Zhang Fang straightened his posture and raised his hand to signal for silence among the crowd.
After everyone quieted down, Zhang Fang invited the merchants involved in the collaborative side hustle onto the stage, introducing them to the audience as reliable partners. The merchants were all smiles, imagining the scene of skyrocketing sales.
In the end, Zhang Fang asked Manager Wei to speak and inform everyone about the pre-sale system. Upon learning that Zhang Fang’s books were challenging to purchase, many people’s spirits were anxious. Meanwhile, those lucky enough to get a copy felt extremely fortunate! Some even offered high prices on the spot to buy Zhang Fang’s book, pushing the price up to three hundred taels of silver!
Manager Wei was stunned, finally realizing that Zhang Fang’s status was now different from other scholars. Zhang Fang had become a highly influential and notable writer! At this moment, he was preoccupied with maintaining his partnership with Zhang Fang. He thought to himself, “I must give him a larger share of the profits to keep him on board for the long term!”
Thus, Manager Wei drafted a new contract, offering Zhang Fang an 80% profit share! After finishing the contract, he still felt it wasn’t enough, so he proposed a series of benefits, including providing Zhang Fang with a house and servants. He needed to take good care of this money-making treasure!
Holding the new contract, Manager Wei presented it to Zhang Fang for review. Zhang Fang glanced over the contents and casually mentioned a few conditions. He insisted that every book be equipped with anti-counterfeiting measures and that the contract should state it was only valid in cooperation with Manager Wei. Should the bookstore manager change in the future, Zhang Fang would have the right to terminate the cooperation.
This brought tears to Manager Wei’s eyes. He had taken a significant risk and responsibility by offering such a high profit share to secure Zhang Fang, and he hadn’t expected Zhang Fang to support him in return! With Zhang Fang’s backing, Manager Wei felt less anxious about possible difficulties from his superiors or other managers in the future!
“There are still some matters to discuss; we can talk about them back at the inn.” Zhang Fang got up, casually adjusting his clothing.
Manager Wei quickly nodded, escorting him to the carriage.
The crowd was busy scrambling for the books, with one already being sold for as high as three hundred taels of silver. Contrary to the excitement around him, Zhang Fang, the main figure, went unnoticed as he quietly left the event in the carriage.
Once back at the inn, Zhang Fang intended to take a shower and relax for a bit. However, upon entering the courtyard, he encountered an unfamiliar figure.
“Zhang, talented scholar, my master requests your presence!”
Zhang Fang glanced towards the main hall, raising an eyebrow as he approached.
Manager Wei was about to follow Zhang Fang inside but was stopped by Xu Chang’s subordinates at the door, forced to stand there and watch helplessly.
After waiting for a while, Xu Chang had dozed off. He didn’t even notice Zhang Fang entering, snoring rhythmically.
Zhang Fang studied him for a moment. According to the memories of the original character, this was Xu Chang, the governor. He would often make an appearance during the provincial examinations each year.
Pouring himself a cup of tea, Zhang Fang intentionally smashed the cup on the ground.
“Clang!”
The sound of the cup breaking woke Xu Chang up instantly. He opened his eyes to find a youthful figure with an ethereal charm standing before him, momentarily confused between dream and reality.
Zhang Fang offered a gentle smile, bowing slightly as he greeted, “Student takes the liberty to address you as Master. Your presence here truly makes this humble abode shine! I am fortunate to host you!”
Xu Chang, still a bit bewildered, scrutinized Zhang Fang with uncertainty. After a few moments, he gradually regained clarity. This person was Zhang Silang? Indeed, he had a striking appearance! No wonder he could captivate the hearts of all the women in town in just a few days.
Then, Xu Chang shifted to consider Zhang Fang’s attitude seriously. This person was quite clever and considerate! He clearly knew how to navigate the hierarchy. It seemed his earlier worries were unnecessary. Zhang Fang was eager to befriend him, so he wouldn’t dare oppose him!
Xu Chang felt pleased with Zhang Fang’s demeanor, stroking his beard thoughtfully while maintaining a pretense of indifference. “I have always been a lover of talent. I heard you’ve written a great book, but unfortunately, it’s hard to find on the market, which is why I came to seek you out.”
Zhang Fang appeared somewhat nervous, standing straight like a respectful student responding, “I’m undeserving. I merely wrote a story that people enjoy, unworthy of great acknowledgment! I can’t believe you came in person; I feel quite ashamed!”
“Please, sit down. There are many who write, but few who publish successfully. At your age, achieving what you have is quite commendable!” Xu Chang did not correct Zhang Fang’s address; since the other party was intent on getting closer, it suited his purpose well. His attitude towards Zhang Fang softened considerably.
The two chatted amicably. Upon learning that Zhang Fang’s writer’s guild had been a huge success and that new books were now priced at three hundred taels, Xu Chang’s gaze toward Zhang Fang became increasingly gentle, a glimmer of greed evident in his eyes.
“Young talents are indeed impressive! Young talents are truly remarkable!” Xu Chang repeated this several times in his heart, deciding he must latch onto Zhang Fang as a student! He then inquired about Zhang Fang’s studies.
Zhang Fang seemed a bit troubled, sighing a few times before confiding in Xu Chang that he hadn’t passed the previous provincial examinations. This time, however, he was determined to do well.
Xu Chang reached out warmly to pat Zhang Fang’s shoulder, offering encouragement, “I believe in the principle that diligence will be rewarded; your hard work will surely yield good results!”
With sparkling eyes, Zhang Fang looked at Xu Chang in surprise. Like a naive boy, he stood up, holding his teacup to express his gratitude, “I will do my utmost in the exam! For now, let me raise this cup of tea as a toast to you, Master!”
Both already understood their mutual intention to collaborate. Xu Chang raised his cup and clinked it with Zhang Fang’s. Then he began to inquire about Zhang Fang’s family situation, focusing particularly on whether Zhang Fang was married.
Zhang Fang’s expression became somewhat awkward. His face flushed as he said softly, “To be honest, before coming to the governor’s office, the county magistrate of Doucheng also inquired about my marital situation and even intended to betroth his daughter to me. However, I…”
At this point, Zhang Fang lowered his head, showing signs of embarrassment.