Dream of the Red Chamber: Starting with winning over Daiyu's favorability

"This is the only necessary condition; I'm willing to forgo the extra two percent interest for it."

The woman raised an eyebrow slightly, revealing a hint of curiosity; the chill in the room just moments before seemed to be an illusion.

"Oh? Tell me about it."

"I hope that, in addition to the bookstores under your name, the bookstores I am currently cooperating with will also continue to cooperate with you."

My former employer has been very kind to me, and I can't just abandon my benefactor now that I've found a new employer.

Upon hearing Deng Zechen's reason, the woman's mood visibly improved, whether she was mocking his naivety, praising his sincerity, or for some other reason.

"Sure, you don't need to concede any profit. Everything after 'The Tale of the Demon Slayer' will be handled according to my arrangements."

This was already the best possible outcome after trying their best, and Deng Zechen knew when to stop:

"Thank you. When shall we draw up a contract?"

After receiving the woman's approval, the maid on the left took out a pre-prepared contract, made only minor modifications, and handed it to Deng Zechen.

Deng Zechen took it and looked at it again and again. Without hesitation, he signed the contract with this mysterious big shot right there.

Watching the maid put the contract away, Deng Zechen took out the third volume of "The Tale of the Demon Slayer" from his pocket and handed it to the maid.

Upon seeing the latest content, a hint of joy flashed in the woman's eyes, but she suppressed it and spoke in a nonchalant tone:

"I understand. I'll take care of the rest. I'll transfer your share of the profits to your former employer. You can continue focusing on writing the next part."

Deng Zechen had already seen through the other party's intention to hide, but he did not expose him. It was better to keep a distance from such an important person whose origins and identity were unknown.

"I will."

Only then did the woman turn her gaze away from the third volume and look at Deng Zechen:

"Where do you come from? How come I've never heard of you in the capital before?"

"He's just a nobody from a small place, not worth mentioning. I'll have to rely on you to look after him from now on."

The woman sensed Deng Zechen's evasiveness and did not press the matter.

"My surname is Sun. If you ever have any urgent business in the future, just take this sign and go to any shop with the words 'Sanzhu' hanging on the door. Someone will lead you to me."

The conversation ended at the last name, and Deng Zechen didn't ask any further questions.

The maid beside him, with keen insight, handed him a gilded waist tag. Deng Zechen took it and saw that it only had the two characters "Sanzhu" on it.

The waist plaque is engraved with cloud patterns around its perimeter, giving it a very grand appearance.

Stroking the heavy waist tag, Deng Zechen gave her the name "Sun Sanzhu" in his heart.

After Sun Sanzhu achieved his goal, he hurriedly left with a group of people. It wasn't until Deng Zechen and Guo Wenmo saw the Buddha statue off that they discovered that in addition to the guards with knives, there were two more lean men dressed in black tight-fitting clothes in the group.

These two people were unfamiliar to me; they were probably guards hiding in the shadows. I wonder why they have suddenly appeared in the open.

The group quickly disappeared from Deng Zechen's sight. Sun Sanzhu boarded a luxurious carriage and said to the accompanying maid:

"Investigate his background, who his parents are, and why he came to the capital."

"Yes."

After saying this, Sun Sanzhu closed his eyes, recalling everything that had happened since meeting Deng Zechen. He was much younger than he had imagined.

What caught her attention even more were Deng Zechen's eyes, which were like those of a spirited deer, reminding her of an old friend and stirring up many memories.

It's a pity she doesn't look like her, only her eyes are somewhat similar.

……

After seeing off this great Buddha statue, Deng Zechen felt a sense of relief.

Do you know this person's background?

Guo Wenmo, who was standing next to him, poured himself a cup of cold tea that had long since gone cold, and poured one for Deng Zechen as well. He gulped it down before speaking:

"How was I supposed to know? She suddenly showed up at our door with her entourage today. I was even relieved you weren't there. But she's lucky; you just happened to be here."

"Fortunately, she doesn't seem to have any ill intentions at the moment, so the current outcome isn't too bad."

What did you talk about inside?

