Inside Chunmanlou, the area where Old Man Bai was telling stories was already packed with people. If there was another person who had actually come to listen, then it was hard to say.
Since Old Man Bai started selling books, almost every day has been a huge success, which has also greatly improved the business of Chunmanlou.
After another storytelling session ended, Old Man Bai had just stepped off the stage and was preparing to rest.
Old Man Bai was drinking tea when he suddenly felt something was wrong. Why were those people who would usually swarm around him so quickly today?
"I presume you are Mr. Bai? I have already read all the books you sell, and they are truly captivating. I wonder if Mr. Bai would be willing to have a chat with me upstairs?"
When the old man looked up, he saw a well-dressed young man talking to him.
The man was quite good-looking in every way, but the old man always felt that he had a somewhat sleazy air about him.
“Young master, you are joking. I am just a poor storyteller. There is no need for you to treat me like this. If you have something to say, just say it.”
With a fervent look in his eyes, Meng Wenzhou said, "Mr. Bai, you mustn't say that. I have never seen such a beautifully written book before. Please come upstairs; I have prepared a banquet for you."
This praise made Old Man Bai feel quite flattered. After hesitating for a moment, he followed along. He didn't think the other party would do anything to him, since the item wasn't originally his. If they had other ideas, they would just leave empty-handed.
Upon going upstairs, a fine banquet was indeed prepared, the most expensive banquet in Chunmanlou.
After Old Master Bai took his seat, Meng Wenzhou quickly filled his glass with wine. "Old Master Bai, although my visit was indeed a bit abrupt, there are some things I really want to tell you."
Old Bai took the wine glass, took a small sip, and said, "This wine of yours is quite expensive, and I'm sure what you're about to tell me is not simple either. I advise you not to say it."
"I will never let Mr. Bai's future be affected. All I want to do is cooperate with Mr. Bai and sell your book throughout the entire dynasty."
Old Master Bai's mind went blank for a moment. He really hadn't thought of this before. When did this kind of book become so prestigious that it had to be sold throughout the entire dynasty?
Although there are no explicit regulations prohibiting the sale, people usually do this secretly. If it were to become a large-scale operation, there would definitely be people who would object.
“Young master, I think your invitation to drink this cup of wine today is a waste of time. I can’t make the decision, and I don’t think it’s feasible. You’d be better off finding something more respectable to do.”
Seeing the old man looking at him strangely, Meng Wenzhou didn't care at all.
“Mr. Bai, I’m not joking with you, I’m sincere. If you’re willing to agree, I will definitely help you promote it with all my might.”
After hesitating for a moment, the old man asked, "Young master, are you perhaps out of your mind? If you really have a large and powerful family, if your family finds out about this, they might break your legs."
With utmost sincerity, Meng Wenzhou said, "You don't need to worry about these things. I started from scratch, and I can make decisions on my own. As long as Mr. Bai is willing to agree, that's fine."
“It’s not that I don’t want to agree, young master. As I said, this business isn’t actually mine. I’m just helping someone else. Please don’t make things difficult for me. I will pay you back for the banquet.”
Meng Wenzhou said with some regret, "It seems that Mr. Bai is determined to refuse. But it doesn't matter. Mr. Bai doesn't need to worry about the cost of the banquet. Consider it a small token of my appreciation."
Old Man Bai's heart was in turmoil. Although helping to move the books was a way of repaying the life-saving grace, he would naturally be willing to help Ning Ye and the others more if he could.
This matter may indeed be risky, but if it can be sold in various places as Meng Wenzhou said, then the funds will flow in continuously.
Moreover, Ning Ye had already used up most of the books he had exchanged before, since he hadn't expected them to be so popular.
If he were to do it himself, he would need far too many things. Ning Ye originally planned to stop after selling all these books, but now that there is a new partner, Old Man Bai thinks he might be able to help again.
"Seeing how serious you are, I don't mind listening to your thoughts. If possible, I might agree."
Meng Wenzhou, who had been somewhat disappointed, immediately showed excitement on his face again. "It's like this, I've always been in the paper business, and I originally wanted to make some changes to my business, and your book has given me hope."
After Meng Wenzhou's detailed introduction, Old Man Bai suddenly realized that this young master might actually be a very strong and capable man.
He started from scratch and amassed considerable wealth in just five or six years, making him one of the richest people in the region. If such a person were to cooperate with him, the benefits would be immense.
After listening, the old man asked another question that had been bothering him, "Young master, if you really wanted to, you could just take the book and copy it directly. Why did you have to choose me?"
"When I do business, I believe in doing things willingly. If I don't tell you and do it directly, it's just robbing you by force, and I don't stoop to that."
Old Man Bai picked up his wine cup and said, "Since that's the case, then I'll grant your request for cooperation. We can do business together, and if I'm able to write a new book in the future, I'll definitely inform you as soon as possible."
Meng Wenzhou was also extremely excited, and the two of them toasted each other. Of course, it would have been even better if the topic of conversation had been more serious.
The two of them still don't realize just how outrageous what they're about to do will be.
Many things happen unexpectedly, and the effects they have afterward are often quite astonishing.
Old Man Bai didn't plan to tell Ning Ye about this directly. Instead, he intended to keep it a secret for now and talk about it later. If it worked out, that would be a good thing. If it didn't, Old Man Bai would take full responsibility for it. This was the only way to ensure that Ning Ye wouldn't be affected.
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
