What if passing the exam depends solely on the profits from the branch of the Tea Bookstore?
Ugh, I shouldn’t have ventured into business. As expected, profits from “The Rise of the Tang Family” are the best. Haha. Please finish the account calculations. I’m finally free from debt! Goodbye!
Would Man Geum-jeon just let this situation slide?
He may be showing me kindness, but that old man’s twisted goodwill means I can’t let my guard down. Seeing the well-decorated branch of the Tea Bookstore today made me sure of that.
There’s no way he’ll let it go quietly.
The branch of the Tea Bookstore offers you the building as a dowry if you marry my granddaughter. It’s a blatant bait.
What do you mean marriage? I’m just about to rake in the profits before the exam! If I say that, there’s no way he’d let it slide.
Of course, I have no intentions of giving up the profits from the branch. But Man Geum-jeon cannot be taken lightly. So what should I do?
Well, I had a prepared solution for this long ago.
“Though the owner is different, this is, after all, the Tea Bookstore branch. Following the management policies of the main store is only natural, wouldn’t you agree?”
Let’s get the ball rolling.
This isn’t an independent bookstore in Wuhan, but a branch of the Tea Bookstore. I confirmed once again that even Man Geum-jeon had to admit it.
“Yes. Of course.”
Now that it’s confirmed, it’s time to lay out the plan.
“Then I’ll purchase the books for the branch from the main Tea Bookstore.”
Will touching the net profits make me look bad?
Well, then, I’ll just take a cut from the middle distribution margin.
When I unexpectedly made a suggestion, Jeon Woon-yeop seemed taken aback, his eyes widening.
“Although Yichang is nearby, books that sell well in Wuhan will fly off the shelves at a pace incomparable to Yichang. We might as well set up a connection with the printing house ourselves.”
“I have a separate printing house set up at the Yichang main store. We can manage easily.”
I held up three fingers to indicate the number of printing machines I owned.
“You mean you have three of those expensive printing machines?”
“Two of them are cutting-edge printing machines. With that, the Wuhan branch can operate without a hitch.”
“As long as it can be transported along the Yangtze River, right?”
Printing isn’t the end—how are we going to transport it? That’s what he’s implying. But here’s the twist.
“I’ve already secured a long-term contract with the Seocheon Post Office, so there’s no problem.”
“You mean you’ve already prepared that much?”
Dude, just look at you, unable to keep your mouth shut.
The plan for the Tea Bookstore branch was something I had set up long ago when I was back in Yichang. Let’s create a monopoly on supplying books to the branches along the Yangtze River.
The Tea Bookstore, the first bookstore to release “The Rise of the Tang Family.” It’s sure to sell like hotcakes.
I didn’t expect the branches to open faster than planned, but since Man Geum-jeon has allowed this, the main store’s management policy is something he can’t change.
“Are you by any chance willing to help with operations from Man Geum Battlefield as well?”
I threw a question at the speechless Jeon Woon-yeop.
I wouldn’t want to lose out if he’s surprised by this. Plus, I have another intent as well.
“Of course. Both of you have no connections in Wuhan. I plan to help as actively as I can until you settle in. Originally, I intended to set up the book purchases through Man Geum Bookstore.”
“You were also planning to help recruit employees from Man Geum-jeon, weren’t you?”
I smiled lightly and glanced around the Tea Bookstore. A huge bookstore in the heart of a bustling area. They definitely would need a lot of people, right?
Jeon Woon-yeop looked slightly uneasy, as if he sensed something.
“Please don’t tell me… are you considering using Joseon people? I could understand using them for delivery, but some customers have reservations about using them as bookstore employees, so I wouldn’t recommend it.”
“No. Most of the employees should come from Man Geum-jeon.”
Did I unknowingly give away that I’m the leader of the Joseon people? Good deduction, but you’re mistaken.
What I want is something completely different.
“Does ‘most’ mean…?”
“A few will be talented people I’ve prepared ahead of time.”
I have some talents I’ve cultivated in a Spartan-style training for this moment.
“Really? What do you mean by that?”
“Don’t come in!”
As I was about to explain how we would operate, a loud commotion erupted from outside.
“I’m here to see the store manager since she’s my manager, you know!”
“Don’t come in!”
“Ah! Master Kang!”
Looks like someone figured out where I was. The girl waving from outside was Ha So-so.
“Perfect timing. Let her in. It’s been a while, So-so.”
I called out the name of the girl I hadn’t seen in a long time out of excitement.
