127

Chapter 127 - The Way of Commerce - 4

"Have you heard the news?"

Rumors spread in the blink of an eye.

"The news that all the bookstores in Uichang have returned the copies of 'Dangga Pungwoon'? I've heard it too."

"They even compensated for the losses the bookstores suffered."

"I also heard they were compensated double the loss. The boycott must have hit them hard."

"The Dasuhoe and the chairman of the Uichang Merchant Association settled this 'Dangga Pungwoon' incident, apparently."

"Does that mean 'Dangga Pungwoon' Volume 2 is coming out now?"

"Author Hofil might get some energy back after hearing this news and start writing again. We'll have to wait and see."

[This is Hofil.]

I too offered my thanks in stride.

"Hofil's message of gratitude has been posted at Dasuhgak!"

"Have you heard? Hofil is finally going to write again."

"Our Dasuhoe has achieved a great feat."

"Keuheuheuk. Now we can see 'Dangga Pungwoon', 'Dangga Pungwoon' Volume 2 as well."

The only bookstore in Uichang that sold 'Dangga Pungwoon'. With news that Volume 2 had entered into writing, customers flocked day after day to purchase Volume 1.

"Isn't it out yet?"

"They said they'd announce it a week before it's released. Why do we have to come here every day?"

"I'm here to see that announcement."

From guests glancing at the 'Dangga Pungwoon' on display at the bookstore to Dasuhoe members who waited all day at the printing house for Volume 2, the number of customers eagerly awaiting 'Dangga Pungwoon' Volume 2 increased daily.

"Have you finished it?"

I asked Hwa Rin, who was reading the last chapter of the 'Dangga Pungwoon' draft.

"Hey, hey, Yunho."

Hwa Rin's voice trembled with astonishment.

"Yes?"

"How can you think like this when you're not part of the Sacheondang family?"

Hwa Rin looked me up and down with a surprised expression, as if suspecting that if she washed me thoroughly, purple hair and green eyes might reveal themselves.

"Well..."

Well, I've read enough wuxia novels featuring protagonists from the Sacheondang family to fill a small room. Couldn't I come up with these thoughts? But what should I say? Since I can't speak of the truth from the real world, it was a bit tricky.

"Ah... Sorry, you must have a poisoned friend. My apologies."

Noticing my awkward expression, Hwa Rin hastily apologized with a look of realization.

"Haha, no. I just suddenly remembered the past and got speechless for a moment."

"Sure, that can happen. But here, and here! And here! The battle scenes are a bit odd. It's a brilliant idea but it seems lacking in explanations and descriptions."

Hwa Rin hastily changed the subject, starting to point out shortcomings in 'Dangga Pungwoon' Volume 2.

She explained in detail which parts were lacking when using toxic skills and what was wrong when using secret techniques.

It's like being told that while you are good at soccer, the problem is you can't do offense or defense.

"I'll make revisions."

If that's all the editing needed, the books could be printed in a few days.

"And about this... erm, never mind."

Hwa Rin started to point out some issue on the paper and then retracted her hand.

A delicate problem, or so it seemed. For such issues, it's better to hear all editorials and make my own judgment.

"Why? Even if it's a delicate issue, let me know. I'll listen and decide."

"That's..."

Hwa Rin avoided looking at my face, staring at the ground as she hesitated.

"Yes?"

Could it be because of an erotic scene? There was no need to point that out, I have said.

"That character introduced as 'The Number One Beauty of Hubei'. The courtesan from the pleasure district you visited last time. Isn't that her name, a-ach, never mind?"

Hwa Rin, seemingly too embarrassed to speak, looked up at me with her head bowed low.

"Puhahahat!"

Was that it?

"Never mind! Or do!"

Realizing from my laughter that it wasn't the courtesan's name, Hwa Rin flushed and swiftly stood up with embarrassment.

"Puhahahat. Where are you going?"

"Don't need to know!"

As I held my belly laughing, Hwa Rin, seeming deeply upset, kicked open the door and left with flushed cheeks.

"Hwa Rin! Don't go! I know a place here that does Sichuan cuisine well. Let's go eat together."

There was no reply. Had she gone down? I couldn't hear her after the door closed, nor the sound of her descending. Maybe after finishing the edit, I'll have to dine alone.

While contemplating, the attic door carefully opened.

"Is it, is it tasty there?"

Hwa Rin peeked halfway through the door gap, her voice shy.

"Yeah. I've heard it's delicious. Let's go together."

"Okay."

I put down my brush and headed to the Sichuan restaurant with Hwa Rin.

------------------------

The release day of 'Dangga Pungwoon' Volume 2.

The editing and printing were indeed time-consuming tasks, but they didn't take so long as to exhaust the patience of the waiting readers.

"Wow."

Opening the doors in the morning, I could only sigh at the sight of a long queue of many people standing in line.

"Snacks for sale!"

"Give me some snacks. And water, too."

