In Sumeru, pretend to be a scholar

He is also a scholar with sufficient knowledge, and he can tell that the materials used on this production line are of very good quality.

After a brief inspection, he asked, "What are the production capacity projections?"

“If we operate on a 24-hour shift system, this pilot line can produce about 3 tubes of toothpaste per day,” Kavi answered fluently. “If we further expand the scale and optimize the process, the production capacity can be increased significantly.”

A production line producing 30,000 tubes of toothpaste—before Wang Yan's time travel, this number would definitely be considered inefficient.

But this is Teyvat, and toothpaste is being mass-produced for the first time here, so Nizam can't tell whether it's too much or too little.

However, he has his own way of calculating.

"What about the cost? Is it the same as listed on the application form?"

“There’s been a slight change,” Wang Yan replied. “With the current formula, the cost per unit is about four molars. Including labor, energy consumption, and equipment depreciation, the total cost can be controlled within six molars.”

“We plan to price the basic model at 12 moles and the professional model at 18 moles. Even after deducting taxes and channel fees, there will still be a certain profit margin.”

Previously, a handful of low-grade mushroom spores cost only twenty moras, enough for a good meal.

Although toothpaste is a daily necessity, it is not a fast-moving consumer good. A tube priced below twenty moles is a relatively acceptable price; any higher and it may be less acceptable.

Nizam paused for a moment, then turned his gaze to the medicinal herbs piled up outside the door: "Is the supply of raw materials stable?"

Wang Yan replied, "The supplier is Liam, a merchant from Daocheng Forest. He has been dealing in rainforest goods for a long time and has a good reputation."

"This batch is a sample. He will establish a dedicated medicinal herb procurement line to ensure quality and supply."

“Very good.” Nizam finally revealed a very faint smile. “Then let’s try to produce one.”

He turned around and looked at the young people behind him: "These people were recruited through the 'Desert-Rainforest Employment Assistance Program' of the Order Academy. They come from the vicinity of Aru Village, have done some odd jobs before, are literate, can do basic calculations, and are willing to learn new skills."

"The Order of Education provided them with intensive training, which gave them a certain level of operational capability."

Wang Yan followed his gaze.

The young people immediately straightened their backs when their eyes met, their eyes showing tension, but also a cautious anticipation.

For people who come from the desert, it's not easy to find a decent job unless they join a gilded tour group.

This isn't even rainforest people targeting desert people.

It's a simple matter of need. Compared to the rainforest people with their well-developed education system, even though Nasida in the desert has been providing significant educational support, the results won't be seen until the next generation.

This generation of young people in the desert are bound to suffer cultural disadvantages.

Fortunately, there is the employment support program of the Academy of Education; otherwise, they would either have to work themselves to the bone to become gilded guild members, or they would only be able to do some low-level manual labor.

“Starting today, they will work here and learn to operate the production line. The Executive Yuan will provide a salary subsidy for the first month, and the project will bear the cost thereafter.”

Nizam continued, "If the trial production goes smoothly and the project is officially approved, this warehouse can be leased to you for a long period of time. The rent will be free for the first six months, and then reduced by 30% according to the standards for livelihood projects."

"Thank you for the support from the Order of Education," Wang Yan said solemnly.

“No need to rush to say thank you.” Nizam shook his head, then looked around the warehouse. “Let’s start trial production first.”

Wang Yan nodded and gave Kavi a look.

Kavi took a deep breath and walked towards the control panel.

Wang Yan beckoned to the young men, signaling them to come closer to watch.

"First, we need to weigh and pre-treat the raw materials," Kavi explained as he operated the equipment. "The medicinal herbs need to be ground into powder of a specified fineness and then added to the mixing tank according to the formula ratio..."

The machine started quietly, and a regular hum came from the gears and pipes.

The young desert apprentices stared wide-eyed as the still somewhat unfamiliar machinery operated methodically by Kawi, feeding medicinal powders, bamboo salt, baking soda, and other additives into the mixing tank one by one.

Mixing, homogenizing, degassing, filling, sealing—each step is clearly presented under the guidance of Kavi.

About half a minute later, the first tube of toothpaste, now fully sealed, slid out from the end. The paste was pure white and fine, the seal was neat, and the surface was printed with a simple Susanoo leaf pattern. The production line then began producing tubes of toothpaste continuously, one after another appearing in the market.

"In addition to controlling the production line, you are also responsible for adding ingredients, that is, supplementing the medicinal materials and other materials."

Kavi instructed the young men.

On the other side, Wang Yan picked up a tube of toothpaste and handed it to Nizam.