It’s unexpected to see her all the way at the branch, but the timing is just right. Let’s act like everything is fully prepared.
“Hehe!”
As So-so faced less resistance at the entrance, she sprang towards me like a rabbit.
“Who is this young lady?”
“She’s one of the talents I’ve prepared. We will hire a manager from the main store to run the branch.”
People who have diligently gained practical experience in Yichang.
They were important cards to help me make money alongside the printing house.
————————————
The branch of the Tea Bookstore.
In essence, it was the same as the delivery food franchise business I was running in Wuhan.
How much influence does the main store have over the branch?
If I monopolize the supply of books, management personnel from the main store are assigned to the branch with the right talent and resources, then that’s enough.
It’s a business model that even Man Geum-jeon would have no choice but to acknowledge.
“So-so, who are you looking for?”
So-so, who I was happily meeting after a long time, was scanning the surroundings as if looking for a relative who might give her pocket money during the holidays.
I pay your salary, so who are you looking for?
“Oh, it’s nothing! Wow! This Tea Bookstore seems bigger than the Yichang one!”
“It seems our management staff will have to work a bit harder. So-so, you said you’d apply, right?”
I already informed Yichang about the selection of the branch management staff.
“Yes! I came as part reconnaissance and for fun!”
“It’s reassuring to have you here, So-so. You’re brave to come alone to a different place.”
“Hehe! I have the store manager and my sister here, plus there are many acquaintances. Besides, they’re providing food and accommodation with more money than before. If I want to prepare a dowry for a good husband, I need to work hard!”
So-so chatted as if it was nothing.
Indeed, it’s a world where people marry in their late teens to early twenties. Even though So-so always looks bright, being the daughter of a poor family must come with its own struggles.
“Haha. So, is the Yichang Tea Bookstore doing well?”
“No! Do you know how big the void is since you left, store manager?”
So-so looked up at me as if it was too much.
“Haha.”
“It was absolute chaos among the management staff asking how we should handle things.”
“I heard they adapted quickly and are managing well.”
“Well, they are all talented individuals from literary backgrounds. Not to mention the Head of Guards was around, too.”
As expected, Head of Guards Uncle is the epitome of trustworthiness. With his experience leading the top families, he is the best person to rely on.
“Thanks to him, I was able to trust and come here.”
“Ugh… If you miss any more chances, he’s going to issue a strong order for dismissal. Those staff members were praying for you to come back.”
So-so shivered, as if she could already hear the order for dismissal in her ear.
“If only I could return quickly.”
I want to finish the exam as fast as possible and write the fourth volume of “The Rise of the Tang Family” in peaceful Yichang.
“But, store manager.”
As I sank into thought with a bitter expression, So-so stepped closer and called me.
“Hmm?”
Why does she look so wary?
“Is there someone here?”
So-so cupped her mouth with one hand and asked me quietly.
“Who do you mean?”
Why is she looking around so frantically? Is she actually looking for someone instead of checking out the Tea Bookstore?
“Are they hiding because they’re an incredible ugly person or something like that?”
Who on earth could she be talking about? Just as I was about to ask her, a loud sound erupted from the entrance once more.
“Miss Zhuge Xiang has arrived!”
Finally, she’s here.
What? As I turned my body to look at the entrance, Ha So-so charged toward it faster than I could.
“Where… huh?!”
“Hmm?”
“Ahhhhhhhhh?!”
So-so, why are you screaming?
*
“Master Kang, it’s you!”
I finally snapped back to reality. Zhuge Xiang approached Kang Yoon-ho like melted ice cream reformed, her body all floppy.
“Are you okay?”
Seeing Zhuge Xiang coming toward him weakly startled Kang Yoon-ho, who approached her with a worried expression.
“Whew! Yeah! I’ve suddenly felt better!”
Though she had found it difficult to come back this far. Suddenly, she felt fully alert! Looking at Kang Yoon-ho’s worried expression, Zhuge Xiang was filled with an odd warmth in her heart.
“I’m glad to hear that.”
“Uh, um, who’s that next to you…?”
Why is she glaring at me? She looks furious, doesn’t she? Zhuge Xiang instinctively shrank her shoulders.
“……”
Ha So-so’s eyes were blazing.
“I-I’m really sorry for asking!!”
Somehow, the ambiance made it feel like she should apologize. Zhuge Xiang unconsciously lowered her head at the fiery eyes before her.
