After Zhang Fang finished speaking, the book lovers at the scene erupted into excited cheers.
“Ahhh! Scholar Zhang is truly wonderful!”
“I admire Zhang Lang with all my heart!”
“Zhang Lang, Zhang Lang! The world’s number one talent!”
Manager Wei felt a twitch in the corner of his eye. Zhang Fang had given those present the books that the bookstore had worked so hard to publish, and the good reputation was all theirs!
But the people at the scene looked so crazed that Manager Wei really didn’t dare to voice any opposing opinions for fear of provoking the crowd’s anger!
A gentle breeze blew, and the handsome young man’s clothes fluttered like a butterfly. His long hair danced in the wind as Zhang Fang smiled lightly, reminiscent of the arrival of spring.
At that moment, it seemed that all the light in the world fell upon Zhang Fang alone. Everyone around dimmed in comparison, and only he radiated brilliance.
A young woman who had just bought flowers suddenly came to her senses and threw the flowers onto the stage.
Seeing this, many people began to take action. Those who didn’t have flowers rushed to buy them from the little flower-selling beggar nearby.
Zhang Fang gestured for Manager Wang to come over.
Manager Wang dutifully approached Zhang Fang, grinning as he asked, “What does Scholar Zhang wish?”
“Maintain order at the scene. We cannot have any stampedes.” Zhang Fang was mildly worried that an accident might occur with so many people present.
Once the flowers in the little beggar’s hands were sold out, Zhang Fang instructed Manager Wang to strike the gong to gather everyone’s attention.
Only then did the crowd turn their gaze back to the stage, staring intently at Zhang Fang.
When the scene quieted down, Zhang Fang smiled and said, “Thank you very much for your support, dear book friends. Without further ado, I ask Manager Wang to help me kick off the lottery activity!”
Even after having seen it many times, Manager Wang still took out the lottery-related paper and carefully reviewed it before proceeding to explain the details of the lottery. He then directed the staff to bring out the lottery box and set up the prizes, which included not just Zhang Fang’s new book but also many derivative items. Those wishing to participate in the lottery had to pay ten coins, and each person was allowed only one chance to draw.
Manager Wang and Mu Qing worked busily as the book lovers formed several long lines to pay for their chance at the lottery. Zhang Fang asked for a chair to be brought to him and sat comfortably on stage like a lucky charm.
Manager Wei leaned down and asked Zhang Fang with a wry smile, “Scholar Zhang, what’s the plan here? Giving away free books means we won’t make any profit on those thousand copies.”
Right now, Zhang Fang was like a god of wealth that could not be offended. Manager Wei could only communicate with him in a flattering manner.
Zhang Fang took out a folding fan, opened it with a flourish, and there were the four characters: “Heaven rewards diligence.” As his gaze lazily swept the surroundings, he said slowly, “Manager Wei should think far ahead.”
Today’s thousand copies would become a special edition. Zhang Fang would personally sign the books for the lucky winners. Within a month, he would surely be famous far and wide, perhaps even making waves in the capital!
Manager Wei’s expression stiffened slightly as he patiently asked, “I am dull-witted, so I humbly request Scholar Zhang to enlighten me!”
“A thousand copies of the book in exchange for my fame across the realm. Then, the bookstore can employ a pre-sale system to sell my books.” Zhang Fang gently waved his folding fan to cool himself, looking elegant and poised.
Although Zhang Fang had previously mentioned the pre-sale system to Manager Wei, Wei had not taken it to heart, believing that Zhang Fang’s book would only sell a maximum of ten thousand copies. With that number, they could take their time in publishing. But now, at least several thousand people had gathered, enough to prove how popular Zhang Fang was at this moment! Zhang Fang’s own stature and the sales of his book far exceeded ten thousand—it might genuinely be as Zhang Fang asserted, that this book could become a timeless classic! The demand was exceeding the supply! Therefore, a pre-sale system was indeed feasible!
After some reflection, Manager Wei admired Zhang Fang’s far-reaching vision.
“Everything will be done at Scholar Zhang’s command!” After realizing it, Manager Wei respectfully bowed to Zhang Fang.
They then delved deeper into discussions about the pre-sale system. After hearing the details, Manager Wei was filled with excitement and immediately went to help out. He couldn’t wait to distribute those thousand copies of books, believing that once the event concluded successfully, Zhang Fang’s value would soar, and the bookstore would thrive alongside him!
Xu Chang had been sending people to keep an eye on Zhang Fang’s fan meeting. Upon learning that the event was going so well, he couldn’t sit still anymore. He prepared a carriage to leave the city, and before he even arrived at the event, he saw a sea of people from a distance! It was impressive how orderly everyone was in their lines!
“Let’s go see what’s going on over there.” Xu Chang felt very anxious. Perhaps due to his past misdeeds, the higher Zhang Fang leapt, the more Xu Chang feared that the truth would come to light and eventually be exposed!
A moment later, one of his subordinates returned to report, “Reporting to the governor, they are holding a book fan meeting with a lottery over there. There are so many people! At least several thousand!”
Xu Chang’s face darkened as he gripped the armrest of the carriage tightly.
So many people could rival an army in size. Even if Xu Chang could call upon the provincial troops, he knew that the force he’d reported to the court was only three thousand soldiers when in reality, there were fewer than a thousand! With only a few hundred in the provincial army, how could he manage thousands of civilians at the event?
Xu Chang felt overwhelmed; if he had known, he wouldn’t have acted so superior and could have arranged to meet Zhang Fang to better understand his stance. Allowing Zhang Fang to soar so high had now become a significant threat to him!
He ordered his men to turn back to the city and went directly to the inn where Zhang Fang was staying, waiting for him there.
As noon approached, the lottery event finally wrapped up. Zhang Fang took out his personal seal and had Manager Wei stamp it on all thousand copies of the book as a signature.
Standing gracefully on the stage with a moved expression, Zhang Fang addressed the crowd, “To receive your appreciation is my greatest fortune! Thank you all for your recognition! I, Zhang, will make sure to finish writing the story with care!”
He then solemnly bowed to the people below.
The venue erupted into applause and enthusiastic cheers in response.