Chapter Nine: The Art of Scarcity Marketing

After dividing the profits with Drunken Flower Pavilion, the little storybook shop had accumulated nearly a hundred taels of silver in less than a week.

“Zhi Lan, those young men from noble families I asked you to approach—do they truly wish to purchase multiple copies of these fantasy storybooks?” he inquired once more.

“Yes, they’ve already sent people to ask me several times. But since you haven’t released any new manuscripts, I could only respond vaguely,” Zhi Lan replied.

It had been about a week since the last update. The anticipation had built up enough.

“Let them know about the shop, and tell them we’ll soon be launching some events.”

“Events?” Zhi Lan found this half-credible, half-bewildering. She often struggled to keep pace with Han Qing’s ideas.

“Readers can purchase manuscripts in advance, but at an extra price. If they buy an annual membership, they’ll get access to the latest manuscripts ahead of time…” Han Qing mused to himself.

Having finally found a chance to profit, why not strike while the iron was hot? Especially since these young scions always had shady dealings. Nothing honorable about them.

“Young Master Han, please explain this slowly. I’m still confused—what do you mean by an annual membership?” Zhi Lan asked, utterly perplexed. She’d never heard of any shop adopting such a system. Even Drunken Flower Pavilion only introduced new amusements each season, but nothing as outlandish as this.

“Simply put, a hundred taels of silver a year, and you’ll enjoy certain discounts and privileges at the shop.”

A hundred taels? Who would be foolish enough for that? Zhi Lan shook her head in disbelief.

“Who would spend a hundred taels on something so intangible?”

She misunderstood. Since he had come up with this system, naturally there would be buyers—and the number must be limited. It was merely scarcity marketing.

Han Qing thought to himself that people here probably didn’t grasp the principle yet.

“Just spread the word about this system. In due time, someone will come,” Han Qing said coolly.

Zhi Lan had nothing more to add. She instructed the sisters at Drunken Flower Pavilion to spread the news among the city’s circles, curious to see the result.

As expected, the announcement stirred up some waves.

The young scions were puzzled—why would an unremarkable storybook shop dare to play such tricks? Did they really think the scheme would work?

On one hand, they didn’t think it was worth it. On the other hand, they were deeply hooked by the twists in the stories, eager to know what would happen next to Lin Xuan.

Young Master Zhu, whose family had both official and commercial ties, was particularly well-off. Upon hearing the news, he acted generously and went straight to the shop, wanting to meet the mastermind behind these ideas.

Han Qing had previously sent Er Zhuang to inquire about Young Master Zhu, finding nothing too concerning.

“Young Master Zhu, I am simply making a living. For you to visit in person is an honor for which I am unworthy,” Han Qing replied politely, unable to gauge the young man’s intentions and thus choosing caution.

“I’m here because I need the new manuscripts you offer. When will they be available?” Young Master Zhu was probing.

“A few more days,” Han Qing replied ambiguously. This was merely a subtle tug-of-war, each testing the other—no one revealing their true intentions.

“Your membership system is certainly novel. If I buy a year’s membership, what benefits will I enjoy?”

Han Qing listed the perks slowly: the latest manuscripts, specially produced editions, and future exclusive content.

The first few benefits could be fulfilled quickly. Young Master Zhu seemed quite interested.

“Very well, I’ll purchase one. I hope your shop can give me a unique experience.”

He seemed to be looking forward to it.

With that, the entire upper class soon heard about the shop. Since there was always competition among them, if one purchased the membership, others would surely follow. They prided themselves on their literary taste, eager to gain early access to exclusive privileges.

Han Qing had long since grasped their mentality.

Just as he predicted, after announcing only fifty spots for membership, all were sold within three days.

When Zhi Lan heard the news, her surprise was palpable. She had thought the idea strange, but the results left her utterly astonished.

“Don’t they feel they’ve wasted their money?” she asked.

“There are buyers, so others are bound to feel envious. It’s all psychology,” Han Qing replied nonchalantly, not the least bit concerned.

A thousand taels—enough to let him pursue other ventures.

However, the shop was registered under Er Zhuang’s name; Han Qing didn’t wish to stand in the limelight. Too much sudden wealth would only unsettle his wife and mother.

Reflecting on this, he realized he had spent too many days running about lately, neglecting his studies. No wonder Xiu Xiu felt uneasy.

Han Qing, look at the trouble you’ve caused. So many trust issues still needed to be resolved.

“My dear, now that I’ve earned some money with my writing, why don’t we choose a good courtyard and move there?” Han Qing suggested, determined to improve their living conditions. He couldn’t let his wife and mother suffer any longer. Now that he finally had a chance to turn things around, he mustn’t neglect those who had been good to him.

“I like it here well enough. Don’t be extravagant—Mother would be upset if she knew,” Xiu Xiu replied gently, her gaze filled with quiet emotion.

In a rush of feeling, he pulled Xiu Xiu into his arms. She blushed, at first struggling, but then relented. Han Qing knew not to push his luck—just holding her was enough for now. He could wait a little longer.

“In a few days, I’ll look around for a suitable courtyard,” Han Qing said softly.

Xiu Xiu nodded.

But the next day, an uninvited guest arrived at their home.

“Brother-in-law, I hear you’ve struck it rich—don’t forget about me!” Liu Tieniu fawned shamelessly.

Han Qing vividly remembered how this man had kicked him when he was down. How could he possibly help such a scoundrel? His mother had also told him his sister’s life with Liu Tieniu was far from happy. In the past, Han Qing had been too weak to intervene.