Chapter 35: Returning to the Old Trade (Part 2)
"Shopkeeper."
She tied her motorcycle to the bookstore entrance and jogged inside. The shopkeeper, engrossed in calculating on an abacus, looked up at the boy's clear voice, glanced around discreetly, then went back to his abacus, tapping away. He asked casually, "What kind of booklet would you like to buy, sir?"
Shen Tang raised her hand and pointed to the sign outside the door that collected artwork.
The above is a notice offering high prices for artwork.
"Shopkeeper, are you accepting manuscripts? How much do you charge?"
As soon as she finished speaking, the shopkeeper's fingers, which had been moving smoothly on the abacus, paused. The "clattering" sound of the beads colliding stopped abruptly, leaving a lingering, pleasant aftertaste.
He looked up, paused on her face to confirm something, and then asked with a meaningful smile, "Sir, are you looking to sell a painting?"
Shen Tang nodded: "Yes, yes, I want to try it."
To everyone's surprise, the shopkeeper shook his head: "Sir, I'm afraid you can't provide the painting my shop wants. It's not suitable. Why don't you try another shop?"
"I'll draw it, shopkeeper, you can buy it. Is there anything wrong with that?"
The shopkeeper chuckled, then thought that Shen Tang was too young to understand, so he changed his words to a more tactful one: "For this kind of work, our shop usually looks for older, married painters. The painting skills are not required to be high, as long as they are pleasing to the eye. Age and experience are the most important factors."
Shen Tang was initially confused, but when she heard the suggestion that "age and experience are the most important," her expression turned strange.
She twitched her brow and subtly hinted back, "Oh, I see. Cough cough, I understand what you mean, shopkeeper, but sometimes age and experience aren't that important. I think knowledge and experience are more important."
The shopkeeper choked for a moment: "You understand?"
Shen Tang countered, "Why wouldn't I understand?"
He was, after all, the "playboy" in Qi Shan's words, "riding horses in brothels, indulging in pleasures, living a carefree and romantic life." If he didn't understand, wouldn't that be a disservice to the character that Qi Yuanliang had randomly created? Shen Tang felt that he must have made a living from erotic paintings before.
As everyone knows, before she transmigrated, she was an ordinary painter, a homebody who supported her family with her skills.
In her meager memories, her business scope was quite broad—from inexpensive freelance portraits to more expensive commercial artwork, she had drawn emojis and created fan art. Whether it was for learning or simply expanding her knowledge, she had dabbled in everything.
In terms of painting skills, he can't compare to those masters who make you want to kneel down, but making a living shouldn't be too difficult.
She has an inexplicable confidence in her professional skills.
The shopkeeper paused for a moment, wondering if he had misjudged him.
Considering that his notice had been up for days without anyone volunteering, and the client was pressing for an answer, he figured he might as well let someone give it a try. After all, it was a no-brainer to submit the artwork first and then get paid; if the artwork wasn't good or didn't meet the client's expectations, he wouldn't lose anything.
After a few moments of contemplation, the shopkeeper decided to let Shen Tang give it a try.
There are some unpleasant things to discuss upfront, such as the payment method and the requirements for the content of the paintings. This time, the client had specific requirements for the erotic paintings. The client was the top courtesan at Yuehua Tower, and the request was to paint a set of erotic portraits featuring him as the main character, conveying desire without being overtly lewd.
Shen Tang didn't pay attention to the other content for the time being.
She only heard the three words "Yuehua Tower"—what a coincidence, Yuehua Tower was the workplace of Mr. Chu.
"Is this what Yuehua Tower is called?"
Using his finger as a brush, he dipped it in tea and wrote the three characters "Yuehua Tower" on the wooden table. The strokes were bold and unrestrained, exuding a sense of grandeur. The overall effect was smooth, flowing, and pleasing to the eye.
The shopkeeper's eyes lit up, and he immediately became more expectant.
Judging from the handwriting, the artist's skills must also be quite good.
