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“The tea plantation is quite extensive, and the annual tea production is substantial. Manager Zhou is astute and capable. It seems a bit wasteful for him to only serve as a supplier,” Jiang Mixia expressed.
Manager Zhou understood Jiang Mixia’s meaning, nodded slightly, and sighed, “We’re quite close now, so I won’t hide it from you.”
“To be honest, I also have the intention of refining the tea and making a name for it. I don’t want my entry into this business to be in vain. However, with numerous tea plantations and even more tea merchants, it’s truly challenging to establish the reputation of the tea. Moreover, the tea trees in our area can’t be considered as precious varieties, at best, they are just average. There’s nothing particularly novel about them. Even if we manage to hire a tea master, the tea they produce would be of ordinary quality. Selling our own tea would be even more difficult,” Manager Zhou explained.
“Perhaps Manager Zhou could give these tea canisters a try?” Jiang Mixia suggested.
“Naturally, I will give it a try…” Manager Zhou paused, slightly puzzled, then after a moment’s thought, he realized, “Are you suggesting…”
“In addition, by using different hands, the freshly dried tea can be prepared in small batches, undergo a light roasting and fermentation, then directly packaged in the same-sized canisters. Each canister holds the same amount of tea. If someone wants to buy tea, they can only purchase one canister. If they want more, it’s a matter of buying multiple canisters, never by weight,” Jiang Mixia continued.
“If someone asks why tea is packaged this way, it can be explained that each canister contains tea that has been roasted and fermented separately, resulting in subtle flavor differences, hence the need for individual packaging.”
“Furthermore, sealing the tea in canisters immediately after production can prevent moisture and mold, ensuring the quality of the tea, showcasing the dedication to the tea-making process,” Jiang Mixia added.
Jiang Mixia explained, “We can set the price at a medium level, even slightly higher. Ordinary households generally have access to average quality tea, but high-end tea for guests may not be entirely affordable. If the tea from the plantation is distinct from regular tea and is finely crafted, it’s likely to be quite popular.”
Upon hearing Jiang Mixia’s proposal, Manager Zhou nodded repeatedly. “The idea is indeed excellent. Small-batch tea production can also compensate for the shortcomings in the tea master’s skills. Sealing the tea in canisters can enhance the tea’s flavor, which would support its price.”
Furthermore, when it came to wine and tea, Manager Zhou always believed that the psychological effect was more important than the actual product. You can say something is good and renowned, but most people can’t really discern the difference and just follow along with the praise. In the case of this tea, with a captivating story and good quality, it would have a better chance to shine.
The more Manager Zhou thought about it, the more he felt that Jiang Mixia’s proposal was quite good. “I will discuss this matter with my master.”
He continued with a smile, “If the tea business does well, I will definitely express my gratitude to you on behalf of my master, Jiang Madam.”
“No need for thanks. In the future, your tea plantation can simply order the tea canisters from our village’s kiln. When your tea business expands and you acquire the plantation, you can purchase the bamboo products from our workshop,” Jiang Mixia said.
“Certainly,” Manager Zhou readily agreed. Such ideas are invaluable, and not to mention ordering tea canisters and bamboo products from Jiang Mixia, they would certainly deserve a generous reward for their success in the future!
“I’ll add one more thing: in the future, your tea will all come from our plantation. Regardless of what type of tea the plantation produces, we will save some for your family’s daily use,” Manager Zhou added.
“Thank you so much, Manager Zhou,” Jiang Mixia said with a smile.
“What’s there to thank me for? If anything, it’s me who should be thanking you,” Manager Zhou paused and looked at Jiang Mixia. “You are truly generous, willing to provide such great ideas to our tea plantation.”
Considering Jiang Mixia’s business acumen and astuteness, her family’s business was expanding. If this continued, in a few years, she might be capable of buying a tea plantation herself. She could certainly pursue her own ideas for tea and earn more money without even telling him.
“Not to hide anything from Manager Zhou, my mind is full of business ideas, more than I can use. It’s a waste to just leave them aside. It’s better to do a favor and also promote our kiln and workshop business,” Jiang Mixia said. “Furthermore, in this ever-changing world, the ideas I come up with are like treasures. Instead of hoarding them, waiting until others might have thought of them and done a better job, it’s better to bring them out now. That way, I feel more secure.”
“Indeed,” Manager Zhou nodded.
Jiang Mixia is clever, ungreedy, and has a thorough understanding of things. It’s not an exaggeration to say that Manager Zhou feels she might even be more insightful than himself in some respects.
For Manager Zhou, getting to know Jiang Mixia was truly a stroke of good fortune.
After chatting for a while about tea, given the distance between the tea plantation and Jiang’s village, even though Manager Zhou wanted to continue the conversation, he decided to send Jiang Mixia on her way.
After all, she was a woman, and it wouldn’t be convenient to travel late in the evening.
Before sending her off, he gave Jiang Mixia a large canister of tea. “This is the tea from the plantation, crafted by our master. Take it back and let your family taste it.”
With seven to eight pounds of tea, it was more than enough for the whole family and to entertain guests.
Jiang Mixia thanked him profusely and accepted the gift graciously.
“Once I’m done with the matters at home, I’ll find some time to discuss the tea business with you in detail,” she promised.
“Given that you have both a workshop and a kiln, you must be quite busy as well. Don’t make unnecessary trips. After I’m done delivering this batch of tea, I’ll visit Jiang’s village,” Manager Zhou suggested.
“It would be a good opportunity to also take a look at your kiln. With so many workers in the tea plantation, there will be a need for various utensils. We can see if there’s anything we can order.”
Wherever you buy, it’s still a purchase, especially considering the quality of the products from Jiang’s village’s kiln.
“Alright, I’ll wait for your visit then,” Jiang Mixia replied with a smile. “Thank you, Manager Zhou.”
Despite Jiang Mixia’s reassurances, Manager Zhou accompanied her until she was a distance away before returning to the tea plantation.
Jiang Mixia then traveled back to the village on a bullock cart.
As she neared the village, she spotted Jiang Chunyu waiting at the village entrance.