Linxia

Chapter 130, Beginning

Two days after returning from the Qixi Festival banquet, Fang Lin felt that the matter was almost fermented, so he decided to start without further delay.

Come back in the evening.

Dinner was jelly, which was white, transparent, and crystal-like, topped with spicy garlic sauce and was quite delicious.

The oil lamp was flickering with a golden flame, a kitten was lying obediently not far away, and the family sat around the table, eating and chatting.

Fang's mother talked about the Xin family: "Xiaoyun has had a baby, and life has been difficult. She has to take care of the child, and there is no mother-in-law to help. The house has become messy. When I sat there last time, there was a lot of chicken shit on the floor, chairs, stove, and footboard in front of the bed. There was no place to step... Also, Xiaoyun is busy making clothes for others all day long, and she is obsessed with making money. I heard that when she is making clothes, she sometimes steals cloth..."

"Sister Xiaoyun didn't do that before, but now she's different from others. She has to consider Yaer and plan for her future. There's nothing she can do about it." Tian Xuan saw it clearly.

Fang Lin listened, and later told him about opening a bookstore.

"You have an idea, but you have to think it through. Doing business is not just about focusing on the business itself and running it well. There are also dirty and dirty tricks that are not easy to do." Fang's father has been a manager at the dock for so long, and it is not in vain. He has a clear understanding of the society in the capital.

"Dad, don't worry, I have considered everything." Fang Lin said.

"Do you need me to tell you? Even the prefect Linzi knows him. Have you forgotten how your steward came about? Our son is smarter and more capable than us." Fang's mother rolled her eyes at Fang's father and said.

"Yeah!" Father Fang nodded in agreement.

If he had heard this before coming to the capital, he would definitely feel uncomfortable and disappointed because of his face as the head of the family, but now, his mentality has already calmed down. You said "my son is more capable than you" and "I rely on my son", then you are right, as if your son is not my son.

In many cases, the joy or sorrow of many things is just a matter of changing your mindset. Put aside your pride and the world will open up to you with one thought.

"Sister Xuan, you come to the store to cook then."

"Okay!" Tian Xuan agreed, thinking that when she went there, she would have more time to spend with Fang Lin, so she was naturally happy about it.

"Seeing that you have already planned everything, just go ahead and do it. If there is anything you want me to do, just let me know."

"That's right. We can only help with some odd jobs. We can't do anything else. Just like your father said, just do it... Even if it doesn't work out, at worst we can find another job. There's still the manure business, and there's us... No matter what, can it be worse than this time last year?"

"That's right." Fang Lin felt warm in his heart and all the pressure was gone.

He has his own plans. In fact, he doesn't need any help from his family. His family serves as a strong backing and spiritual harbor, which is the greatest role. Compared with many families, his family is already very good. At least there is no instability in the back, and no one will be distracted by trivial matters.

"After getting the support of my family, the next step is to divide the shares and build a community of interests. It is estimated that a total of 500 taels will be needed. I have accumulated 300 taels now, accounting for 60%. The remaining 200 taels will be used to invite Prefect Pu, Dong Zugao, and Xu Kuo Lao to invest. They each bring their own resources, from top to bottom, and take a high-level view. Most of the problems can be solved in an instant." Fang Lin said secretly.

……

It had been said long ago that the 10% stake of Magistrate Pu was not valued in itself, but more for the protection of "Romance of the Three Kingdoms". After a trip, Master Peng took care of it and signed the contract.

The 20% stake from Dong Zugao went smoothly. Even though he was preparing for the autumn examination, he still took time out to meet Fang Lin. When he heard that Fang Lin wanted to start his own business, he invested without asking many questions and also said that he could use his connections at any time.

Finally, Xu Kuo grew old.

……

"Now the court has relaxed its policy on popular novels. This is a trend and momentum... I plan to open a bookstore with a total investment of 500 taels. I would like to ask Brother Xu to contribute 50 taels and join in." Fang Lin analyzed the market and stated his intention.

Xu Kuo Lao turned the blood jade ring on his hand, listened carefully with an expressionless face, nodded, and realized Fang Lin's intention of coming here to protect him.

"I have invested in this business, but 10% is too little and not very interesting. How about this... three hundred taels of silver and 30% of the shares." He looked over, and as his name suggested, he exuded a sense of wealth.

——The total is five hundred taels, and one tenth of the shares is fifty taels. The three hundred taels, as long as there is a 30% stake, is directly a premium of double.

