Chapter 6
Chen Ke looked at Hua Xiongmao in surprise, "Why didn't Zhenglan say it earlier"
"Just look at it and that's enough." Zhou Yuanxiao still wore a listless expression.
"The money for buying the cloth and dye is provided by me. Miss You, your words are quite unjust to me"
Is this the fabric you mentioned? Xu Xilin patted the cloth, finding the texture acceptable. He pulled out a piece of fabric several feet long and held it up to the light, observing that the deep blue material felt smoother than ordinary coarse cloth, though it was considerably thinner. However, the color was certainly incomparable to that of rough cloth. The deep blue was very uniform, making it quite suitable for summer garments
"How can that person consume so much cloth? I must sell at least one tael and five cash for a bolt of cloth," Chen Ke said
After listening to You Gao's bold proposal, Hua Xiong furrowed his brows, and Chen Ke shook his head, saying, "This won't do. Let's not even mention the six taels of silver. Miss You, aside from the money for Brother Zhou, how much do you intend to ask for?"
Hearing this, You Gao grabbed Zhou Yuanxiao's wrist and said loudly: "Brother Zhou, I am introducing this deal to you because I want you to regain your spirits. Your skills are so good, there will surely be a day when you restore your family's business. No matter how I earn money, I will not shortchange myself. Brother Zhou, what you are doing is not right."
Those two individuals are indeed of great value; if everyone collaborates well, it will not be limited to just this amount of money
No one in the yard spoke, and the people outside shouted once more, followed by a series of loud knocks on the door. Such disturbances in the midst of sleep are the most infuriating. Chen Ke sat up and saw Hua Xiongmao, still in a daze, lifting his head with sleepy eyes to look around. Opposite him, Zhou Yuanxiao had also sat up; upon hearing the noise, his expression darkened. You Gao, on the other hand, heard the sound as well. Like a cat, she gently turned her head, buried her face into the pillow, and covered her ears with her upper arm, continuing to sleep. Chen Ke's opposite, Zhou Yuanxiao, had also sat up; upon hearing the noise, his expression darkened. You Gao, too, heard the sound, and like a cat, she gently turned her head, buried her face into the pillow, and covered her ears with her upper arm, continuing to sleep
"It belongs to the Heaven and Earth Society," said Hua Xiong.
With the money, Chen Ke bought back one hundred bolts of fabric. The workshop continued to operate in full swing. With the experience from the last time, it took only four days to dye all one hundred bolts of fabric. Among the one hundred bolts, there were 80 bolts of blue fabric and 20 bolts of red fabric
I have been busy with dyeing fabric recently. How are you, Brother Bosun, managing with your affairs in Shanghai?
It must be noted that the effectiveness of this device is considerably lower than the previous manual method of drying fabrics. The drying effect is somewhat inferior. However, the workload has been significantly reduced, and efficiency has increased several times. Most importantly, it only cost a mere two taels of silver. Hiring two workers would be much more expensive than this. After observing Chen Ke's invention, Zhou Yuanxiao showed considerable interest; although she remained silent, she did not express any opposition. Hua Xiongmao, who had been working alongside Chen Ke on the most labor-intensive tasks, found this device to be of great assistance, and he praised it repeatedly. After observing Chen Ke's invention, Zhou Yuanxiao showed considerable interest; although she remained silent, she did not express any opposition. Hua Xiongmao, who had been working alongside Chen Ke on the most labor-intensive tasks, found this device to be of great assistance, and he praised it repeatedly.
Chen Ke firmly opposes this suggestion. The reason is simple: if workers are hired, high wages will lead to lower profits for everyone. If wages are low, workers will not perform their tasks diligently. Regarding the current most labor-intensive processes, such as transportation and drying, Chen Ke's suggestion is straightforward: use small machinery to address these issues
Zhou Yuanxiao silently joined in washing the cloth. Like Chen Ke, his face was pale and his eyes were dark-circled. With the help of You Gao, they summarized a large amount of data to determine the optimal force for washing the cloth. The "dedication" demonstrated by Chen Ke and Zhou Yuanxiao proved to be powerful enough; despite nearing exhaustion, both continued to exert their utmost effort to ensure the quality of their work. If it were ordinary workers, Chen Ke would not have trusted the quality of their products at all. The "dedication" demonstrated by Chen Ke and Zhou Yuanxiao proved to be powerful enough; despite nearing exhaustion, both continued to exert their utmost effort to ensure the quality of their work. If it were ordinary workers, Chen Ke would not have trusted the quality of their products at all
What do they want? Chen Ke is particularly concerned about this
In recent days, the work has been quite arduous. Zhou Yuanxiao felt half exhausted and half indifferent to the matter. He replied listlessly, "That's right."