"Over here too!"

"Come get your puffed rice!"

"Popcorn available! We have caramel and onion flavor!"

Perhaps due to the long line, vendors had appeared out of nowhere selling food.

Could all these people really be here for my book? Or was there another event at Dasuhgak? For a moment, I felt disconnected from reality.

"Can we go in now?"

A familiar, gaunt-faced member of the Dasuhoe asked me. Looking closer, I saw that the people in the front row were all from the Dasuhoe.

"No, what are you folding a sleeping bag for?"

"Right after Dasuhgak closed yesterday, we laid out our sleeping bags at the front."

"Us too."

"Hahaha. I just have something to check, and then we'll start."

I wondered if we could manage this long queue.

"Make way! The cart needs to get through."

Someone pushed through the crowd with a cart full of large cargo headed for Dasuhgak.

"Come on in."

The person pulling the cart was a bookstore owner who had violated commercial ethics.

"As promised, I've brought the entire production run of 'Dangga Pungwoon' Volume 2. Not a single book has been taken out, so there's no need to worry."

Dasuhgak's old printing press had its limits, even when operating all day. In both compensation and cost, the bookstore owner agreed to take on the entire burden, producing a significant quantity of 'Dangga Pungwoon' Volume 2 on their behalf.

"Thank you. I will store them in the warehouse."

"The line is enormous. Can the staff of Dasuhgak manage such a crowd?"

"We'll do what we can to the best of our ability."

"Don't strain yourself; let me offer my help."

"Really?"

"Isn't it the way of commerce to aid fellow businesspeople in times of trouble? Hahaha. I will have my bookstore staff and guards assist in controlling the queue."

He may have had the way of commerce forcefully instilled in him not long ago, but it's best to accept all the help we can get.

"Your help is most appreciated."

"Just trust me."

--------------------

The first to purchase 'Dangga Pungwoon' were naturally the Dasuhoe members.

"This is the Volume 2 that our Dasuhoe has fought to acquire."

The first Dasuhoe member to enter pulled out 'Dangga Pungwoon' Volume 2 as if drawing a sword from a lake, speaking with reverence.

"That's right. This Volume 2 is the evidence that justice can triumph over injustice, and that righteousness and brotherhood can conquer evil."

"Exactly. Haven't we acted like the merciful protagonist like in the tales?"

"Though we couldn't get the top beauty of Sichuan, we have managed to obtain 'Dangga Pungwoon' Volume 2."

"Yes! Now we only need to witness the merciful acts of the protagonist."

While I understand the sentiment, it felt somewhat bittersweet to see them lift the novel high as if declaring it a sacred text. Still, I am grateful to you all, members of Dasuhoe.

I wish I could join their commemorative photo.

"I'm looking forward to more than just the merciful deeds."

"Hmm. Need we say more?"

"Move aside quickly!"

Apart from the Dasuhoe members, countless people entered Dasuhgak to purchase 'Dangga Pungwoon'.

"Only two copies per person, please. Keep the line! Anyone caught cutting will be sent to the back!"

"This one book! I've wanted to see it!"

"A night with the top courtesan of Hubei! I can't wait to read it."

"It's going to follow the same old spring medicine plot anyway, why the excitement?"

"Silence! Losing faith is tantamount to death!"

"Calm, calm down. I, too, came early in the morning to get in line because I'm keen to see Volume 2. I misspoke without thinking."

'Dangga Pungwoon' Volume 2 sales day.

That day, the sales hit a record high unseen in the 50-year history of Baekga Bookstore.

*************************

Teacher Hwang hurriedly returned home with his copy of 'Dangga Pungwoon' Volume 2.

"Young Master. Have you finished all your errands?"

"Of course. No matter who visits today, they will be turned away!"

Teacher Hwang firmly instructed the servant to dismiss any visitors, showing off the copy of 'Dangga Pungwoon' Volume 2 he had purchased.

"Haha. If you don't mind, Young Master, may I too read 'Dangga Pungwoon' Volume 2?"

"I bought an extra copy for preaching purposes, so I'll lend it to you after I've read it."

"Thank you. If you could lend it, now would be the time..."

"Aha! I can't bear to see anyone reading 'Dangga Pungwoon' Volume 2 before me!"

Teacher Hwang embraced his copy of 'Dangga Pungwoon' Volume 2 like a father protecting his child.

"Haha. Then I shall wait."

"It's a good thing for more people to know about 'Dangga Pungwoon'. Wait just one day."

"Will it take an entire day?"

"I must relish it that much to fully enjoy 'Dangga Pungwoon'. Now, I will take my leave."

Teacher Hwang entered his room with 'Dangga Pungwoon' Volume 2 in hand.

Turning the first cover was almost too thrilling. With a trembling heart, he sat down at his desk and carefully flipped the cover, ensuring not to damage the paper.

'Dangga Pungwoon' Volume 2 contained more than what Teacher Hwang was expecting.