Chapter 196: This Time, My Work Will Face the Whole World

"This is a Mercedes, also called Benz—it's a symbol of status here in Hong Kong."

Although Jin Peng and Hao Jian remembered Li Zhong's advice to never show any trace of being "country bumpkins,"

the moment they sat in Pei Wencong's used Mercedes, merely shifting their buttocks a few times and glancing around a few times, drew Pei Wencong's enthusiastic explanation.

Mercedes' Hong Kong branch was only established in 1986, and only then began selling its models to the mainland; before 1986, Mercedes cars in the mainland were extremely rare, mostly owned by foreign-affiliated entities.

Jin Peng and Hao Jian had never closely encountered such luxury cars; the enormous gap between their previous Beijing 130s and Ladas and this Mercedes betrayed their inner awe.

Pei Wencong felt quite proud; after so long a time dealing with Qi Cun Dao Feng, he had always felt suppressed, so for Li Ye's arrival in Hong Kong, he wrote a five-page plan, determined to let the proletarian successor experience the comfort of Western civilized society.

And look—just one car had already shown results?

But Li Ye's next words made Pei Wencong blush.

"Isn't the Rolls-Royce the symbol of status in Hong Kong? Oh—you're used to calling it Rolls-Royce?"

"."

"That's true—I wanted to buy one two years ago, but I was busy developing the publishing house, so I postponed personal indulgences."

Pei Wencong's smile stiffened slightly, then he awkwardly explained.

He looked at Li Ye, calm and composed, hoping he wouldn't ask something like "Do you have a house on Victoria Peak" again, like he did the first time they spoke on the phone—otherwise, he truly wouldn't know how to respond.

Min, the driver, couldn't help but suppress a smile; her boss had spent the whole day polishing this used car and waxing it.

He didn't even think that the bracelet Li Ye casually gave away could nearly buy this whole car—what was he showing off for?

"Ahead is Victoria Harbour; there are many tourist attractions around here."

After the car entered Hong Kong's bustling district, Pei Wencong began introducing Li Ye to the surroundings, since Li Ye had said he came to Hong Kong to walk and see—Victoria Harbour, Kowloon Tong, the Mid-Levels, Tsing Shan Road.

But soon Pei Wencong noticed that Qi Cun Dao Feng's gaze was unnervingly calm—so calm it didn't seem like that of a visitor from outside.

Instead, the two older men, Mr. Hao and Mr. Jin, showed clear surprise and envy in their eyes as they gazed at the scenery.

Pei Wencong was deeply puzzled.

After all, Hong Kong was then a dazzling jewel across East Asia; tourists from many developed countries were moved to awe by its prosperity.

Yet this impossibly young Mr. Li, why did he seem more unruffled than a serene old monk?

Pei Wencong ventured: "Mr. Li, shall we first visit Kowloon Tong, or check if the hotel suits you?"

Li Ye replied softly: "First check the hotel, then have someone take my two friends out to tour—we have matters to discuss."

Pei Wencong's heart tightened; he nodded: "Understood. I'll arrange it immediately."

Min drove toward Tsim Sha Tsui; when Li Ye saw the used Mercedes heading toward a large hotel, he glanced at Pei Wencong and asked: "Are we staying at the Peninsula Hotel?"

"."

Pei Wencong, who had been holding his breath, fell silent.

【We can't be this extravagant, can we? I drive a used Mercedes, not a Rolls-Royce!】

"Wind Soaring" had only been printed for three or four months; Pei Wencong had indeed earned a lot, but after paying off his previous debts and planning to buy his family a bigger house, his funds were far from abundant, let alone "wealthy."

The Peninsula Hotel was one of Hong Kong's most luxurious hotels; if Li Ye stayed here for four or five days, Pei Wencong's heart would bleed.

"Would Mr. Li like to stay at the Peninsula Hotel? If so, I'll arrange it immediately."

Pei Wencong was almost pulling out a handkerchief to wipe his sweat when Li Ye softly said: "No. People from the mainland value frugality and simplicity—we don't demand much in accommodation, just safety and convenience."

But Li Ye changed tone: "However, I hope that next time I come, you won't have to trouble yourself arranging a hotel."

"."

Pei Wencong nodded silently, silently calculating.

If the publishing house continued growing at this pace for another year or so, its financial situation would completely turn around—staying in a luxury hotel would then be ordinary.

Min drove the car into a commercial area opposite the Peninsula Hotel and stopped at a small street-side inn; its facade clearly marked it as an economy hotel.

But the interior was decent—cleanliness and hygiene surpassed many city-level guesthouses on the mainland.

In terms of service, Hong Kong was far ahead of the mainland at this time.

"We'll stay here!"

Li Ye nodded decisively; before he could even speak to Hao Jian and Jin Peng, the two men said they wanted to go out and explore.

Having heard Li Ye's words, they naturally knew he and Pei Wencong had business to discuss, so they left politely.

Pei Wencong took the briefcase from Min and told her to take Jin Peng and Hao Jian out sightseeing.

After the three left, Pei Wencong closed the door and pulled out a financial report from the briefcase.

"Mr. Li, according to our original agreement, I must allocate you 20% of the profits. Here is the report—please review it."

Li Ye took the financial report and quickly flipped through it.

Pei Wencong watched quietly; when he saw Li Ye clearly wasn't confused, he felt a quiet relief.

Over the past few months, Tawang Publishing had earned roughly two million, and if unaccounted revenue was included, it might exceed three million.

That meant nearly six hundred thousand Hong Kong dollars in profit for Li Ye.

Such a large sum—Pei Wencong couldn't claim he wasn't tempted; the thought alone made his mouth water.

In 1982, Hong Kong's average property price was only 900 per square foot; even a thousand-square-foot mansion cost no more than eight or nine hundred thousand. And since "Wind Soaring" was still in its explosive phase, profits in the coming months might skyrocket—Pei Wencong could almost hear the whispering of the demon of desire.

But after meeting Li Ye on Chung Ying Street earlier this year, he immediately quashed all such thoughts.

After all, Li Ye only took 20%; the bulk—80%—still belonged to Pei Wencong.

In Hong Kong, where class was nearly frozen, Pei Wencong found it extremely difficult to buy a house in the Mid-Levels; the north might yet be his chance.

And Li Ye was the benefactor from the north.

Pei Wencong waited until Li Ye had finished reading, then pointed to a line of figures on the report: "Mr. Li, your share of the profit will be deposited monthly into a separate account.

You can handle the transfer procedures now, or simply withdraw the cash and take it with you."

Li Ye shook his head: "I won't withdraw this money—I'll invest it all into my next work."

"Next work?" Pei Wencong's eyes lit up; he smiled: "Mr. Li has a new work? Is it the same genre as 'Wind Soaring'?

Demand for this kind of work is strong now—many are writing it, but your style remains the most popular."

Pei Wencong exclaimed excitedly: "I actually have a plan—I've noticed that Malaysia, Singapore, and even Japan have all recognized your Qi Cun Dao Feng name. We can boost overseas promotion and spread your influence throughout the entire Chinese cultural sphere."

Li Ye shook his head again and pulled a manuscript from his bag.

"No. This time, my work will face the entire world."

Today, Old Feng went out for a banquet and was delayed returning, so this chapter is short—feel free to hurl your criticisms! Old Feng covers his face and accepts them!

(End of Chapter)