Returning to their residence, Chen Ke and Hua Xiong slept like dead dogs for an entire day
After listening to Chen Ke's words, You Gao was sulking and remained silent. However, Zhou Yuanxiao, who initially appeared listless, suddenly lifted his head and fixed a sharp gaze on Chen Ke after hearing his last sentence. "Then, Mr. Chen, why don't you present a set of regulations for the distribution of the funds for us to hear," Zhou Yuanxiao inquired.
Hearing the sound, everyone shifted their gaze back to the short man. Chen Ke suddenly had an inexplicable association: if a rope were tied around the neck of this short man, with one end held by the tall man, it would resemble a standard image of a robust brown bear leading a monkey.
Although Zhou Yuanxiao's workshop is not small, this time there are nearly 400 pieces of fabric, so the space for drying the fabric is still limited. Only 50 pieces of fabric have been dyed, and the entire workshop is filled with the hanging fabric.
"This boss, I would like to discuss business with you," said the short man
Oh, you have taken all the profits for yourself," You Qiao said mockingly
Let us go meet him now, shall we?" Hua Xiong said confidently, with a well-thought-out plan in mind
The next day, Chen Ke brought the carpenter back to Zhou Yuanxiao's workshop, where Zhou Yuanxiao and You Gao were already waiting. In Zhou Yuanxiao's yard, ten square wooden beams had been erected, which Chen Ke had observed for quite some time. Chen Ke instructed the carpenter to nail several rows of slides onto these relatively smooth wooden beams, and then he set up movable pulleys. After the carpenter left, Chen Ke and the others assembled several more pulley systems. This set of small mechanical devices could easily lift fabrics and bamboo poles for drying. After the carpenter left, Chen Ke and the others assembled several more pulley systems. This set of small mechanical devices could easily lift fabrics and bamboo poles for drying, and it could also freely adjust the position of the bamboo poles.
The cloth has been sold, and the money that should have been distributed from the last forty bolts of cloth has been shared among everyone. Chen Ke announced a day of rest, as the work has been quite strenuous these days, and everyone needs a break. You Gao, being a girl, is not as strong as the three men. She suggested hiring two workers.
As a self-proclaimed materialist communist, Chen Ke has never considered the practice of capitalists using machines for production, which leads to mass unemployment among workers, to be problematic. Compared to machines, workers are indeed unreliable. This arduous dyeing work has thoroughly proven this point. Not to mention the workers, Chen Ke himself cannot believe the average quality of work produced by him as an investor. The four individuals in the dyeing workshop all possess high qualifications and demonstrate sufficient enthusiasm for their work. Even with these four individuals collaborating closely, they cannot guarantee the quality of their work; thus, employing workers would undoubtedly lead to inefficiencies and quality issues that would not leave Chen Ke optimistic.
"What is volatilization? That is called evaporation!" Youqiao mocked Huaxiong, saying that he no longer had any strength, while she explained very seriously.
Hua Xiongmao, as a martial scholar of the Manchu Qing dynasty, truly possesses qualities worthy of the title of scholar. Whether it is moving cloth, starting a fire, or drying, as long as Chen Ke personally gives instructions and leads the team, Hua Xiongmao works tirelessly and diligently. You Gao, a graduate in chemistry, fully demonstrates the characteristics of his major. With an active mind and strong creativity, he strictly adheres to various "chemical experiment" protocols. In controlling the temperature and time during dyeing, as well as recording experimental data, You Gao's performance is exceptionally outstanding. With an active mind and strong creativity, he strictly adheres to various "chemical experiment" protocols. In controlling the temperature and time during dyeing, as well as recording experimental data, You Gao's performance is exceptionally outstanding
Before the two individuals could speak, Hua Xiongmao, who was behind Chen Ke, suddenly uttered a few words in a dialect, leaving the two opposite him momentarily stunned. Hua Xiongmao approached the two and communicated with them for a while in their local language. The two individuals then clasped their hands in a gesture of respect towards Hua Xiongmao and turned to leave.