"Yes, yes, yes, it is indeed this Yuehua Tower."
There is only one Yuehualou in the entire Xiaocheng.
Shen Tang asked again, "I have no problem with portraits of erotic scenes, and I can accept any other requirements, but—I have never seen that courtesan."
The shopkeeper waved his hand and said, "Don't worry about that."
Generally, the person whose portrait is being painted will meet with the artist. If they are not very famous, they will even humble themselves and dress up carefully to be the model for the artist, just hoping that the portrait will look good.
It's important to know that commissioning an artist to paint erotic pictures isn't something just any prostitute or brothel owner can do. It's usually a privilege reserved for the top or near-top courtesans in brothels and theaters, and it's all about building up their reputation.
Firstly, to solidify popularity, and secondly, to attract potential customers.
If the erotic paintings are well-painted and sell well, one can earn a living from them as one grows older and one's youth fades.
In summary—
It looks a bit like a personal portrait.
The point isn't to teach you something new; the point is to highlight the beauty of the person.
Shen Tang learned something new: "Then I'll come back later?"
The shopkeeper said, "Why wait until later? Now is the perfect time to go."
Shen Tang was surprised and turned to look at the blazing sun outside.
"Now? During the day?"
Even though she doesn't have many memories, she knows that daytime isn't a good time to go.
The innkeeper chuckled and said, "That courtesan is quite popular. If you go again at night, young lady, he won't have time to entertain you, let alone paint. That kind of place is too chaotic and not suitable for you to go there at night. This time is the most suitable."
Shen Tang had no objection to this.
only--
"Is the manager very familiar with Yuehua Tower?"
The shopkeeper casually replied, "I wouldn't call myself familiar with them. After all, there are so many brothels and entertainment venues in Xiaocheng. I've worked with all of them. It's just that Yuehualou has a big reputation and good business, so I've had more contact with them."
Shen Tang looked thoughtful and asked, "If... I want to buy that servant from Yuehua Tower, how much would it cost approximately?"
Seeing her earnest question, the shopkeeper quickly conjured up a dramatic ethical tale of a poor painter stepping in to buy the release of his younger siblings from dire straits. After all, no normal person would waste money on a menial job in such a place unless there was a compelling reason.
"Well, it generally depends on whether the servant is male or female, old or young. Different conditions result in different prices." Having found a usable painter, the shopkeeper was satisfied with the client and was in a good mood. He didn't mind Shen Tang asking all sorts of questions. "But everyone knows those brothels and theaters. Except for their fair skin, they're all ruthless. They're very demanding and won't let go until they get their hands on something. Even a servant can ask for three to five times the normal price."
Shen Tang murmured, "That's true. To escape from a place like this that eats people alive, you really have to shed a layer of skin."
She had a bold idea.
If Mr. Chu is willing, she wants to buy him.
Qi Yuanliang, this "guide NPC," could disappear any day. If we buy that Mr. Chu, he can take over Qi Shan's position.
She didn't know Mr. Chu's address, but she was sure she could catch him at his workplace; he might escape, but he couldn't hide.
Shen Tang thought the bookstore owner's use of "many" in "Xiaocheng has so many brothels and theaters" was an exaggeration, but he never expected it to be the absolute truth. In the heart of Xiaocheng, five long streets were lined with shops selling such businesses.
It was daytime, but the streets were deserted and desolate.
She gasped, "So...so many?"
The shopkeeper seemed unsurprised.
"The prefectural government is encouraging construction, so how could there not be a lot?"
"The prefectural government encourages...the construction?"
Shen Tang was stunned for a moment.
The shopkeeper led Shen Tang to a newly decorated building and told her to wait outside while he went in to explain their purpose. He came out shortly after and said, "Perfect timing! That lady just woke up and will be here as soon as she's done her makeup. Let's go to a teahouse across the street and get a private room to wait."
(σ)σ:*☆The next chapter will showcase Tangmei's amazing drawing skills.
(End of this chapter)
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