Deng Zechen took out the gilded waist tag with the name "Sanzhu" written on it and handed it to Guo Wenmo:

"She wants to take over the subsequent distribution of 'The Tale of the Demon Slayer.' I've tried to persuade her, and our cooperation can continue, but it will be under her management."

Guo Wenmo was somewhat moved upon hearing this:

"Sigh, there's no need to go to such lengths. It would be a loss if we offended her."

In the capital, there are only a handful of people who can afford to wear Yun brocade, and we can't afford to offend any of them.

There's nothing we can do about that.

Guo Wenmo also sighed, and then looked down to examine the waist token in his hand.

When he saw the two characters "Sanzhu" on the golden waist tag, Guo Wenmo's pupils shrank, and he stood up abruptly.

Guo Wenmo's movement of standing up was so large that it knocked over the teacup on the table, but fortunately there was no tea in it.

The teacup rolled on the floor with a "glug" sound before stopping after hitting the table leg.

Deng Zechen was curious about Guo Wenmo's reaction. Guo Wenmo must have guessed the other party's identity from the two characters "Sanzhu" on the waist tag.

"Do you know who she is?"

"It's her! I never imagined that the mastermind behind the 'Sanzhu' brand is a woman!"

Deng Zechen had lived in Beijing for more than half a year and had heard of this name before, but he didn't know much about it.

"Is this boss very rich?"

"They're more than just wealthy! Nearly half the shops in the capital belong to the Sanzhu brand!"

Antiques, calligraphy and paintings, cosmetics shops, restaurants...

Guo Wenmo rattled off a list of shops, much like reciting a menu, including Liuquanju, a place Deng Zechen frequented.

"Then it certainly can't be described simply as wealthy."

Guo Wenmo lowered his voice, sat down again, leaned closer to Deng Zechen, and whispered, "..."

"As far as I know, Sanzhu is also involved in the salt and iron business! I've heard he has many connections with higher-ups!"

As Guo Wenmo spoke, he raised his right index finger and pointed to the sky.

Deng Zechen was now somewhat frightened. Those who could get their hands on salt and iron were either rich or powerful. No matter which official it was, crushing him would be as easy as crushing an ant.

To be able to run such a large business in the capital, who would know if she was an official or even royalty?

Guo Wenmo patted Deng Zechen on the shoulder and solemnly declared, "From now on, we're brothers!"

Having made this connection, Guo Wenmo gained another avenue for business. He was deeply grateful and kept this kindness firmly in his heart.

Guo Wenmo was a mature and composed man, rarely showing such outward emotions. Deng Zechen, upon hearing his words, felt a surge of teasing intent:

"Really? So, am I closer to you, or to Senior Brother Wen Shao?"

Guo Wenmo's upright face showed a troubled expression, and he hesitated for a full five or six seconds before answering:

"From now on, we'll all be brothers. I'm older, so I'll be the eldest brother. From now on, you'll be that kid's second brother!"

"If you need anything from him, just ask him to do it! Don't be shy with the brothers."

Deng Zechen's expression was strange. "Wouldn't that mess up the seniority? He calls me Second Brother, and I call him Senior Brother?"

"Hey, let's each do our own thing, it's fine, it's fine."

Guo Wenmo scratched his head, looking somewhat foolish, his face showing no trace of a businessman's shrewdness.

"Never mind, let's not talk about that now. I've given the manuscript of the third volume of 'The Tale of the Demon Slayer' to Sanzhu."

If you get a copy of Volume 3, please remember to save me a copy, and also save me a copy of Volume 2.

I'm going to give this away as a gift. Please save a copy for me whenever new ones come out.

Guo Wenmo nodded. "No problem."

"Okay, if there's nothing urgent, I'll head over now. I have some personal matters to take care of back home."

Guo Wenmo summoned a shop assistant, who took a hardcover copy of the second volume of "The Tale of the Demon Slayer," wrapped it up, handed it to Deng Zechen, and then saw Deng Zechen out of the bookstore before returning home alone.

……

Walking alone on the street, Deng Zechen looked at the constantly updating subtitles in front of his eyes and thought to himself:

"What's wrong with Lin Daiyu again? My white-face singing was alright, wasn't it? Why is my favorability rating still fluctuating like this? Is it bungee jumping here?"