"Brother Xu, are you so optimistic about this business?"

"I'm not optimistic about this business, I'm optimistic about you! In the final analysis, a business still needs people to do it. I don't judge the business, I only judge the people... Today I'm making this clear. Even if this business fails and my investment goes down the drain, I won't hesitate to invest in you next time."

"Thank you for your trust, Brother Xu. However, I really can't give up more shares. Even Prefect Pu only owns 10%." Fang Lin said.

"Good boy, you even dragged Prefect Pu into this? Prefect Pu has a reputation in the city as a tough guy, but he made an exception for you this time... Oh, I remember, the Romance of the Three Kingdoms that has been circulating in the city recently is about you... It seems that you are not here to ask for my help, but to give me wealth!" Xu Kuolao narrowed his eyes, smiled and pointed at Fang Lindao.

After the Qixi Festival banquet, in the past two days, the reputation of "Linjiangxian" by Mr. Bo Nanshan and "Romance of the Three Kingdoms" praised by Prefect Pu became known. But if you don't pay attention to this aspect, you really don't know that Fang Lin is behind "Linjiangxian" and "Romance of the Three Kingdoms".

Pu Zhifu commented that the Romance of the Three Kingdoms was no less than Water Margin. The bookstore business, if these two were combined, would definitely make a lot of money. Moreover, since Pu Zhifu had a stake in the bookstore and supported the Romance of the Three Kingdoms, why would he be needed? Bringing him in was just to unite more forces. In other words, he would not make much more, and he would not make much less. He was more of a gift of money and favors, and a bond of interest.

"Not really. Prefect Pu did invest a share, but it's not a good idea to bother him. Brother Dong is in charge of the minor official matters. I've also met Brother Xu, and he's preparing for the autumn examination..."

Fang Lin paused and said, "I still need Brother Xu's help with some gang matters."

He just said some things briefly. There was no need to mention Pu Zhifu's 10%, and Dong Zugao's 20% stake, in addition to their relationship, also represented potential investment in the future.

Xu Kuo was a smart man, so he naturally understood what he meant, but he still tried to argue, "20% of the shares, 300 taels, I can lend you another 300 taels interest-free, and I can also stock up more goods."

"This...Brother Xu, I really can't afford to give you more shares."

"How much have you distributed so far..."

Xu Kuo Lao changed his generous attitude when they first met, and returned the money a hundredfold, not taking it seriously. At this time, he was like a shrewd businessman, very careful with every penny, but what he was very careful with was the dry shares. He would rather pay more cash or interest-free loans as compensation.

Finally, the two reached an agreement to buy a 15% stake at a price of 300 taels, and to borrow an additional 300 taels of silver at no interest to stock up on goods.

Sign the deed to finalize the matter.

After the decision was made, Xu Kuo Lao immediately showed his attitude, considering and working for the bookstore business: "You are right. If we can use the relationship with Prefect Pu, then we don't need it. Let Brother Dong handle the minor official business of running the bookstore."

Fang Lin nodded.

He also thought so. He had connections with Prefect Pu. Good steel should be used on the blade. A bookstore, a small official matter, can be handled by Dong Zugao. For example, Qian Wenyan, whom he met on the eve of the New Year, was asked about Sister Guihua. With his identity as a clerk in the government office, it was enough.

"Let me handle the black ones. I'll send two people to keep an eye on them. If there are any blind people, leave them to me..."

Although Xu Kuo Lao was smiling, there was a hint of coldness on his body. This was because he was not so kind in front of others.

"Okay, thank you, Brother Xu."

"You're too polite, aren't you? I also have a share in this business, it's my job. Also, I know Mr. Feng, the owner of a printing house, and I'll give him a discount when he prints the book. Also, I'll send some people to watch it during printing to prevent leaks..." It must be said that Xu Kuo Lao was really meticulous just now, and now that they are working together, he is still really serious about doing things, taking everything into consideration, big or small, and taking the initiative to take on things that Fang Lin hadn't said.

After discussing it for a while, before leaving, Xu's wife came out and complained: "It's just a 10% or 50% stake, and you and Xiao Fang are haggling over it..."

Fang Lin often came here, and he never came empty-handed. He brought gifts for Xu Kuo Lao, for her, and for the children. He was very thoughtful and polite, so she had a very good impression of Fang Lin.

"What do you know? Just based on the book Romance of the Three Kingdoms, the bookstore's business will not be bad. I estimate that the ability to make money is not less than the shares of the fleet and the dock."

