The scholar originally walked out with a smile on his face, probably planning to say hello to the future owner. It's just that I didn't expect that the person standing in front of me was an eleven or twelve-year-old girl, except for her pretty appearance and a pair of eyes with an elven spirit, she didn't see anything different, so she didn't say hello immediately, and looked at Su Jinyao in a daze without making a sound.

But the shopkeeper of the bookstore hurriedly said: "Don't worry, it's good to come, it proves that the girl is still a reputable person." After speaking, he said to the scholar: "Zitao, show your poems to this girl." ”

The scholar named "Zitao" came back to his senses, and hurriedly took out a manuscript from his sleeve, handed it to Su Jinyao with both hands, and said slightly apologetically: "My surname is Jiang, and my name is Zitao." Ask the girl to redeem it abruptly, I really didn't expect that you are so young, but you already have a big ambition to publish a book. Zitao didn't dare to slack off, he was really shocked just now, and he didn't greet the girl, which was rude. ”

Su Jinyao is not the kind of person who cares, and she will not be confident that everyone should say hello to her first to show politeness. On the contrary, she will feel that if it is someone who disagrees with her, even if it is a beautiful flattery, she will disdain it.

However, this scholar named Jiang Zitao, although he did not greet him at the first time, he said these words very well, and he was very sincere in his apology. Maybe he was really surprised by Su Jinyao's youth.

Su Jinyao nodded, took the manuscript in his hand, opened a few pages and looked at it, but frowned. Then he asked, "You write these things in Pingli (rì)?" ”

This is not a question of whether Jiang Zitao's writing is good or not. In fact, the verses he wrote were almost prose, and they were neither beautiful nor meaningful to read, making people look plausible. To put it bluntly, it's just writing something useless, and it's a bit off-topic, which makes people confused.

Jiang Zitao's face turned slightly red, and he didn't argue. Unlike some readers, as long as someone dares to comment on his poems, they must fight for a meridian, distinguish between right and wrong, and insist that the other party say what he writes is not good. In other words, some people are too arrogant and always think that what they write is the best.

Therefore, Su Jinyao saw that Jiang Zitao did not argue, so she continued: "It's not that you have a problem with your writing, but what you wrote is not what I want." I don't want someone to ghostwrite poetry, I want someone to ghostwrite a story. Does the story understand? It's those small articles in the market, the kind that many people like to take at their hands and find it interesting to read slowly. ”

Jiang Zitao listened to Su Jinyao's words, and turned his head to look at the shopkeeper of the bookstore.

The shopkeeper waved his hand and said, "What do you think I'm doing, just tell this girl if you have anything to say." Do you still expect me to help you round the field? ”

Jiang Zitao said: "Don't hide it from the girl, I have read a few interesting little books before, and when I see that the (qíng) section in it is vividly written and everyone likes it, I want to imitate it." Even if it can't compare to those who everyone reads, they can finally earn some money to supplement their families. It's just that I didn't expect to write a book with all my might, and after reading it to the shopkeeper, I said it was boring. I couldn't afford to print the book myself, so I put it on hold. ”

Su Jinyao smiled after hearing this, and asked the shopkeeper, "Then is the manuscript he wrote at that time still there?" Can I show me? ”

"Not with me, he showed me like a baby and took it back." The shopkeeper shook his head.

Su Jinyao looked at Jiang Zitao again.

Jiang Zitao pursed his lips for a long time before he said: "I later showed the manuscript to the owner of another bookstore, but he ridiculed me fiercely after reading a few pages. In a fit of rage, I tore up the manuscript. ”

"Okay, I see, that means you want to write, but no one appreciates what you write, right?" Su Jinyao felt that it was not Jiang Zitao's talent, probably because of his narrow thinking, so what he wrote was boring.

This kind of person is easy to shape, as long as he is obedient and writes according to the story (qíng) section he has set for him.

