Eldritch Horror Theatre

"Are you absolutely sure... there's a customer outside?"

Behind the counter, Wen Li finally set down her book and leaned closer to ask in a low whisper.

The reason was simple: half an hour had passed since Fu Qian warned her to get ready.

Realizing an expert she couldn't detect was watching from outside, Wen Li had instantly raised her guard while remaining outwardly composed.

Unfortunately, after she casually picked up a book as a cover, time ticked by with no sign of an esteemed guest stepping through the door.

She could no longer maintain her steady reading pace of one page every two minutes.

"I'm sure."

At this moment, the true quality of a scholar was on full display. Fu Qian didn't even lift his head, continuing to skim ten lines at a glance.

"...Are there still too many people? Do you want me to chase them all out?"

"No need. That would only make the customer nervous."

Fu Qian remained focused on his studies, taking a moment to explain the true meaning behind making guests feel at home.

"If you want to draw in an uninvited guest, you have to give her the space to act on her own."

"...Understood."

This was why it was said that even a small business required great wisdom. Faced with the management philosophy Fu Qian had just shared, even a seasoned capitalist like Wen Li nodded in supportive agreement.

Of course, it would have been even better if she had recalled more fundamental principles along the way—such as operating with integrity and not withholding wages.

Alas, such hopes were ultimately drowned out by Eldest Miss Wen's display of textbook merchant shrewdness.

...

For a brief moment, despite the clear and sunny afternoon, it was as if a layer of shadow had fallen over the sunlight filtering into the small shop.

A peculiar gloom, accompanied by a distinct chill, settled into every corner.

A few seconds later, the studious customers quietly flipping through their books seemed to sense something and glanced around.

It was rare enough for that awful boss to show some restraint today, so why...

Sensing an indescribable unease, one customer finally put his book back and walked straight out the door.

Although he tried his best to maintain the refined elegance of a well-read scholar, his slightly hurried movements when opening the door betrayed a desperate urge to flee the encroaching dark.

This mood was clearly contagious. Over the next few minutes, the sound of the door opening echoed continuously.

By the time the final balding man stood in the bookstore's doorway, looking up at the sky as if practically basking in the sunlight, only the two people at the counter remained inside.

"Please come in."

Even after his business suffered such a disastrous setback, the manager clearly maintained his emotional stability.

With his back still turned to the customer who appeared in the doorway a second later, Fu Qian offered a warm greeting.

Serana...

At the same time, the volunteer behind the counter no longer used her book as a shield, simply staring blankly at the newcomer.

Ash-gray hair, crimson eyes, and a pale complexion. Combined with the sudden changes inside the bookstore just moments ago, her racial traits couldn't be more obvious.

Not to mention, she had paid special attention to her when gathering intelligence for Mister Fu earlier, so recognizing her wasn't exactly difficult.

Taking a bit of encouragement from the greeting, the Blood Clan Demigod hesitated no longer, pushing the door open to step inside.

"Greetings, Excellency Serana."

Just before she fully entered, the volunteer, Eldest Miss Wen, had already stood up.

As a well-bred young woman, she clearly couldn't match the nonchalant attitude of the man beside her when dealing with such a legendary senior figure.

"You are Wen Li?"

As someone who wasn't fond of socializing, Serana found Wen Li's face unfamiliar.

However, that didn't stop her from deducing the identity of this newly rising genius in Shangjing based on her Rank and age.

"A pleasure to meet you."

Reaching Tier 4 at such a young age was genuinely somewhat shocking.

Especially since the girl's foundation was incredibly stable, showing no signs of hidden flaws.

A rare talent... though upon realizing she was associated with this guy, it suddenly felt entirely reasonable.

Glancing at Fu Qian, who still hadn't turned his head around, Serana took a deep breath. She reminded herself to maintain the bearing of a Demigod, showing neither joy nor anger on her face.

"My apologies, I was too engrossed in my reading. Please, have a seat."

However, as a businessman capable of establishing a foothold in Shangjing, his ability to read people was by no means weak.

Instantly sensing the customer's dissatisfaction at being slighted, Fu Qian finally tossed his book aside and turned around with a warm welcome.

"Not at all. I am the one intruding..."

Having communicated with him numerous times before, Serana knew better than to engage in a battle of words with him; otherwise, the situation could easily spiral out of control.

But his ridiculously flawed excuse still made her glance at the book beside him as she spoke: "Excellent Management: How to Activate Your Team's Internal Drive."

Even so, the sight of the title still sent a minor shockwave through her thoughts.

...

"Mister Fang... you certainly have a wide range of interests."

Once the shock faded and she realized the unscrupulous Bookstore Owner wore a sly grin—as if he had been waiting purely to see her reaction—Serana finally broke her initial resolve and offered a sarcastic remark through gritted teeth.

"Not at all. With such a large operation that needs to run smoothly, one must always step up and take responsibility."

Unfortunately, Fu Qian's response was as smooth as ever. He let out a sigh and pointed around the shop.

"In the past, my business model was simple and unrestrained. But now that we have more people, I've increasingly noticed the flaws in my own management skills."

"As a professional in the culture industry, apart from helping others acquire knowledge, I need to keep learning myself."

'You call that simple and unrestrained? Brutal is more like it!'

'Do you think I haven't heard of your reputation?'

Realizing she was unwittingly being dragged into his rhythm once again, Serana forced herself to swallow the words on the tip of her tongue, lest the conversation derail completely.

"Truly admirable. Unfortunately, I have lost all interest in learning, so let's save this topic for another day."

Keeping a straight face, Serana forcefully ended the excessively uplifting conversation, though she did accept his offer and sat down.

...

'As expected of Mister Fu. To think he even talks like this with the legendary, haughty Blood Clan Demigod... Chief Yuan truly wasn't his only victim.'

Behind the counter, Wen Li was utterly amazed, though she tried her best to control her expression to avoid causing offense.

Fortunately, Serana only cast a single glance her way before looking away. Her expression didn't change at all, and she didn't even ask Wen Li to leave the room.

It was clear that, just as Fu Qian had said before, in the eyes of industry insiders, the genius Eldest Miss Wen had already been deeply branded with his mark.

"Sure thing. So, what did you want to talk about today?"

Fu Qian appeared incredibly easygoing, instantly letting the guest take the lead as he straightforwardly asked for her purpose.

...

Unfortunately, this development felt a bit too smooth. Having braced herself for a battle of wits and courage, Serana suddenly found herself at a loss for words.

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