People in Pingchuan County usually just buy couplets; they've never seen paintings on couplets before, so everyone found it especially fresh and novel. Especially since, after the first sale, all the prices set by Henry Clark were very low—just one copper coin per set.

The ink paintings on the couplets were basically given away for free.

"Give me a set, give me a set!..."

"And me, and me! I was here first..."

...

In an instant, the stall that had just been deserted was now surrounded by a surging crowd, all coming to buy Henry Clark's calligraphy and paintings. Even those few private tutors couldn't help but take notice.

"Success."

Henry Clark clenched his fist, his heart surging with excitement.

Set after set of couplets came to life on the paper, and the xuan paper Henry Clark had bought was quickly sold out. He had to go to the stationery shop again to buy several more packs of xuan paper.

In truth, Henry Clark didn't have much experience with painting; he had only dabbled in it when learning calligraphy, and was only skilled at a few types of flowers, birds, and landscapes—not very advanced. But for a few couplets, it was more than enough.

"I'm exhausted!"

Henry Clark wiped the sweat from his forehead, rubbed his wrist, and put down the brush:

"Although I sold quite a few couplets, it really took a lot of time and energy."

Henry Clark looked up at the sky; it was already very late. There weren't as many people at the market as before, and now he could only sell three or four sets per hour.

"The market will be closing soon."

According to the rules, the market would last only until dusk at most. And as time went on, there would be fewer and fewer people. Henry Clark counted the money in his pouch; after deducting the cost of xuan paper each time, he actually hadn't made much.

"Only forty-five copper coins."

Henry Clark's eyes couldn't hide his disappointment: "After working all afternoon, it's still far from enough!"

Henry Clark had originally thought that as long as he worked hard, he would surely be able to earn enough for himself and the old steward to live on for two months before the end of the year. But reality was far more complicated and ruthless than he had imagined.

Even though the couplets sold, buying xuan paper cost money, renting the stall cost money, and even the ink sticks—because of heavy use—he had to buy more than a dozen extra.

To be fair, earning forty-five copper coins was already quite a lot. Even the private tutors of the big clans might not make more than him in a whole day. But Henry Clark knew very well that it was still far from enough.

"Today is the first day, and everyone bought so many just because it was new and interesting. Later on, the more time passes, the fewer I'll sell. There's no way I can sell this many every day. —And people aren't fools; by tomorrow, someone will definitely follow suit, and by then, I might not be able to sell much at all."

Henry Clark was secretly anxious.

A few copper coins might just mean eating a little more or less for others, but for Henry Clark, it was different. He knew deeply that for him and the old steward, this was a matter of life and death—a matter of surviving the winter.

On this issue, no one could help him. He had no one to rely on and could only depend on himself.

"There are only a few hours left before dark; I can't sell much more here. I have to think of another way."

Henry Clark stood up. What he wanted was far more than just forty-five copper coins.

"Selling them one by one is too troublesome, and each household can only buy one set of couplets. If I want to earn enough before the end of the year, I'll have to sell them in bundles. And the only ones who can afford that... are the shop owners!"

Henry Clark's gaze fell on the shops lining both sides of the street.

After a brief moment of thought, Henry Clark quickly walked into a general store behind him. The shopkeeper was a middle-aged man who looked very shrewd.

"Young man, do you want grain, oil, or flour? Or maybe buy some firecrackers to take home for a festive touch? My prices are very fair."

The shopkeeper said with a grin.

"No," Henry Clark shook his head, "I'm here to sell something."

"Sell something? Young man, are you sure you didn't come to the wrong place?"

The shopkeeper looked astonished, then burst out laughing, pointing at the sign outside the door and teasing, "See the sign at the entrance? I only sell, not buy. Trying to sell things to my shop—now that's wishful thinking... Young man, turn around and go to another place."

"One copper coin for two sets of couplets, with ink paintings included."

Henry Clark didn't move, but also held up one finger, looking at the counter seriously.

The shopkeeper was stunned, finally realizing Henry Clark was serious. He frowned, but didn't drive Henry Clark away.

"Your shop is right behind me. You must have seen clearly how many couplets I sold at the market today."

Henry Clark said; he definitely hadn't chosen this shop at random.

"As long as you hang my couplets in your shop, people coming here to buy New Year's goods will see them, and it's not strange for them to buy a set while they're at it. As long as you sell two sets, you make an extra copper coin—why not?"

The shopkeeper's expression softened a little.

"It's true you don't buy things here, but with the New Year coming, are you really going to turn away money that's delivered right to your door?"

Henry Clark said seriously.