Chapter 90: Why Delay When We Can Start Today

Chapter 90: Why Delay When We Can Start Today

Although Zhang Xu was unlearned, he wasn’t foolish enough to think that he and the prince should be treated equally. After all, he just didn't like studying; he wasn't stupid.

Especially since—King Qing was right here!

He quickly averted his gaze, pretending not to see King Qing: "How could we compare ourselves to His Highness King Qing? It's our fault for not understanding the situation and causing this misunderstanding. Miss Kou, please don't take it to heart."

The others who had come with him were Zhang Xu’s followers and naturally kept quiet upon hearing his words.

"It's also my fault as the owner for underestimating everyone's love for *Painted Skin*. How about this: instead of choosing another day, let's start selling the second part of *Painted Skin* today to avoid disappointing our esteemed guests."

Hearing Xin You say this, Zhang Xu felt somewhat embarrassed: "Start selling today? Wouldn't that disrupt your plans?"

Xin You smiled charmingly: "Everything is already prepared. We just wanted a good omen to release the new book. With so many esteemed guests here today, I consider it an excellent auspicious day. Manager, write an announcement about the new book release and get ready."

The students who had come were mostly teenagers, and at this age, they tended to respond better to kindness than harshness, especially when the one speaking was a beautiful girl their own age. Their anger immediately dissipated.

Zhang Xu felt that Xin You had given him face and not only put away his attitude but also showed a bright smile: "Then I'll buy eight copies, one for each of my friends here today."

"Thank you, esteemed guest, for your support."

Zhang Xu glanced in the direction where King Qing had been, preparing to greet him, but found that King Qing was no longer there.

He praised himself inwardly.

Indeed, pretending not to see King Qing earlier was the right choice; now he didn't even have to bow!

For someone like Zhang Xu, the most daunting thing was interacting with people far more prestigious than himself, especially those around his age.

Liu Zhou and Shitou, two assistants, quickly brought a stack of books from the Printing House.

Zhang Xu bought eight copies and distributed them among his friends before leaving. As he walked out, he saw Duan Yunlang.

He vaguely recognized the young man and took a closer look.

Duan Yunlang bowed: "Master Zhang."

Zhang Xu raised an eyebrow: "Do you know me?"

Duan Yunlang smiled: "I'm also a student at the Imperial Academy."

"I remember!" Zhang Xu rubbed his forehead, "You're often with Meng Fei."

In the Imperial Academy, where children of officials gathered, the nephew of the Deputy Minister of the Imperial Horse Department was unremarkable, but the grandson of the Chancellor of the Imperial Academy was quite noticeable.

Especially since Meng Fei, who often got beaten by Chancellor Meng for not studying properly, left a good impression on Zhang Xu. After all, when Chief Minister Zhang scolded him, he could always say that while he ranked last, the Chancellor's grandson ranked second-to-last.

"Why are you here? Isn't today a holiday at the Imperial Academy?" Zhang Xu spoke more casually with Duan Yunlang.

Could it be that he heard about the commotion and came to show support?

Thinking this, Zhang Xu found Duan Yunlang much more agreeable.

"The owner of the bookstore is my sister." The relationship between the owner of Qingsong Bookstore and Shaoqing Mansion was well-known among those who frequently bought storybooks. Since Zhang Xu had seen him, Duan Yunlang did not hide it.

"Oh, then I apologize," Zhang Xu glanced at Xin You and lightly apologized to Duan Yunlang before leaving with his friends.

"Sister, you’re amazing!" Duan Yunlang watched Xin You deftly handle the notorious troublemaker from the Imperial Academy and was full of admiration.

Hu, the manager who had just finished writing the announcement, looked at Duan Yunlang and thought to himself that it was obvious.

Seeing Xin You looking over, Hu hurriedly asked: "Owner, is the announcement alright?"

Xin You glanced at it and nodded reluctantly: "It’s fine, post it."

If she had mentioned in the announcement that the book was released early due to King Qing's liking, it would likely boost sales significantly.

But considering Director He's warning, she decided against it.

Making money wasn't her true purpose for opening the bookstore; unnecessary trouble would be counterproductive.

Because he increasingly admired the new owner, Hu paid special attention to Xin You's reaction.

Why does it seem like the owner is a bit disappointed? Is there something lacking in the announcement? Hu wondered as he went outside.

"Cousin, let's talk in the reception room."

Xin You led Duan Yunlang into the reception room and poured him a cup of tea: "Do you know anything else about the people who came to cause trouble today?"

"You mean Zhang Xu?"

Xin You nodded: "With Zhang Xu's personality, if Qingsong Bookstore has caught his eye, we’ll likely have more dealings with him. It’s best to understand him better."

"He just comes from a good family; his grandfather is the current Chief Minister, and his father passed away long ago. Chief Minister Zhang only has this one grandson, so few dare to provoke him at the Imperial Academy, even though he always ranks last. The teachers can't do much about it."

"Is he close to Dai Ze?" Xin You asked nonchalantly.

"Dai Ze from the Count Gu Chang Manor? They are quite close, but Dai Ze isn't at the Imperial Academy."

Normally, Duan Yunlang wouldn't have any connection with Dai Ze, but Dai Ze's reputation at the Imperial Academy was legendary, passed down through generations.

"They say Dai Ze gets dizzy whenever he enters the Imperial Academy. At first, Count Gu Chang didn't believe it and beat him a few times, but every time he entered the academy, he vomited. Then Chancellor Meng expelled both him and his father."

Xin You was momentarily speechless.

"Sister, don't think less of Dai Ze because of Chancellor Meng. Despite being from a baronage, the Count Gu Chang Manor is the maternal family of King Qing."

Xin You listened attentively and gathered several pieces of information: Zhang Xu and Dai Ze frequently interacted, both disliked studying but loved reading storybooks, and Chancellor Meng was a principled figure who dared to defy the Count Gu Chang.

Xin You had another discovery: with the convenience of studying at the Imperial Academy, the cheerful Duan Yunlang knew quite a lot.

When sending Duan Yunlang out, Xin You casually picked up a copy of *Painted Skin* that had just been placed on the shelf: "Cousin, take this home to read."

Duan Yunlang's eyes lit up, and he accepted it without hesitation: "Thank you, Cousin. Would you like to come back with me for dinner?"

"No, I'll stay here since we suddenly decided to sell the new book today. Could you please tell Grandmother for me?"

Duan Yunlang readily agreed, but was startled when he stepped outside: "Cousin, there are so many people in front of the notice board!"

Xin You smiled slightly.

The saying 'choosing a day is not as good as bumping into one' is no empty phrase. With a group of students causing trouble, how could it not pique people's curiosity?

Curiosity is the best form of promotion.

At the opposite Yaxin Bookstore, Manager Gu looked at the crowd surging toward the Qingsong Bookstore, his face dark as the bottom of a pot.

This Qingsong Bookstore is shameless, how dare they suddenly release a new book!

"Manager, what should we do?" the clerk asked with a troubled expression.

"What else can we do? Tell the Printing House to hurry up and bring our books over; we'll release our new book too!"