The novel Xia Zhi had signed a contract for was titled [Cultivation: Starting with a Broken Engagent]. Miss Chi Yu had already read the manuscript many tis, but she was still eager to flip through the sample copy again.
The sample copy had barely made any edits to the original manuscript, including the more... interesting parts. Xia Zhi had written it cleverly, avoiding anything too explicit or vulgar. He focused on normal scenes, like how the characters would gently nibble each other's earlobes during a kiss. It felt suggestive but never crossed the line into being indecent.
Of course, that was just one aspect. The most important thing was that the book had a fast-paced rhythm, plenty of satisfying monts, and a fresh storyline that was several versions ahead of other novels in this world.
After quickly finishing the book, Miss Chi Yu handed it to Zhu Zi.
Zhu Zi was hooked from the very beginning.
Can novels really be written like this?
She felt like she had stumbled upon a treasure trove. She hugged the book and imrsed herself in it, so much so that she didn't even fight with Miss Chi Yu over who would tend to the stove during lunch.
Diona stood nearby, feeling a bit restless.
"Senior Zhu Zi, is it good?"
"It's really good!"
"Is it really that good?"
"Yes! It's the best novel I've ever read!"
The best?!
Diona's curiosity grew even stronger, her cat tail swishing restlessly behind her. But there was nothing she could do. She wasn't very familiar with Liyue characters, so even if she had the book, she wouldn't be able to understand much.
What a sha to be held back by illiteracy!
When it was ti for lunch, Zhu Zi reluctantly put the novel down.
As good as the boss's novel is, it still can't compare to his cooking.
"Boss, I didn't know you could write novels!"
"Just a little. I wrote it casually. How is it?"
"It's amazing!"
"Tomorrow, rember to go to Wanwen Bookhouse and buy a few more copies. Keep so in the shop for custors to read, and give the rest to everyone as souvenirs."
"Got it!"
In the afternoon, Yaoyao ca over. The little girl was also very interested in the novel her big brother had written.
Diona pulled Yaoyao aside and whispered, "You're too young. You shouldn't read it!"
Yaoyao was puzzled. "Why not?"
"It's just not suitable."
"Big brother, can't Yaoyao read it?"
"It's fine. You can read it. Big brother wrote a proper book."
"Okay!"
Besides, it's good for girls to know more so they won't be easily deceived.
As for whether it might make them less innocent...
True innocence isn't about knowing less; it's about holding onto your principles.
The next morning, Zhu Zi took Diona to Wanwen Bookhouse.
It was October 1st, and the shop had just stocked a new batch of books, prominently displayed.
Madam Jifang stood behind the counter, reading a book.
Zhu Zi imdiately spotted the boss's novel.
"Boss, I'd like 12 copies of Cultivation: Starting with a Broken Engagent."
"Sure."
"Can I get a discount?"
"New books don't get discounts."
"But I'm buying so many!"
"Even if you buy a lot, no discount."
"Then throw in a dictionary! That one's been collecting dust anyway. You're not selling it."
"…Fine."
"I'll take the Mondstadt-Liyue bilingual dictionary."
"That'll be 1,200 Mora."
"Here you go."
"Co again."
"I will."
Zhu Zi took the books and handed the dictionary to Diona. "Here."
"Senior Zhu Zi…"
"You can use the dictionary to slowly read the book."
"Actually, I'm not that interested…"
"It's fine. You'll need the dictionary eventually anyway."
"Oh."
Diona reluctantly accepted the dictionary, then helped Zhu Zi carry so of the novels back to the shop.
"Boss, we've brought the books!"
"Good job."
"There weren't many people buying books at the shop!"
"It's like that on the first day."
"Wanwen Bookhouse isn't doing a good job. In Inazuma, Yae Publishing House always puts up notices and advertisents outside the shop when they release new books!"
"Really? We can advertise ourselves."
"Huh?"
"Go get so paper and a brush. I'll write a notice to put up at the entrance tomorrow when we open. It'll say that custors who bring this novel to the shop can get a 50% discount."
"That's such a loss!"
"Advertising always costs money. We're not short on funds."
"Oh."
After writing the notice, Xia Zhi distributed the books to everyone, one copy each, and placed the rest on the tables.
Zhu Zi suddenly rembered sothing and brought her copy over. "Boss, can you sign it for ?"
"Sign it?"
"Yes. At Yae Publishing House, they sell signed editions of novels for double the price of regular ones!"
"The owner of Yae Publishing House really knows how to do business… Here, signed."
"Thank you, boss!"
"No problem. What about the rest of you? Want signatures too?"
"Yes!"
And so, Xia Zhi got to experience the thrill of a book signing, autographing each copy with his pen na: Rainy Night with a Knife but No Umbrella.
Miss Chi Yu was curious. "Boss, why did you choose this pen na?"
"That… is a secret."
"?"
"Don't you think it has a certain charm?"
"It sounds like an assassin!"
"Well, I've always wanted to be an assassin since I was a kid."
"!"
"Do you know about hidden blades?"
"What's that?"
"A weapon used by assassins. It's hidden in your hand, and nothing is true… Never mind, it's hard to explain. Maybe I'll write about it in a novel soday."
"Boss, when are you writing the sequel?"
"Whenever inspiration strikes."
"Oh."
In the afternoon, Yaoyao ca over, and Xia Zhi gave her a signed copy of the novel.
The little girl was overjoyed.
Xia Zhi smiled and said, "Today is October 1st, and everyone's here. It's ti to hand out the salaries."
"Yay!"
"Go get the money from the storeroom."
"Okay!"
"Last month, everyone had perfect attendance. Diona ca two days late, but I'll count it as full attendance. For the base salary, Yaoyao gets 5,000 Mora, and everyone else gets 10,000. Then there's the bonus. Everyone worked hard, so I've rated you all as excellent. Since the novel I signed has been released, I'll also give everyone a 2,000 Mora bonus."
"Thank you, boss!"
"The money's on the table. Count it yourselves."
"Okay!"
"Miss Chi Yu, I'll have to deduct the massage charges from last month."
"Ah… Right."
---
At Yuehai Pavilion.
Private intelligence officer Baiwen was giving Ningguang her routine report.
At the end, she added, "Lady Ningguang, Mr. Xia's novel, which he signed with Liyue Publishing House, was released today."
"Oh?"
"I've already bought a copy. Would you like to see it?"
"Yes, let take a look."
Baiwen handed the novel to Ningguang.
Ningguang was intrigued. "Cultivation: Starting with a Broken Engagent? Interesting title…"
She opened the book and began reading.
Before long, she finished the entire novel, her expression turning slightly peculiar.
"This book… is indeed unique… It'll probably sell very well…"
----
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