Nizam took it, unscrewed the cap to observe the texture of the ointment, and then sniffed it: "The scent is refreshing, and it does have a herbal fragrance. Are you sure this product is effective for oral hygiene?"

Wang Yan smiled and nodded: "Why don't you give it a try?"

Nizam hesitated for a moment, but then agreed: "Okay."

Wang Yan smiled and said, "Then let's all give it a try."

As he spoke, Wang Yan directed several apprentices to fetch water and bring back a few brand-new toothbrushes.

Sumeru's toothbrush was still a boar bristle brush; he had not yet entered the chemical era.

Several people gathered together and brushed their teeth with toothpaste. Although the toothpaste was not completely solidified, it did not affect its use.

"call…"

After brushing his teeth, Nizam covered his mouth with one hand and exhaled gently, a cool minty scent filling his nostrils.

“Great, it really does look much fresher.” His eyes lit up, and he looked at the production line with satisfaction. “This project is all set.”

As he spoke, he looked at Wang Yan and said, "You should give this toothpaste a name."

Wang Yan was taken aback for a moment, then smiled and said, "Let's call it Sumeru Toothpaste."

It's better to use the name of Sumeru than the obscure name of Wang Yan.

Chapter 61 The Market Opens (Please continue reading)

A few days later, Health House was bustling with people as usual.

Dr. Zakaria had just finished treating a patient with a fracture when a middle-aged man walked in, clutching his cheek and frowning deeply. He began to gasp for breath, "Doctor... my tooth... my tooth hurts so much..."

“Come, sit down and let me take a look.” Zakaria helped the patient sit down and gently examined his mouth with his tools.

Sure enough, the molar on the right side was severely decayed, and the surrounding gums were red and swollen, clearly inflamed.

"The caries are already very deep and have caused periodontal inflammation."

As Zakaria prepared the sterilization and filling materials, he said:

"Let me take care of you first, clean the inflamed area, and then fill your tooth. But do you usually not pay much attention to oral hygiene?"

The patient's eyes twitched from the pain, and he answered indistinctly, "I...I've loved sweets since I was a child...I can't give them up. Toothache is a chronic problem, it comes and goes."

He sighed: "I've tried almost everything on the market that can be used on teeth, from Mondstadt's alchemical mouthwash to Liyue's tooth powder, and even the herbal juices that are popular in Sumeru. I've spent a lot of money, but the toothache keeps coming back and there's been no real improvement."

Zakaria skillfully performed the cleaning and filling: "Some of these traditional cleaning methods are not effective enough, and some cannot inhibit cavities. For existing caries, their effectiveness is indeed limited."

He paused, as if suddenly remembering something, and added naturally, "However, you could try a new oral hygiene product recently launched by the Order of the Church."

The patient's eyes lit up, and even the pain seemed to lessen somewhat. He opened his mouth, his voice a little muffled: "What is it? Where can I buy it?"

“It’s called ‘Sumeru Toothpaste’.” Zakaria finished processing the last bit of filling material. “It was jointly developed by several scholars from the Academy of Teachings, and I also participated in it. The formula has been optimized, and its cleaning and care effects are much better than existing mouthwashes and tooth powders.”

"It helps prevent tooth decay and relieve gum inflammation. It's available at the daily necessities store directly under the Ministry of Education. You can buy it and try it. Use the matching toothbrush to clean your teeth every morning and evening."

"A daily necessities store directly under the Council of Religious Affairs... That's wonderful! Thank you so much, Dr. Zakaria!"

The patient was overjoyed, his worries replaced by delight. After thanking them repeatedly, he quickly paid the bill and left the health center, heading towards the commercial area near the church.

The conversation was not deliberately kept in hushed tones, and the patient and their family could hear it clearly.

"Sumeru toothpaste? The newest one from the Religious Council?"

"It was recommended by Dr. Zakaria, so it must be effective! He's the best doctor in our Sumeru."

"My husband also suffers from chronic toothaches. When the pain comes, he can't sleep all night. We've tried everything, but it hasn't been very effective... I'll go buy some and try it myself."

"The Imperial College stores sell it, right? I'll remember that."

Quiet discussions spread among the patients and grew wider as they moved around.

For ordinary people, backaches and leg pains may be bearable, but the excruciating, sleepless, and unbearable toothache is truly unbearable.

Now that they hear about a new product endorsed by a well-known doctor and officially launched by the Academy of Sciences that may be effective, they are naturally tempted.

