My book friend Long Aotian

Chapter 174 I’m Afraid There Will Be No Books to Read in the Future

Hearing Boss Ye's question, everyone present was moved.

After breaking free from the joy of overwhelming wealth, they discovered that things might not be that simple.

Yes, how long will it take for the Cao Gang to accomplish this great undertaking?
"To be honest, it's hard to say when we will succeed." Ma Fulong said frankly, "But I didn't think of this. Thanks to Boss Ye for reminding me... Let's do this, one year, at least one year!"

He held up his finger, his expression calm.

"The Cao Gang will pay you a year's salary... That is to say, even if the Cao Gang's major task is completed within one day, the Cao Gang will make up a year's salary for you according to your one-day income."

Even though they were used to the ups and downs of life, the wealthy merchants present still exclaimed in surprise!
——The boy who gives away money has come down to earth!

If the Cao Gang had not always been known for keeping their promises, they would have almost thought that Ma Fulong was playing a trick on them!
They couldn't help but ponder in their minds.

The more I calculated, the more surprised and happy I was.

One year’s profit…this is different from the profit from previous operations!

You don’t need to think, market, organize activities, or make sales, because books are free! You can earn money by giving away one copy! There is such a straightforward business in the world!
By then, as long as you work hard and use your brain, this year's earnings can be equivalent to more than ten years' income!

Everyone was so happy that they almost knelt down to Master Ma on the spot.

"The Cao Gang wants to borrow your precious land to do its own business. For a little money, we will just make friends."

Ma Fulong is calm and composed.

"Please seize the time and give away books. Each book you give away will earn you money."

"Those who have printing books and periodicals can start work overnight and publish with all their strength. The paper materials, chemicals, ink and even woodblock movable type needed for printing can all be provided free of charge by our gang. If there is a shortage, you can come to Yunhua Hall to apply. The Cao Gang will use the world's largest warehouse to transport it overnight and provide it with all its strength!"

"In addition, our gang will also bring in popular books and periodicals from all over the country and send them to your accounts for sale. All profits will remain the same. Please put aside your prejudices and promote more..."

Everyone smiled happily, nodded and said, "Okay, okay!"

They calculated that although Huazhou had a large readership, the number was ultimately limited. Even if free reading was promoted, the library was still shallow and not enough to tap its full potential.

But the Caobang actually sent books from other places, which is great!
As long as I persuade readers to read the new books from other places and give them a copy, I will earn money from it! Anyway, readers don’t have to spend money. Even if they take it today and return it tomorrow, I will make money!
——Chen Baitang watched coldly and sneered in his heart.

He still remembered the xenophobic attitudes of these female owners when ０文书店 had just opened. The fact that Huangji Zhantian Chuanqi is still being attacked by gangsters in the streets today is instigated by these people.

But when the Cao Gang openly announced that they would transfer all the popular novel scripts from all the counties in the country, these guys were so excited that they almost put on heavy makeup and shouted "Sir, please come in."

He used to be so righteous, saying that he would "maintain the orthodoxy of Huazhou culture" and that "Qu's poems and essays will never deteriorate." But in front of what Jie Yuanlang called "capital," he is nothing more than a dog.

"——I have something to say!"

Amidst the voices of admiration and respect, Ye Cha shouted a sentence, breaking the dream of wealth and fortune.

Ma Fulong smiled faintly: "Boss Ye, what else is difficult for you?"

"The hall master hasn't finished answering my question yet."

Boss Ye said proudly: "The Cao Gang will issue money and silver, but what about after a year? What will happen to this business?"

"After the Cao Gang finished their big job, they turned around and left, took the money and left, leaving a mess. Who will clean up the mess?"

Standing on the opposite side is not just the high-ranking and powerful Cao Gang.

There are also colleagues and even former friends.

People looked at him with strange eyes, as if they were looking at a fool who had lost his mind.

The silent looks conveyed the same meaning.

——Who will clean it up? Who cares!

In just one year, you can earn enough money for the rest of your life. Even if it ends up in a mess, what does it have to do with me?

The worst that can happen is that I can just close the door and leave!

"I am just a humble businessman, so I don't know what the Cao Gang is going to do. I am very grateful that the Cao Gang wants to borrow our small business and is willing to pay for it. But..."

