Chapter 1428: Encouraging Study
"Are you really sure... there's a guest outside?"
At last, Wen Li put down the book she was holding behind the counter and leaned forward to ask in a low voice.
The reason she'd put the book down was simple—it had already been half an hour since Fu Qian had reminded her to be ready.
Realizing that an expert she couldn't detect at all was watching from outside, Wen Li had instantly grown alert, though she kept her expression calm.
Unfortunately, after casually picking up a book as cover, minute after minute had passed without any sign of a distinguished guest arriving.
Her steady pace of one page every two minutes had finally faltered.
"Certain."
This was where an intellectual's discipline showed. Fu Qian didn't even raise his head as he continued skimming ten lines at a glance.
"...Are there still too many people? Should I drive them all away?"
Inspired by such a leader's bearing, Wen Li continued to demonstrate her initiative.
"No need. That would make the customers nervous."
Fu Qian remained focused on his studies, while explaining the secret to making guests feel at home.
"To attract an unexpected guest, you have to give her room to serve herself."
"...Understood."
No wonder even a small business required great wisdom. Faced with Fu Qian's business philosophy, Wen Li—a seasoned capitalist—nodded along with great enthusiasm.
Of course, it would've been even better if she'd also remembered some more basic principles, like running an honest business and not withholding wages.
Alas, that hope was ultimately drowned out by Miss Wen's demonstration that no merchant was too cunning.
For a moment, despite the bright afternoon, the sunlight filtering into the little shop seemed to dim.
A peculiar darkness fell over every corner, bringing with it a