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Dragon's Edge Woodcutters (Lóng Biān Fámù Zhě), founded by Wu Meifen's father, Wu Zheng, and his younger brother, Wu Chen, began as a modest workshop over two decades ago.
With Wu Zheng's sharp business acumen and Wu Chen's masterful woodcutting skills, the business quickly grew. Initially, the brothers worked tirelessly to carve out a niche in the local market. Their dedication paid off, as word of their high-quality timber and exquisite craftsmanship spread throughout the region.
Over the years, the company expanded its operations, acquiring more land for sustainable timber harvesting and employing skilled artisans and craftsmen to meet the growing demand.
The growth of Dragon's Edge Woodcutters was marked by the construction of a two-story shop in the bustling market district of the town. The exterior of the shop is modest yet sturdy, constructed with dark, polished wood and adorned with intricately carved wooden panels depicting scenes of nature and mythical dragons. A large wooden sign bearing the company's name Dragon's Edge Woodcutters (Lóng Biān Fámù Zhě) written in bold red strokes, hangs proudly above the entrance.
Wu Meifen entered the Dragon's Edge (Lóng Fámù Zhě) Shop early in the afternoon, greeted by the bustling atmosphere inside. The scent of fresh wood filled the air, mingling with the sounds of saws and hammers.
Senior Woodcutter Zhao Baiyi was instructing apprentices on the proper technique for cutting planks, at his station, his voice carrying authority and patience. Artisans and craftsmen were busy with their carvings, each absorbed in their intricate work.
"Mistress Wu, good afternoon!" Zhao Baiyi called out, bowing slightly. "The apprentices are progressing well under today's lessons."
"Thank you, Master Zhao. It is heartening to see everyone so dedicated," Wu Meifen replied, her gaze sweeping over the workshop.
The ground floor is a bustling workshop where master woodcutters, artisans, and apprentices diligently shape and refine wood into various products. Long wooden tables are lined with tools, and the walls are adorned with an array of wood samples, each labeled with its type and origin. The workshop is well-lit by large windows that allow natural light to flood the space, enhancing the intricate details of the craftsmanship.
Each master woodcutter has their designated workstation tailored to their specific expertise and preferences. Towards the center of the workshop, Zhao Baiyi's station stands out with its large pieces of timber. This central location highlights his strength and skill in handling substantial projects, demonstrating his ability to manage significant woodworking tasks with ease and proficiency.
Near the entrance, Wu Chen's station is always meticulously organized, with tools neatly arranged and an array of wood samples ready for inspection. His workspace reflects his precision and leadership within the company.
Master Jiang Liheng's station is positioned near a window to take advantage of optimal light. Adorned with fine carving tools, his workspace is dedicated to delicate and detailed woodwork, showcasing his expertise in intricate craftsmanship. In a quieter corner, Old Man Ping's station is surrounded by age-old tools and intricate wood sculptures, reflecting his years of experience and mastery in the art of woodcutting.
She exchanged brief greetings with several other workers as she made her way toward the stairs leading to the second floor. At the base of the stairs, Li Ziqian, a tall scholar in his thirties, greeted her with a respectful hand clasping bow. "Good afternoon, Mistress Wu. Shall I accompany you to your office?"
"Good afternoon, Scholar Li. Yes, let us proceed," Wu Meifen responded, climbing the stairs with Li Ziqian following closely.
As they walked, Li Ziqian began his daily report. "The scheduled deliveries have been completed successfully, and the monthly income has been recorded. All employee salaries have been disbursed, and we have secured three new customers this month," gesturing towards three small scrolls he's holding, most likely contracts, "the craftsmen are progressing on several impending projects."
They arrived in front of Wu Meifen's door office as Scholar Li continued in all seriousness, "additionally, I must inform you that I heard Apprentice Xiao Feng is planning to pursue Cook Gu's daughter."
Wu Meifen smiled at the trivial news. "Thank you for the detailed update, Scholar Li. Let us continue this discussion inside."