So Su Jinyao asked him, "Then if I give you an outline, and the (qíng) section settings are all according to what I said, can you write a story?" ”

Jiang Zitao immediately nodded and said, "Yes." When I was in school, it was always the teacher who wrote the best questions. But when I write it myself, it's often not as good as I could be. ”

Since Jiang Zitao agreed, Su Jinyao said: "But I still have a few requirements, you have to try your best, otherwise, not only will I not use you, but I may also ask you to compensate for my losses." ”

Jiang Zitao immediately nodded and said: "This shopkeeper told me that you can't pick a child halfway, and if you don't write it, you won't write it." I also know that I have to be trustworthy, so I promised the girl's thing (qíng), and took over the girl's work, so I had to write it carefully. ”

"Well, that's the first point. Let's talk about the second and third points. Su Jinyao knocked on the table and said, "The second point is actually not difficult to do, that is, to hear what I mean clearly and write according to my ideas." You can decide what kind of writing technique you will use during this period, and the direction and development of the (qíng) section must be written according to my ideas. If you don't write it right, you have to rewrite it, if you write it too dry, you have to rewrite it, and you have to rewrite it until I'm satisfied, is it okay? ”

Jiang Zitao listened very carefully, and nodded and said, "I understand, since it is ghostwriting for the girl, of course it is written with the girl's meaning." You are the owner, and if you are not satisfied, of course I will change it. ”

Su Jinyao nodded, this point can be regarded as in the past. Then Su Jinyao continued: "The last point, and it must be noted, is that what I ask you to write, except for you and me, can only be read by booksellers I approve, and you can't tell the follow-up story (qíng) section to other people, and you are not allowed to use what I asked you to write to operate quietly." Of course, the bookseller is contacted by me, and you don't have to worry about that. How to publish the book and how to sell it is also operated by me, you don't have to worry about this. However, I would like to emphasize that what I have asked you to write is not allowed to be disclosed to anyone but you and me. ”

Jiang Zitao listened to Su Jinyao's repeated emphasis on this issue, so he nodded very seriously and said, "Girl, don't worry, I'm not a mouthy person." My wife at home is also illiterate, and she can't read what I write. So I will write whatever the girl asks me to write, and after I have written it, I will give it to the girl for you to see, and I will never reveal a word to anyone else. ”

"That's for the best." Su Jinyao nodded, quite satisfied with Jiang Zitao, and then asked him again: "Since you have agreed to my conditions, then what conditions can you put forward." Let's put the villain first, then the gentleman, put out all the things that should be paid attention to (qíng), and say all the ugly things in front, so as not to have any disputes later, and then it will be too late to set the conditions. ”

After Su Jinyao finished speaking, the bookseller also said: "That is to say, everyone has something to say, but don't sell the book in the end, you have unclear objections here." At that time, our booksellers were also in a hurry, and the silver in their hands was lost. ”

Jiang Zitao thought for a while and said, "I want to ask the girl, if I really publish the book, can I leave my name?" ”

Su Jinyao originally wanted to say, what name should the ghostwriter leave behind. But after thinking about it for a while, I feel that scholars either want to gain fame or leave a name in history, so that they can leave a few books for future generations.

Although she asked Jiang Zitao to write not a "general knowledge of governance", if it can become popular after the sale, Jiang Zitao naturally hopes to have his signature.

Thinking of this, Su Jinyao said: "I'll let you write according to my ideas, and naturally I need your pen and ink to polish it." You see if this will work, when you sign it, write 'written by Su Jinyao', and add 'written by Jiang Zitao' next to it, how about this? ”

Jiang Zitao thought about it, but felt that this was also appropriate. After all, the development of the whole book is in accordance with Su Jinyao's meaning, and he is indeed a person who writes books. He nodded and said, "Okay, thank you girl for being accommodating." I will do my best to write, even if it can only be a pen, it is better than what I write and no one reads. ”

Su Jinyao smiled: "Naturally, this is the truth. But don't worry, I won't interfere too much with you, and what you write can still be in its own right. In fact, write according to the idea I told you, and after writing a few books, your brain is active, and you can also try to write it yourself. But when the time comes, you still have to leave the matter of writing the book (qíng) to me, and you can't teach the apprentice and starve the master to death. ”

Jiang Zitao said "yes" repeatedly, so the matter of signing (qíng) can be regarded as decided.