Let readers get used to reading free books, and now that there is money coming in, it can indeed be maintained.

But now that the goal has been achieved and the Cao Gang has left, who will take care of the chaotic aftermath?

In addition, a large number of books from other places poured in through the terrifying logistics network of the Cao Gang, and Huazhou's stable reading environment was completely overturned. When the Cao Gang leaves one day, can the once prosperous scene of Huazhou's literary world, the lively discussions in the streets and alleys, teahouses and taverns, the coachmen on the road humming book songs, the low singing in hundreds of pavilions and courtyards, and the magnificent scene of Yunjiang where the whole city read a book together, ever reappear?

Ye Cha whispered, "Master Ma...you are uprooting the literary world of Huazhou!"

There was a pleading look in his eyes as he looked at the man on the river.

The other person doesn't read books and doesn't like books. His eyes are calm but cold.

Those poems, books, and interesting stories are some people’s casual entertainment after dinner, and they are the whole world for others after they rush about making a living and work hard.

But to the vast majority of people in the world, they are as meaningless as feathers.

But for some people, this is just a tool to achieve a goal. They use it if it is useful and throw it away if it is useless. They don’t care how it is used or ruined.

Master Ma's tone remained calm.

He even found it difficult to understand what Ye Cha was struggling with.

They are just businessmen. We are not unwilling to pay them. Why do you care so much?

"Boss Ye, you are too serious. I didn't mean that."

Boss Ye slowly closed his eyes.

He believed this, but some people didn't care about innocent people.

In this situation, the Cao Gang is coming with unimaginable force. If you join them, you will be rewarded handsomely and live a worry-free life in the second half of your life. If you resist, how can you resist this overwhelming flood of free books?
Surrender is the only and wisest option.

To be fair, the Cao Gang has been too kind and too reasonable.

But... I can't open my mouth.

Taoist Ling who was sitting at the side said: "Boss Ye, this is fate, you should go along with it. After all, if you don't accept the friendship of the Cao Gang, not only will you not get the money, you may also lose the things you have now."

A familiar friend in the crowd said, "Old Ye, even if there is a mess afterwards, we brothers will slowly clean it up! Isn't it because of this situation that Master Ma promised us a huge profit? This is the good intention of the Cao Gang... They have given us face, and we Huazhou people can't refuse it!"

Yes, now we have taken the money, and the Cao Gang will leave afterwards, and we will use the money to rebuild the cultural heritage of Huazhou.

It's better than losing everything under the attack of Cao Gang.

Ye Cha said hoarsely: "Old Tong, do you believe this? After making a lot of money and seeing the mess, will you work hard to clean up and rebuild, or switch to another business?"

The person who was pointed out was angrily asked: "Why are you talking about this? Hey! Don't you understand what I'm saying?"

"Boss Ye."

Ma Fulong didn't say anything else, but just stretched out his hand: "Be my friend."

The head of Yunhua Hall held his arm in mid-air, waiting for a handshake.

For a bookseller, behind this goodwill is an unimaginable and terrible feeling of oppression.

Boss Ye's body was shaking and sweat was dripping down.

Taoist Ling shouted, "Friend Ye, the friendship of the Cao Gang and the silver are worth a lot of money. What are you still worried about?"

Ye Cha's body swayed and he almost staggered and fell backwards.

Chen Baitang, who was beside him, extended a hand and hugged his back.

Facing the gaze of Linxian Township Wo Ning, Boss Ye was shocked. The other party smiled kindly and nodded slightly to him. With just this one word, Ye Cha realized something.

This is a person who understands and loves books.

The other party even fully understood all his entanglements, fears and worries.

"What are you worried about..."

He stood up straight, met the gaze of the man on the river, and smiled.

“——I’m afraid I won’t have any books to read in the future.”

Inexplicably hard to deal with.

Ma Fulong was a little annoyed. He still couldn't understand why Ye Cha refused.

However, he was a nobleman of the Cao Gang and valued his status. Even if he was a little harsh to this lowly merchant, it would be considered a loss of grace. Therefore, even after being rejected, he remained calm.

