Chapter 172: Selling Storybooks (Part Two)

e didn't even drive a donkey cart.After he left, Gu Huanxi kept her heart in her hand, occasionally going into the car to take a look. The two had made an agreement that if anything happened, he would...In contrast to the desolation outside the city gates, the city itself was a bustling hub of prosperity. There was no sign of poverty or hunger; people were well-dressed and nourished, with none of the despairing gazes and pained groans that marked those who suffered. Instead, there was an air of extravagance and wealth, filled with laughter, music, and dancing, a complete indifference to the suffering of others.

Xu Huaiyi couldn't help but sneer, "The outside world is a human hell, while inside, it's a paradise."

What a irony!

It's about time those officials who constantly claim to be working for the people came and saw firsthand what kind of world they have created.

Gu Huaxi pretended not to hear, calmly saying, "Shall we go to the bookstore first or the Wushu Academy"

Xu Huaiyi let out a breath, suppressing the feeling of injustice in his heart. "Let's go to the bookstore first," he said. "I still want to ask if anyone has seen that character. The shopkeeper at the bookstore knows a lot. Let's ask him."

Gu Huan nodded in agreement, "Alright, then let's go to that same place as last time."

Wenm閣 is not the most famous bookstore in the capital, but its business is good. It offers reasonable prices, high quality books, and a wide selection, attracting many students from ordinary families to patronize it.

The shop owner, surnamed Li, was in his forties and had been running the store for over ten years. He prided himself on having a sharp eye for people, believing he could tell a person's character with ease. Who would have thought that even he would have a blind spot one day

When he saw a family of four walk in, an image instantly flashed through his mind.

The last time I visited, he bought a set of military manuals, spending over twenty taels of silver without even frowning. They say he's wealthy, but he wears ordinary hemp clothes. They say he's poor, yet he could pull out that much money without changing his face. This is what makes people curious.

He was deep in thought when he saw Xu Huaiyi walking straight towards him. He didn't put on airs, treating everyone who came into the shop equally at least on the surface. So he politely greeted them and asked what kind of book they wanted to buy.

Xu Huaiyi pondered his words, "Not buying the book is a minor matter I'd like to discuss with you. Would you be available now"

Hearing this, Mr. Li's curiosity grew even stronger. He called over a clerk to watch the counter for him and made a gesture of invitation, "Please, let's talk inside."

Xu Huaiyi didn't expect things to go so smoothly. He suddenly felt a bit of good will towards the shopkeeper, bowed and thanked him, then followed him into the inner room.

Gu Huanxi didn't go, she wasn't good at that kind of thing. Sitting there awkwardly saying nothing, she was easily intimidated. It was better to stay outside and read.

The room was a flower hall for receiving guests, decorated with elegance. After the two sat down, they exchanged pleasantries for a few moments before Xu Huaiyi stated his purpose.

Li Zhanggui was so surprised that his expression almost betrayed him. However, years of professional experience allowed him to remain composed as he took the book. He didn't rush to read its contents, but first examined the handwriting.

Gu Huanxi's handwriting wasn't the best, but it wasn't bad either. For clarity and readability, she wrote neatly and clearly. When Li Zhuangbu saw it, he was already satisfied by three points. After seeing the content, those three points became eight, leaving two points to depend on what conditions the other party offered.

He closed the book and smiled warmly and kindly, "Did you write this book, young master"

Xu Huaiyi felt a bit uncomfortable being called "Young Master." The first time he heard it, he got goosebumps. But nowadays, that's how people address scholars. He couldn't just let them call him by his name; they weren't close enough yet. He cleared his throat and replied, "Shopkeeper, you flatter me. I don't have such abilities."

Hearing him deny it, Li Zhanguai was not at all surprised. Most people who bought military treatises were martial artists aiming for the martial examination; few had literary talent. "Then I ask, who is the author"

Xu Huaiyi said seriously, "My family members wrote this. They're not able to come themselves and asked me to ask on their behalf. The shopkeeper just took a look as well. Could you possibly like it"

Li Zhanguai wasn't being disingenuous either, nodding. "Although I haven't finished reading it yet, just the first few chapters are incredibly well-written."

Xu Huaiyi smiled and said, "Do you think it has value to be printed and sold"

Li Zhǎngguì said, nodding again, "Yes, but I wonder how much silver you are willing to sell it to our bookstore for"

Xu Huaiyi countered, "You're well-informed. Can you give me a number"

Li Zhuanggui pondered for a moment and pointed two fingers at him.

Xu Huaiyi tentatively asked, "Wouldn't it be 200 taels"

Li Zhanggui nearly choked on his own saliva, and stammered, “Young master, although I have to admit your calligraphy is indeed good, two hundred taels…… There isn’t a bookstore in the whole city that would offer such a high price. You are truly bold to think and speak like this!”

"I was just joking, haha, it's twenty taels, right"

Li Zhanggui nodded, "What do you think, young master"

Before coming, Xu Huaiyi had already discussed with his daughter-in-law and estimated the price to be around this figure. As expected, the offer wasn't the highest nor the lowest. He hesitated for a moment and said, "I think this price is fair, but it doesn't quite meet our family's expectations..."

What are the expectations of that young master's family

Xu Huaiyi extended a hand and waved it.

Li Zhanguai let out a hearty laugh. "Sir, this price is fair. You go ask other bookstores, and if they don't throw you out, I'll admit defeat."

Huai-Yi Xu sighed, "When I left home, I told my family the same thing, but she was stubborn. She'd poured so much into writing this book—months of her time. If it doesn't sell well, it won't even cover the cost of the oil and candles used for writing!"

"Seeing that he didn't look like a liar, Li the shopkeeper cautiously asked, "I can certainly make arrangements to add a little more on my end. But could you convince your family members"

Xu Huaiyi saw that there was a play, and immediately smiled bitterly, "That depends on how much you add One or two taels, it definitely won't work. It's too far from what he expected. I'll sell it myself, and I'll be blamed later"

Li Zhanggui truly liked this book. With years of experience, he could tell it would definitely sell well. So, within his authority, he added another ten taels and said, "This is my biggest sincerity. If you're still not satisfied, then I guess we're just not meant to work together."

Hearing this, Xu Huaiyi knew immediately what the biggest number he could afford was. Without even haggling, he said directly, "Deal! Thank you, shopkeeper!"

Mr. Li, the shopkeeper, smiled and replied.

Things went smoothly from then on, money in one hand, a book in the other. Until...ey had no chance to stand out at all.After finishing those stories, they started gossiping about several masters and martial arts instructors at the academy, especially those who were judging the exam...