Then there's the question of the price of ghostwriting. This Su Jinyao didn't understand, so she could only let the bookseller and Jiang Zitao talk. In the end, a price was negotiated that was neither high nor low, probably a little more expensive than writing letters on behalf of others. There is also an agreement on a period for the submission of the book. It is necessary to finish writing within the time specified by Su Jinyao, and if it cannot be delivered by the time, it is natural to deduct part of the salary.

Jiang Zitao had no objection, but emphasized the speed of his writing. Because he was afraid that Su Jinyao would set a relatively high number of submissions, he would have to deduct money if he couldn't finish it.

Su Jinyao said: "Don't worry, I know that you have to write it word by word, and you have to conceive the (qíng) section carefully, so you won't set too harsh conditions." And if you're ghostwriting for me, then I won't treat you badly. In addition to paying by the word count, I'll reward you if you write exceptionally well. Maybe I'll give you more than you can ghostwrite. ”

Jiang Zitao nodded when he heard this, and said, "Thank you girl." Now that everything is decided, when do I start writing? Girl, do you have a ready-made (qíng) verse to tell me? ”

Su Jinyao thought for a while and said, "That's it, I'll take some time to write you a brief opening (qíng) section now, and after you go back, think about it carefully, and then enrich these contents and write me 30,000 words." ”

After speaking, Su Jinyao asked the bookseller for paper and pencils, and sat on the small table next to her to write.

Su Jinyao's words are very beautiful, and the (qíng) section came out according to the general meaning of an online article she had read. The character settings and the development of the story (qíng) section were explained one by one, and then this small outline was handed to Jiang Zitao.

Jiang Zitao couldn't help but be surprised when he saw Su Jinyao start writing, this little girl's handwriting was really good. Seeing that she wrote a small outline of a few hundred words in three or five clicks, I couldn't help but admire it even more.

It's just that Jiang Zitao took the small outline and looked at it, and then said: "Girl, why did your (qíng) festival just develop and stop abruptly?" Is the rest of the content gone? ”

"Yes, I'm still thinking about it. You should first write the opening chapter according to this (qíng) section, and then I will read it carefully, and then continue to write it if it suits my heart, and rewrite it if it does not meet my requirements. After Su Jinyao finished speaking, she said to the bookseller: "Shopkeeper, I want to ask, how is the cost of this book calculated?" ”

"Well, there are two kinds." The bookseller gave Su Jinyao a serious lecture: "One is that you have to pay for everything yourself, whether it is from the proofreading of the manuscript, or the printing and binding, it is all done by the girl, and you should spend as much silver as you want." Then we, the booksellers, look at your book and will buy it from you. In this way, if the book sells well, you will make more money, girl; If the books don't sell well, the books you printed out of your own pockets, girl, will all become waste paper. On the other hand, you and the bookseller discuss together, you can be responsible for the manuscript, the other party is responsible for printing and binding, and the amount of profit at the time will be distributed according to the dividends agreed by both parties in advance. In this case, it is more safe, even if you lose money, you will not lose all your money, at least the bookseller will hurry up and sell the book. ”

Su Jinyao thought about it after hearing this, and then asked, "Then if I write, print, bind, and sell the book myself, how much does this (tào) book cost?" ”

"Girl, do you want to contract it alone?" The shopkeeper was obviously a little surprised, and said: "This book has changed from a blank sheet of paper to a bound book, not to mention the time and process consumed, and the price will not be low." According to the calculation of 100 pages of a booklet, every 100 copies are printed at a time, not counting the money you spend writing a book and finding someone to write it, the cost of paper and ink alone will cost about three cents of silver. Unless a lot of originals are printed at one time (xìng), the paper and ink are bought more, and the price can be cheaper. But in that case, there will be a lot of investment, and if you really can't sell it, you will lose all your money. ”

