Qiaolian then realized, "So, Miss did it on purpose! I knew it had been a long time since you'd been so unreasonable..."
She quickly shut her mouth.
Why did I speak so carelessly today?
Qiaolian quickly forced a smile and said to Jiang Segu, "Miss, what I mean is that you've been so kind lately. When you chased someone away today, I thought you were upset by the waiter and that's why you didn't care!"
Jiang Segu glared at Qiaolian, not wanting to argue with her.
"Mother, Azi did do it on purpose just now, but those people were driven out, and for the sake of their own reputation, they will probably focus on spreading rumors that Azi is tyrannical. What if they forget to mention that I bought 100,000 books!"
It wasn't that she was maliciously speculating about people's hearts; it's just that people's hearts have always been like this.
Grandma Jiang pondered for a moment, "How about this, there are three relatively large bookstores on Yuehua Street. You can buy 25,000 books from each of them. This way, you can expand the scope of your promotion without affecting the business of Jigu Bookstore."
"Since you haven't pressed me too hard, Manager Shan will likely be willing to defend you when others speak ill of you."
"Mother is so thoughtful!"
When Manager Shan heard that only 25,000 books were needed, he did not slam his fist on the table in anger. Instead, he offered advice to Jiang Segu and invited the managers of the other three bookstores.
The group talked for a full hour before deciding which books their respective bookstores would sell and setting fair prices.
After the matter was settled, the managers of the other three bookstores took the book lists back to their respective bookstores and instructed their staff to organize the books so that they could be delivered to Jiang Segu by sunset.
Manager Shan told the waiters that it was on his advice and persuasion that Jiang Segu did not insist on buying 100,000 books. He said that if anyone were to seriously harm Jiang Segu in the future, that person would be kicked out of Jigu Bookstore.
Therefore, the waiters naturally dared not disobey.
Although the book matter was settled, Jiang Segu urgently needed to find Elder Ye to inquire about the Phoenix Painting!
Seeing that the matter had been resolved satisfactorily, Jiang Segu still frowned slightly. Manager Shan casually asked, "I wonder if there is anything troubling you, young lady?"
"To be honest, Manager Shan, the reason I came here is to seek out Elder Ye!" Jiang Segu said somewhat embarrassedly, "Actually, I'm not familiar with Elder Ye, but I have something I'd like to ask for his help with!"
"I wonder if your visit to Elder Ye is related to the matter of Xibei?"
Jiang Segu was stunned. What was this about Xibei?
Grandma Jiang understood the meaning behind the words and replied, "That's right! I am the owner of Zhenbaozhai. Today, our Zhenbaozhai sold a phoenix painting. Originally, we sold it as an authentic piece, but after the customer received it and gave it away as a gift, the person returned it to the customer who bought it today, claiming that the painting was fake!"
When customers came knocking, our Zhenbaozhai was at a loss for words. It was Mr. Xiao who told us to bring the fakes to see Master Ye, saying that Master Ye could help us!
After listening, Manager Shan explained to the two, "Old Master Ye is not only good at using an abacus, but also at painting. When the bookstore is not busy, he will paint in the backyard."
Over the years, he has become obsessed with painting and has indeed developed some skill, imitating many ancient paintings with remarkable accuracy.
However, I haven't seen him paint recently, so I suppose the phoenix painting in your shop isn't by Master Ye!
Jiang Segu took the painting from Qiaohe's hands and spread it on the table. "Manager Shan, please take a look. Think carefully, have you ever seen Master Ye copy this painting?"
Manager Shan stepped forward, looked at it for a while, and then shook his head, "I've never seen it before. Old Master Ye has always liked landscape paintings and rarely imitates anything else."
Jiang Segu was somewhat disappointed upon hearing this. Just as she was about to put the painting away, she heard Manager Shan say, "However, Manager Li of Qingruo Hall likes to paint birds and animals. Why don't you try your luck, young lady?"
"May I ask how old you are, Manager Li?"
Manager Shan, not knowing why Jiang Segu was asking this, honestly replied, "Forty-two."
The age matches, and he's skilled at painting birds and animals, so it's probably a 100% accurate guess!
However, if we go directly to his door to ask, Manager Li might not be able to accept it, so we need to consider this matter further.
"How much does Manager Shan know about Manager Li?"
"Old Li is a good person, warm-hearted and reliable. He just has a good-for-nothing son who does nothing but eat, drink, gamble and whore all day long."
I heard that a few days ago, people from brothels and gambling dens came to Old Li's door demanding money. For some reason, they vandalized Qingruo Hall, and Old Li had to pay out of his own pocket to cover the damages.
Manager Shan sighed softly, "Fortunately, the owner of Qingruotang is kind and did not fire Lao Li because of this. He only asked Lao Li to finish dealing with his family matters before returning to the shop."
Speaking of this, Manager Shan remembered that he had run into Old Li earlier that morning, and said, "Old Li should be at Qingruo Hall today. He walked past our bookstore a little earlier!"
After saying that, he sighed again, "I suppose he sold the carriage to pay off his son's debts!"
Thus, Jiang Segu understood!
"Thank you very much, Manager Shan. I hope you will not mention this matter to anyone else. I am extremely grateful!"
"I am not one to talk much, young lady, please rest assured!"
Thus, Jiang Segu left Jigu Bookstore with Grandma Jiang.
Their carriage arrived at Qingruo Hall.
"Azi, if we come to Manager Li like this, I'm afraid he won't recognize us. Why don't we send Qiaohe back to find Yadong?"
Ya Dong is the waiter who remembers going to the Treasure Shop with Miss Song.
Jiang Segu shook her head. Even if Ya Dong's people came and recognized Manager Li, they couldn't force Manager Li to commit a crime unless he admitted it.
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