As a woman, Qiu Jin had a deeper understanding of fabrics. After examining the cloth, she smiled and said, "Bosun, the fabric crafted by the literary youth is indeed impressive."
"Hey, move the cloth a bit further inside!" You Gao shouted to Hua Xiong.
Upon hearing Chen Ke deny himself, You Gao, feeling indignant, said: "I don't want a single cent, is that alright?"
Originally, Chen Ke positioned this business as low-cost and high-volume. The color-changing fabrics and inexpensive foreign dyes reduced the cost of this batch of cloth to a level unattainable by ordinary dyeing businesses. Chen Ke, Hua Xiongmao, You Gao, and Zhou Yuanxiao, these four individuals were all working without compensation, resulting in labor costs that other dyeing businesses could hardly imagine. Through casually shared information during conversations, Chen Ke confirmed that the educational level of the four workers, including himself, was high, a standard that ordinary Chinese people in 1905 could not hope to achieve in their lifetime. Chen Ke, Hua Xiongmao, You Gao, and Zhou Yuanxiao, these four individuals were all working without compensation, resulting in labor costs that other dyeing businesses could hardly imagine. Through casually shared information during conversations, Chen Ke confirmed that the educational level of the four workers, including himself, was high, a standard that ordinary Chinese people in 1905 could not hope to achieve in their lifetime.
Why?
In response to such a definite reply, Hua Xiongmao could only shake his head in silence
That is absolutely not acceptable. Chen Ke immediately rejected You Gao's angry remarks
Chen Ke and Hua Xiongmao went to meet their friend who was in the fabric business. He was originally from Wenzhou and had a substantial fabric business. After examining Chen Ke's fabrics, they agreed on a purchase price of 1.26 taels per piece, and he bought the entire batch. Upon learning that Chen Ke would have more stock available, the Wenzhou merchant expressed his intention to purchase everything. The only requirement put forth by the Wenzhou merchant was that he specifically wanted 100 pieces of red fabric
The use of small machinery has brought about an unexpected issue for Chen Ke: the arrangement of the process flow. Previously, the drying of fabrics was solely managed by Zhou Yuanxiao. This time, with a larger quantity of fabrics and the use of a pulley system, the labor intensity has decreased and efficiency has increased. You Qiao has shown great interest in how to utilize space more effectively. Chen Ke is a novice in this area, and Zhou Yuanxiao does not have a better solution either. Therefore, You Qiao, along with Hua Xiongmao, who has learned a lot of new knowledge through labor, began a new discussion. Chen Ke is a novice in this area, and Zhou Yuanxiao does not have a better solution either. Therefore, You Qiao, along with Hua Xiongmao, who has learned a lot of new knowledge through labor, began a new discussion
Please invite us to have tea together tomorrow. I believe that a monetary gift will suffice. " Hua Xiongmao's sleepiness vanished completely as he said, "There is no need to give anything else; just a bolt of this fabric and a few taels of silver will be enough to appease them. However, we must expedite the matter of dyeing the fabric.
The short man saw Chen Ke directly blocking the door and immediately became anxious. He shouted a few phrases in the local dialect, but his rapid speech and strong regional accent made it completely incomprehensible to Chen Ke.
Upon hearing this, You Gao mocked Chen Ke, saying that this plan would cost even more. Zhou Yuanxiao remained silent. Hua Xiongmao, who knew nothing about machinery, wanted to support Chen Ke but did not know how to express it. Chen Ke then firmly announced the adjournment of the meeting. Everyone was exhausted and too weary to engage in further disputes with Chen Ke. Since no one was willing to take the matter seriously, the crowd dispersed like birds and beasts.
