"Ah? What? Miss Bei, this—" Tung Chen couldn't fully grasp the meaning of the words, surprised and unable to articulate his question before being interrupted by Bei, "Brother Chen, it's getting late; let's set off quickly." She finished speaking and walked out the door.
"Bei, to leave through the east gate and go up the mountain, there's a carriage road all the way to the water pavilion behind the village. It takes three or four hours on foot, but if you get on the carriage, we can give you a ride." Chen Mo caught up and held Bei, leading her to the prepared carriage.
"Alright, I'm a bit homesick. This way, I can get there faster." Bei turned back to explain to Tung Chen and then stepped onto the carriage after standing on a footstool. In reality, these two nights searching for and piecing together memories of going back to the mountain had been a continuous journey, walking for ten hours both nights, returning home after nightfall. Although she considered herself a lover of the outdoors in the modern era, she mostly found a beautiful and quiet place for solitary contemplation. Exerting herself so much to climb mountains and traverse water, especially with Tung Chen by her side today, was truly an untried experience.
After Bei and Chen Mo entered the carriage, Tung Chen and Cheng Tian sat together outside the carriage yoke. Bei didn't speak, and Cheng Tian smiled slightly, satisfied that he had someone who understood propriety. He then ordered the departure.
On the way, Bei took out the business plan for North-South Supermarket and compared it with the plan for Fu Hai Building. The details of production, release, and coordination were quickly determined by the few people. It was only at this point that Bei made a request to Qiao Er, "Brother Qiao, I know you understand the Western numerical calculation method. Can I ask you to take some time to teach the personnel at Fu Hai Building? A large blackboard can be made to hang on the wall for your demonstrations. Pencils and carbon paper need to be produced in large quantities; they will be used for business accounting and orders at Fu Hai Building, including placing food orders."
"Of course. I'll discuss it with Uncle Zhong and arrange to come over to guide every day. However, Bei, I don't understand many of the forms on this. Also, the vertical calculation you mentioned is something I've never heard of."
"That's okay. For now, as long as everyone can correspond to our Chinese characters and recognize and write these Western numbers, it's sufficient. I will draw and write in detail various forms and account books for different functions. Next time I come to town, I'll bring them down for you to engrave and print. Then, I'll teach you the methods of calculation and using the forms." When Bei finished speaking, she noticed that the carriage had already stopped. The discussion and supplementation along the way had passed quickly, almost half an hour.
Qiao Er lifted the curtain to look outside, opened the compartment door first, jumped off the carriage, and waited by the side. After Cheng Mo escorted Bei off, he put a small square box in Bei's backpack and handed a large blue silk-wrapped package to Tung Chen, "In the box are some novel items brought back by the sea merchants from the South Seas. It seems they don't have any practical use. If you like, take it to play with. In this package, there's fresh food from this morning. Yesterday, I heard Tung Chen's description; it's estimated that it will take two or three hours to get home in the mountains. Eat more on the way and don't tire yourself out too much."
Cheng Mo gestured to Cheng Tian with his eyes and also packed several large packages of silk and brocade into Tung Chen's backpack. He then took the small medicine basket from Bei's shoulder and stacked it in Tung Chen's backpack. Letting Cheng Tian help Tung Chen rearrange the high pile of large bamboo baskets there, Cheng Mo picked up a cloak and draped it over Bei, "This fox fur cloak with mink collar was hastily made by Peach Blossom Lodge last night. It's made in the current popular cape style, hoping you'll like it. The higher up the mountain you go, the colder it gets. Put it on to avoid freezing, understand? I have arranged the manpower. I will come up to pick you up in five days."
"No, please don't. Besides mountain people seeking medical advice and medicines, we rarely interact with outsiders. It's inconvenient. I will come down in five days, or we can meet at this water pavilion." Bei anxiously looked at Tung Chen.
"Apologies, Brother Cheng, we have followed Master for a long time and have been avoiding the world. We are not familiar with social interactions and fear we may be impolite. Please forgive us. Thank you both for your generous gifts. We'll take our leave today. When Miss Bei comes down the mountain, I will make arrangements for the boys to escort her safely. You can rest assured." Tung Chen's words made Cheng Mo not insist any longer.