The moment Shopkeeper Qian was forcibly taken away by the Dali Temple, the entire situation felt like a crumbling edifice collapsing. The once tightly knit, nefarious Jiangnan booksellers, like a mob struck by lightning, scattered in an instant. Those booksellers who had usually followed Shopkeeper Qian's lead, resorting to bullying and wantonly disrupting the publishing market, were now terrified, like frightened birds, fleeing in panic, fearing the shackles of punishment would fall upon their own necks. The dark forces that had once loomed heavy over the capital's publishing industry, like a haze, gradually began to dissipate as Shopkeeper Qian was escorted away. A ray of light quietly pierced the clouds, shedding light upon this fraught cultural and commercial sector.
Jinyun Bookstore, this cultural edifice that had stubbornly persevered through the storm, seemed to have broken free overnight from the shackles that bound it, revitalized with renewed vigor and vitality. A seemingly endless line formed in front of the bookstore, winding its way like a long, winding dragon, slowly extending from the entrance, around the corner, and disappearing from view. Each author in the queue clutched their meticulously crafted manuscript, as if it were the embodiment of their dreams. Their eyes gleamed with anticipation and enthusiasm, like twinkling stars in the night sky. They shouted, "Ms. Su, I want to sign the contract!" The echoing voices resonated long and deep in the street, like a stirring melody of hope and longing, expressing their deep trust in and eager anticipation for Jinyun Bookstore.
Su Jinli stood quietly at the door of the bookstore. The bustling and vibrant scene before her washed over her like a tide, leaving her with a mixture of emotions. An indescribable feeling of emotion, like a gurgling stream, quietly welled up in her heart, moistening her eyes and blurring her vision. Looking back on these days, for Jinyun Bookstore, she had fought through countless hardships and dangers, engaging in one thrilling battle of wits and courage after another with Manager Qian and others. She was under immense pressure that ordinary people could hardly imagine, and she took every step carefully, as if treading on thin ice. At this moment, seeing so many authors' unreserved trust and full support for Jinyun Bookstore, a warm current surged from deep within her heart. She felt that all her efforts and all her persistence had been perfectly interpreted at this moment, and everything was worth it.
Jiang Yan, without knowing when, quietly came up behind her with light and steady steps. He was like a gentle cloud, afraid to disturb Su Jinli's thoughts immersed in this complex emotion. He slowly stretched out his arms, his movements gentle and firm, as if protecting a rare treasure, and gently embraced Su Jinli in his arms, his chin gently resting on the top of her head, conveying endless warmth and peace of mind. His voice was low and gentle, just like the warmest breeze in spring, gently brushing past Su Jinli's ears, with a heart full of care and pampering, he whispered: "Madam, you have worked hard, I specially prepared your favorite peach blossom cake for supper."
"All you know is eating." Su Jinli burst into laughter, her smile as bright and moving as a flower blooming in spring. She turned gently, her eyes landing on Jiang Yan's cuffs, where she noticed a hint of ink. A slight stir in her heart, her eyes instantly revealing concern and confusion, as she softly asked, "Helping me copy the manuscript again?"
"Yes." Jiang Yan smiled and nodded. His smile was gentle and firm, like the warm sunshine on a spring day, which made people feel extremely at ease. He handed the exquisite lunch box to Su Jinli and then slowly said, "By the way, I have helped you organize a new copyright contract. From now on, all cooperation with each author will be strictly carried out in accordance with the regulations. I have always thought that we must ensure that the rights and interests of every author are effectively protected. Only in this way can everyone at Jinyun Bookstore create without worries and our cultural cause will flourish." His words were full of earnest expectations for the future development of Jinyun Bookstore and the heavy responsibility he felt for the cultural cause.
At that moment, a cheerful sound of footsteps approached from afar, like the joyful chirping of birds on a spring day. Su Qingyao and Young Marquis Su came running over like two lively fawns, clutching a pile of rouge and an abacus. Young Marquis Su's face was filled with excitement, a smile as bright as the sun, and his eyes shone with a lively and bright light, as if hiding countless little secrets. He eagerly pressed the abacus into Su Jinli's hands, his voice clear and resounding, like a silver bell, echoing through the air: "Sister! I calculated it, and we've made three thousand taels this time!" He looked like a child eagerly awaiting praise, exuding an air of innocence and pride.
"Understood, little accountant." Su Jinli took the abacus and a pleased smile appeared on her face, a smile full of the love and admiration of an older sister for her younger brother. She gently touched Young Marquis Su's head, her movements gentle and warm, as if caressing the most precious treasure in the world. Then, she turned her gaze to Su Qingyao.
Su Qingyao raised her chin slightly, with a hint of playful arrogance, and handed the exquisite rouge box in her hand to Jiang Yan, saying: "Here, I'll cover your dark circles, but don't burden my sister." Although there was a hint of anger in her words, it was more of a deep concern and love for her sister and brother-in-law.
At some point, the fluttering snowflakes stopped quietly. Warm and gentle sunlight, like thousands of golden threads, streamed through the bookstore windows, gently and delicately scattering across the shelves full of books. Those books seemed endowed with a magical vitality. Caressed by the sunlight, they gleamed with the light of wisdom, like countless bright stars. The sunlight also shone upon the smiling faces of the family, casting a warm and beautiful halo over their features, reflecting their happy and fulfilled appearance. Su Jinli gently took a bite of the peach blossom pastry in her hand. The sweet taste, like a lively spirit, instantly spread across her tongue, transforming into a warm current that slowly flowed through her heart. This sweetness, rich and mellow, seemed to have gathered all the happiness and beauty of this life, sweeter than any honey she had tasted in her previous life, as if it was fate's most beautiful gift for her hard work.
This chapter is not over yet, please click on the next page to continue reading!
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