Lunch was rather dull; Qiu Jin remained silent while Xu Xilin ate quietly. Chen Ke and Hua Xiongmao also dared not say much. After starting the dyeing business, Chen Ke no longer thought about revolution. A revolution that leads to starvation is not worth pursuing; a revolutionary who can starve themselves is absolutely unqualified. After finishing their meal, Chen Ke and Hua Xiongmao stood up to take their leave
Chen Ke paid no attention to the new discussion; he pulled the rope and hoisted a piece of cloth out of the large vat. This was the last piece of cloth that needed to be dried. Zhou Yuanxiao dragged the horizontally moving rope, bringing the fabric over to the washing trough. Chen Ke loosened some of the rope, while Zhou Yuanxiao untied the knots. What originally required considerable effort from three people was now accomplished by two in just a few minutes
You Gua listened to Chen Ke's words, then looked at the dejected Zhou Yuanxiao, and finally spoke: "If I say that you must give Brother Zhou six coins of silver for each piece of cloth."
Improvements in production processes signify an increase in labor efficiency. With the same physical exertion, a greater amount of work can now be accomplished. However, this necessitates a more effective workforce. A few days ago, dyeing forty pieces of fabric took three days. When the average was about ten pieces per day, Chen Ke felt it was relatively easy. Later, when it increased to twenty-five pieces per day, Chen Ke felt he was working at full capacity. Now, producing fifty pieces of fabric in thirty-six hours has left Chen Ke numb. Later, when it increased to twenty-five pieces per day, Chen Ke felt he was working at full capacity. Now, producing fifty pieces of fabric in thirty-six hours has left Chen Ke numb.
Zhou Yuanxiao shook his head but did not speak further
On the afternoon of the third day, Chen Ke sent Hua Xiongmao back to the residence to arrange a meeting with Xu Xilin and Qiu Jin. By the afternoon of the fourth day, when Chen Ke and Hua Xiongmao returned to the residence, Xu Xilin and Qiu Jin were already waiting in Xu Xilin's room for the two of them. Hua Xiongmao placed a piece of cloth on the table in front of Xu Xilin, which startled Xu Xilin.
Perhaps we truly possess the legendary "tortoise energy"? In recent days, Chen Ke, as the project leader, has arranged work according to each person's characteristics, and the other three colleagues, who hold high status and qualifications, have shown no resistance. Everyone is removing impurities from the fabric while dyeing it. You Gao is a girl who arrives at eight in the morning and leaves at five in the evening. The other three have arranged shifts, ensuring that the workshop operates continuously for twenty-four hours. Within three days, they completed dyeing the forty pieces of fabric.
After the two walked for a while, Hua Xiongmao said: "Wenqing, I actually have a friend in Shanghai who is in the fabric business. If you don't mind, perhaps we could see if he would be interested in buying these fabrics."
Not sure whether I have fallen asleep or not, and not knowing how much time has passed, Chen Ke heard someone outside the door shouting, "Is anyone inside?" in the local Shanghai dialect
Having finalized this matter, Chen Ke further declared that the current sum of 62 taels of silver would not be distributed for the time being, but would be entirely used to purchase cloth and dye. Since everyone was not lacking in food expenses, upon hearing this, everyone felt it was acceptable.
This is the first collaboration for all of us. Let us not speak of the empty talk about how much money we can make in the future, as we are not making any money now; there is no future to speak of. It is just the four of us. I will contribute six coins of silver for each piece of cloth, Brother Zhou will contribute three coins and five cents, both I and Brother You will contribute one coin each, and Brother Hua will contribute five cents of silver.
Chen Ke pulled up Hua Xiongmao, and the three men went to the entrance together. Chen Ke rubbed his face with his hand to refresh himself, and only then did he open the main door
"There is really no business to discuss here. Please leave," Chen Ke firmly rejected the other party. When dealing with thugs, one must never give them any opportunity. Once you let them in, they will definitely become entangled. With this thought in mind, Chen Ke stepped forward to block the doorway, "There is truly no business to discuss with you."
Fortunately, this is just drinking one's own blood; Chen Ke finally understood the term "sweatshop." If he were working in another factory, laboring day and night for the benefit of the capitalists while also ensuring product quality, Chen Ke estimated that he would have already joined the workers' movement.
Chen Ke was taken aback; he had just spoken in Mandarin, and it was indeed inappropriate to claim he could not understand the tall man's Hebei dialect. Chen Ke had no choice but to respond with a forced smile: "What advice do you have, my brother?"
You Gao looked at Zhou Yuanzhao, and Chen Ke also gazed at Zhou Yuanzhao. After pondering for a moment, Zhou Yuanzhao nodded and said, "I think it is feasible. Chen Xian's division method is quite reasonable."