“This is an employee of our main store. I can see she seems nervous around the branch owner. So-so, this is the branch owner, Miss Zhuge Xiang… So-so?”
“T-This isn’t how it’s supposed to be….”
Ha So-so introduced herself before slumping her shoulders and disappearing into a corner.
“Now that Miss Zhuge Xiang is here, let’s head to the second floor.”
Zhuge Xiang and Kang Yoon-ho nodded with the awkward atmosphere and went up to the second floor along with Jeon Woon-yeop.
——————–
“Wow!”
“Whoa…”
As the two ascended to the second floor, the Tea Bookstore looked no less than any high-end place in Wuhan.
“We took great care to create the second floor as if we were representing Wuhan. We used the finest wood, called Hwa-ri wood, for crafting reading spaces and areas for tea and conversation. We paid great attention to detail.”
Jeon Woon-yeop took a sense of pride in noting just how luxurious the second floor was.
“The display area is beautifully arranged as well.”
Kang Yoon-ho pointed to a display area equipped with tools for making various treats.
“I bought premade products since time was tight, but I’m sure you’ll be satisfied with them.”
“Sounds great! Then, Miss Zhuge.”
Kang Yoon-ho gave Zhuge Xiang a somewhat mischievous smile.
“Yes?”
“Would you like a cup of coffee?”
Zhuge Xiang stared blankly as Kang Yoon-ho entered the display area, acting like a skilled employee preparing coffee.
‘Master Kang is making coffee for me!’
Zhuge Xiang couldn’t take her eyes off Kang Yoon-ho as he studied the new devices with a serious expression.
Her romantic interest dressed neatly for her, and he was working for her. Just a display area separating them turned her heart into a flutter.
“Uh, yes. Please, give me coffee.”
I feel like I’ve become Master Kang’s only guest. Zhuge Xiang smiled shyly as she replied.
“Do you have any preference?”
“I’ll drink whatever you give me.”
“If you’re going to run the Tea Bookstore, you should experience these situations too. While this isn’t Tea Bookstore’s own menu, it seems we do have a menu. If you take a look and let me know, I’ll prepare it for you.”
Zhuge Xiang glanced at the menu he handed her.
“Oh, um, that….”
It was her first time ordering something at a place like this. She hesitated to voice her thoughts.
“Don’t feel pressured. Since I’m taking the orders, you can just try it out for an experience.”
That’s right. I’m placing my very first coffee order with Master Kang. If I’m going to work with Master Kang, I need to know these things! Zhuge Xiang gathered her courage to place her order.
“Um, um… I’d like an Americano, please.”
A perfectly executed order!
Zhuge Xiang internally celebrated her success.
“Please choose the size of the cup.”
That’s just the beginning.
“Uh?”
“Just as it indicates on the menu.”
On the menu were unfamiliar terms next to “Americano” that Zhuge Xiang had never seen before in her life.
‘What are these words, anyway? An Americano is just an Americano. I’ve never seen this before. Should I ask Master Kang? What if he ends up disappointed knowing I don’t know this stuff?’
Zhuge Xiang timidly pointed at the words next to Americano and opened her mouth.
“Um, I’d like T, uh, T.”
“Aha. You mean Tall size?”
Tall size? What’s that? Is it big? I can’t handle big ones. Zhuge Xiang again trembled and pointed at the letters next to it.
“I’d like S! S, S, small please.”
“Aha. You mean Short size, then.”
Short? Small? What’s that? Why do they have to put confusing words on the menu? Zhuge Xiang wanted to scream in agony.
“Um, I’ll go with T. No, tall size, please.”
Is it finally done? With Kang Yoon-ho nodding, Zhuge Xiang exhaled a relieved sigh.
“Would you like it cold or hot?”
“I-I’d like it cold, please.”
I can do this much! Zhuge Xiang felt like applauding herself for her quick thinking.
“I’ll add ice accordingly. Would you like an extra shot?”
However, the order wasn’t finished yet.
‘Extra shot? What is that? Is that different from Short? Is it an error from what I ordered? No, it can’t be! Oh no, what should I do? I don’t want to look foolish in front of Master Kang. I don’t want to be seen as a girl who can’t even order coffee. This is too hard!’
“U-um, uh….”
“Miss? Miss Zhuge?”
A few hours ago, the flustered Zhuge Xiang had melted like ice cream, but now she felt frozen solid.
Ordering coffee alone was still an area far too challenging for her.
“Ha… This is a major issue.”
Ha So-so was watching all of this with a somewhat defeated expression.
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