Zhang Fang responded with a faint smile, “Thank you, Manager Wei, for your gift. It is quite useful.” He then turned his gaze towards the old Cai, and Zhao the jailer promptly introduced his identity: “This is Mr. Cai from the teahouse, a storyteller for decades!”
Turning back, Zhao the jailer asked Old Cai, “Did you tell stories to the customers after I delivered the manuscript to the teahouse yesterday?”
Old Cai regained his composure and replied, “I did! The story was well received by everyone! Today, I am here representing many listeners to discuss a collaboration with you, Scholar Zhang. I hope you can continue writing this story and entrust it to the teahouse for storytelling.”
After speaking, Old Cai held his folding fan with both hands, waiting for Zhang Fang’s response. Despite the sweat on his brow, he didn’t open the fan to cool himself.
This scene amused Manager Wei.
Without any benefits to offer, Old Cai had the nerve to come here requesting authorization. This only boosted Manager Wei’s confidence even more. He was determined to secure Zhang Fang’s story!
Zhang Fang looked at Old Cai, then at Manager Wei, showing a troubled expression as he said to them, “I understand your intentions, but I need a few days to consider and will respond later.”
Manager Wei was surprised that even with the money he brought, Zhang Fang remained unfazed! He immediately opened the box to let Zhang Fang see the gleaming silver inside. “Scholar Zhang, if you agree to sign the contract, this silver will be yours! After publishing, you can also receive forty percent of the profits!”
Even Old Cai was momentarily dazzled by the silver in the box and struggled to find his voice.
Zhao the jailer stared wide-eyed at the large sum of money. He felt pleased that he had been good to Zhang Fang! If Zhang Fang became famous, who knows if he would repay him? Just knowing such a person would be beneficial for his reputation.
Zhang Fang glanced at the money in the box, frowning slightly with a hesitant expression.
Seeing Zhang Fang like this, it was evident he was still unsatisfied! Manager Wei added, “If Scholar Zhang has any other difficulties, please feel free to speak; I will do my best to resolve them!”
“I want sixty percent of the profits.” Zhang Fang stated his demand.
Manager Wei: …
His expression slightly froze as he gazed deeply at Zhang Fang. So that’s what Zhang Fang was after!
Though young, his thoughts were profound! Manager Wei dared not underestimate him any longer; he composed himself, forcing a wry smile, “Scholar Zhang, though I am the manager, this bookstore has a different owner. It is managed by Changsheng Merchants. I do not have the authority to grant you sixty percent of the profits.”
“I believe the owner of Changsheng Merchants is an insightful person. My story will not only spread in Dou County but throughout the world, enduring through countless generations!”
Although Zhang Fang’s voice was calm, his words struck like a stone thrown into water, sending ripples of shock through Manager Wei and Old Cai. What an audacious declaration! No! Such grand ambition!
Manager Wei’s expression became serious as he lowered his gaze in contemplation.
If Zhang Fang could write this story well, it might indeed spread far and wide, perhaps even forever! After all, it was a novel theme, and Zhang Fang wrote it engagingly.
“Then, I will send a message to the owner and ask Scholar Zhang to patiently wait for a while. This twenty-five taels of silver is a small loan from a friend. You can use it for your immediate needs!” Manager Wei generously pressed the money into Zhang Fang’s hands. As long as Zhang Fang accepted his money, their collaboration would be nearly guaranteed!
Zhang Fang quickly stepped back two paces, with a serious expression refusing, “No! How can I take your money for free!”
Manager Wei’s eyelid twitched slightly; if Zhang Fang could refuse even twenty-five taels of silver, it showed how far-reaching his vision truly was! Such ambition, such expansion of desire!
He smiled and explained, “I genuinely wish to befriend Scholar Zhang, and this is my way of assisting a friend. If you refuse, it would mean rejecting me as a friend.”
Only then did Zhang Fang reluctantly accept, emphasizing, “In that case, I shall accept this temporary aid from Manager Wei. Once I have money, I will return it immediately!”
Manager Wei’s smile faltered slightly. He hadn’t expected this step he took would elicit such an unorthodox response from Zhang Fang! He shamelessly sought his money yet refused to sign a contract!
Old Cai stood awkwardly beside them, feeling quite uncomfortable.
“Oh! Suddenly inspired! I need to start writing the plot! I’m so sorry, but I can’t entertain you two right now.” Zhang Fang said apologetically, placing the money down and immediately sitting to grind ink.
Manager Wei was left speechless. Zhang Fang’s lack of a clear answer indicated he was waiting for the bookstore to offer a satisfactory deal! Yet he couldn’t offend Zhang Fang! The previous discussion about the teahouse storytelling had already revealed the incredible value of Zhang Fang’s potential story!
Noticing this, Old Cai couldn’t help but speak up to Zhang Fang, “Scholar Zhang, if you write it well, could you perhaps…”
He barely managed to start his sentence when Manager Wei interrupted.
“Then, I won’t disturb you any longer! Scholar Zhang, should you need anything, feel free to come find me! I will await your good news!” Indeed, Manager Wei was being intentional!
Zhang Fang already picked up the brush and started writing, utterly engrossed and oblivious to the world around him.
Old Cai closed his mouth awkwardly, casting a disgruntled glance at Manager Wei.
Manager Wei deliberately smiled and remarked, “We should not linger here and disturb Scholar Zhang’s creativity. What if it affects him and he can’t pen a wonderful story?”
Old Cai had nothing to retort and, feeling gloomy, followed Manager Wei out of the jail cell.
Once they left, Zhang Fang immediately set down his brush and began counting the money.
In his previous life, Zhang Fang had only used silver notes and had never handled raw silver before.
In this life, he was poor!
When Zhao the jailer returned, having escorted the guests back, he hurriedly asked, “Have you finished writing? Can you read it aloud to me first?”
Zhang Fang shook his head, his expression helpless as he said, “The storyteller interrupted my train of thought; I can’t continue writing at the moment.”
Zhao the jailer: …
“Brother Zhao, please help me return this money to the brothel. After I’m out, I will treat you to a meal on another day!”
Despite Zhang Fang saying he was willing to stay in the jail, he yearned to be free! This cell was smelly, dirty, and cold; even though there was a ventilation hole at the top allowing a bit of sunlight in each day, it was still oppressive and uncomfortable.