Book Signing (Part 2) (Seeking Reads~)

A book signing isn't a company ribbon-cutting ceremony or an awards gala; there won't be lengthy opening remarks.

Sean's task was simple: sit by a stack of books nearly as tall as himself and sign them continuously.

Given the number of people flooding the mall, some chaos was expected. However, thanks to the smartly uniformed police officers standing guard, everyone was remarkably orderly. They formed two neat lines: one for purchasing books and another for having them signed by Sean.

Someone curiously asked why so many police officers were present.

The leading officer glanced at Sean and then smiled as he began to explain to the crowd.

An event without an opening speech felt like something was missing. In that case, he might as well help Sean warm up the atmosphere.

"First, I'd like to express our sincere gratitude to everyone for attending this book signing event for Mr. Sean, our rising fantasy author."

"I also want to thank you all for enjoying Mr. Sean's books."

"To be honest, I'm a loyal fan of Mr. Sean myself. His stories perfectly match my imagination and definition of magic and mystery. Don't laugh, but every night before I sleep, I lie in bed waiting for his updates. I can't fall asleep without reading them."

The crowd erupted in laughter.

"Are they really that good?"

Hearing such words from a uniformed, working police officer carried an inexplicable sense of humor.

"Of course, they are," the officer replied earnestly. "Mr. Sean is my personal favorite author, bar none. That's why I'm here today."

He then shifted his tone. "We received internal information that criminals might use this opportunity to carry out a terrorist attack in the mall. As police officers, we must be prepared to protect everyone's safety."

"Secondly, as a fan of Mr. Sean, I naturally don't want him to be harmed. So, I specifically requested a transfer to this book signing to personally carry out this mission."

Upon hearing about a potential terrorist attack, the venue instantly buzzed with commotion.

The leading officer smiled again. "Don't worry, it's not as serious as you might think. Otherwise, we would have already started evacuating the crowd. We wouldn't have let you all in."

"A week from now is Ascetic Day. You all know that around this time every year, some heretics pop up and spout nonsense, threatening this and that, trying to sow panic, disrupt public morale, and question the existence of the Lord and our faith. But have they ever succeeded?"

"No."

"Not once."

"And this year will be no exception."

"Even if a situation arises later, we will immediately organize and ensure everyone's safe evacuation."

He continued with a serious tone, "The large presence of officers here today is to send a clear message: we have zero tolerance for all illegal and criminal activities. Regardless of the scale, identity, or who dares to break the law and endanger social safety, they will face our most severe punishment and crackdown!"

His words were powerful and resolute, leaving no doubt about his determination.

The crowd applauded enthusiastically, unaware of the implied meaning behind his speech.

If no terrorist attack occurred, it would be because the perpetrators were intimidated, unwilling to provoke the police department and the government.

If a terrorist attack did occur and clashed with the security forces, then the individuals killed or apprehended would be the "terrorists" mentioned in the internal intelligence.

They would always be on the side of justice.

"Well done! The people need police officers like you!"

Hearing the crowd's praise, the leading officer waved his hands and chuckled, "It's our duty. Maintaining public order and eliminating threats is our responsibility... Wouldn't you agree, Mr. Sean?"

He looked towards Sean.

Beneath the square police cap was a face he hadn't seen in a long time.

Burg.

"Officer Burg is right," Sean replied with a light chuckle.

He wasn't surprised by Burg's presence today; after all, it was something they had "arranged."

Burg still presented the same image of an enthusiastic, cheerful, and dedicated public servant.

Unfortunately for Burg, things had changed.

Sean was no longer the weak, easily deceived otaku from half a month ago, unable to retaliate. The current Burg couldn't put any pressure on him.

"Mr. Sean, please sign here~"

"Okay."

Book after book passed under Sean's pen. Sometimes, it wasn't books but greeting cards, handkerchiefs, clothes, or tissues... One person even lifted their skirt and placed their leg on the table for him to sign.

He reveled in this part, not even glancing at Burg.

Wizards and mortals inhabited different worlds; their joys and sorrows were not shared. The lively atmosphere around him was an illusion to a wizard, yet Sean blended in perfectly, as if, in this moment, he was just an ordinary author.

Sean knew that from the moment he drank from the Spring of Enlightenment, his life would never be peaceful again. Therefore, he wanted to savor this book signing event even more. It was an honorable moment every author dreamed of, a perfect way to draw a conclusion to his simple, ordinary past life.

And to begin a new chapter.

Burg couldn't understand why Sean appeared so relaxed. Was he just pretending?

He was curious to see how long this author could keep up the act.

The book signing proceeded in an orderly fashion.

Sean's hand grew tired, but he continued with enthusiasm.

He had a rough estimate: assuming each person who came for an autograph bought at least one book, he had sold over a thousand copies. That was a significant amount of money. And that was just the on-site sales. After today, with news of the wildly successful signing spreading online and in newspapers, followed by further promotion, the restocking orders for various bookstores would be the real profit driver.

It's just a shame that he might not actually get the money.

This was the only thing that bothered Sean as he signed autographs.

He didn't like working for free.

He had to find a way to get back the money that belonged to him.

Another person sat down opposite him. Sean maintained his polite smile, "Hello, where would you like me to sign?"

"Sign my ass, you old bastard!" the person cursed in a low voice.

The newcomer was none other than Charles.

After waiting in line for several hours, it was finally his turn.

Sean: "..."

Why was this guy here?

He asked Charles with his eyes.

Unexpectedly, Charles not only came himself but also brought him some local specialties from his hometown.

Charles handed a small bag to Sean, grinning, "A gift for you, you dog author."

He unzipped it and saw a pack of brand-new razor blades.

Sean: "?"

Someone nearby saw what was in the bag and burst out laughing.

"Hahaha, they actually sent razor blades."

"Don't laugh if you don't understand. This is how we true fans show our love."

A Police Officer nearby couldn't hold back his laughter, the corners of his mouth twitching uncontrollably.

Only from Sean's perspective could he see that the bag contained not only razor blades but also an alchemical potion hidden beneath them.

Charles lowered his voice, "This is a Swift Potion, with adrenaline added. I'll cause an explosion in the venue later. You escape in the chaos. Don't worry about me, I have a way out."

Sean looked at Charles without saying a word.

Seeing his silence, Charles glared, "Did you hear me? These Police Officers are all scum!"

Sean suddenly started to laugh. "I know you're in a hurry."

"But wait a little longer. The signing event is almost over, at most an hour."

Charles couldn't help but be anxious. "It'll be too late once the signing event is over!"

Sean wanted to say it was fine, but before he could speak, a man in a white coat walked out from the crowd with a smile, interrupting their conversation.

"Leaving now... might also be too late, gentlemen."