Long Yuan quickly grasped the situation. The mysterious Miss Li, a figure shrouded in rumors and speculation, naturally drew the attention of countless suitors, each hoping to win her favor. Yet, as he observed the crowd vying for the opportunity to serve the Li Family, he noticed a pattern: many were captivated more by the idea of the young lady's supposed beauty than by any real knowledge of her.
"Uncle Ding," Long Yuan asked quietly, "what can you tell me about Miss Li? Has anyone actually seen her?"
Old Man Ding hesitated, his eyes narrowing thoughtfully. "Young master, you've asked the right person. I've been around long enough to have glimpsed Madam Li a few times. She used to accompany the old master to important events before he passed away. Madam Li is truly a refined beauty, elegant in every way. If her daughter has even a fraction of that charm, then it's no wonder people say she is stunning. But truthfully, since the old master's death, Miss Li has kept an extremely low profile. Hardly anyone has actually laid eyes on her."
Hearing this, Long Yuan's thoughts raced. So, it seemed that even those who claimed to be enamored with Miss Li were basing their admiration on little more than speculation. It presented him with an opportunity; the Li Family could offer him more than just a means to complete the system's quest. If he was to become a servant, then he would ensure he made the most out of it.
Giving Old Man Ding a thoughtful look, Long Yuan said with a smile, "Uncle Ding, I must say, your business sense is impressive, but it could use a touch of variety. You see, there are many ways to create value out of thin air."
Intrigued, the old man leaned closer. "Oh? What do you have in mind, young master?"
Long Yuan glanced around the bustling street, his eyes landing on a young man nearby who appeared to be a fellow recruit. With a quick motion, he beckoned the young man over and said, "Brother, I happen to have an extra guide to the Li Family's mansion. I bought it with five coins in a hurry earlier and didn't realize I already had one. I'm willing to let it go for four coins, which is quite a bargain given the demand today."
The young man examined the guide skeptically and then scoffed, "Four coins for something second-hand? I'll give you three."
Feigning reluctance, Long Yuan sighed, "Alright, I'll accept three coins. Consider it your good fortune for the day."
He handed over the guide and pocketed the three coins, earning a small profit. Old Man Ding, who had observed the exchange, couldn't hide his surprise at how effortlessly Long Yuan had made money from the situation.
"Did you see that, Uncle Ding?" Long Yuan asked with a confident smile. "This is what we call a strategy to spread the cost and maximize profit. It's not just about selling an item; it's about creating a narrative that makes it more valuable."
Old Man Ding nodded slowly, still processing what he had just witnessed. "Young master, your methods are indeed clever. I see there's more to you than meets the eye."
"Uncle Ding," Long Yuan continued, "I can tell you're someone who understands opportunity when it knocks. How about we work together? I have an idea that won't require any capital from you, just a bit of effort on your part. If we succeed, we'll split the profits evenly."
The old man hesitated, looking Long Yuan up and down. "Young master, I mean no disrespect, but with your ragged appearance, you don't exactly look like someone with resources. How can I be sure this will work?"
Long Yuan met the old man's gaze with a calm smile. "Uncle Ding, you've spent years on this street, watching people come and go. Surely you've developed a sense for judging character. If you judge me solely by appearances, then you might miss out on an opportunity. Sometimes, the best investments come from the least expected places."
Old Man Ding rubbed his chin thoughtfully. "You speak with conviction, young master. Very well, I'm willing to give it a try. What exactly do you have in mind?"
Long Yuan's eyes gleamed. "First, I need more information about Miss Li. The fact that very few people have seen her means we can turn that mystery to our advantage. You said you've seen Madam Li before, so perhaps you could help me paint a picture for her daughter—figuratively speaking."
The old man's brow furrowed. "What are you getting at, young master?"
"Think about it," Long Yuan explained, "all these young men are vying for a chance to impress a lady they've never met. They're trying to show off without knowing what she values or prefers. What if we created a guidebook—an inside look at the Li Family, with sections on things like 'The Taste of Miss Li' or 'The Li Family's Social Etiquette'? The guide would include useful insights that could give someone an edge in catching Miss Li's attention, or at least appear more knowledgeable."
Old Man Ding's eyes widened as the idea took shape in his mind. "Ah, I see now. You're not just trying to serve the family—you're creating value by capitalizing on the interest surrounding them."
"Exactly," Long Yuan said with a nod. "We can make a tidy profit selling this guide to all the hopeful young men. It doesn't need to be entirely accurate; it just needs to sound convincing. As someone who's seen Madam Li, your insights would lend it credibility. We'll add sections with speculative details to create the impression of an insider's knowledge. If nothing else, it'll be an entertaining read."
The old man chuckled. "Young master, I must admit, I'm impressed by your audacity. Most would never think of making money this way."
Long Yuan's grin widened. "Audacity is just another word for opportunity. Now, let's start gathering what you know. We'll organize it in a way that captures the imagination. For example, include anecdotes about Madam Li's elegance, even if they're based on assumptions, and mention some speculative details about Miss Li's rumored preferences."
Old Man Ding was clearly warming up to the idea. "You seem to have thought this through. I'm not much of a writer, though."
"Don't worry, Uncle Ding," Long Yuan replied. "I'll handle the organization and editing. You just need to share what you know, and we'll shape it into something appealing. The more mysterious we make it, the more people will be willing to pay."
As they discussed the plan, Old Man Ding shared various details he had picked up over the years. Though some were vague or unconfirmed, Long Yuan made sure to take mental notes. Each piece of information, whether true or exaggerated, would add to the allure of the guidebook they were about to produce, he also spoke about Madam Li appearance.
"Uncle Ding," Long Yuan said, wrapping up their conversation, "let's not waste any time. We'll start putting together the content right away, I will draw a painting of Miss Li and you can spread the word subtly. The more anticipation we build, the higher the demand will be."
Old Man Ding nodded in agreement. "You have a sharp mind, young master. I'll follow your lead. Let's see if we can turn this little scheme into real profit."
As they parted ways, Long Yuan couldn't help but feel a surge of satisfaction. This was just the beginning. He had taken the first step in carving out a path for himself in this new world. The system's quest was just one part of his journey, and while it compelled him to serve as a butler, he would ensure that every action brought him closer to power and profit.
With the plan in motion, Long Yuan's confidence grew. He was no ordinary servant; he was a man on a mission, using wit and strategy to turn every challenge into an opportunity. If he was to climb the ranks in the Li Family, it would not just be as a dutiful servant but as someone who could manipulate the circumstances to his advantage.
Little did Old Man Ding realize, this collaboration was more than just a business deal. It was a stepping stone for Long Yuan—a means to learn about the Li Family from the ground up, gain influence, and eventually rise to a position where he could shape his own destiny.