi considered expanding the mill after this batch of products was shipped. The current size was just right, but any more would cause overcrowding.

Once the 5,000 tissue boxes were ready, they were immediately sent to the capital. Chu Qingyue delivered them to the first client who had signed the contract, earning 850 taels for over 5,000 boxes at a price of 170 copper coins per box.

In Chu Village.

Jiang Zhaoyong parked the carriage, “Big brother, sister-in-law, and the two nephews, we’ve arrived.”

Wu Yan and Jiang Tao alighted from the carriage, surveying the prosperous and beautiful village before their gaze settled on the luxurious and refined small western-style building of the Chu family.

Wu Yan’s eyes widened in amazement, “Do they really live in such a nice house?”

Jiang Zhaoyong nodded, “Yes, this is where they live. Let’s go in.”

“Aren’t you going to bring the betrothal gifts with us?” Wu Yan pulled Jiang Zhaoyong back, urging, “Hurry up and get the gifts, don’t be rude.”

“Right, right.” Jiang Tao grabbed Jiang Zhaoyong, heading towards the back of the carriage where the gifts were stored.

Their betrothal gifts were prepared following the standards set by the Chu family for Ge Lihua’s engagement, consisting of a chest full of various items, somewhat heavy for them to carry themselves due to not knowing anyone in the area who could assist.