I was chased by my sickly junior brother who had two lives

In the prosperous business world of Beijing, the success of "Jinxiuxuan" is like a bright star, illuminating the way forward for Chen Jia and Chen Jue. However, their ambitions did not stop there, and they have already set their sights on a broader business world. This time, they have set their sights on papermaking, an industry with huge potential, and are determined to work together to open up a new business territory.

One day, the sun shone through the window lattice into the inner room of "Jinxiuxuan". Chen Jia and Chen Jue sat opposite each other, with fragrant tea placed in front of them, and the fragrance of tea rose. Chen Jia was wearing a lavender silk dress with delicate silver patterns embroidered on it, like a stream under the moonlight, quiet and beautiful. She had a step-shaking pendant inlaid with pearls in her hair, which swayed gently with her movements, emitting a soft light. Chen Jue was wearing a moon-white long gown, with his sleeves fluttering in the wind, and a black silk ribbon tied around his waist. His sword-like eyebrows and star-like eyes showed calmness and wisdom.

"Xiao Jue, you see, although 'Jinxiu Xuan' is now well-known in the silk business, if we want to gain a long-term foothold in the capital's business community and move to a higher level, we cannot just limit ourselves to this." Chen Jia frowned slightly, but her eyes revealed determination and longing.

Chen Jue gently put down the teacup in his hand and looked at Chen Jia intently: "Sister, you are absolutely right. I have also been thinking about this recently. We need to expand into new industries and diversify our development in order to enhance our ability to resist risks and further expand our business influence."

Chen Jia nodded slightly and said, "I heard that the demand for papermaking is growing. Whether it is the calligraphy and painting creation of literati or the daily document records of the people, paper is indispensable. And if the papermaking process can be mastered and innovated, the profit margin is quite considerable."

Chen Jue's eyes flashed with excitement: "Sister, that's what I was thinking. Although there are many papermaking workshops, most of them are traditional. If we can introduce new technologies and concepts, we will definitely stand out in this market. However, the papermaking process is complicated. We need to have a deep understanding of it and find reliable craftsmen and suitable venues."

Chen Jia thought for a moment and said, "We can first send people to inquire around and look for craftsmen who are good at papermaking, especially those with innovative thinking. As for the site, it is best to choose a place close to a water source and with convenient transportation to facilitate the transportation of raw materials and the delivery of finished products."

Therefore, Chen Jue immediately arranged for people to search for papermaking craftsmen in and outside the capital. They worked tirelessly to go deep into villages and workshops to explore the secrets of papermaking skills and talents.

A few days later, a young paper-making craftsman named Li Mo was brought to Chen Jia and Chen Jue. Li Mo was dressed in a simple cloth shirt, but his love and concentration on paper-making could not be concealed.

"Greetings, Miss Chen and Mr. Chen. I heard that you two were interested in getting involved in the papermaking industry, so I came here to recommend myself." Li Mo bowed respectfully.

Chen Jia smiled and said, "Master Li, you are welcome. Please tell me about your insights and expertise in papermaking."

Li Mo raised his head slightly, his eyes sparkling. "Miss Chen, I have been learning papermaking from my father since I was young, and I am quite familiar with the papermaking process. I have tried to improve on the traditional process, such as using new raw material formulas to make the paper tougher and more durable, and the color more natural. I have also developed a unique papermaking technique that can make the thickness of the paper more uniform and the texture more delicate."

After hearing this, Chen Jue was moved and asked, "Master Li, what are the costs and outputs of your improved papermaking process?"

Li Mo replied: "Mr. Chen, although this improved process will slightly increase the cost of raw materials, the selling price can be increased accordingly due to the improved quality of paper. And in terms of output, if the workshop is of appropriate scale and the staff cooperate well, the output can also meet market demand."

Chen Jia and Chen Jue looked at each other, and both saw satisfaction and expectation in each other's eyes. Chen Jia said, "Master Li, we admire your talent and skills. If you are willing to join us and co-found the papermaking industry, we will definitely give you generous treatment and broad development space."

Li Mo quickly said, "Miss Chen, Mr. Chen, it is my honor to work with you two. I will definitely do my best."

After deciding on the craftsmen, Chen Jia and Chen Jue began looking for a suitable site. They visited the rivers around the capital and finally found an ideal site near the mountains and rivers. The water here is abundant and clear, and there are large bamboo forests and open spaces around, so there is ample space for raw material supply and workshop expansion.

After the site was determined, the next step was to prepare for the construction of the workshop and the purchase of equipment. Chen Jue personally drew the blueprints of the workshop and planned the functions of each area, from the raw material processing area, papermaking workshop to the finished product warehouse, all of which were reasonably laid out to strive for efficient operation. Chen Jia was responsible for negotiating with suppliers from all over the country to purchase high-quality papermaking raw materials, such as bamboo, hemp, bark, etc., as well as various tools and equipment.