As soon as he stepped out, Chen Ke wanted to stroll through the street bustling with fabric shops. A few days ago, during his shopping trip, Chen Ke had specifically visited that area. His purpose was to find buyers after dyeing the fabrics.
Enduring the soreness in his arms, Chen Ke diligently washed the fabric. If only there were a washing machine, he thought, even though he knew this idea was foolish, he could not help but wish for it.
Faced with such a situation, Hua Xiong was somewhat moved by his friend's loyalty and the books, while Chen Ke showed no signs of being touched at all. Chen Ke had done similar things in his earlier years, but the failures had long since cooled his enthusiasm. He said seriously and earnestly: "A clear account between brothers, Miss You. Since Brother Zhou has said this, you should also give Brother Zhou some face. How would you like to decide?"
"It is hard to put into words." After Xu Xilin said this, he merely sighed, his face filled with a sense of depression, far less spirited than Chen Ke and Hua Xiongmao who appeared more lively.
"Whatever I say, you will definitely understand," the tall man suddenly said in a Hebei accent
While lost in thought, Chen Ke's hands and feet remained nimble, quickly washing the fabric. You Gao and Hua Xiongmao adjusted to create space for the last piece of cloth and came over to help. After much effort, they finally finished and hung the fabric up to dry. The four of them sat around the table, rubbing their sore necks and arms.
"I will certainly help with this matter," Xu Xilin replied. Chen Ke could tell that Xu Xilin had little interest in the business of selling cloth.
Outside the door stood two individuals, one tall and one short. The shorter one was clearly a local from Shanghai, in his forties, not very tall, and of a lean build. Chen Ke, Hua Xiongmao, and Zhou Yuanxiao shifted their gazes from the shorter man and simultaneously looked up. The tall man appeared to be under 30 years old; he stood on the bluestone steps at the entrance, his head nearly touching the door beam. In addition to his towering height, he was particularly robust, with broad shoulders that almost blocked the courtyard gate. Chen Ke looked up at him, privately estimating his height to be around 1.95 meters and his weight at least 190 kilograms. This man had the characteristic round, plump face of a strong individual. His round face bore a somewhat smiling yet inscrutable expression as he looked down at everyone, exuding an air of authority.
If you get any closer, you'll bump into it. Didn't the literary youth mention the need to pay attention to the evaporation rate?" Hua Xiongmao said while pulling the rope and looking up.
Brother Zhou, you have worked hard these past few days. As we agreed last time, we will use your workshop to dye 1,200 pieces of cloth, and the usage fee for your workshop will be 30 taels. I haven't remembered this incorrectly, have I?
"I don't understand what you are saying, hurry back," Chen Ke said
Like his peers born in the late 20th century, Chen Ke has participated in numerous entrepreneurial activities. Faced with a series of failures, Chen Ke had to reflect on the reasons behind them. One of the key conclusions he reached is that the number of people engaged in production within the organization must be maximized to 100%. This dyeing project can also be considered a new commercial attempt. As an investor and a key labor force member, Chen Ke not only personally participated in all the work but also observed his current companions. One of the key conclusions he reached is that the number of people engaged in production within the organization must be maximized to 100%. This dyeing project can also be considered a new commercial attempt. As an investor and a key labor force member, Chen Ke not only personally participated in all the work but also observed his current companions
"Who is the boss?" asked the short man
Chen Kezheng said solemnly: "I do not care how Brother Zhou failed in the past; what we are doing now must be based on the current situation. Since we are in business together, the accounts must be divided fairly. Brother Zhou provides the workshop and leads us in dyeing the cloth, so he naturally cannot suffer a loss. Miss You, you, I, and this Brother Hua must all contribute our efforts, and we should share in the profits. The principle of accounting is that more work yields more gain, while no work yields no gain. Moreover, your method of calculation is incorrect; we need to account for the cost of dyeing the cloth, not the selling price. Although this may sound harsh, if we do not calculate this way, we will inevitably incur losses in business."
Chen Ke and Zhou Yuanxiao stepped forward simultaneously. "I am the boss," Chen Ke said, taking the lead.
However, You Gao listened to Chen Ke's words, his slender brows furrowing slightly, and the phoenix-like eyes glimmering with light, yet You Gao remained silent.
