Facing an Ancient God for a Year

Chapter 1428: Chapter 1426: Encouraging Learning

“Really sure… Is there a guest outside?”

Wen Li behind the counter finally couldn’t resist putting down the book in her hand, leaning forward to ask softly.

The reason for putting down the book was simple—it had been half an hour since Fu Qian reminded them to be prepared.

Realizing there was a master outside that she couldn’t detect at all, Wen Li maintained her calm facade but instantly heightened her vigilance.

Unfortunately, after casually picking up a book for cover, time ticked away without any sign of the esteemed guest arriving.

The consistent reading speed of one page every two minutes was finally not sustained.

“Certain.”

It was at this moment that the academic demeanor showed itself; Fu Qian didn’t even lift his head, continuing to read a page with each glance.

“…Are there still too many people? Should I drive them all away?”

The leadership qualities encouraged Wen Li to continue to exert her initiative.

“No need, that would make the guest nervous.”

Fu Qian remained focused on his study, with an additional explanation of the essence of hospitality.

“To attract unexpected visitors, you must give her space for self-operation.”

“…Understood.”

As they say, even small business requires great wisdom; faced with Fu Qian’s shared business philosophy, even the veteran capitalist Wen Li nodded approvingly.

Of course, if she could also recall some basics, like honest business practices and not delaying wages, it would be even better.

Unfortunately, such expectations were ultimately drowned in Miss Wen’s display of no commerce without deceit.

…

At one moment, despite the clear afternoon, the sunlight soaking into the small shop seemed covered in shadows.

A unique eerie darkness enveloped every corner, bringing a chill.

Just seconds later, the previously quiet readers among them raised their heads, seemingly aware.

Rarely did the mischievous boss restrain himself today, so why…?

In a sense of inexplicable unease, someone finally replaced their book onto the shelf and walked straight to the door.

Though he tried to maintain the elegance of a learned scholar, the slightly hurried movement in opening the door revealed his desire to abandon darkness for light.

And this mood was evidently infectious; within minutes, the sound of the door opening continued echoing.

As the last Mediterranean man gazed at the sky and bathed in sunlight outside the bookstore, only two remained by the counter.

“Please come in.”

Yet it was clear that despite the reception of such a failure, the staff still remained emotionally stable.

Facing a guest appearing at the door the next moment, Fu Qian remained enthusiastic with his greeting.

Selana…

At the same time, the volunteer inside the counter no longer used the book as a disguise, watching the newcomer in slight bewilderment.

Gray hair, red eyes, pale complexion; combining the changes that occurred in the bookstore moments ago, her racial attributes were instantly obvious.

Moreover, having previously collected intelligence for Mr. Fu, identifying her was hardly difficult.

And at the moment, this half-god of the Bloodline Clan seemed encouraged by the greeting, hesitated no longer and directly pushed the door to enter.

“Greetings, Lady Selana.”

Before this, the volunteer Miss Wen had already stood up.

As a well-behaved young person, she clearly couldn’t maintain the same attitude as the person beside her, treating such a distinguished elder with respect.

“You are Wen Li?”

As a non-social enthusiast, Selana found Wen Li’s face relatively unfamiliar.

But this did not hinder her from deducing the identity of this emerging genius from Shangjing based on ranking and age.

“Pleasure to meet you.”

For someone so young to reach the Fourth Phase was truly astonishing.

Especially since her condition seemed remarkably stable, showing no signs of trouble.

Rare indeed… But somehow associating her with this character made it feel much more reasonable.

Glancing at Fu Qian, who hadn’t turned around since the beginning, Selana took a deep breath, reminding herself to maintain demigod composure, not revealing emotions.

“Sorry for being so engrossed earlier, please do sit.”

However, as someone who could establish a foothold in Shangjing as a businessman, how could her perception be weak?

Seemingly sensing the guest’s displeasure for being ignored, Fu Qian finally tossed the book aside, turning to warmly greet.

“Not at all, it was I who disturbed…”

Having exchanged many conversations before, Selana knew not to gain an advantage in verbal sparring; otherwise, control of the situation might slip away easily.

But given the excessive reason for the complaints, she couldn’t help but glance at the book next to her—”Excellent Management: How to Activate Team Intrinsic Motivation”

Yet what met her gaze still provoked a little shock in her thinking.

…

“Mr. Fang… indeed you are widely knowledgeable.”

Once the shock settled, realizing the mischievous bookstore owner was wearing a sly grin, seemingly just to observe her reaction at that moment, Selana finally slightly contradicted her intention, biting her words with a sarcastic comment.

“Why, these tasks require smooth operation, one must fulfill their responsibilities as needed.”

Sadly, Fu Qian continued to respond fluently, sighing and gesturing around.

“Previously, operations were simple and rough; now with more people coming, the deficiencies in my own management skills become increasingly apparent.”

“As someone in the cultural industry, besides helping others acquire knowledge, I must continue learning myself.”

You call that simple and rough? Brutal is more fitting, isn’t it?

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

Realizing unconsciously being led along again, Selana forcibly held onto her thoughts, preventing the conversation from derailing completely.

“Admirable, but unfortunately, I lack the interest in learning anymore, so let’s save this topic for another day.”

With a stern face, Selana forcefully ended the excessively positive topic but graciously accepted the invitation to sit down.

…

No wonder it’s Mr. Fu; even dealing with the reputedly proud half-god of the Bloodline Clan, they converse like this… Chief Yuan is indeed not the only victim.

Wen Li inside the counter was inwardly amazed but managed to control her expression, avoiding displeasure.

Fortunately, Selana only glanced over once and then returned her gaze, with no unusual change in expression, nor did she request avoidance.

Clearly as Fu Qian previously mentioned, in the eyes of industry insiders, genius girl Miss Wen had long been deeply marked by him.

“Alright, so what is it you plan to discuss today?”

Fu Qian’s demeanor was exceptionally calm, instantly adapting to the guest’s pace, directly and straightforwardly inquiring about her purpose.

…

It’s a pity this development seemed overly smooth; originally bracing herself for a battle of wits, Selana suddenly felt a sense of loss.