"Sister, the construction of this papermaking workshop will take a lot of time and money. We also need to make a good budget and schedule to ensure everything goes smoothly." Chen Jue said to Chen Jia while looking at the drawings.

Chen Jia nodded and said, "Xiao Jue, you have considered it carefully. We must ensure the quality and scale of the workshop while not affecting the normal operation of 'Jinxiu Xuan'. As for the funds, I have made a preliminary estimate. We can allocate a part of the profits of 'Jinxiu Xuan' and then find some reliable partners for joint investment."

During the construction of the workshop, Chen Jia, Chen Jue and Li Mo often got together to discuss the details and innovations of papermaking technology.

"Master Li, based on the new raw material formula you mentioned earlier, we can conduct further research and try adding some other fiber materials to see if we can improve the flexibility and water absorbency of the paper," said Chen Jue.

Li Mo nodded and said, "Mr. Chen is right. I have had this idea before, but I have never found the right materials and test opportunities. Now that we have this workshop, we can boldly try it."

Chen Jia said: "We also need to consider the aesthetics of the paper. In addition to color and texture, can we add some floral spices to the paper so that it emits a pleasant aroma when writing? This will definitely attract many literati and scholars."

Li Mo's eyes lit up: "Miss Chen, this is a great idea. I've heard that some places add flower petals to paper. We can learn from it and improve it."

As time went by, the papermaking workshop was gradually built. The tall factory building stood between the mountains and rivers, and the workshop was filled with brand-new papermaking equipment, including cooking pots, pulping machines, papermaking curtains, etc.

On the day when the workshop started, the sun was shining brightly. Chen Jia, Chen Jue, Li Mo and others gathered in the workshop. Chen Jue stood in front of the workshop and said loudly: "Today, our papermaking workshop officially started. This is an important step for us to move towards a new industry. We must uphold the concept of integrity and innovation, create high-quality paper, and let our papermaking industry shine in Beijing and even in the wider world."

Everyone cheered, and then the craftsmen began the intensive and orderly papermaking work according to the established process. First, the raw materials such as bamboo were cut and cut, and then put into the steamer to soften the fibers. The steamed raw materials were sent to the beater, and after repeated beating, they became fine pulp. Then, the pulp was poured into the sink, and the craftsmen held the papermaking screen and skillfully picked up a thin layer of pulp. After draining the water, they turned it upside down on the wooden board and stacked it layer by layer. Finally, after the pressing and drying processes, the snow-white and high-quality paper was produced.

Chen Jia picked up a piece of freshly made paper and stroked it gently, feeling its smoothness and toughness. "The quality of this paper far exceeds my expectations. Master Li, thank you for your hard work."

Li Mo smiled and said, "Miss Chen, this is just the beginning. We still have a lot of room for improvement and innovation."

As the papermaking workshop was producing smoothly, Chen Jia and Chen Jue began to think about the sales and promotion of their products. They decided to first promote their products among the literati and calligraphy and painting shops in the capital, attracting customers with their quality and characteristics.

"We can hold a paper tasting event and invite well-known literati, calligraphers and painters in Beijing to taste our paper. Let them experience the quality of the paper for themselves, and through their word of mouth, increase the visibility of our papermaking industry." Chen Jue said.

Chen Jia nodded and said, "Xiao Jue, this is a great idea. We can also prepare some works written and painted on our paper and display them at the tasting session, so that customers can feel the charm of the paper more intuitively."

In the process of preparing for the paper tasting session, Chen Jia and others carefully selected various types of calligraphy and painting works created with their own paper. From majestic landscape paintings to graceful and delicate calligraphy works, all of them demonstrated the good expressiveness of the paper.

On the day of the tasting session, many scholars and writers from Beijing came to the exhibition. They were attracted by the calligraphy and painting works on the display stand and picked up the paper to observe and touch it carefully.

"This paper has a fine texture and excellent water absorption, making it very easy to write on," exclaimed a calligrapher.

"Yes, and the paper has a natural color and beautiful texture, which adds a lot of charm to the painting." A painter also echoed.

Chen Jia and Chen Jue shuttled among the guests, enthusiastically introducing the papermaking process and paper characteristics.

"Ladies and gentlemen, our papermaking workshop uses unique techniques and formulas, focusing on quality and innovation. We are committed to providing you with the highest quality paper to meet your needs for calligraphy and painting creation." Chen Jue said.

Amid the guests' praise, Chen Jia and Chen Jue knew that their papermaking industry had successfully taken the first step.