115

Chapter 115 - Management - Part 2

Reviving the bookstore entailed tackling two immediate problems: attracting customers and managing inventory.

Attracting more customers to increase sales was one thing—modernizing the bookstore to enhance accessibility and stocking commercially popular books could boost revenue, but that alone was insufficient.

Malicious inventory was another issue.

The bookstore inherited by Dang Hwa Rin had been operated by his great grandfather at a level of mere sustenance for fifty years. Consequently, book stock from fifty years had accumulated, overflowing the space.

After fifty years, the bookstore had turned into a colossal book warehouse.

The first floor was filled with commercially viable books, while malignant stock was sorted and put up for sale. And yet, not all inventory could be disposed of.

The remaining stock inevitably found its home on the second floor.

Dang Hwa Rin suggested using the second floor as a storage, but I had a much better idea in mind.

It was a method to organize the inventory while simultaneously attracting more clients.

"What place is this...?"

Upon ascending to the second floor, a scholar-like figure was seen looking around with a startled expression. No wonder—he'd probably never seen such an arrangement in this world before.

"It's strange to ascend to the second floor of a bookstore. Isn't this supposed to be a bookstore? There are books here, indeed."

I glanced around, following the curious gaze of the perplexed scholar.

Shelves filled with books lined the walls, just like any ordinary bookstore, and within, numerous volumes were placed. But when one turned their head towards the windows, the atmosphere shifted entirely.

Long tables with books neatly laid out in rows. Plush chairs tucked away in the corners. Turning towards the entrance, a lengthy counter was visible, and upon its wall tools for brewing various teas were arranged.

Books and tea.

Anyone from the modern world would immediately recognize this place's purpose.

"This place is a 'Cha-Seo-Gak' (Tea-Book Pavilion)."

A book café—this was the identity of the newly transformed second floor of the bookstore.

"Goodness gracious! If it isn't the person I saw at the entrance. Are you a clerk?"

The scholar, startled by the sudden voice from behind, twitched his shoulders and turned to look at me.

"I am the bookstore's manager."

It's different from being a clerk! Worlds apart! With an air of composure, I introduced myself to the scholar.

- Managing a bookstore seems right up your alley, Yoon Ho. Why don't you be the manager? I'll be the owner of the bookstore.

Was this the leisurely spirit of a landlord? Dang Hwa Rin declared the separation of management and ownership right before my eyes, a declaration that could make a tycoon sob.

It felt like the two of us were assuming titles of chairman and president in a startup, but still, ascension from a homeless person to a manager? That was an immense social climb.

Now, when challenging customers demand the manager, I get to say that I am the manager. What will they do then?

"The manager, you say. My name is Scholar Son; I study hereabouts. But a 'Cha-Seo-Gak'? What is that?"

"It's a tea house that's currently popular in Joseon, doubling as a bookstore."

"A tea house and a bookstore combined? That's even more puzzling."

"Just pay the entry fee, and you may spend all day at this 'Cha-Seo-Gak,' reading as many books as you wish."

I pointed towards the sign at the entrance detailing the entry fee and house rules as I spoke.

"Unbelievable! You mean to say that I can read any book here just for the price of a meal? In this world, with all these countless books? Are you perhaps scheming some conspiracy?"

How did he guess? Indeed, my conspiracy was to make this the most prestigious bookstore in Uichang. The scholar couldn't believe his ears, amazed by the abundance of books on the shelves.

And no wonder. In this world, a book wasn't a luxury, but it wasn't a mass-produced commodity either.

In this world, the literacy rate was low enough that an innkeeper would simply hand over a menu and let customers decide what to order on their own.

Consequently, while there was a broad demand for reading and enjoyment, the supply was the issue.

Though there were printing presses, they weren't common, and the cost of materials like paper and ink made production expensive. Thanks to printing technology, books weren't exorbitantly priced, but they weren't cheap either.

In this world, reading was a hobby that came with a price tag, not quite light enough for casual enjoyment unless it was for education.

And into such a world, I introduce a book café—at quite the affordable rate, too.

"Yes, after you pay the entry fee, you are welcome to enjoy the 'Cha-Seo-Gak.' Additionally, we're celebrating our opening by offering free access for one week, so feel free to come in and read any book you like."

On hearing my explanation, the scholar began darting between the bookshelves.

"Isn't this the book written by a great scholar in retirement 30 years ago? And this! A collection of poetry that was briefly popular 20 years back. Ha-ha. To think all the books I wanted to read are right here. Am I dreaming...?"

Just as I expected. I watched the scholar's reaction and quietly smiled.

