Just as Zhongli had said, the Fox Spirit Matchmaker manga became famous throughout Liyue Harbor after that misunderstanding. Everyone knew that hundreds of readers had gone to confront Boss Su because they were too moved by the story.
Of course, this also involved help from a few trade associations. Without their effort to fan the flames, it wouldn't have been so easy for the matter to blow up.
Hearing this, Su Han smiled bitterly. "Hall Master, please don't tease me. If you want to read the manga, just take one. Everyone, wait a moment, I need to wash up."
"Go ahead. But Keqing and I won't be staying. Official duties are pressing."
Ningguang stood up to take her leave. The fact that she'd made time to come at all was already remarkable. If she lingered any longer, the secretaries aboard the Jade Chamber would probably collapse.
Beidou and Ganyu didn't stay either; they each had their own matters to attend to. Soon, only Hu Tao and Zhongli remained as guests.
...
Meanwhile, outside—
Sales of Fox Spirit Matchmaker skyrocketed. Customers flooded in nonstop. Even Ying'er of the Chunxiang Teahouse, curious about the commotion, bought two copies to collect and read.
"So many young girls love it. There must be something extraordinary about it."
Resting her chin in one hand, Ying'er slowly flipped through the pages. Unlike the previous two series, this story leaned toward lighthearted comedy.
After finishing Volume One, Ying'er didn't find it particularly remarkable. Just a pleasant, easy read. Perfect for someone like her to enjoy during leisure time. But when she reached the flashback chapter in Volume Two, she realized how wrong she'd been.
Though Ying'er was skilled in flirtation, she had never experienced true love. When she read how Wangquan Fugui gave up his entire clan for Qingtong, even enduring a thousand swords through the heart without regret, her eyes began to mist.
"No wonder the others were so emotional. Who wouldn't be moved by a story like this?"
She wiped away her tears softly.
The manga's influence spread rapidly. Many male readers were also deeply touched after reading Fox Spirit Matchmaker.
At that moment, loud voices echoed through Wanmin Hall.
"Wangquan Fugui is a real man! If a man can't even protect his wife, what's the point of protecting the world? Come on, bring the wine! We're not leaving sober tonight!"
"Exactly! So what if Qingtong is a spirit? If I could have such a wonderful woman as my wife, my ancestors would be blessing me from the grave!"
"What is love in this world, that it drives one to live and die together! Boss Su's poem is incredible. I regret not reading this earlier!"
The customers at the next table burst out laughing. "Hahaha, I told you the manga was great, didn't I? But you wouldn't believe me!"
"That's why from now on, we're buying Boss Su's new works the moment they release, or we'll be stuck waiting in line!"
Just then, Master Mao emerged from the kitchen. Seeing the lively crowd, he cleared his throat and announced, "Everyone! To celebrate Boss Su's new manga, Wanmin Hall is launching a Couples' Special! Anyone who buys Fox Spirit Matchmaker and visits with their partner or spouse can enjoy a 30% discount on all couple meals! One week only~~~"
"Master Mao, what if we're not a couple?"
"Not a couple? There's still a deal! Anyone who comes with a companion gets free flowers and a gift. We even offer private rooms! And if you two hit it off, we'll gift a commemorative dessert, this event is permanent!"
The bachelors' eyes lit up immediately.
They might not have been romantic experts, but after reading the manga, they understood one thing: Wangquan Fugui faced death for the woman he loved. How could they just stand by and watch their own beloveds slip away?
Whether they succeeded or not, they had to face their feelings bravely.
That day alone, according to Master Mao's tally, twelve couples had successfully formed.
Once that news spread, Wanmin Hall unexpectedly became Liyue Harbor's hottest dating spot, a love landmark for the young. Even Master Mao hadn't imagined such a thing.
"Boss, the manga's sold out from the warehouse!"
"Don't panic, I'll restock right away."
Su Han never expected that because of one misunderstanding, Fox Spirit Matchmaker would become wildly popular across Liyue Harbor in just one hour. The three thousand printed copies were now completely sold out.
The speed was astonishing.
After replenishing supplies, Su Han also printed Volumes Three and Four. Considering the manga's impact, he decided to print sixteen thousand copies this time, after all, the upcoming story arcs were even more exciting.
Returning to the third-floor lounge, Su Han opened the system panel.
[Manga]: Fox Spirit Matchmaker
[Permission]: Level 2 (Allows creation of Volumes 3–4)
[Requirement]: Sell 9,000 copies to unlock new content
[Reward]: Selling 9,000 copies unlocks a second lottery draw; after seven draws, one free treasure draw. Currently eligible for one draw.
[Treasure Pool]: Random rewards from the Fox Spirit Matchmaker world, techniques, elixirs, artifacts, even bloodlines. Treasures of "super" tier cannot be drawn below Level 5 permission.
[Bonus]: If the host obtains a technique, it can be upgraded using points, one point per manga volume sold.
Compared to The Outcast and Storm Riders, Fox Spirit Matchmaker's Level 3 requirement was only 1,000 copies higher, manageable enough.
"Let's see what treasure I'll draw this time."
Taking a deep breath, Su Han initiated the draw.
Treasures spun rapidly within the pool. Unlike the previous two series, this one contained a wider variety of items.
Among them, Su Han spotted Pure Yang Flame, Eastern Spirit Blood, Void Tear, and even the Wangquan Sword, but those high-level treasures were still beyond his reach.
Moments later, the draw stopped.
[Ding! Congratulations! You have obtained the treasure from the Fox Spirit Matchmaker world, Bamboo Jade Flute.]
Su Han looked at the flute in his hand, puzzled. "Could this be Dongfang Huaizhu's weapon?" Checking the system confirmed it indeed was.
[Name]: Bamboo Jade Flute
[Effect]: After refinement, grants flight ability and enables sound-based attacks.
[Note]: To use sound attacks, the wielder must have some mastery of music.
"Not bad, it can fly."
Su Han's eyes brightened. He finally drew something useful. Up until now, he had strength but no means to soar like Ganyu.
With this flute, traveling would become much easier.
The thought of opening a shop in Mondstadt now seemed even more tempting.
Normally, the journey would take at least a week, but with flight, it would be a completely different story.
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