120

Chapter 120 - Release - Part 2

Facing the results of one's efforts is always a tense moment.

I gazed at the hundreds of copies of "Dangga Pungwoon" displayed on the first floor.

Somehow, it brought to mind a tale of a Doujinshi author whose enthusiasm led to a mass order, only to struggle with an excess of stock.

In reality, I might have been an author with some standing, but in this world, I am the novice writer Hophil. Furthermore, the content of my book wasn't just pure erotica but a mix of martial arts described in a risqué manner.

If I had been a regular author, I would have been anxious about the prospect of them all becoming mere stock.

'But I'm an author and the owner of a bookstore. It doesn't matter.'

Customers entering the bookstore will immediately come face-to-face with my book. It makes no difference whether they ignore it and search for other books. I've placed copies along the main path they follow. I even set up a display in front of the last bookshelf.

This is what you call a marketing push!

If this had been a web novel platform in the real world, it would have been akin to the manager utilizing an overwhelming promotion campaign as if they were caught on a hidden camera indulging a secret penchant.

"Aren't you going up to Daseogak?"

Dang Hwarin had finished placing "Dangga Pungwoon" in its correct spot and approached me.

"I want to watch even just a single book being sold before I go."

It's essential to witness the first sale. Ever since I arrived in this world, I've wanted to see my book genuinely selling for the first time.

"Do you really think 'Dangga Pungwoon' will sell?"

Hwarin looked at the mountains of "Dangga Pungwoon" books with a worried expression.

"It's a book we created together. It's bound to sell well."

I wrote it based on content that was proven and popular in modern times. It's my writing, yet I'm confident since I've managed to create an entertaining story by mixing martial arts with erotic elements.

"We made it together... Yeah, that's right."

It seemed my words managed to resonate. Hwarin's worried gaze faded, replaced by a pleased smile at the sight of "Dangga Pungwoon."

Hwarin's contributions to "Dangga Pungwoon" were indeed substantial.

The authenticity of the Dang family martial arts was enhanced thanks to Hwarin's proofing. Additionally, I've infused the book with the overwhelming emotions that arose from not just any fluttering blossoms but Hwarin's compelling turbulence.

The book turned out great, and the display was complete.

Now I just have to use my ace in the hole.

"Hwarin, could you help me with this before we open the doors to the bookstore?"

I took out the ace in the hole I had kept in a bag.

"What's this?"

Hwarin asked with a surprised look on her face.

"It's the ace up our sleeve that will ensure 'Dangga Pungwoon' flies off the shelves."

"Will something like this really help?"

"Absolutely."

I finished preparing our ace together with Hwarin, ready to welcome customers.

************

"Welcome!"

Master Hwang visited the newly opened bookstore without fail today as well.

The old, staid bookstore managed by Baekgajang had changed dramatically after rumors spread that the granddaughter had taken over following a 'cleansing storm.'

Unlike other bookstores, where books were haphazardly shelved, here they were meticulously arranged based on specific themes or the latest trends and practical manuals.

Another attractive feature was the ability to browse and purchase books without needing permission from the staff.

'Today is the day the "Manager's Weekly Recommendations" change.'

That was the reason Master Hwang had come to the bookstore early in the morning. The novels recommended by the manager always suited his taste.

How well they unearthed hidden gems among the obscurities.

He, too, enjoyed hunting for rare finds among the yellowed pages of old books, enough to earn the nickname Yellow Dog from his friends, yet the bookstore manager seemed to be a cut above.

He wasn't the only one who thought so. If one visited the bookstore too late in the day, the most interesting manager's recommendations would often be sold out.

What would this week's recommendation be? Master Hwang entered the bookstore with anticipation.

"Is that a promotional sign?"

Master Hwang walked over to inspect the new signs that had been hung around the bookstore.

[Done? Then get out. Wonder what's been done? Find out in this book. Dangga Pungwoon.]

[This novel is a marvel! The talk of the year!]

[This month's manager's recommended novel! Recommended with the manager's own reputation on the line!]

[How a Warrior Effortlessly Devours a Maiden Like a Piece of Cake.]

[A new novel type that shocks the Middle Kingdom and makes Wa tremble. Saekhyupji!]

"Ah, what on earth is all this?"

Master Hwang stood speechless as he viewed the promotional signs strewn throughout the bookstore.

"Master Hwang! A fantastic new novel has been released, so we're promoting it heavily."

The brunette manager approached Master Hwang with a smile.

"How magnificent does it have to be for such a clamorous promotion?"