The books placed in the book café were inventory akin to a chalice reluctantly from which its host refrains from drinking.

Books that were interesting or valuable but not quite worth buying. Such books, from a bookstore's perspective, remained perennial surplus.

However, in a book café context, it's a different story. The chalice turns into delicious Chuncheon chicken galbi.

And all of that for an approachable price.

'Those hard-to-sell surplus stocks instantly become a magnet attracting customers to the bookstore.'

Visitors come to the 'Cha-Seo-Gak' to read books. It's easy to see—a bookstore would attract more visits than simply people coming to purchase books.

They all become potential customers of the bookstore. It doesn't matter even if they don't buy a book.

The malignant stock that wouldn't sell and was only stored now generates income through the entry fee to the 'Cha-Seo-Gak.' Even without selling books, a cash cow is born.

"Was I correctly informed downstairs that this is a place where you can read books freely?"

"Yes, that's correct. Welcome to the 'Cha-Seo-Gak.'"

"Wow. So many books. Ah! I've been wanting to read this."

"To have access to such great books at will!"

Starting with the scholar, customers began to stream into the book café one by one.

'It's time to take a seat.'

The entry may be free for a week, but I plan to profit in other ways.

I moved toward the counter when people began to sit down and read their books.

-----

"Excuse me, Manager. My throat is a bit parched. Could I possibly have some water?"

The man appealing for thirst while purposefully stroking his throat was none other than Scholar Son, the first visitor.

"Haha, we don't have water, but we do serve tea."

From behind the counter, I pointed towards the prominently displayed price list for Scholar Son.

"Then I suppose I should order some tea… Oh, what is this?"

"What are you referring to?"

"What do you mean an Americano costs 40 copper? That's pricier than a bowl of hangover soup!"

Scholar Son voiced his shock, resembling a student who casually volunteered to pay for dessert only to be taken aback by the prices at a franchise coffee shop.

"While this is a bookstore, it also functions as a tea house. However, unlike other tea houses, you're not obligated to order tea, so if you feel burdened, there's no need."

"Then I could step out for a…"

"Once you leave 'Cha-Seo-Gak', re-entry for the day is not allowed."

"Gosh… What kind of rule is that."

Scholar Son looked at me with dissatisfaction. Does he think I'm running a business easy as digging up the earth? The books didn't cost me anything, but I paid for the interior out of my own pocket.

Even the coffee brewing equipment, which I couldn't afford, was scooped up for a fraction of its price from the blacksmith. How apologetic the armorer uncle looked while tremblingly gifting it to me as an opening gift.

"Hey, mister, if you're not buying anything, step aside. Mr. Scholar, I'd like a warm Americano, please."

"Our first customer in 'Cha-Seo-Gak' is such a beauty. It is an honor. I will prepare your Americano right away."

"Giggle. Please infuse it with all of your devotion, Mr. Scholar."

"Why am I 'mister' when there seems to be no age difference between us, and the manager is 'Mr. Scholar'...?"

Ignoring Scholar Son's grumbling, I started to make the first Americano.

It's quite sentimental making an Americano in this world. In the old days, I would have shouted 'next!' without hesitation.

Well, in a world that even has the apostle of rice cakes, the rosé tteokbokki, an Americano is considered a classic coffee. Indeed.

"…Now that I see, the entrance fee is cheap but the money is made on the beverages. Is this the way of Joseon? It's ruthless, but I must say the business tactic is convincing. Alright then, I'll have an Americano too."

While I pondered how an Italian martial artist might react with indignation, I handed the Americano to the female customer, and Scholar Son reluctantly agreed, murmuring his begrudging acceptance as he placed his order.

"Would you like it warm, or iced?"

"Ha! Even if it freezes me to death, isn't it supposed to be iced Americano?"

"Ice is 5 copper extra."

"Ugh! Is there no discount for scholars?"

Nope. None.

-------------

I didn't just create this book café to utilize surplus stock or to sell beverages.

The advantages of a book café.

They were much more significant than one might think.

"Excuse me, can I purchase this book instead of just reading it? I picked it up casually, but it turned out to be quite insightful, and I'd like to own a copy."

A customer stood up and approached me with the book in hand. I had hoped for such a customer from the first day, and here they were.

"Of course. Books available in 'Cha-Seo-Gak' are sold at a 30% discount off the market price."

"You sell this book at a 30% discount? Really?"

The customer looked between the book and my face, clearly incredulous.

You can believe it. These stocks have only been taking up space for decades, so selling them is pure profit.

This was what I had aimed for.