"So many? Isn't that the hen that lays golden eggs?" Xu's wife was surprised, and then she said unhappily, "I don't believe you. You can't even read a single word, and you think you can tell whether a book is good or bad? Do you have the vision to do that?"

"Hey, I can't read a single word, but I can judge people. I have worked hard to get to where I am today, and I rely on this pair of eyes to judge people. Besides, if you don't believe me, you should believe Magistrate Pu, right? Magistrate Pu dares to bet on Brother Fang, so why shouldn't I follow him?"

Xu Kuo Lao said, waving his hands: "Forget it, what can I say to a woman like you? Just wait and see, within two or three years, Brother Fang will have a place in Huai'an."

……

After deciding on the share distribution, solving the problem of supply, and the connections between the black and white worlds, the rest was to select a location for the bookstore, recruit clerks, and resign.

In the past two days, in addition to waiting for the reputation of the Qixi Banquet to ferment, Fang Lin was also thinking about working in Xuan Mo Zhai for a full month and completing it from beginning to end.

It’s just right that wages are paid today.

Business at Xuan Mo Zhai was slow these days, but Manager Liu still paid wages according to the busiest time after Cheng Shiliang left, when Fang Lin received four taels of silver, and Huang Di and Chai Yiwei received three taels and eight cents of silver.

Fang Lin and the other two confiscated the items, and felt ashamed of the state of the store.

"Take them all!" Shopkeeper Liu spoke from the bottom of his heart, "Nowadays, the world is changing too fast, and it changes every day. I can't understand it and can't keep up with the times. I'm getting old! Even if I don't work and just run the shop, I feel overwhelmed. I have thought about selling the shop, but thinking of you... Well, I'll just hold on for a year or two and then see. I'm telling you all this today so that you can be prepared."

Huang Di and Chai Yiwei felt worried and confused after hearing this. They had seen that the store’s business was not good, but what would they do if it really closed in the future?
Huang Di was with Madam Qiu and had to raise two children. Could he really find such a good job after leaving Xuan Mo Zhai? Chai Yiwei's family lived in the countryside under the city. If Xuan Mo Zhai was sold, would he have to go back and face his partial father and stepmother?
Fang Lin was originally considering the location of the bookstore. When he heard that Shopkeeper Liu was considering quitting, he told him his plan: "Shopkeeper, my friends and I have pooled some money together and are planning to open a bookstore. If you don't want to run it, I am willing to pay three hundred taels of silver to buy the shop, and Dizi and Yiwei can also stay."

The market price of Xuan Mo Zhai's shop was about 250 or 60 taels, and he offered 300 taels, which was considered a premium, and it was all for the friendship between the two of them. Of course, he didn't lose much either, as Xuan Mo Zhai's reputation was deeply rooted in people's hearts. If he continued to open a bookstore, he could convert some of his old customers, which was the intangible value.

After listening to this, Shopkeeper Liu pondered for a moment and suddenly said, "Alright, I agree to this, but I don't want the money anymore. I'll just give you 10% of the shop as shares!"

This statement is earth-shattering.

Huang Di and Chai Yiwei were listening on the side and were both stunned. First, a clerk like them suddenly said that he wanted to buy the whole store and become the boss. Then, Manager Liu not only agreed, but also said that he did not want cash, but would convert the shop into 10% shares.

They knew that Manager Liu was optimistic about Fang Lin, but they didn't expect him to be so optimistic. The shop was worth three hundred taels of silver, and if he only wanted a 10% stake, wouldn't the total price be three thousand taels?

"To be honest with you, my business is just a small one, and my total investment is only five hundred taels. Wouldn't it be embarrassing for me to take a 10% stake in the shop?"

Fang Lin didn't mention the shares before because of this reason. The value of Xuan Mo Zhai shop is relatively too high. Injecting it into the store will dilute his shares too much, which is equivalent to working for others.

"Do you think I'm stupid?"

Shopkeeper Liu looked at the three people's reactions and said with a smile, "I have been saying that I forgot something these past two days and I can't remember it. I just heard Fang Lin talking about opening a bookstore and I suddenly realized it. Fang Lin, the popular novel "Linjiangxian" and the "Romance of the Three Kingdoms" written by the prefect these days are all the rage in the city. You wrote it, right? A popular novel that is no worse than "Water Margin". What is the value of this? If I exchange the shop for 10% of the shares, I can earn back my investment in a year or two. In the future, it will be pure profit. I am still the one who got the advantage in this matter."