After the fabric is dyed, it still needs to be washed. Zhou Yuanxiao's craftsmanship is truly remarkable; the color fading of the fabric after washing is not severe. Zhou Yuanxiao is not talkative; apart from when it is necessary to communicate with hetushucomcom, he remains silent at all other times, except when working. Chen Ke finds it puzzling how such a skilled individual could end up in such a situation
Upon leaving Zhou Yuanxiao, Hua Xiongmao laughed and said, "I never expected that I could earn 50 wen for a piece of cloth now; I've earned enough for today's meals."
Chen Keye lay on the table resting, caught between half-dreaming and half-waking, thoughts of revolution and saving the country had long since flown to an unknown place. Only one thought remained in Chen Ke's mind. This large batch of cloth requires a day's time to dry, and the colleagues, including himself, also need a day of rest.
I merely wish to prosper alongside you, my friend. Observing the flourishing business of your dyeing shop, in these tumultuous times, have you not considered finding a few individuals to help safeguard it? In the event of a fire or if any troublemakers were to cause a disturbance, having assistance would surely be beneficial, would it not?" The tall man spoke without the previous air of arrogance; although his words were threatening, his demeanor appeared quite sincere. Just listening to his tone, it seemed like genuine concern from a close friend. Having assistance would surely be beneficial, would it not?" The tall man spoke without the previous air of arrogance; although his words were threatening, his demeanor appeared quite sincere. Just listening to his tone, it seemed like genuine concern from a close friend.
Brother Bosun, I mentioned last time that I would like to ask friends from the Guangfu Association in Shanghai to help sell the fabric. This time I brought this piece that has just been dyed, for you to take a look at the actual product. Chen Ke finally has his own product, and even his voice sounds much clearer.
The fabric in Zhou Yuanxiao's dyeing workshop has been completely cleared out, and there are 62 taels of silver on the table. Chen Ke, Hua Xiongmao, You Gao, and Zhou Yuanxiao each occupy one side of the table. Chen Ke has always believed that a clear account should be kept among brothers. After receiving the first sum of money, it is indeed time to have a serious discussion.
"Is Zhenglan feeling shortchanged? I was just about to tell you that from the five coins of silver earned from selling a piece of cloth, I will give Zhenglan one coin of silver. You can rest assured about this."
Zhou Yuanxiao raised his gaze to look at Chen Ke, and he smiled wryly, "This Brother Chen is worried that I might play tricks. When I, Zhou Yuanxiao, first returned to Shanghai and wanted to open a dyeing factory, I ended up wasting seven or eight thousand taels of silver. Now, only this ancestral workshop remains intact. I see that both Brother Chen and Brother Hua come from wealthy families, yet they never feel that working as laborers diminishes their status. This truly moves me. Moreover, during my time of crisis, You Gao helped me immensely. I naturally must do my utmost for the people she introduced. The amount of money is irrelevant to me. What matters is that you cannot let You Gao suffer losses."
"This statement is not correct. Whether it is one tael of silver or five taels of silver, it is still a form of giving. Brother Zhou must have a stance on this matter." Chen Ke's expression became serious. A large batch of dyeing cloth is about to take place, and if he cannot satisfy Zhou Yuanxiao, even a slight manipulation on Zhou's part would be a loss that Chen Ke cannot bear.
This is yet another encounter with extortion. Chen Ke thought helplessly. The struggle must absolutely not yield, Chen Ke replied: "We can handle it ourselves, so there is no need for your assistance."
Hua Xiongmao smiled confidently and said, "At that time, you hadn't dyed the fabric yet, how could I comment on this matter? I also don't know how you discussed it with my uncle and aunt. Now that the fabric has been dyed, I fear that relying on my uncle to handle this matter will be of no use. Moreover, Wenqing, you never ask me, so how can I recommend myself?"
Everyone was very tired, and no one spoke, resting quietly like this. You Gao brought a pillow from home. In the first few days, she complained about the smell of the dyed cloth on the pillow, but now she couldn't care less about that little annoyance. She placed the pillow on the table and fell asleep as she lay down on it
"Literary youth, that is not what I meant; I just wonder why you are trying to win over those two."
Previously, I was not familiar with Brother Zhou's craftsmanship. After witnessing Brother Zhou's skills, I would like to ask, how much do you intend to charge for each piece of fabric, Brother Zhou