Su Jinyao smiled and asked, "The shopkeeper, do you want to publish this book with me?" ”

The shopkeeper hesitated when he heard this. It's not that he doesn't trust Su Jinyao, it's that he is a book seller, and he knows that once these things are unsalable, they may really be a pile of waste paper. A lot of silver turned into waste paper, how could he be willing?

After thinking about the pros and cons, the shopkeeper shook his head and said: "My bookstore is not very profitable, if you want to say that you can cooperate with the girl, the girl's book will be printed in the future, I will buy more goods, and I will help you sell it." But it's a little difficult to print books with the girl, so the girl should find someone else. ”

Listening to the shopkeeper's meaning, he was unwilling to cooperate with him, but Su Jinyao not only did not get angry, but smiled and said: "In this case, then good, please ask the shopkeeper to help me ask which book printing workshop is cheaper and how much the specific price is." I'm coming here on the fifteenth of this month, and if I'm satisfied with the manuscript of the first article, I'm going to consider writing it directly. ”

"Girl, you're mistaken." Jiang Zitao listened to Su Jinyao's words and hurriedly interjected: "Girl, you only gave me such a short outline, not to mention that it has only been ten days, no matter how hard I write, I can't write a whole book." ”

The shopkeeper also thought that Su Jinyao didn't know the specific steps, so he hurriedly said: "Yes, girl, you made a mistake, the manuscript has not been written, how can you print the book." From writing to writing this little book, it took three months to get the fastest. It would have to be when the money was sufficient, and it would be too late for the girl to contact the printing workshop next month. ”

Su Jinyao waved her hand and said, "This doesn't need to be a two-digit (cāo) heart." Since no one wants to cooperate with me, how to print the book is my business (qíng), and the money is also my own profit, and it is my personal profit to lose money and make money. Su Jinyao said to the shopkeeper again: "If you find a suitable workshop, ask him what the price of 300 books is at a time, and tell him that he will print them at least twice a month, and each time it will not be less than 300 copies, and let the workshop give me the most affordable price." ”

After speaking, Su Jinyao took out two pieces of broken silver, one of which was about a penny, handed it to Jiang Zitao, and said, "This is the remuneration I asked you to ghostwrite for me, pay a part first, so that you can write for me with peace of mind." Then he handed another small piece of silver, which was also four or five cents large, to the shopkeeper, and said, "Trouble the shopkeeper to help me ask the workshop about the book, this is a cart money, after all, you can't let the shopkeeper delay the work, right?" ”

The shopkeeper was polite at the beginning, but Su Jinyao put the silver directly on the counter in front of him, and the shopkeeper took it with a smile. And repeatedly promised that he would treat this matter as his own business (qíng), and he would definitely negotiate a good price for Su Jinyao.

Su Jinyao thanked her first, and then said, "I still have urgent matters, so let's stop here today." I'm still here, and I hope both of you can give me a satisfactory answer. ”

Jiang Zitao and the shopkeeper even claimed "yes, yes", and Su Jinyao left in a hurry.

It's getting dark, and it's not too early. At this time, Su Jinyao had already gone back. However, I have to be busy with the affairs of the Red Sleeve Fang Oiran today, so I can only delay for a while. I just hope that Douhuairan doesn't make a fuss too late, and she can go home early.

However, fortunately, she has a horse today, and she has to ride back faster, and she doesn't have to walk back to her home from Xiaozhang Village, which can also save a lot of time.

When Su Jinyao hurriedly walked towards the Red Sleeves Workshop, she passed by the cloth factory where she had bought quilts before. It just so happened that the master of the garment shop came out of it, holding a pole in front of the lantern, which should be ready to hold the lantern.