Fortune Across the World

Chapter 96: Negotiating Cooperation and Moving into Qingliu Garden

"Thank you," the young lady in white said simply, leading everyone to the granary's back area.

Curious laborers gathered around, eager to see the marvel Ding Qiyu had brought.

Qiyu wore a practical, tidy outfit, ready to demonstrate her invention. Rolling up her sleeves, she stepped forward, scooped a large basket of rice into the sorting machine, and explained, "First, the machine sorts rice into three grades." She adjusted the machine's lever to the "rice sorting" setting, aligning the four outlets. Then, she turned the handle on the side, prompting the machine to whir into action. The rice, now sorted into different grades and separated from stones, flowed from the outlets.

The workers, eyes wide with amazement, instinctively let out gasps of surprise.

After just a few turns of the handle, the batch was sorted. Qiyu stopped and said, "Feel free to inspect the results."

A young worker rushed forward, examining the sorted grains before excitedly declaring, "It really works! It's better than sieving by hand!"

Qiyu smiled confidently, "It separates blighted rice just as easily. Watch this." She replaced the containers with empty ones, switched the lever to the "rice sorting" mode, and poured another basket of mixed rice. Turning the handle again, the machine efficiently separated good rice, substandard grains, husks, and blighted rice.

This time, several workers eagerly examined the results, followed by a chorus of even more enthusiastic exclamations. Qiyu explained the operation, inviting them to try for themselves.

The young lady in white approached to see the results firsthand. The workers quickly made space for her near the machine. After inspecting the sorted materials, she turned to Qiyu, "If you're free, please join me at Qingliu Garden to discuss the sorting machine further."

Eager to discuss business, Qiyu readily agreed, "I'd be delighted!"

Riding with the young lady in her carriage, they traveled in silence to Qingliu Garden. At Ningxin Hall, they discussed the deal, and the young lady proposed equipping the granaries in Yizhou and Chengzhou with Qiyu's machines, placing an order for a hundred units.

Securing such a significant order excited Qiyu, confirming her belief that working with this "young lady" was a golden opportunity. She proposed, "Besides the sorting machine, I've designed many mechanisms for various uses. In manufacturing, there are rice mills, new looms, and spinning wheels; for homes, there's a water system and folding tools; and novelty items, like the mechanical cranes sold during the Jingyue Festival. Each has value, but my budding venture lacks the manpower and funds to pursue them all. Your family has the resources—if you're interested, we could collaborate!"

Intrigued, the young lady asked, "How so?"

Qiyu chose her words carefully, "You could invest—provide some capital. Then, I'd share profits with you. This would accelerate my business growth and benefit you—it's a win-win!" Every startup needs financial backing, and securing this "investor" could propel her mechanical endeavors to new heights.

The young lady pondered, remembering the elegant creations from the festival. Her thoughts drifted to other possibilities as she replied, "Your point is valid, but..." Her "but" made Qiyu anxious. "We've only met a few times, and I don't know you well. The sorting machine is a straightforward transaction, but investing means risking capital on your promise of profitable products. How would I recover if you can't deliver?"