After hearing this, Huang Di and Chai Yiwei looked at Fang Lin in shock again.

"It's me." Fang Lin thought for a moment and said, "The shopkeeper said he wants to give me 10% of the shares in the shop. That's fine. I agree, but I can add a clause to the contract that the shopkeeper can withdraw at any time and get back the 300 taels of silver."

Three hundred taels for one share, a five or six times premium over the original price of fifty taels, but this is the added value brought by his own "Romance of the Three Kingdoms". Pu Zhifu, Dong Zugao, and Xu Kuolao, the three of them, have potential, additional resource investment, etc.

Although there was a premium in exchanging the shop for 10% of the shares, Fang Lin was confident that he would not let Manager Liu suffer a loss. However, this matter had not been confirmed, and considering the feelings of outsiders, he still left Manager Liu a way out, so that he could choose to take the 300 taels and exit at any time.

"I should use the money I saved from buying the shop to stock up on goods, and make a killing before pirated copies come out," Fang Lin decided secretly.

Huang Di and Chai Yiwei felt mixed emotions when they heard Fang Lin and Manager Liu finalize the matter. On the one hand, they no longer had to worry about the store closing, which made them feel relieved. On the other hand, the clerks from half a day ago suddenly became the bosses. This feeling...

"Brother Fang, congratulations. We can still work together in the future!" Chai Yiwei said happily.

"Linzi, I knew you would rise to prominence in the future, but I didn't expect it to be so soon." Huang Di sighed.

"It's a good solution to this problem. I didn't expect that in the end, it still depends on you, Fang Lin. The younger generation pushes the older generation forward!" Shopkeeper Liu looked at Fang Lin and said, "Fang Lin, I want to ask you two favors in the end."

"What are you talking about, boss? What do you mean by asking for help or not? Just tell me, as long as I can do it, I will try my best."

"First, this Xuan Mo Zhai is the fruit of my life's work. Can you please not change the name after you take over?"

"Don't worry, shopkeeper. As long as it's in my hands, Xuan Mo Zhai will not change its name." Fang Lin promised with a serious look.

In fact, even if Manager Liu didn't say anything, he didn't plan to change it. After all, Xuan Mo Zhai was an old brand. If "Romance of the Three Kingdoms" really sold well, he might be able to bring back all his old customers.

"Another thing is, I want my son Liu Hongwen to come work for you. He was badly cheated by Hong Yingheng, and he has lost his temper. I want him to come out and do some work to adjust his mood... You don't have to consider my face, just do what you want, and treat him as an ordinary clerk in the store."

"I was just saying that there was one person short of paying the bill. It's just right that Brother Liu is here. He is a scholar, and it would be a waste of his talent to put him to good use. This will definitely work."

Fang Lin also agreed. Liu Hongwen was a bit arrogant, but after all, he was taught by Manager Liu and Master Ou, so there was no big problem with his character. As long as he was not allowed to participate in management, it would be fine for him to be a simple clerk.

"At this point, the store has almost enough staff, but considering that the store might be very busy when Romance of the Three Kingdoms is selling well, we should also bring Geng Shi here. Apart from cashiering, he will be familiar with other tasks quickly with someone to guide him," Fang Lin calculated.

Afterwards, Manager Liu told Fang Lin some of his experience in running a bookstore, such as selecting books, maintaining old customers, etc.: "These things are all old things from the past. Fang Lin, just listen to them and use them as a reference. You don't have to copy them all... Also, doing business in the city also requires building relationships. I'm sure you know this, so I won't say more."

He knew the relationship between Fang Lin and Prefect Pu, Xu Kuolao, Dong Zugao and others, and knew that it would not be a problem to support a bookstore.

"Thank you, Manager Liu. These are of great use to me and have saved me from taking so many detours." Fang Lin spoke from the heart and indeed benefited a lot from them.

"As long as it's useful, that's good! I'm leaving now, no need to see me off, you go on with your work!" Shopkeeper Liu waved his hand and left.

In the setting sun, his hunched back as he walked away seemed to foreshadow the end of an era for Xuan Mo Zhai.

Fang Lin felt a little sad, but he quickly calmed down and looked forward: "After coming to the city, I have worked hard for nearly a year. Now, I have finally accumulated enough and everything is ready. It's like a rocket full of fuel. All it needs is to ignite it and fly into the sky!"

……

(End of this chapter)