The second floor of the shop is dedicated to the business side of operations. Wu Meifen's office is a serene and elegantly furnished room, central to managing the company's activities. Adjacent to her office is a meeting room where important discussions take place, and Zhang Mingyu's office, where she handles customer relations and sales. Li Ziqian, the administrative staff responsible for accounting and inventory management, and somehow Wu Meifen's assistant, occupies another room on this floor. The second floor also includes a receiving area for clients and visitors.
Once settled in her office, Wu Meifen listened attentively to Li Ziqian's report, asking for more details on specific matters. "What about the new customers? Are their orders substantial?"
"Yes, Mistress Wu. They are quite promising. Two of the customers have placed large orders for custom furniture, and the third is interested in regular timber supplies," Li Ziqian responded, handing over the scrolls.
"Very well." As Wu Meifen checked, confirmed and stamped the contracts with the official insignia of the company. "Now, let us move to the matter at hand," she said, shifting her focus. "We need to prepare for the emergency meeting."
Before the said meeting, Wu Meifen and Scholar Li Ziqian took a quick tour in the warehouse first to check the newly updated inventory and ensure the stock for the magistrate's first batch order was sufficient.
Adjacent to the workshop is a spacious warehouse, where stacks of premium timber and finished products are stored. The warehouse is organized conscientiously, with different sections dedicated to various types of wood and completed orders awaiting delivery. The shelves are filled with neatly arranged planks, beams, and logs, each tagged with relevant information for easy identification.
As they walked through the warehouse, they encountered several workers sorting timber. Xiao Feng, a seventeen-year-old apprentice, was among them, diligently organizing planks.
"Good afternoon, Mistress Wu," Xiao Feng greeted respectfully.
"Good afternoon, Xiao Feng," Wu Meifen replied with a smile. "I learned some interesting news about you earlier. I hear you're quite taken with Cook Gu's daughter, Yiyi."
Xiao Feng blushed, looking down at his feet. "Yes, Mistress Wu. She is very kind and lively."
"She is indeed," she chuckled. "You two make a perfect match."
Scholar Li interjected, "Xiao Feng, do not forget to attend the emergency meeting in half an hour. Bring the other apprentices with you."
"Yes, Scholar Li. I will be there," Xiao Feng promised, his face still red.
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As the meeting time approached, workers began to gather in the meeting room. It quickly filled with the key members of the Dragon's Edge: Wu Meifen's uncle Wu Chen, the other three woodcutter masters—Zhao Baiyi, Master Jiang Liheng, and Old Man Ping—a senior artisan, a senior craftsman, Zhang Mingyu, and four experienced apprentices. Even the head cook and chief helper were present, fully occupying the meeting room with thirteen people.
The atmosphere was lively and friendly, resembling a tight-knit family. They greeted each other warmly, sharing updates about their households and continuing stories from the wedding they attended the day before.
"Ah, Mingyu, how are the newlyweds?" one of the craftsmen asked.
"They are very happy," Zhang Mingyu replied with a smile. "Brother-in-law Zhijie is over the moon."
The group then turned their attention to Xiao Feng, teasing him about his romantic pursuits. "So, Ah-Feng, when will you make your move on Yiyi?" one of the apprentices, Xiao Han, jested.
Cook Gu, who was present, grunted. "That boy needs to focus on his work," he said sternly, though his eyes betrayed a hint of amusement.
"Come now, Cook Gu," one of the senior artisans, Mistress Liu Min, said, laughing. "Let the boy have his chance."
Before the conversation could continue, Wu Meifen and Scholar Li entered the room. The workers quickly quieted down, but Wu Meifen had caught the tail end of the discussion. "Cook Gu, what do you think about Xiao Feng courting Yiyi?" she asked, curious.
Cook Gu crossed his arms, pretending to be stern. "He better prove himself worthy," he grumbled, but his tone was less harsh than his words.
Scholar Li smiled and added, "Remember, 'A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.'"
Everyone laughed, hearing his words.