"Do literati also need to sign up?" Lin Wanrong frowned.
In this day and age, the term 'literati' is indeed a sought-after golden signboard. Anyone with the title of literati, regardless of their actual abilities, tends to have a proud disposition. Engaging in the teachings of Confucius and moral principles while narrating tales of the Qinhuai River, literati pursue such a lifestyle. Even with a monthly salary of a hundred and twenty-five qian silver coins, they would not lower their status to become servants. But what's happening today? Have these individuals gone mad? Why are they so actively vying for the position of a lowly house servant?
The old man, evidently a natural gossip, grabbed Lin Wanrong, glanced around, and carefully whispered in his ear, "Young brother, you're not aware of the inside story, are you? It's said that Miss Xiao, the young mistress of the Xiao family, is approaching her twenties and is about to choose a husband. All these literati are going for this reason. Just think about it, since the passing of the old master in the Xiao family, there has been a shortage of male heirs. Apart from Lady Xiao and her two daughters, there's not a single male. The entire business of the Xiao family, big and small, relies on the management of the young mistress. Whoever marries her will inherit the vast family fortune of the Xiao family, right?"
Lin Wanrong suddenly exclaimed, understanding the situation now. Miss Xiao, young, beautiful, and affluent, attracted literati like bees to honey. This was not surprising; when a green-headed fly encounters a rotten egg, such behavior is to be expected.
In the TV shows and novels Lin Wanrong had seen, so-called wealthy young ladies were all exceptionally beautiful, like the fragrance in the flower buds. Frankly speaking, Lin Wanrong found it hard to believe. Beautiful women were rare; how could they be as abundant as described in novels, forming wholesale batches? It was merely the wishful thinking of those authors.
"May I ask, Uncle, how does Miss Xiao look?" Lin Wanrong inquired discreetly.
"Um, no one has seen her." The old man hesitated and replied, "Since the passing of the old master Xiao, Miss Xiao has been managing the Xiao family estate. She keeps a low profile and rarely shows herself, so not many people have seen her appearance. But judging from the appearance of Lady Xiao, the young mistress's looks should be impressive."
The old man's eyes revealed a glint that men understood well. Lin Wanrong smiled inwardly, thinking that Lady Xiao must be exceptionally beautiful. According to the old man, these literati probably hadn't seen Miss Xiao yet. An idea surfaced in Lin Wanrong's mind. If Wei Lao forced him to become a servant, he wouldn't let himself be taken advantage of. He could first make a profit from the Xiao family and compensate for the injustice he suffered.
Lin Wanrong glanced at the old man, a "sincere" smile appearing on his face. "Uncle, although you're diligent, your business methods are still insufficient."
The old man exclaimed, "Please enlighten me, young brother."
Lin Wanrong nodded, looked around, and then approached a young man nearby with a similar appearance. "Brother, I have a guide to the selection of Xiao family servants. I was too hasty earlier and accidentally bought an extra one. Now I'm selling it at the lowest price of four wen. Brother, you also know, today these things are extremely popular. I just bought it from this old man here for five wen."
The young man's eyes flickered, and he shrewdly said, "You're selling second-hand goods. I'll take it for three wen."
Lin Wanrong showed a "reluctant" expression and sighed, "Well, let's consider it a complete loss today. Brother, we have a deal!"
Lin Wanrong chuckled, handed the guide to the "shrewd" man, and received three wen from him.
The old man, on the side, blinked incessantly. In the blink of an eye, Lin Wanrong, empty-handed, gained a guide and earned a copper coin.
"Uncle, did you understand?" Lin Wanrong walked to his side with a sincere smile.
"Young master's tactics!" The old man's face was full of admiration, sincerely impressed.
"This is called marketing strategy, spreading the cost and earning profits." Lin Wanrong didn't care if he understood or not, opting for a relatively simple theory to explain.
Lin Wanrong was the manager of the marketing department in the company, overseeing dozens of people. Such simple theories came naturally to him.
After contemplating for a moment, the old man nodded and said, "I understand, young master."
Regarding this old man in the business, perhaps due to being in the same trade, Lin Wanrong felt quite in tune with him. "Uncle, may I ask for your surname?"
"Humble old man doesn't dare. I am surnamed Dong, Dong Rende." The old man respectfully introduced himself to Lin Wanrong, not looking down on him despite his shabby appearance.
"Oh, Mr. Dong, nice to meet you. I'm Lin Wanrong." Lin Wanrong nodded and smiled.
"So, you're Young Master Lin. This old man has truly failed to recognize Mount Tai." Dong Rende hurriedly clasped his hands, full of respect.
Lin Wanrong smiled and clasped his hands, "No need for such formality, Mr. Dong. I suddenly had an idea just now and wanted to discuss a business opportunity with you."
"Business partnership? Well, well, this humble old man doesn't have that much capital." Dong Rende stammered.
Lin Wanrong, with a clear mind, knew it was because of their recent acquaintance that his sudden eagerness to do business together naturally aroused suspicion. In fact, looking at Dong Rende's appearance, his family was probably not very affluent.
"Mr. Dong, rest assured. This business I want to do with you requires no initial investment from you. I'll cover all the costs. You just need to help me with a small favor. We'll split the profits fifty-fifty when the time comes." Lin Wanrong assured him.
Dong Rende, doubtful, glanced at Lin Wanrong. It was understandable, considering Lin Wanrong's attire; he didn't look like a wealthy businessman.
Lin Wanrong nodded, "Mr. Dong, trust me. The business I propose is risk-free. I'll bear all the costs, and you just need to assist me a little. We'll share the profits equally."
Dong Rende, after careful consideration, nodded and said, "Alright, Young Master Lin, I'll listen to you. What do we need to do?"
Lin Wanrong nodded, "Mr. Dong, first, I need confirmation. Has Miss Xiao rarely been seen by people?"
Dong Rende nodded, "Indeed, my daughter often makes clothes for Lady Xiao. According to her, even Lady Xiao rarely sees the young mistress."
"Oh, a talented young lady?" Lin Wanrong smiled, "It turns out she often has the opportunity to interact with the ladies of the Xiao family. My apologies for the oversight."
Proudly, Dong Rende said, "My daughter, Qiaoqiao, is skilled and beautiful. She's
renowned in the vicinity, and the young mistresses of the Xiao family all adore her." Clearly, Dong Rende was very proud of his daughter, and his face lit up when talking about her.
Lin Wanrong was about to share his thoughts with Dong Rende, so they needed to find a quieter place. Dong Rende looked at Lin Wanrong and said, "If the young master doesn't mind the poverty of this old man's home, please come over for a chat."
This old Dong was indeed a straightforward person, and once he made up his mind, he committed fully. Without any suspicion of Lin Wanrong, he seemed quite magnanimous, indicating that Lin Wanrong had a good eye.