Even if it's surplus stock, if it's frequently handled, someday it will catch someone's fancy. That's when it can be sold to clear the inventory.

The vacancies can then be filled with sought-after used books. Book sales would naturally accelerate from there.

That's how the first floor becomes a modern bookstore and the second floor transforms into a book café doubling as a secondhand bookstore.

I pointed to a sign indicating the 30% discounted books, clearing up the man's doubts.

"Certainly. Shall I ring you up?"

"I'll take it right away. And please, don't ask me to return it after the sale."

Of course not. Don't think about refunds for decades-old stock.

"Since they're giving a 30% discount, should we also buy and take some?"

"Let's do that. Buy one each and then we can exchange them later. We'd like to make a purchase as well."

"A 30% discount makes it worth exploring the storage! I better find something good."

"Dad, buy me this, please."

Customers began to buy up surplus stock en masse, swayed by the 30% discount.

If sales continue like this every day, we'll rid ourselves of surplus stock in no time.

'And there's another reason for creating the second-floor book café.'

I allowed myself an inner triumphant smile as people who had made purchases headed downstairs.

"Look, a new book from an author who hasn't published in 20 years!"

"I don't have money right now... Should we split the cost?"

"Let's do it!"

I had purposely made the route from 'Cha-Seo-Gak' to the first-floor exit the longest possible. Customers arriving at 'Cha-Seo-Gak' would inevitably browse the books on the first floor, whether they were going up or down.

Create shelf space for book café use with surplus inventory. If a customer likes the stock, they buy it at a cheap price. If not, they spend money on beverages.

And as 'Cha-Seo-Gak' grows in popularity, the number of first-floor customers naturally increases.

It's a perpetual cycle for success in a book café.

"Closing time approaches."

I surveyed the bookstore bustling with successful sales on its very first day, wrapped in gratified joy.

If only my web novel, 'Journey of the Rice Cake Hero,' could gain such popularity. I've only outlined the plot due to the store's opening preparations and haven't really started writing properly.

"Manager. Sell me this book."

"'The Maeksi Rebellion Chronicle,' eh? You've chosen a fine book."

I addressed Scholar Son with a light heart, filled with the pleasure of closing time, even though I didn't really know the book's contents.

"Oh-ho? Have you read this book?"

"I'm roughly aware of the contents."

Truth is, I didn't know. Please don't ask me about it.

"If it's only roughly, then what you know might differ. Since 'The Maeksi Rebellion Chronicle' covers a rebellion from 50 years ago, although it's still published today, this version from 30 years ago is particularly special."

"And why would that be special?"

"If it's about a rebellion, there are bound to be incidents of looting, thievery, and well, those sorts of things, right? It's a version that details such events quite explicitly. To find such a thing here..."

"It sounds like a detailed account of true events."

"It's not true."

"The history of rebellions is not true?"

"The rebellion and its characters existed, but what's written here is all fictional. And in this 30-year-old version, it mentions how Maek took over a castle and with the wives of the officials... well…"

He wasn't buying it because it was a rare historical document or a novel, but because it was erotic literature?

"Could a 30-year-old novel be so risqué... No, no. Ahem. A scholar should be well-versed in the classics, so please, ring me up."

With a sly look, Scholar Son paid for the book and quickly hid it in his robe so no one would notice, then left 'Cha-Seo-Gak'.

He seemed like a student preparing for the civil service exams. Can someone succeed with such distractions? It appears faction novels have their appeal in this world too.

'Faction?'

Wait a minute. If I think about it, I could use this in my web novel 'Journey of the Rice Cake Hero.'

-------------

After closing the bookstore, I rushed to my desk in the attic and dipped my brush in ink.

'There's a way to grasp the readers' attention.'

Simply writing a martial arts fantasy might not catch much attention quickly.

Should I resort to the beginner writer's sure-fire tactic, the attention-grabbing title?

'There's something better than that.'

My novel is, after all, a work of fiction.

The characters are fictional. The storyline is fictional. But what if I incorporate a real existing clan?

A popular family in the martial arts fantasy genre.

'Sacheondang Family.'

Make the protagonist a member of the Sacheondang family.

A hero brimming with a sense of justice but somehow always entangled in events befitting a martial arts fantasy.

Just having the name of the Sacheondang family would draw a tremendous amount of attention from readers.

A perfect title struck me at once.

While continuing the lineage of the first novel I composed in this world, I could attract attention with the title.

My second work and my first martial arts fantasy.

Your name shall be.

"Dangga Pungun" (Wind and Clouds over the Dang Family).