Help! The Frosty Noble's Son Is in Love With Me!-Chapter 324: How Are You So Smart?

"How come you’re so smart? You’re truly amazing!" He praised her generously and gave her several affectionate kisses on her cheek.

Qu Fulan felt a bit embarrassed from the kisses. She wanted to explain but didn’t know how, so she thought to herself: I’m not amazing, if I could take you to modern times, you might be disenchanted with me.

It’s all just applying modern knowledge.

"I think this foundation should be established as soon as possible, and fundraising events should be organized early so that when the need arises, we won’t find ourselves passive," he said.

Qu Fulan nodded, "But don’t be too direct in asking people to donate. It’s better to use some other pretext, maybe offer something valuable or antiques for auction, this way people will feel like they’re gaining something in return, and they’ll be more willing."

"An auction?" Pei Ji’an’s eyes lit up as he looked at her, "How many more great ideas do you have?"

Qu Fulan felt a bit guilty from the praise, so she had to honestly explain, "An auction is a way of selling specific items by public bidding; the one who offers the highest price wins, and the item goes to the highest bidder."

"The highest bidder wins?" His tone was somewhat turbulent, "In this case, if donations are held four times a year, perhaps only one will be a straightforward donation event, followed by the court bestowing respective honors, while the others will be in the form of auctions. Some people, for the sake of face, may raise the prices, which could be advantageous to the foundation."

He indeed grasped the concept immediately and was able to infer more from it.

In straightforward donation events, although honors can be granted, when held frequently, people might not cherish them as much. Auctions are different; they are opportunities to shine and compete, and importantly, there’s something they desire, making participation more willing.

"I will immediately write out this idea in detail and present it to the Emperor tomorrow. The Emperor will certainly reward you greatly!" His tone was somewhat proud, but he quickly denied this, "Best to keep it under wraps for now, since it’s just an idea and we don’t know the outcome yet. If it succeeds in helping the refugees in the future, then when asking for credit and reward, your merits will be greater."

Qu Fulan looked at him in surprise, not expecting him to consider her so thoroughly. An idea without results indeed doesn’t deserve much reward, but getting credited after showing results makes a big difference.

He got straight to work, and Heir Pei immediately started writing.

Some plans may be easy to talk about, but writing them into a proposal isn’t simple, especially such grand ideas that need comprehensive coverage.

Heir Pei worked through the night; Qu Fulan initially accompanied him with account books, but eventually couldn’t endure it and went to bed first.

Waking in the middle of the night, she saw him still pouring over the writings by the lamp, and couldn’t help but say, "There’s no need to rush. These things can be done slowly, and once written, make sure to check carefully; if there’s any oversight, it won’t be easy to amend."

The proposal, once submitted, can’t be corrected. Although he’s unlikely to make mistakes, it’s best to be cautious.

Pei Ji’an didn’t insist, putting down the pen and returned to bed, holding her in his arms and kissing her on the forehead, "Sleep."

Qu Fulan slightly smiled and closed her eyes.

The next day, she didn’t know when he left, as the proposal had vanished from the table, indicating he took it with him, probably continuing his work at his department.

After freshening up, Qu Fulan also went out.

The suits and dresses she previously had Mrs. Li help make, due to their unique designs and being handcrafted, took quite a while even though Mrs. Li and her cousin worked together, showing it wasn’t easy.

But today, when she visited, Mrs. Li was already finishing up.

"They’ll be done in about six or seven days," Mrs. Li smiled.

"No need to rush. Don’t exhaust yourself, just take your time," Qu Fulan said.

Even if they’re completed now, there’s no immediate occasion to wear them; she might have to wait until next summer.

Though there’s no hurry now, the wages she’s offering are considerable: fifteen taels for Mrs. Li and five for her cousin. This is a family price, not market rates; otherwise, such pay wouldn’t exist.

In a time where sewing is prevalent, needlework isn’t highly valued.

Qu Fulan empathizes with their hardships and pays proportionate to the value of the clothing.

Then she went to the bookstore and saw Furui Bookstore also published a monthly magazine, with a large poster at the entrance. Qu Fulan immediately noticed the name—"Extreme Storybook."

"Their imitation is too obvious, they practically copied the name outright!" Manager Wu was particularly indignant.

Qu Fulan wasn’t too bothered; in any era, following trends is the norm. When a popular show emerges, similar shows flood the scene, capitalizing on the heat to make money with ease—who wouldn’t want that?

"We just need to mind our own business, regardless of others’ actions. How are those ten people arranged?"

"Some are from other places, some are local to the capital, but their backgrounds aren’t great. We’ve provided the necessary subsidies, and for those living poorly, we’ve arranged better accommodations. Rest assured, Young Madam."

"Submit drafts monthly, but don’t pressure them too much daily, allowing them their normal lives."

These people might have futures; for now, it’s just doing someone a favor. There’s no reason to build a bridge only to earn a bad reputation.

"I have everything under control, Young Madam, don’t worry."

When Qu Fulan returned, she heard people nearby discussing "Extreme Storybook."

"I heard Furui Bookstore also published something similar to Ten Thousand Books. I wonder how its content is?"

"How can you know without reading it? Right now, in The Best Storybook, my favorite article stopped at a critical moment, leaving me anxious. If there are other books to divert attention, that’s great, might as well check them out."

"I heard it’s pretty good, buying it isn’t regrettable."

...

Manager Zhang of Furui Bookstore watched the continuous flow of customers with an uncontainable smile.

But Cai Youliang didn’t look good; he can no longer write good articles, and the bookstore carried out this major talent selection event, bringing in many talented writers and rendering him almost redundant, nearly becoming a mere printer.

Manager Zhang didn’t care about Cai Youliang’s expression; if he doesn’t want to stay, he can leave—there are now many replacements for him.

Cai Youliang understood too, with his talents exhausted; going out wouldn’t find anything better. He stayed, gritting his teeth, just for the meager monthly wage.

Meanwhile, Heir Pei, following Qu Fulan’s suggestion, revised over several days before presenting the proposal to the Emperor.

At this time, the Imperial Study Room had more than just the Emperor; besides eunuchs, there was also Xiao Shiqing, the Grand Tutor, and another minister.

After court, the Emperor habitually kept those he valued in the Imperial Study Room for discussions, primarily about lingering issues from the previous dynasty.

What that King Jie mentioned last time, the Emperor didn’t show concern then, but thinking back later, he felt it was inappropriate.