Inside the bookstore, Shopkeeper Sun was having an internal struggle.
On one hand was his deep-rooted awe for Rex Lapis, feeling that printing such a thing was simply treasonous—what if it brought disaster? If the Qixing blamed him, his small bookstore wouldn't be able to bear the consequences.
On the other hand, it was his sharp intuition and uncontrollable curiosity as both a scholar and a merchant.
The story was written so vividly, with such a sense of imagery; that absurd yet subtle "rationality" tickled his heart like a feather, making him unable to resist wanting to know what Master "Zhongli" would do next.
"Master Zhongli didn't bring any Mora today either..." he muttered to himself, his fingers unconsciously tapping on the counter. "This title... it's eye-catching!"
He could almost imagine the readers' reactions upon seeing this title. It would surely be just like his: first shock, then confusion, and finally the look of someone trying to hold back laughter but not daring to.
Sales... would likely be quite astonishing.
Seeking fortune amidst danger?
No, no, no, this risk is a bit too high.
But... what if? What if his lordship Rex Lapis actually didn't mind, or even... He shuddered, not daring to think further.
Or perhaps, the Qixing would also find it harmless?
After all, the description of Rex Lapis in this article, aside from the slightly embarrassing point of "not bringing money," exuded an otherworldly and natural grace throughout, and was even a bit... cute?
The shopkeeper shook his head vigorously, forcefully casting away the thought of using the word "cute" for Rex Lapis—it was too disrespectful!
He picked up the manuscript again and read it carefully once more.
This time, he noticed the signature—"Lovia."
A pen name he had never heard of.
And that line: "If this piece can earn a few Mora to fill one's stomach, the anonymous author may continue to reveal secrets..."
There really is a sequel?!
The shopkeeper steeled his heart.
Let's do it!
At worst, he could slightly obscure the source during printing, or only circulate it in small circles among regular customers to test the waters first.
He carefully smoothed out the creases in the manuscript and locked it in a small drawer under the counter, placing it together with his most important account books.
He needed to find a reliable printing workshop first and remind them to keep it secret.
Payment... right, payment! That child said to keep it at the bookstore for now?
The shopkeeper pulled out that "consignment letter," which said "will come to collect it in the future."
This anonymous author is certainly carefree, not even worried that he might pocket it.
He thought for a moment and took out a small pouch, counting out enough Mora for an ordinary family's meals for several days. This was a decent standard for story payments on the market, even slightly higher, given that the content was truly "unique."
He put the Mora aside separately and recorded it in the accounts. After finishing all this, he sat back in his chair, his heart still pounding, feeling that the coming days would probably not be very peaceful.
He looked out the window at the bustling harbor, his eyes wandering, already unconsciously searching the crowd for those elegant gentlemen with composed demeanors who looked like they might "not have brought money."
On the other side, Lovia had been crouching in the corner until her legs were numb, nervously observing the bookstore.
Seeing that the owner didn't immediately rush out shouting, nor were there any Millelith surrounding the place, she breathed a small sigh of relief.
But hunger surged again, reminding her of the harsh reality.
"So hungry..." She clutched her stomach, staring longingly at the steaming grilled meat at the food stall across the street. The golden, crispy skin emitted an enticing aroma, and she couldn't help but swallow her saliva.
"Wait a bit longer, just a bit longer..." she comforted herself in a low voice. "Maybe the owner is in the middle of an intense struggle, or went to consult with someone? Looking at his expression just now, it didn't seem like he was completely indifferent..."
Time passed bit by bit, the sun set behind the mountains, and the lights of Liyue Harbor began to flicker on.
Inside the bookstore, the shopkeeper finally seemed to have made up his mind, standing up to pack his things and prepare to close. The expression on his face was still complex, but it seemed to hold a hint of determination.
Lovia's heart leaped into her throat.
Finally, the bookstore's door panels were closed one by one.
The owner didn't look around or show any signs of abnormality; like any shop owner finishing a day of ordinary business, he locked the door, tucked his hands into his sleeves, and joined the flow of people leaving work.
There was no cheering, no immediate recognition, but... there was no bad news either.
This meant that the first hurdle had seemingly been cleared? At least the manuscript hadn't been torn up or thrown out on the spot.
Lovia let out a long, cautious breath, her tense nerves relaxing slightly.
Though she was so hungry her stomach was stuck to her back, the small flame of hope was rekindled.
"Next, it's just waiting..." She supported herself against the wall to stand up, rubbed her numb legs, and under the cover of the night and the crowd, quietly left her hiding place, planning to find a way to endure this hungry night while keeping a close eye on the movements of "Sanyu Bookstore."
Whether her "record of shi pos wanderings" could be exchanged for enough Mora to fill her stomach, or even spark the "fun" trend she expected, everything was still an unknown.
But at least, the first step had been taken.
And on her quill pen and small notebook, she was already eager to write down more short stories about Master "Zhongli."
At the thought of this, the corners of Lovia's mouth curled up slightly.
This is called unofficial history? This is too authentic! Because she was afraid that if she wrote too much, the shopkeeper would rush out to catch her.
Hmph, what she writes in the future will be what truly deserves to be called unofficial history!