Xingqiu turned the book to a specific chapter, pointing to a passage describing the Feiyun Commerce Guild. Although cleverly woven into the plot, the level of detail and unique perspective were far beyond what an ordinary storyteller could achieve.
"Brother, look. This Mr. Lovia, while seemingly writing about Private Matters of Noble Ladies, unintentionally showcases the excellence of our Guild's goods, the breadth of our connections, and the brilliance of our reputation to the people of Liyue. Those who didn't know us well now have an impression of the Feiyun Commerce Guild as having profound foundations because they follow this story."
A hint of cunning flashed in Xingqiu's eyes. He continued, "Recently, the unfamiliar Merchants the Guild has hosted, despite their impure motives, have their recognition of our strength been higher when discussing cooperation than before?"
His Brother carefully recalled, and indeed, it was true. Many new clients would start by saying, "We have long admired the great name of the Feiyun Commerce Guild; even that strange... uh, story clearly explained it." This invisibly reduced the trust cost for initial cooperation.
This was practically... a different kind of advertisement?
"Furthermore," Xingqiu closed the book and smiled slightly, "after this incident, the name of the Feiyun Commerce Guild is known to everyone. The more bizarre the rumors about the 'Second Miss' become, the stronger people's curiosity about our Guild grows. This attention is itself a fortune. Why don't we ride this wave?"
"Ride the wave?" His Brother frowned. "How do we ride it?"
"Rumors are like flowing water; it's better to guide them than to block them." Xingqiu walked to the window, looking down at the bustling street below. "Since everyone is so interested in the 'Second Miss,' then our Feiyun Commerce Guild might as well be generous about it."
Ever since reading this book for the first time, Xingqiu had a vague plan in mind.
Since the identity of this 'Second Miss' was being hotly debated, why not play along? Perhaps in certain situations, this fabricated identity could serve as a cover or convenience.
Of course, this idea couldn't be shared with others yet, especially the Little Daoist Priest Chongyun, who took things too seriously. However, telling his own family was fine.
Next, Xingqiu slowly laid out his plan.
His Brother listened, growing more stunned, then burst out laughing, "You certainly take things in stride."
"Life is like a play; it all depends on the acting," Xingqiu smiled. "Since everyone loves watching this show, why don't we just play along? Perhaps there will be unexpected gains."
Just then, hurried footsteps sounded outside the study, accompanied by Chongyun's familiar yet anxious voice: "Xingqiu, Xingqiu! This is bad! Hu Tao... she's brought dozens of copies of 'secret tales of feiyun' to set up a stall at the Guild entrance! She says it's to 'celebrate the renowned fame of Xingqiu Second Miss, with a special WangSheng Funeral Parlor package giveaway'!"
Xingqiu and his Brother exchanged a look, seeing the same helplessness and a hint of amusement in each other's eyes.
It seemed the 'unease' of the Feiyun Commerce Guild was going to continue for quite some time.
Xingqiu stood up, straightened his robes, and a smile curved his lips.
"Let's go, Brother. We'll go meet that Director Hu, who fears nothing more than a world without chaos."
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The grand entrance of the Feiyun Commerce Guild had instantly transformed into Liyue Harbor's newest "Stage."
Hu Tao wore her signature brown robe, and the plum blossom petals on her hat trembled slightly with her movements.
She had somehow brought over a small square table, upon which dozens of brand-new copies of "secret tales of feiyun: Hidden Beauty in the Boudoir, the Second Miss's Sword Shadows and Literary Grace" were neatly stacked. Beside it stood a temporarily sourced wooden board, inscribed with hasty yet forceful characters:
"Celebrating the sensation caused by 'secret tales of feiyun' across Liyue, WangSheng Funeral Parlor offers a special celebratory discount!"
"Purchase the WangSheng Funeral Parlor 'Intimate Secret Tales Package' and receive a free copy of the bestselling masterpiece, 'secret tales of feiyun'!"
"A rare opportunity, first come, first served. Miss today, wait another year! (Maybe)"
She enthusiastically shouted to the passersby, her voice crisp: "Come, come, take a look! Today's top headline in Liyue Harbor, the stunning secrets of the Feiyun Commerce Guild, all contained in this book!"
"Don't pass by without looking! You won't lose money buying it, you won't be cheated! One novel to let you experience the romance and the sword shadows and literary grace behind the mercantile giants!"
"Buy the WangSheng Funeral Parlor super value package now, and not only can you reserve a comfortable seat for your final destination in advance, but you also get this year's hottest bestseller free! A book in hand means you have gossip! Enjoy life while you can, don't let the secrets face the moon in vain!"
Her unique "bundle sales" method and highly impactful advertising slogans drew the attention of passersby, causing many to stop and watch.
Some couldn't help but laugh, others whispered amongst themselves, and some were actually curious enough to inquire about the specific contents of the 'Intimate Secret Tales Package.' The area outside the Feiyun Commerce Guild became livelier than the nearby marketplace for a time.
The Shop Assistants and guards inside the Guild exchanged glances, unsure whether to laugh or cry.
If they stopped her, Hu Tao was the Director of the WangSheng Funeral Parlor and had dealings with the Guild, so it was inappropriate to drive her away directly. If they didn't stop her, this scene was truly... too improper! Did they still care about the Second Young Master's reputation (although very little remained now)?
At this awkward yet lively moment, Xingqiu and his Brother happened to walk out, followed by a frantic Chongyun.
"Hu! Tao!" Chongyun spotted the familiar figure and the glaring sign at a glance. His face instantly flushed crimson, and he almost gritted out the name.
He felt his Pure Yang Constitution beginning to heat up uncontrollably, especially when he saw the meaningful smiles on the faces of the surrounding crowd.
Xingqiu, however, maintained a calm expression. He raised his hand and gently used his folding fan to signal his Brother to stop, then walked toward Hu Tao's small stall with composed steps, a slight smile even gracing his face.
"Director Hu, what a pleasant surprise to see you setting up shop at the entrance of our Feiyun Commerce Guild today?" Xingqiu's voice remained clear, betraying no anger. "And setting up such a grand display, you truly bring glory to our humble Feiyun Commerce Guild."
Seeing the main character appear, Hu Tao's plum blossom pupils instantly lit up, and her smile became even more radiant. She quickly picked up a copy of 'secret tales of feiyun' and waved it in front of Xingqiu as if displaying a treasure.
"Oh my, isn't this the most talked-about 'Second Miss' in Liyue Harbor right now!" Hu Tao's tone was exaggerated, placing special emphasis on the words 'Second Miss.' "I've come specifically to offer my congratulations! Look, your story is now known to every household, and even our WangSheng Funeral Parlor is benefiting from the reflected glory; business has improved quite a bit!"
As she spoke, she winked at Xingqiu: "How about it, Xingqiu Second Miss, would you like one too? Considering our long acquaintance, I'll give you a twenty percent discount! Just sign up for our WangSheng Funeral Parlor 'Intimate Secret Tales Package,' and this book is free!"
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