……

Baoshang Street · Jiaolingyuan Daily Necessities Store

The newly installed shelves are neatly stacked with two types of Sumi toothpaste packaging: the basic version comes in a plain grass-green cardboard box, while the professional version comes in a dark green cardboard box with silver trim.

In the center of the shop stood several scholars dressed in the robes of the Church, holding samples and showing them to the people who were standing and looking around inside.

"Please take a look, everyone. This is the latest oral hygiene product launched by the Evangelical Fellowship – 'Sumiya Toothpaste'."

A young scholar from the bio-theory school held up a sample, his voice gentle, “It combines the essence of various rainforest herbs, which can not only effectively clean the dirt on the surface of teeth, but also penetrate deep into the gaps between teeth to inhibit the growth of dental plaque. Long-term use can prevent tooth decay and relieve swollen and painful gums.”

Among the onlookers, an older woman muttered with skepticism, "It sounds good... but it costs twelve molars a tube, which isn't cheaper than toothpaste."

The middle-aged man next to him nodded in agreement: "Yeah, this is a new thing, who knows how effective it will be?"

Seeing this, the scholar calmly took out an opened sample, squeezed out a small amount and showed it on a piece of wood: "Please look at the texture of this paste. It is fine and even. It contains a special abrasive that can gently remove stains without damaging tooth enamel."

"It cleans more thoroughly than mouthwash and adheres to the bristles more easily than tooth powder, making it less likely to scatter."

"Furthermore, the professional version also contains ingredients such as Bletilla striata and clove, which can help repair sensitivity and strengthen tooth enamel."

He paused, his gaze sweeping over the product. "We've conducted rigorous testing on the oral hygiene products to ensure safety and effectiveness. Oral health is crucial to daily diet and quality of life; toothache is no fun. A small investment for long-term comfort—why not?"

Despite the scholar's detailed explanation, Min-han listened intently, his face showing hesitation.

While the price isn't exorbitant, for ordinary people accustomed to traditional cleaning methods, taking the first step to try it always requires some extra push.

Just then, a series of slightly hurried footsteps came from the shop entrance.

A middle-aged man with slightly swollen cheeks hurriedly squeezed in. His eyes swept across the shelves and immediately locked onto "Sumiya Toothpaste," a relieved expression on his face.

"This must be the toothpaste Dr. Zakaria was talking about!" he said urgently to the clerk. "Give me two tubes of the professional version!"

As soon as he finished speaking, K, who was watching in the store, became interested.

"Dr. Zakaria recommended it?"

"If the chief physician of Health Home said so, it must be true!"

"My aunt also has a chronic toothache; I'll have to tell her about it later..."

"Give me two basic models to try too!"

"I want the professional version! My teeth are sensitive, I want to try it and see if it really works."

The hesitation was instantly broken, and the crowd surged forward, pushing aside the scholar who had just given his presentation.

Compared to the scholars' accounts, the people are more willing to believe the doctor who has always stood by their side.

The shop assistants were busy taking money and picking up goods, and the originally plentiful stock on the shelves was decreasing at a visible rate.

Some bought three or four at once, saying they wanted to stock up for their families as well;

Some carefully compared the basic and professional models, and ultimately chose the professional model, which had a better reputation.

Customers at Baoshang Street already possess a certain level of high spending power. Goods priced between twelve and eighteen mora are not expensive to begin with. With the endorsement of health authorities and the drive of actual demand, the desire to buy naturally arises.

In less than half an hour, the shelves were completely empty, and even the display samples were bought by quick-fingered customers.

Those who arrived later could only sigh at the empty shelves and ask the clerk when the goods would be back in stock.

Wang Yan, who had been quietly observing from the corner of the shop, finally felt a huge weight lifted off his shoulders upon seeing this scene.

To be honest, he was also worried that the toothpaste wouldn't be suitable for the local climate and environment in Teyvat.

However, it now appears that the product is of high quality and Zakaria's endorsement has completely opened up the market.

Of course, he found the patient, but he was a real patient. He also found some people to mingle in the crowd as his straight men.

It seems that the results are quite good.

Looking at the lively scene, Wang Yan turned around and whispered to Kavi, who was also unable to hide his excitement, "Quickly, have the apprentices at the factory send over another batch of goods urgently! It looks like the amount prepared today is far from enough!"

Kavi's eyes also lit up as he looked at the pile of Mora at the cashier and the customers still asking questions, nodding vigorously:

"I'll go inform them right away! This is all money... no, this is all funding for our subsequent research!"

His tone was full of barely suppressed excitement, as if he could already see the production line running at full speed and project funding flowing in continuously.

Chapter 62: Money Distribution, 500,000 Mora