He smiled and said, "What a pity... But it's all voluntary, the Cao Gang won't force you."

Taoist Ling then took on the bad guy role: "Boss Ye, why don't you close the shop and travel far away for a few months to avoid misunderstandings. After all, if you're not on the side of the Cao Gang, you're on the side of Governor Li." "No need for that."

Ye Cha took a deep breath and said, "I have decided to join Governor Li and stop your gang from doing anything."

Ma Fulong was slightly startled, and finally a cold light flashed in his eyes: "I remember that not long ago, Boss Ye and the friends present here jointly resisted Li Bailong's tyranny. He promoted the Zero Literature in Huazhou, which naturally conflicted with the female-oriented books in Huazhou, and aroused everyone's opposition. What is the difference between his behavior and our gang's behavior? The Cao Gang even gave him money. Why did Boss Ye give up me and join him? Please give me your instructions?"

After taking that step, Boss Ye felt relieved and gradually gained courage.

"I didn't have much contact with the governor before, but I just discovered today..."

After Li Zhishi took office, he stirred up trouble in the local area, called the shots, and fought endlessly with officials and businessmen in Huazhou. However, many of his policies and administrations were based on authors and readers, all of which were in line with the pulse of the literary world and closely related to Huazhou. After he proposed the issue of "fan creation", the governor even discussed it with him for a long time with great interest...

Ye Cha clenched his fists and replied in a deep voice: "Compared with the hall master, although the governor has a different stance and ruthless methods, he has always looked at our business with a straight face."

As soon as these words came out, many people's expressions changed slightly.

Ma Fulong sneered in his heart.

In the face of absolute interests, what is the use of being respectful to the wise and understanding the people's sentiments?

On the surface, he still said politely: "Thank you for your advice, take care, Mr. Ye."

Ye Cha bowed respectfully.

Chen Baitang also bowed and said, "In that case, we two will take our leave."

"I won't send you far."

Before leaving, Ye Cha looked at Zheng Xiuyuan deeply.

These two former rivals and friends fought openly and secretly for the position of president of the Qu Shiwen Association, but on the surface they understood each other and cooperated well. Now they have finally parted ways.

Zheng Xiuyuan looked at him silently, his lips trembling, his face pale, and his eyes complicated and indescribable.

Boss Ye turned and left.

Walking out of Yunhua Hall side by side with Chen Baitang, the sky was clear, the sunlight was dazzling, and the river breeze was blowing on his face. Ye Cha felt as if he was in a dream. Looking back at the tall gate of Yunhua Hall, he was filled with mixed emotions.

"I'm ashamed." Chen Baitang said, "I thought that my colleagues in Huazhou had become weak sissies after decades of immersion in women's books. I didn't expect Boss Ye to be so brave. I admire him."

At this point, there is only one way to go.

Ye Cha was a straightforward and resolute person. Once he made a decision, he didn't need to worry about gains and losses. When he heard that Xiang Wo Ning was in Heialahuazhou, he immediately started bragging.

He said proudly: "The bunch of spineless people inside are writing women's books about romance and love, which is not worth mentioning!"

We are all men, and Chen Botang knows that he is bragging.

However, seeing through things but not exposing them is a man’s romance.

He stretched out his hand to hook Boss Ye's shoulder and said with a smile: "By the way, do you understand now?"

Ye Cha asked curiously, "Understand what?"

Chen Baitang laughed softly and said, "Six major sects, there's nothing to be afraid of, right?"

Ye Cha was stunned for a moment, then burst into laughter.

"Old Ye has also offended people from the six major sects!"

He smiled brightly, waved his fist and said: "I don't even give face to the Cao Gang, so who can make me bow my head in the future!"

after a while.

The second hall of Tongwen Bureau.

Boss Ye knelt down on the ground swiftly: "My life and property are all in the hands of the Chief!"

"Get up, stop kneeling."

Director Li learned the whole story from Boss Chen.

"You are very good. You know the big picture and understand the big picture." He encouraged her a few words. "I am really impressed that you have not forgotten your original intention and persisted in your position and loyalty under the silver bullet offensive of the Cao Gang."

Boss Ye bowed his head and said, "Thank you, Governor."