"It's called Saekhyupji, a very popular type of novel in Joseon. If news breaks that such a book has been released, bookstores are swarmed. Our bookstore has the exclusive rights to its publication. So how could we not promote it?"

"Saekhyupji? You mean erotic stories?"

"Stories that contain both steamy scenes and tales of the martial world. It's a comprehensive entertainment novel that's sold everywhere in Joseon."

"Hmm... Hophil, you say. That's a new pen name to me."

Master Hwang glanced at the author's name on the corner of the book with suspicion.

"Master Hwang, when have my novel recommendations ever led you astray?"

"That's true. But the title 'Dangga Pungwoon'? Goodness! No way. Is this a tale of the Dang family?"

Master Hwang, with an expression of astonishment, picked up the book and asked me.

"Ha ha. The protagonist is indeed a member of the Dang family."

"A story of the Dang family as the protagonist in an erotic novel, unbelievable! I trust your recommendation, Manager. I'll buy it without even peeking inside it."

A novel type he'd never heard of before; Saekhyupji.

Under ordinary circumstances, Master Hwang would have been hesitant to purchase it immediately, but such heavy promotion meant the content couldn't be unremarkable. And it involved the Dang family.

"Thank you!"

With his heart racing, Master Hwang bought "Dangga Pungwoon" along with a few other books he had intended to purchase, then bid farewell to the beaming manager and left the bookstore.

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

"Another novel so early in the morning?"

Master Hwang's friend pointed at the book he brought over as they were about to have lunch.

"Master Hwang, focusing on books is a matter of getting caught up in books…"

"That's when the book is meant for studying, but what you're indulging in seems like erotica. Is it really that great to splurge all your money on books? You might as well spend that money visiting a courtesan house."

"My friend, you don't understand the charm of novels. At a courtesan house, you spend a large sum for a single pleasure, but how can that compare to books? You see, a novel is like food that doesn't lose its flavor even after a hundred chews."

"Not a flavor that lasts a hundred chews, but rather a thrill that doesn't fade after a hundred... encounters."

"Hrmm. Must you speak so explicitly?"

Master Hwang coughed awkwardly and glanced around, wary of the people nearby.

"Ah, you don't deny it. If you like racy stuff that much, just go to a courtesan house. Have your fun with a courtesan's bosom, instead of fondling books."

Master Hwang's friend looked at him with disdain.

"This is better than any courtesan house. It's more entertaining and enjoyable."

"With a nickname like 'Yellow Dog,' are you now barking nonsense? That erotica you praised so much last time was to my eyes, nothing special."

"Hrmm. My friend, you really don't know the charm of novels."

Master Hwang looked at his companion with a pitying gaze. The novel he had recommended last time was one of the most entertaining he had read recently, and yet it hadn't moved his friend's heart.

It would have been nice to share the same hobby with a friend who truly understood.

Just as Master Hwang was feeling regretful, he remembered the book he had bought that morning.

"My friend, take a look at this book."

"Dangga Pungwoon? What's this about?"

"It's a novel recommended by a popular bookstore these days. It tells a story of the Dang family and contains some risqué tales as well. If my taste isn't to your liking, perhaps you could try reading this."

"Fine. I'll give it a read. But if it's dull, you'll have to accompany me to a courtesan house next time."

Master Hwang's friend, seeing the confident expression on his face, reluctantly nodded and accepted the book.

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

"Perhaps I should have given him a different book."

Having finished his daily routine in the evening, Master Hwang rifled through the books he had bought and clutched his head. They were dull. Trite. Even the stimulation was lacking.

Dangga Pungwoon. Should have read it before giving it away.

Regretfully, Master Hwang pondered over whether there was a single book among the ones he had which was worth reading twice when suddenly—

Bang! Bang! Bang!

Alarmed by the knocking, Master Hwang hurried to the door.

"Who is it?"

"It's me!"

It was the voice of the friend he had met at lunch. Master Hwang opened the door and welcomed his friend in.

"What brings you here at this hour?"

"Huff, huff!"

"You ran here? Rest a bit. I'll pour you some water."

"Huff, huff! No, no need! This! This thing!"

Master Hwang's friend, gasping for breath, pointed urgently at something he had brought.

It was the copy of Dangga Pungwoon that Master Hwang had handed to his friend at lunch.

"Dangga Pungwoon? What about it?"

"This book! Earlier! I mean! Huff, huff! You bought several books, right?"

"Take a moment and then speak."

"The next volume! Give me the next volume!"

"What?"

"I want the second volume of this! Quick!"