I relied on a system to prolong my life in ancient times.

Chapter 175 Book and Ink Studio

"Xiaoyu, since you recommended this person and think he's good, then you should try your best to train him and let him get involved in some core matters." Xiao Siyue decided to give him a trial period after hearing that both of them recommended Zou Ping.

"Yes, ma'am."

"By the way, when you go to find a shop tomorrow, take him with you and let him learn from you first."

"Okay, miss."

"Okay, now you go with Chun Tao to collect your money."

Second day

Liu Xiaoyu then went to the paper mill to find Zou Ping.

Because she arrived early, the paper mill workers hadn't started work yet, and Liu Xiaoyu spotted them as soon as she entered. Zou Ping was chatting and laughing with someone nearby when Liu Xiaoyu called out, "Zou Ping, come here for a second."

Upon hearing the voice, everyone stopped simultaneously. The person who was speaking to Zou Ping nudged him, saying, "They're looking for you. Hurry up and go over there."

Zou Ping was still a little confused, wondering what Liu Xiaoyu wanted to see him about.

He walked up to Liu Xiaoyu with a puzzled look on his face.

"Miss Xiaoyu, you were looking for me."

"Yes, come with me." Liu Xiaoyu didn't say what she wanted to see Zou Ping about.

Zou Ping was puzzled, but his feet still followed Liu Xiaoyu outside.

The remaining people looked at each other, unsure of what to say for a moment. After a short while, someone finally asked, "What do you think Miss Xiaoyu wants to see Zou Ping about?"

"How would I know? It must be something good." They all knew that this Xiaoyu was the person in charge of their paper mill, and also the personal maid of the paper mill owner.

"That's not necessarily true. What if something bad happens?" Some people also felt that it probably wasn't a good thing. Didn't you see how serious Xiaoyu looked?

Regardless of what people here speculated, Zou Ping and Liu Xiaoyu had already reached the street.

Zou Ping had been quietly following Liu Xiaoyu, but Liu Xiaoyu hadn't said anything. Finally, he couldn't hold back any longer and asked, "Miss Xiaoyu, what brings you out here? I'm feeling a little uneasy. Could you please answer my question?"

Liu Xiaoyu looked at Zou Ping and chuckled. Zou Ping's anxious heart calmed down, knowing it probably wasn't anything bad.

"It's nothing. I asked you to come out this afternoon because I want you to do me a favor," Liu Xiaoyu said earnestly, concealing her smile.

"I see. Miss Xiaoyu, please feel free to ask for anything. As long as it's within my power, I will do my best to help." Zou Ping patted his chest and promised with a smile.

"Okay, thank you very much. Here's the thing, Miss asked me to buy a shop to open a bookstore. It's not very convenient for me to do it myself, and I thought you were quite clever, so I asked you." Liu Xiaoyu revealed her purpose, but she didn't mention that she wanted to test and train Zou Ping.

"Opening a bookstore?" Zou Ping immediately thought of the paper and books produced by the paper mill. Was the owner planning to sell books?

Although he thought this way, Zou Ping did not say it aloud.

"Yes, it's about opening a bookstore. Let's hurry up and find one today so we can open as soon as possible." Liu Xiaoyu didn't waste any words. She had no specific goal in mind, and the task was quite heavy, so she had to make the most of the time.

"Miss Xiaoyu, wait a moment." Zou Ping called out to Liu Xiaoyu.

"what happened?"

"Has Miss Xiaoyu already made any progress?" Zou Ping asked cautiously.

"No, not really. I'm not very familiar with Qianyuan County either. I'm just planning to take a look around first," Liu Xiaoyu said honestly. She used to stay on the village and never had the chance to visit the county town.

I did come here for a while, but I've been busy dealing with things most of the time, so I haven't had a chance to go shopping.

"Since that's the case, Miss Xiaoyu, would you please hear me out?"

"Of course, go ahead." Seeing that Zou Ping seemed to have some plans, Liu Xiaoyu thought that it wouldn't hurt to listen for a little while.

"Does Miss Xiaoyu know about Shumozhai?"

“Of course I know it. It’s the only bookstore in Qianyuan County. What’s wrong?” Although Liu Xiaoyu doesn’t come to Qianyuan County often, she does know this bookstore. Her second brother had bought books here before, and she had heard about it once.

"I worked at Shumozhai for a while before, and I heard from the manager that Shumozhai's business wasn't doing too well. The bookstore was already struggling to make ends meet and they were planning to sell it."

Upon hearing Zou Ping's words, Liu Xiaoyu immediately understood what he meant.

"Then let's go take a look. If Shumozhai really wants to sell, it will save us a lot of trouble."

"Okay, but that was a long time ago. I don't know if he still has that idea now." Zou Ping wasn't really sure, since he had been away from Shumozhai for several months.

Perhaps Shumozhai's business is doing well now.

"Let's go take a look first. If they still have this idea, we'll buy it." Liu Xiaoyu hadn't considered the money. She had taken a lot from Chun Tao, definitely more than she had.

Moreover, if you buy this Shumozhai, you don't need to make many changes to it; it can be used directly, and you can save a lot of money.

The two continued on their way to the entrance of Shumozhai. Shumozhai was already open, but there was only the shopkeeper inside. It seemed a bit desolate, perhaps because it was too early or because business was not good.

Once inside, you can see that there are only a handful of books on the bookshelves. Liu Xiaoyu is now completely certain that business is bad in this bookstore. Who would buy so few books?

The shopkeeper smiled when he saw someone come in, thinking that a customer had finally come.

He greeted them happily: "What kind of book would you like, sir?"

"Shopkeeper, it's me, Zou Ping." Zou Ping greeted him with a smile when he saw him looking happy.

"Oh, it's Zou Ping. What brings you to the shop today?" The shopkeeper asked, somewhat puzzled. Wasn't Zou Ping supposed to be looking for a better job? Why is he here now?

Zou Ping pulled the shopkeeper aside and whispered, "Shopkeeper, I heard you say before that you wanted to sell the bookstore?"

"Yes, I have this idea, but it's been months and no one has come to buy it. Now the bookstore is barely hanging on to survive."

The shopkeeper sighed inwardly. In truth, he didn't want to sell, but his family needed to eat, and he couldn't refuse to buy. He couldn't keep using his family's assets to make ends meet.

"I know a buyer. I wonder if you'd still be interested?" Zou Ping's face lit up with joy. This would make things much easier.

"Oh? I wonder who you're talking about is the buyer?" The shopkeeper was also very excited. Was it finally going to be sold?