Liu Ruoxi's limbs trembled as she clutched the contract and the banknotes.
She never expected Song Jinzhao to agree to sell her book so quickly—and to look so excited about it.
Back at the teahouse, Song Anhao asked with a pitiful look, "Elder sister, is this storybook really that good?"
Song Jinzhao replied, "It just appeals to a different audience. Maybe Liu Ruoxi will stir up a whirlwind in the world of storybooks."
She handed the manuscript to Song Anhao. "Have someone proofread it, then print it. Preferably ship it to Songzhou City along with The Cry for Justice."
Hearing this, Song Anhao felt even more aggrieved. When he had recommended The Cry for Justice earlier, his elder sister hadn't valued it this much.
Not long after returning to the government office, a message arrived from the hidden guards stationed in Panzhou.
The day before Yang Cenan returned to Panzhou, the twin infants of his elder brother Yang Cedong—barely a month old—had suddenly died.
Song Jinzhao tapped the table meaningfully. "A month old and they die suddenly? That must have been some nasty cold."
Qingshuang lowered her gaze and spoke in a solemn voice.
"Yang Cenan is taking revenge. He hadn't even reached Panzhou when the incident occurred, and he was badly injured himself. No one would suspect him."
Song Jinzhao said, "In any case, the Yang family is bound to fall into chaos. Have the hidden guards keep a close watch."
Qingshuang nodded. "Rest assured, County Princess. We already have one of our men stationed inside the Yang residence."
Bringing the manuscript to the bookshop, Song Anhao couldn't hold back his curiosity any longer.
He leaned against the wall, pulled up a stool, and sat down.
He opened to the first page. The descriptions were dull.
After finishing the first page—really not impressive.
By the end of the first chapter, he couldn't bear to read on.
Closing the book, he stared at the cover with a skeptical look.
The writing was mediocre. The immersion was mediocre. Why did his elder sister think it was any good?
Unable to figure it out, Song Anhao decided to ask someone else.
He summoned Manager Lou and handed him the manuscript. "Tell me what you think of this book."
Seeing that it wasn't the sequel to The Cry for Justice, Manager Lou grew suspicious.
Hadn't she said she'd bring back the second part today? Why was this a different book?
Opening the cover, he found it belonged to a completely different category.
After reading the first page, Manager Lou couldn't help but settle down seriously.
Unlike Song Anhao, he had been in this trade for years. He had read plenty of storybooks enjoyed by women.
Whether a book was good or not—you could tell from the first page.
After finishing the first three chapters, Manager Lou slowly closed the book.
"The storybooks women usually read in the market are about immortals and mortals, immortals and demons, or noble ladies and poor scholars—the bigger the class gap, the better. This book is different from all of them."
Song Anhao pressed, "I just want to know—will people buy it?"
Manager Lou thought long and hard, struggling to make a decision.
"There's never been a book like this on the market. It's hard for me to say. Maybe print a thousand copies to test the waters?"
Song Anhao frowned, deeply dissatisfied with this answer.
"My elder sister said this book should be shipped to Songzhou City along with The Cry for Justice. We need to print at least ten thousand copies."
Manager Lou raised the manuscript in surprise.
"Is this a recommendation from County Princess Linghui?"
Song Anhao nodded.
"My elder sister said this book will become a hit—even bigger than The Cry for Justice."
Manager Lou blinked. "Since County Princess Linghui favors it, let's print it."
Song Anhao turned to him in exasperation.
"Can't you have an opinion of your own?"
Manager Lou gave an awkward, flattering smile.
"The County Princess is wise. How could I dare to say a single 'no'?"
Having an opinion depended on who it was about. Besides the County Princess Linghui's noble status, purely on the grounds of business, Manager Lou felt he had no right to refuse.
Song Anhao's irritation faded somewhat, and instead he started lecturing Manager Lou.
"I expect you wouldn't dare."
He snatched the book back and began reading it again.
His elder sister was brilliant and always knew how to make money. If the story seemed boring, it must be because he hadn't understood it correctly.
To his disappointment, he still couldn't get through the first three chapters.
And when he reached the chapter about the male and female lead's wedding, his brows furrowed even tighter.
He tilted his head, pondered for a moment, then finally tossed the book aside in disgust.
"What kind of nonsense is this? Making such a big deal out of taking off clothes and going to bed is just gross."
Manager Lou stared at him, opening his mouth as if to say something, but decided against explaining.
The child was only eight—still too young to understand. Better that he stayed clueless for now.
Picking up the book, Manager Lou asked quietly, "So how many copies should we print?"
Song Anhao thought for only a second. "Since my elder sister said so, print ten thousand copies first. Get the promotional flyers made as soon as possible."
"Leave five hundred copies in the bookstore. Ship the rest to Songzhou City."
