This was the first time organizing such an event, and especially knowing that many people would attend the book lovers’ gathering today, Wang, the shopkeeper, felt both excited and anxious. He feared something unexpected would happen on-site and silently prayed for everything to go smoothly.
Mu Qing and the others were naturally nervous and filled with anticipation, but Zhang Fang remained calm. Everything had already been arranged, and even if someone tried to cause trouble, many would step in to support Zhang Fang. After all, the partners were looking to make a significant profit from this gathering! This was a long-term profitable venture, and anyone who dared to upset Zhang Fang would be meddling with the merchants’ livelihoods. They would never allow any destruction! So, Zhang Fang felt no worry about any potential chaos.
At the event, beggars wearing new clothes were selling various snacks and fruits, and business was thriving. The older beggars formed groups to sell support banners and posters. They were written with Zhang Fang’s name and various eye-catching slogans supporting him.
Initially, no one wanted to buy, but after hearing the beggars’ introductions, many decided it was worth getting one!
“This lady, would you like to get a support poster or a banner? Once Zhang the talented one appears, holding this poster will surely attract his attention!”
Purchase! It had to be purchased!
As fans of Zhang Fang, many young ladies rushed to buy the support banners and signs.
Zhang Fang’s carriage was at the back, while Wang, the shopkeeper’s, was at the front. Seeing such a massive crowd gathered, he swallowed hard, feeling a bit anxious. There were so many people, and if things got chaotic, it would be uncontrollable! Hopefully, nothing unexpected happened!
“Zhang the talented one is here!”
Thanks to the shop’s name printed on the carriage, the fans shouted excitedly.
“Zhang the talented one! Zhang the talented one!”
Mu Qing and Shopkeeper Wei lifted the curtains from their respective windows to look outside. To their surprise, there were so many people, and countless held up signs saying, ‘I love Zhang Fang!’
Mu Qing widened his eyes; he did not expect the book fans in this province to be this obsessed with Zhang Fang!
Shopkeeper Wei was overjoyed! So many people liked Zhang Fang; they were bound to make a fortune! But as he remembered they had only printed a thousand copies of the book, he felt frustrated and resentful about the bookshop’s low production! However, he quickly reassured himself that as long as these fans continued to love Zhang Fang, they would surely buy his books later! After the gathering, he would promptly send a message to the bookstore. No, they must collaborate with other affiliated bookstores to print Zhang Fang’s books in a frenzy! Zhang Fang was destined to become famous worldwide! They had to treat him like the god of wealth!
The security staff worked hard to maintain order at the event. Fortunately, Zhang Fang had instructed them earlier to prepare barricades, enclosing the event stage and creating an entrance specifically for welcoming Zhang Fang. This ensured that there would be no chaos at this moment!
After the carriage stopped, Wang the shopkeeper and the others took deep breaths to adjust their emotions, straightened their clothes, and got off the carriage with feigned composure and elegance.
Wang tried to greet the crowd, but noticed their disappointed expressions as they continued to look at the carriage behind. He could only smile awkwardly and stepped up to the stage to prepare.
These younger scholars from Dou County were nervous in front of such a large crowd. Once they got off the carriage, they stood still and almost forgot what they were supposed to do.
“The ones over there, who is calling out to Zhang the talented one?”
“They are not! Zhang the talented one is extremely handsome!”
Hearing these remarks, Mu Qing and the others suddenly regained their composure, remembered what they were supposed to do, and hurriedly prepared to go on stage.
After Shopkeeper Wei got off, he looked at the crowd, grinning from ear to ear, and instructed the assistants to carefully unload the books from the carriage.
Seeing so many books being unloaded, everyone became excited and began discussing among themselves.
“I want to see them right away!”
“I must be the first to grab one!”
“I heard that Zhang the talented one is doing a lucky draw for books? I hope I can be that lucky person!”
“My luck is always good! I will definitely win Zhang the talented one’s book!”
Wang the shopkeeper instructed someone to strike the gong.
The sound caused the book fans at the scene to gradually quiet down. However, their gazes were not directed at the stage, but rather fixed on the last carriage. Many speculated that Zhang Fang was seated in that carriage! They wondered why he hadn’t gotten off yet.
Clearing his throat, Wang the shopkeeper took out his notes and began to read aloud.
He first welcomed the book fans who had come to the event, then started to introduce today’s activities.
Everyone listened intently to Wang the shopkeeper’s speech, their eyes glued to that carriage.
Once the books were unloaded, they were moved onto the stage. The six carriages turned and left the scene, leaving only the mysterious carriage behind. The crowd was sure that Zhang Fang was seated in that carriage!
“That concludes today’s activity! Now, let us formally welcome Zhang the talented one!” Wang the shopkeeper shouted, leading the applause. He gestured for the band to begin playing music.
Amid the joyous music, Zhang Fang opened the carriage door and stepped out.
The handsome youth, like a gentle breeze, exuding an ethereal temperament!
Everyone was captivated, as if their souls were taken, their gazes following Zhang Fang’s figure.
With a slight smile at the corners of his mouth, Zhang Fang walked elegantly to the stage.
Many young ladies’ hearts raced. Their faces flushed with embarrassment, yet their eyes remained glued to the handsome young man on stage.
Wang the shopkeeper stepped aside to give Zhang Fang the stage, conveniently retreating to the back.
Zhang Fang smiled and greeted the book fans at the scene: “Thank you all for coming here to participate in the new book release activity. Today, I have prepared a thousand copies of my new book, which will all be used for a lucky draw!”
Shopkeeper Wei: ???
Wait, why wasn’t this explained to him beforehand!
Shopkeeper Wei thought about how these books would not be enough to sell! But Zhang Fang was ready to give them away for free!
He felt confused in his heart, but Shopkeeper Wei dared not interrupt Zhang Fang at this moment, fearing that it would anger him and Zhang Fang might look for other bookstores to collaborate with later! He believed that Zhang Fang could do such a thing!