On the one hand, he really didn't want the Cao Gang to ravage the Huazhou literary world.

On the other hand, he had already joined Governor Li earlier.

If he turns against them... Let's not talk about whether Governor Li can defeat the Cao Gang, but it seems there is no doubt whether he can kill this traitor.

"Well, with the enemy at hand, there's no need to waste time talking."

After letting the two sit down, Li Bailong leaned against the table and said, "In this way, Mr. Ye's Ninghai Bookstore, Mr. Chen's ０文书店, and the Yunjiang Bookstore under the Tongwen Bureau, now there are only three of us left to fight against free reading in the literary field..."

Boss Ye smiled bitterly when he heard this.

Yunjiang Bookstore was taken away from Gao Bijin and was originally a well-known bookstore in Huazhou.

Ninghai Bookstore is also quite influential.

Add to that ０文, and he is already considered to be quite powerful.

It probably accounts for up to 20% of the Huazhou literary world...

In other words, the enemy accounts for 80% of the force, and the Cao Gang has almost unlimited financial and material support.

Moreover, free reading goes straight to the heart of human nature.

I'm afraid not many readers will stand on this side.

how to spell?
He felt hopeless and could only say in a deep voice: "Just follow the governor's orders."

To be honest, Director Li was also confused. He had been giving orders with confidence and was ready to launch an all-out war with the Cao Gang, but who knew that this group of scoundrels would directly overturn the table and smash the chessboard!
Damn it! This is clearly the privilege of an official like me!
The Cao Gang used despicable money offensives, exploited human weaknesses, and used free reading to ruin the event. It was obvious that they were using the form of a flood to fill up readers' libraries, making the matter a hot topic on the streets and making people eager to take advantage and get free books, thereby diluting and diverting attention and interest from the essay writing activity.

As a result, the efficiency of Tongwen Bureau in collecting vows will be greatly reduced.

How vicious.

This is still an open threat.

Secretly, once free reading is implemented, the sales of the imperial book will also suffer a fatal blow.

This is my wish!
He pondered and said, "Let's discuss this. Before we defeat the Cao Gang and force them to withdraw their investment, should our bookstores insist on charging fees or fight a free war with them?"

Ye Cha and Chen Baitang looked at each other.

Deep down, they are not willing to offer free reading, but it seems unwise to insist on charging when their competitors are offering free reading. Many non-core readers will definitely leave.

But it can be done for free. The Cao Gang has so much financial, material and human resources. How can we beat them?
Both of them were in a difficult situation.

Ye Cha reminded in a low voice: "The Cao Gang is using their financial and material resources to attack us, using their strengths to attack our weaknesses. I think it is unwise to attack them. We should also use our strengths to attack our weaknesses..."

Li Bailong nodded.

His greatest advantage is naturally his unlimited power as the literary and artistic czar of Huazhou.

Boss Ye suggested: "Should we just legislate to ban this free model?"

Li Bailong shook his head and said, "Those who hinder the masses from taking advantage will be despised. The world is difficult, and it is rare to have such a cheap thing as pie in the sky. Whoever blocks it will stand on the opposite side of the times."

It's not that he was afraid of being scolded.

But if we lose the support of the people because of this, and the Cao Gang takes the lead, it will be even more difficult to collect essays.

"Besides, it is difficult to legislate against it. The Cao Gang has money, so they have plenty of ways to get around it. In the final analysis, having money really allows one to do whatever they want."

Li Bailong sighed.

Damn it, this was the first time he felt the brilliance of a rich person since the founding of Tianyi Pavilion.

Under this kind of silver bullet offensive, even if one writes to the emperor's uncle for help, the money obtained may not be enough to burn more than the Cao Gang... The eldest wife is determined to suppress the Tongwen Bureau and is determined to win.

Damn, why does Mr. Yun have so much money? Can you give me some?
……what?

Li Bailong seemed to be thinking about something, and suddenly asked: "What are the details of the process for the Cao Gang to return the money to the bookstore?"

Boss Ye was stunned for a moment, then explained it again in detail.

Li Bailong pondered after hearing this and nodded slowly.

"You say..." he said slowly, "Is it possible for us to make money from this process and use it to subsidize readers to buy our books?"

(End of this chapter)