Page 49 of The Scholar's Improper Wife

“I will finance the renovations. The expansions.” Her mind envisioned a bigger, more welcoming space, dedicated areas for different genres of huabens, reading spaces bathed in sunlight. “The stationery shop next door is part of my dowry. I’ll combine the two spaces. We will sell both books and stationery.” She paused for a moment, thinking back to the Sword Lady Mei’s outfits that were selling out in the clothing stores last year. “We can even sell special stationery inspired by the books.”

She plowed on determinedly. “Autumn Leaf won’t just sell books. We’ll publish more books than now. We’ll find independent authors—those Golden House ignores because their names aren’t famous enough, or their stories are too strange. We’ll give them a chance. And we’ll make readerswantto come here, not just because we’re cheaper, but because we’re unique.”

For a moment, the only sound was the distant chatter of the street outside, Yun-si clenched her sweaty palms nervously, if Old Wang doesn’t—

Old Wang’s expression didn’t change. “And why would I agree to this?”

“Because you love this shop,” Yun-si said softly. “And because I’ll make sure it survives.”

Old Wang was silent for a long moment. Then he shook his head, slow and deliberate. “Third Maiden, do you know why I’m closing?”

“Your health,” Yun-si said. “And Golden House Books.”

“Clever girl.” Old Wang’s smile was bitter. “Golden House has bulk. They have numerous stores across provinces. They use that advantage to undercut prices. They hoard stock. They entice authors with grand contracts. Autumn Leaf can’t compete on volume alone.”

Yun-si listened, her hands folded tightly in her lap. She’d seen Golden House’s banners, their aggressive promotions, their bestseller displays that took up half the street.

“Even if you renovate,” Old Wang continued, “even if you hire helpers, you’ll need something they don’t have. You need a draw. A star author. Someone readers will cross the city to find.”

He leaned forward, his gaze sharp. “Do you have that, Third Maiden?”

Yun-si didn’t answer immediately. Her mind was already spinning, racing through possibilities.

“Not yet,” she said finally. “But I will.”

Old Wang studied her for another long moment. Then, slowly, he nodded. “You’re serious.”

“I am.”

“Then we have a deal.” He extended his hand across the counter. “You finance. I manage. We survive.”

Yun-si clasped his hand. His grip was firm, worn from years of handling books. “We expand.” She corrected.

Old Wang’s smile was faint but genuine. “Don’t thank me yet. You’ve got a lot of work ahead of you.”

Yun-si stood, inclined her head, and turned toward the door. The sounds of the streets returned as she stepped back out onto Scholar’s Lane.

The late afternoon sun had softened to a warm amber glow. Its light filtered through the fresh green canopy of the scholar trees lining the lane, dappling the stone paved street with shifting patches of gold. Yun-si walked slowly, her mind churning.

Old Wang is right. I need a star author. Someone readers love. Someone who can rival Golden House’s bestsellers.

She thought of the books she’d read—the ones that made her heart race, the ones she stayed up late to finish.Recluse in Clouds?No. She wasn’t famous enough. Not yet.

But who was?

Moonlit Brush.

Her breath caught.

I need Moonlit Brush.

Chapter 22

Yun-si sat hunched over her desk, chewing on the end of her brush. Outside her room, melodious larks sang among sweet-scented flowers. The scene of perfect spring serenity only served to deepen the anxiety within her.

Three crumpled drafts already littered the floor like fallen blossoms. Her brush hovered above the fourth, trembling slightly.

Just right. The letter needed balance—respectful but not fawning, warm but not...improper. Just the right tone for a fan, a gushing reader. Someone Moonlit Brush could relate to.